Shoes for walking...

nicehormones
nicehormones Posts: 503 Member
edited October 2 in Fitness and Exercise
So I am thinking of taking up walking a couple of miles a day. I've been swimming mainly for exercise, but as it will be getting cooler out and I don't have money for a bike, I need something else to occupy me and I know walking is really good for you. Funds are really low and I don't have money for a new pair of shoes right now, especially fancy ones. I am just concerned because I've broken both of my ankles, have had two surgeries on one, and I get pretty bad arthritis in both sometimes so I don't want to hurt myself more.. So my question is- does it REALLY matter what kind of shoes you wear when walking long distances? Or can you just wear some chuck taylors and be okay?

Replies

  • suse56
    suse56 Posts: 30
    It really does matter that you wear a good supportive shoe. You can end up with foot problems, that tend to start in the feet and travel up the body. They do not have to be expensive. Look on ebay or find outlet stores. Have fun walking.
    suse
  • yeabby
    yeabby Posts: 643 Member
    I recommend going to a running store and getting fit for shoes. Everyone is built differently and they can help you find the right fit. Take an old pair of shoes. They'll look at them and watch you walk to determine the right shoe for you.

    I know you said you're interested in walking but a running shoe has better support, even for someone walking.
  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
    I truly believe good shoes help prevent injuries. I know money is tight and all, but you've broken your ankles in the past - had surgery on it and have arthritis in it. Don't skimp on the shoes. I honestly believe they are the key to making sure you don't aggravate an old injury. I can always tell when my shoes are worn too much - as I start having issues with my knees, back and hip. As soon as I replace them - the aches and pains go away.
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    You might want to consider talking to your DR about that one. maybe you even could get special inserts to help.
  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
    I recommend going to a running store and getting fit for shoes. Everyone is built differently and they can help you find the right fit. Take an old pair of shoes. They'll look at them and watch you walk to determine the right shoe for you.

    I know you said you're interested in walking but a running shoe has better support, even for someone walking.

    I agree with this. A running store is an excellent place to start. Let them look at a pair of old shoes and let them watch you walk. They'll tell you what shoes may work best for you. You don't have to buy them from the running store - as they'll likely be overpriced there. After they tell you, thank them and come home and check out the internet. You can probably find a good pair of shoes that fits your needs for a lot less online. :)
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    Think about what kind of surface you'll be walking on. I tend to wear walking boots for walking, and running shoes for running. But when I walk I'm typically on rougher ground. If you're just pavement walking or similar, you'd be better off with a decent, well constructed trainer with good support.

    And yes, I agree with the others, shoes are the one place not to try to scrimp and save too much. I totally understand that when money's short, it's really hard to prioritise something like this, that's 'just for you', but if it means the difference between you being well, and hurting yourself, it's worth it.
  • jaded_rose
    jaded_rose Posts: 298 Member
    I wouldn't go super cheap on shoes with your history. I've got a bad ankle and heel myself and can't go real cheap on any shoe. I'm on my feet for 8 hours at work or more and their cement floors. But you don't want to get really expensive shoes either (I find I'm good in the $40-50 (though some of them were discounted from a higher price shoe. I think the comment about going to a shoe store isn't a bad idea. Tell them upfront that your just researching how much you need to save for a pair of good shoes when you go in. You know their going to try to sell you something and they can really point you in the right direction.

    good luck.
  • suz155
    suz155 Posts: 326 Member
    Good shoes are important. Everybodys foot is different. For instance, I know a lot of people who love running shoes for walking. I can't wear them, because, of a previous injury to my left leg. Everybody is different. I, personally like New Balance. When I was unemployed a couple of years ago, I was in the same position. I went to a couple of shoe stores, tried on shoes and found the ones that fit well. Then looked in my local papers and Ebay for bargains. I found a couple of good bargains, people bought these $100.00 shoes and after 1-2 wears didnt like them, I picked up several pair for $20.00. Good luck.
  • miss_christine
    miss_christine Posts: 13 Member
    hello there. as someone who walks for my job (slot attendant in a casino), plus an hour a day with the dog, i would just like to suggest that you need good shoes. they are your best friend. honestly, your back, your knees, your feet, and your previously broken ankles will thank you.

    if you have a running store near you, they will really help you decide what shoes are best for you. i know money is a huge issue for a lot of people, myself included, but i really see it as a necessary investment.

    good luck to you, hope i helped some, and happy walking!
  • lyndajane14
    lyndajane14 Posts: 14
    i just purchased sketcher tone up fitness shoes, love them.
  • sjtreely
    sjtreely Posts: 1,014 Member
    So my question is- does it REALLY matter what kind of shoes you wear when walking long distances? Or can you just wear some chuck taylors and be okay?

    Oh, my, YES!! I ditto going to a running store - not the ones usually found in the mall, but a running store where they will examine your gait, have you walk on a treadmill or outside, and really know what they're talking about. Yes, you will most likely pay more for them, but as I said in another post - you usually get what you pay for. Another poster was right - you might require orthos depending on what's all going on with your feet. Your Dr. or chiropractor would be able to help. They might even be w/ a prescription. Get the shoes right for you and splurge on good socks as well.
  • javamonster
    javamonster Posts: 272 Member
    If your ankles are anything like the one I broke (fractured in three places, ruptured tendons and ligaments, three surgeries so far, arthritis, no joint space!) what you wear on your feet absolutely matters! I'm not saying they have to be fancy, but they need to be comfortable. Of course by now you probably know what that is for you. If I've got the wrong shoes on I'll be crippled for a couple of days. I've found there are certain brands I can wear (Reeboks, and not expensive ones, and Brooks, also not expensive) and others I can't (Nike cripples me!).

    Anyway....I think your ankles will probably tell you what works for you! :smile: One thing though - when I start out I can feel pretty rocky, but as my ankle gets warmed up it feels good (takes about 10 mins sometimes), and it's gotten considerably stronger and less painful overall. If it doesn't warm out of the pain, chances are I'm wearing incompatible shoes!
  • nicehormones
    nicehormones Posts: 503 Member
    Thanks, guys. I kind of figured I should.. Especially since they've both been broken. And I never thought of the fact that my knee pain could be something to do with not having good support in my shoes... I wonder, is it worth going to a store like payless for a pair? Or are they not going to really be worth it? You get what you pay for kind of thing... Just don't have any income coming in so I feel bad about going out and spending money on myself..

    And hey, does anyone know if those sketcher tone ups actually help you 'tone up'? lol or are they just comfy shoes?
  • Bouneschlupp
    Bouneschlupp Posts: 29 Member
    Maybe there some outlet fitness store near you...
    As for the cost of a bike: I've spent 15€ for my secondhand bike (Amsterdam style bike) at a flea market. It may not be considered by most people as very fancy, but it's in good condition and does its job.
  • nicehormones
    nicehormones Posts: 503 Member
    So my question is- does it REALLY matter what kind of shoes you wear when walking long distances? Or can you just wear some chuck taylors and be okay?

    Oh, my, YES!! I ditto going to a running store - not the ones usually found in the mall, but a running store where they will examine your gait, have you walk on a treadmill or outside, and really know what they're talking about. Yes, you will most likely pay more for them, but as I said in another post - you usually get what you pay for. Another poster was right - you might require orthos depending on what's all going on with your feet. Your Dr. or chiropractor would be able to help. They might even be w/ a prescription. Get the shoes right for you and splurge on good socks as well.

    I don't know what orthos are?
    Unfortunately, I am like many Americans with no job right now, doctor, or health insurance... :( Just trying to do some good for myself regardless.
  • sjtreely
    sjtreely Posts: 1,014 Member
    Thanks, guys. I kind of figured I should.. Especially since they've both been broken. And I never thought of the fact that my knee pain could be something to do with not having good support in my shoes... I wonder, is it worth going to a store like payless for a pair? Or are they not going to really be worth it? You get what you pay for kind of thing... Just don't have any income coming in so I feel bad about going out and spending money on myself..

    And hey, does anyone know if those sketcher tone ups actually help you 'tone up'? lol or are they just comfy shoes?

    Your shoes aren't an expenditure ... they're an investment. Really, they are. They'll help your feet, your knees, and your back. Ask my chiropractor ... I helped roof his new home because I was hell-fire bent on wearing stylish shoes to work.
  • thirtyandthriving
    thirtyandthriving Posts: 613 Member
    i just purchased sketcher tone up fitness shoes, love them.

    I have these too and use them as my work shoes. They are great. However for your purpose and the history of broken ankles I don't know if it would be a wise choice. I have rolled my ankle more than once while wearing them due to them having such a think sole.
  • sjtreely
    sjtreely Posts: 1,014 Member
    Orthos = Orthopedic inserts. You can get them from $20-$200+. The more expensive ones are prescription. You can find less expensive ones on line and probably some retail stores.
  • luvgreen25
    luvgreen25 Posts: 202
    I recommend going to a running store and getting fit for shoes. Everyone is built differently and they can help you find the right fit. Take an old pair of shoes. They'll look at them and watch you walk to determine the right shoe for you.

    I know you said you're interested in walking but a running shoe has better support, even for someone walking.

    I agree with this. A running store is an excellent place to start. Let them look at a pair of old shoes and let them watch you walk. They'll tell you what shoes may work best for you. You don't have to buy them from the running store - as they'll likely be overpriced there. After they tell you, thank them and come home and check out the internet. You can probably find a good pair of shoes that fits your needs for a lot less online. :)

    This is very good advice. My trainer at the gym gave me the same advice about getting fitted properly for shoes when I told her I could either afford her as my personal trainer or a new pair of shoes from this running store. I ordered the same shoes I tried on at the store for less than half the price. Good shoes don't have to be expensive - just make sure you have proper support or you'll cause yourself more grief.
  • Mommawarrior
    Mommawarrior Posts: 897 Member
    Along with all the others.....GO TO A RUNNING SHOE STORE AND HAVE THEM DO A GAIT ANALYSIS AND LET THEM FIT YOU PROPERLY.
    Good shoes are not cheap, but neither is the doctor when you are all jacked up cause everything is messed up cause you were walking in junky, non properly fitting shoes.
  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
    i just purchased sketcher tone up fitness shoes, love them.

    With ankle issues - I would stay away from the tone up shoes. The sole is high and you're more likely to "roll" your ankle in them.
  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
    Along with all the others.....GO TO A RUNNING SHOE STORE AND HAVE THEM DO A GAIT ANALYSIS AND LET THEM FIT YOU PROPERLY.
    Good shoes are not cheap, but neither is the doctor when you are all jacked up cause everything is messed up cause you were walking in junky, non properly fitting shoes.

    Agreed! Good shoes are cheaper than a doctor visit or surgery because you've placed an already vulnerable part of your body in a bad position and end up hurt.

    From someone who has issues with their back (steel rods AND a bulging disc) and hip issues (bursitis/fatigue stress fracture) don't skimp on the shoes! They aren't a frivolous expense - they are a necessity!
  • nicehormones
    nicehormones Posts: 503 Member
    Well, I'm convinced. I just did 1.5 miles and pulled a muscle from my ankle to the calf. I will begin my search. Thanks for all of the suggestions! They are appreciated.
  • yeabby
    yeabby Posts: 643 Member
    If money is tight go to a running store, take an old pair of shoes with you, get fitted appropriately and then go online to buy. The fitting is free. Later, when you can afford to pay the running store prices go back and buy from them.
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