Good sneakers for walking?

[BanditsMommy]

I don't know if this is the right place for this question so let me know if there's another board to ask this on.

Back in May I injured my foot and have been wearing a cam walker (big ol' medical boot) on and off since then. I just went to a new dr because the last one couldn't figure out what was wrong with it and I'm waiting for a final verdict, but it might be severe tedonitis. I'm going to Disney after New Years and I know it will be a lot of walking, therefore I am in the market for new sneakers. I was wondering if anyone knew of a very supportive and comfortable sneaker to wear around the parks. I've never been a big sneaker person so I don't know what to look for. I'd really appreciate any help!

 

[utterrandomness]

When my knee first started acting up, I wore New Balance sneakers with extra arch support, if you can find them. Now, for sneakers, I buy any good pair of cross-trainers, I think my current ones are Asics.

 

[BearcatsFan]

My DH has big problems with his feet and he swears by Asics. I prefer New Balance myself because they have a nice wide toe area. Lots of cushioning in both of them though, I think.

Another thing to think about is make sure you do plenty of walking *before* your trip in whatever shoes you decide to buy. Break them in well, and start walking for several weeks before you go to build up your endurance and stamina. We walked an average of 10 miles per day last year, so it can be an obscene amount of walking if you're not used to it!

HTH

 

[buffettgirl]

go to your local running store. Most cities have them. They will properly fit your feet for any sport that needs sneakers - walking in Disney included (I asked lol). They'll watch how your feet walk, how your feet are built and find you shoes that are perfect for what you want to do. They can also help find you the proper insert you might need inside your shoes. They will also help you make sure they fit properly, and most of us don't buy the right size sneaker. Ever.

Also, when I got my running sneakers I was surprised that they weren't really all that much more expensive than other places, but they had a far greater selection of shoes in different widths, styles, than I could find just in the local Dicks or Sports Authority.

 

[anonymousegirl]

I advise staying away from the flat Converse-style sneakers--absolutely no arch support and you will really appreciate good arch support after a full day at Disney!

Tip to ease sore feet: When you get back to your room, stick your feet under the cold water tap in the bathtub, and even add ice from the machine down the hall if you can stand it. The cold will reduce swelling and dumb the feet temporarily. Then elevate your feet and legs. But please check with your doctor before trying this!

Also, try to change shoes regularly. When I take a break in the afternoons back at my resort, I try to switch to a different shoe for the evening. You if I wear the sneakers one day, I'll wear my Bjorn sandals the next day.

 

[Gorechick]

New Balance

 

[PatsMom]

I love my New Balance walking sneakers. I have neuropathy in my feet in addition to tendonitis and a lot of arthritis in my ankle. The New Balance seem to provide a lot of support. I also second what someone else said about going to a good shoe store and being fitted. They will help you find the right shoes for the way you walk.

 

[babyberger]

I LOVE MY ASICS!!! I have had issues with my ankles since I was a kid and my orthopedist always recommended Asics. My DH also swears by New Balance.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I think you really have to just try them on. I just got 2 new pair of shoes (I love sales... ) and brands that have fit me well in the past didn't this time and I stumbled on a new brand I've never tried before. I ended up with a pair of obnoxiously bright New Balance that feel like they'll be great for support and another brand called Saucony which had a lot of bounce in the ball of the foot. If you're interested, I'll give you style numbers (and for the record, I have flat feet, plantar in my left foot and EEE width)

I have to brag about my sale experience now. Knowing the sneakers I had would no way hold up through another trip I went to Famous Footwear because they had the bogo 50% off sale going. Long story short both pair were already on sale from what they were marked on the box (but didn't have signs about being marked down from original price) then the bogo sale, then signing up for their rewards thingy gave me another 5% off. 2 pairs of name brand sneakers for about 50 bucks a pop? YES PLEASE!!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

My DH has major back, neck and knee issues. He wears New Balance. He loves them.. but then again, he cannot walk around the parks. His extend of walking is about 15-20 minutes now...

I have heel spurs, I wear Nike Shocks with Pro-Tech insoles.

 

[daneenm]

go to your local running store. Most cities have them. They will properly fit your feet for any sport that needs sneakers - walking in Disney included (I asked lol). They'll watch how your feet walk, how your feet are built and find you shoes that are perfect for what you want to do. They can also help find you the proper insert you might need inside your shoes. They will also help you make sure they fit properly, and most of us don't buy the right size sneaker. Ever.

Also, when I got my running sneakers I was surprised that they weren't really all that much more expensive than other places, but they had a far greater selection of shoes in different widths, styles, than I could find just in the local Dicks or Sports Authority.

I completely agree. In my house of 4 people, we each wear a different brand based on our stride and the shape of our feet. New balance are great for my hubby but terrible for me. It is very individual. You do not need to be a runner to get shoes from a running store. Just tell them what your activities will be.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[laughinplace199]

go to your local running store. Most cities have them. They will properly fit your feet for any sport that needs sneakers - walking in Disney included (I asked lol). They'll watch how your feet walk, how your feet are built and find you shoes that are perfect for what you want to do. They can also help find you the proper insert you might need inside your shoes. They will also help you make sure they fit properly, and most of us don't buy the right size sneaker. Ever.

Also, when I got my running sneakers I was surprised that they weren't really all that much more expensive than other places, but they had a far greater selection of shoes in different widths, styles, than I could find just in the local Dicks or Sports Authority.

I totally agree. At a running store, they will probably watch you walk (either outside or on a treadmill). Based on what they observe as well as your description of your issues, they will be able to help you find the right sneaker.

 

[buffettgirl]

I completely agree. In my house of 4 people, we each wear a different brand based on our stride and the shape of our feet. New balance are great for my hubby but terrible for me. It is very individual. You do not need to be a runner to get shoes from a running store. Just tell them what your activities will be.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

yep- I have Brooks and Mizuno for running, neither are brands which I had ever heard of before (and by running, I mean that I shuffle quickly..I am not really any where near to being "a runner") I never would have gone to either of these brands in the store but both fit my feet far far better than any asics I had ever worn (which I used to swear by). The Brooks are going to be awesome for WDW.

 

[JennyDrake]

go to your local running store. Most cities have them. They will properly fit your feet for any sport that needs sneakers - walking in Disney included (I asked lol). They'll watch how your feet walk, how your feet are built and find you shoes that are perfect for what you want to do. They can also help find you the proper insert you might need inside your shoes. They will also help you make sure they fit properly, and most of us don't buy the right size sneaker. Ever.

QUOTE]

I could not agree more!!! After years of wearing Rockports, I am now a solid convert to Brooks running shoes. Go someplace "small" where you can get attention and a good fitting.

 

[JennyDrake]

yep- I have Brooks and Mizuno for running, neither are brands which I had ever heard of before (and by running, I mean that I shuffle quickly..I am not really any where near to being "a runner") I never would have gone to either of these brands in the store but both fit my feet far far better than any asics I had ever worn (which I used to swear by). The Brooks are going to be awesome for WDW.

Jusy now reading your post and it made me nod vigoroulsy AND laugh. I also "run". More walk than run, but hey, I'm signed up for my first half marathon. I LOVE the Brooks running shoes. I wear a pair *all* the time with a second pair for running.

I liked New Balance but they did not hold up to the torture I inflict on shoes.

 

[BanditsMommy]

Thank you all so much! I got a pair of new balance sneakers today for $31 on sale and I'm going to look into those running stores to find one by me! I appreciate all the help, I never buy sneakers and my DFi only has one pair of shoes a year that he wears for everything so he's no help at all. lol