Need COMFORTABLE walking shoes!
 

I bought a pair of Nike "walking" shoes and they're KILLING my right foot and ankle! They are so stiff and heavy and do NOT seem to be even close to breaking in!

Any suggestions? Cost is not an issue where my feet are concerned!

S

Rockport seems to be good for me.

A wise man once said 'pay up for good shoes and a good bed. You're in one or the other all your life'. I like Rockport and New Balance.

hi 60schild,

my feet don't like Nike either. :) i like New Balance, too, but my favorites are from Ryka. They ONLY make shoes for women. i have "bad" feet and those always felt really good to me. i'll see if i can successfully post a link to their website.

http://www.ryka.com/index.asp

Good athletic shoes are an expense but worth it.

Hi

This might sound a bit old fashioned but why don't you get your feet measured? It is so important to wear the right size shoe ans the right width. Don't throw up but hush puppies so measuring and walking shoes. They may not look like nike but let me tell you, walking will be a treat with correct shoes on. I am sure there are plenty of shops that do this

(I hurt my back last year and had to wear these sort of shoes. I still wear them to and from work now because I take the train and it involves alot of walking)

Happy walking

Jenny

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

I think I will have my feet measured...should've already done it.

texascarl...all I can say is AMEN! The back and feet MUST be pampered!

Will check out all the brands suggested.

S

New Balance all the way
 

I went to a shoe store (a real shoe store, not a department in Sears or Penney's) and had my feet measured. Important first step (pardon the pun!). A sporting goods store is also a good place to go. Just be sure to get a salesperson who knows what he/she is doing, not some teenager part-timing it after school or for summer pocket change.

My salesman told me that there were two brands of walking shoe he'd recommend, one of which was New Balance. I forget what the other one was, but I do remember it was more expensive. Anyway, he told me that they were the only two on the market that were specifically designed to accept a podiatric insert if one was required, and at the time I was having intermittent pains in my right heel that I thought might be bone spurs. He said if the shoes didn't help the problem I should see a podiatrist and look into getting the inserts.

Well, I bought the shoes (around $60) and NO MORE HEEL PAIN from then on in! I actually got a pair of men's size 10 1/2 because I take a size 12M in women's and they were out of that size. Fit perfectly!

I've since bought a second pair of the same style in a women's 12M, and frankly I think I get better support from the men's. I alternate the pairs because you don't want to wear the same pair two days in a row -- the leather needs time to completely dry.

Bottom line: I can't recommend a better walking shoe than New Balance, and they're also quite reasonably priced. Go to zappos.com and you can get free shipping, pay no sales tax AND be sure of getting the size you need. I've bought dozens of pairs of shoes at zappos.com and am extremely pleased with their service. They even pay for returns!

BTW, for dressy shoes, I recommend Portanias. They're hard to find, particularly if you have a large foot like me, but online you can get them and they're sheer heaven. Incredibly comfortable! About $100 a pair and worth every cent.

For casuals, I like Clarks. I own at least a dozen pair.

Hope this helps!

Gina

Hi all,

I recommend Propet. They have great walking shoes, booties, sandles, many different styles and are about $40 to $50 online. I have back problems and used to have heel spurs and these shoes are heaven. I also like them because they are not sneaker style, but many different casual styles.

deb

Thanks, everyone, for all the help!

Bought a pair of New Balance today and they're GREAT!!! Fantastic fit, very light-weight and supple!

No more pain (hopefully)!

Will report after walk tonight!

S

Told ya! Worth every penny, aren't they?

Gina

StarStuff...

You betcha! Worth every SINGLE penny!

Went for my walk...NO PAIN!!!

A thousand thanks!

Sherry

Great! Glad my advice helped.

Do get a second pair if you can afford to, so you're not wearing them two days in a row. They'll last LOTS longer.

Gina

I am a big fan of New Balance, which come in different widths. Also, try different socks - this can make a big difference. Good luck.