Good Walking Shoes?

[shrinkydinky]

Is this the right forum for this question? i had only worn crocs, but recently lost 50 pounds and my crocs don't seem to give me enough support now. i am hoping to not have to use an ECV on our vacation in March 2016, but not ruling out the possibility. Thought i should get a really good pair of shoes in case i try to go without assistance. My sister who runs recommended New Balance shoes. She buys the running shoes as she participates in a lot of marathons. i'm not going for style, i just want a good comfortable shoe with support and cushion, most likely a tennis shoe. Any recommendations?

 

[Alesia]

You're really just going to have to figure out what works for your feet. What is comfortable on one person is agonizing on another. I like Ryka and New Balance, but my best friend can't wear either of them. She likes Asics, but they absolutely kill my feet. A lot of people here will recommend the Sketchers Go-Walks, but I thought they were the worst shoes I've ever tried.

Finding the right shoe takes time. And a trip (or 5) to the shoe store.

Make sure you buy walking shoes, not running shoes. They are designed completely differently.

 

[dis_guy]

Like Alesia said, it's not a one size (sorry, pun) fits all solution.

For years I've worn Soloman runners. The fit is perfect for me and they last a long time. So for the last trip I bought a new pair way ahead of the trip, broke them in (so I thought), and never gave it another thought. I was in such agony after a day in the parks, I couldn't believe it. I ended up wearing another pair of shoes I had with me for the whole trip. I ended up leaving those junkers in the recycle bin when we left. I've bought others, but a different model, since then and had no problems at all. Go figure.

DW and I love our Go Walks and that's what we'll be wearing in the parks for our November trip. Whatever you choose, be sure to get them broken in well ahead of time and if possible "simulate" a day in the parks by walking a lot on pavement or concrete to see how your feet feel.

 

[kwdw]

My "walking shoes" are a New Balance running shoe with an arch support. In my size, they don't make a walking shoe that has enough ventilation for me (my feet sweat a BUNCH). But, for ME, the running shoe is fine. I have a really HIGH arch and have recently discovered the brand "Vionics" works great for me - but the arch support definitely might be too high for others.

Every time someone posts about shoes - I say the same thing - it's your foot, and you have to get what is right for you. Sounds like you have some time before the trip. If you have walking problems in general - make an appointment with a local podiatrist and find out what them recommend for YOU - and if there's a great shoe store locally that really knows how to properly fit shoes. You still might have to risk buying something and giving it a try - and maybe it's great, maybe it's not. But - with a trip in MARCH - I'd start this hunt now.

 

[goofy4tink]

Not sure why the Crocs won't work for you anymore....perhaps a new pair that has plenty of 'bounce' in 'em. I like the GoWalks as well.
Different shoes are going to work for different people. I have a pair of decent running shoes. They usually bother my feet after a few hours due to my high arch. But, I found a different way to lace them that really helps.
I also kept looking for support for that high arch. I was told by several different professionals that I shouldn't be looking to support the arch. It was already suppporting itself!! Instead, I needed a shoe with a cushiony foot bed...like the Crocs!! This is because with high arches, you have less foot hitting the ground, so you need a softer shoe under foot!!! It has worked for me!

 

[Accident]

Find a place near you with the dr scholls machine for the customized inserts. They are night and day different and easily go into most shoes.

 

[shrinkydinky]

i really appreciate all the suggestions. My husband and i will definitely go to several shoe stores and get professionally fitted. i just wanted some suggestions on what brands seem to work for other people. i've never heard of a Dr. Scholl's machine. Perhaps a good shoe store will have one. i think the Crocs aren't working as well due to the weight loss. i'm floating around a bit in the ones i have. Might just need a smaller size.

 

[Sixty-something]

Maybe the crocs compressed a bit when they had an extra 50 lb to carry around. Not being funny, my crocs need replacing before they look like they need it, and I'm the size of Pooh.

 

[Splashboat]

I have tried everything over the years. I have come to the conclusion that I am just a person who will always end up with blisters. I settled on New Balance sneakers and I take moleskin on every trip. At the first sign of redness, I put a piece of moleskin on that part of my foot. I have not had any problems since I started using this for blisters.

 

[tiggercrew]

I've been having lots of issues with my foot lately and have seen a podiatrist and orthopedist...both recommend the Brooks running shoes. They provide a lot of support for my high arches. So far I am happy with them but I haven't been able to do long distance walking yet so I can't speak for how they will hold up all day in the parks.

Good luck finding what works best for you!

 

[VikingInMouseEars]

I have a low arch (and am a big guy)and have been wearing various types of Sketcher sneakers for the past 4 or 5 years, they fit me the best. I have the Sketcher go-walks for the first time this year and they seem comfortable. Sketchers make a wide variety of sneaker type shoes and I have loved all of the ones that I've tried except one pair and I am almost certain that I got a pair that slipped past quality control as the sole was actually hard.

 

[scdak]

Everyone has given you lots of great suggestions, I have tried lots of those shoes, some I like, some I don't but I recently asked on the Pooh sized thread and was steered towards Merrell Moab hiking shoes - I now have 3 pairs of them as does my best friend and we are hooked on them. We wear them 12 or more hours a day and put our poor feet through all kinds of walking, we have not had a blister at all, they did not need a break in period (for us anyway) and 4 pairs of them are going to Disney with us next month. Someone in the thread recommended buying a walking shoe rather than a running shoe and I have found Reebok Mania's to be perfect for us, we can wear them all day but prefer the Moab's to be honest with you. The manias are very supportive, very cushiony when walking and give us no trouble at all as far as blisters, hot spots etc.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I bought a lightweight Sketchers with memory foam. They feel like nothing, but have the memory foam I wear with a no show thin sport sock. I also have New Balance sneakers I bought a memory foam insole with arch support from Amazon for $13.99. They have breathing holes, and last a long, long time. I have had them in my main sneakers for a year now. If you have a good shoe you like, add the insole. Also, cut them one size larger, then if you need trim it down another.
http://www.amazon.com/Support-Memor...pebp=1440293781847&perid=1PCY0EVACYJDMNYW9B68

 

[SarahInMN]

Can any of the Sketcher Go Walk experts clear up the difference between the various Go Walk options? I used to always wear my running shoes (Asics or New Balance), then got really bad plantar fasciitis while at Universal in fall 2014 and while wearing my running shoes, and more recently tried Ecco Walking sandals. The Eccos though after 25,000 steps in Vegas last week left me with horrible blisters. I'm in the market to try out new shoes but there were a ton of Go Walk options.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Alesia]

i've never heard of a Dr. Scholl's machine. Perhaps a good shoe store will have one.

They have them in some Walmarts. You won't find one in a shoe store.

 

[1Grumpy9]

For sneakers I have Mizuno running sneakers. I like the Wave Prophecy and Wave Creation. I have tried the other styles, but they do not work for me. I bought a pair of Brooks sneakers the other year to go to Disney at Christmas. I broke them in for a good month and a half and by the time we got to WDW, they hurt my feet. I went to an older pair of Mizuno's I took with me as a second pair of sneakers. As for sandals, I solely (no pun intended) wear Merrell's. I have foot issues (foot surgery two years ago) and Merrell's have enough arch in their sandals that I can wear them around WDW and my feet don't bother me. The only problem is that most of mine are suede and when they get wet they stay wet for a while.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Can any of the Sketcher Go Walk experts clear up the difference between the various Go Walk options? I used to always wear my running shoes (Asics or New Balance), then got really bad plantar fasciitis while at Universal in fall 2014 and while wearing my running shoes, and more recently tried Ecco Walking sandals. The Eccos though after 25,000 steps in Vegas last week left me with horrible blisters. I'm in the market to try out new shoes but there were a ton of Go Walk options.

Thanks in advance!

My dd and BFF both wore Go Walkers last Fall. they didn't have any blisters, but dd had an insole arch support in hers. My bff had worn her down over the Summer not wearing socks in them, she bought the same memory sole insoles I bought from Amazon. Neither had a blister. I thought it felt like bedroom slippers for the pair I tried on, they had a material top that was thin. I thought they could be nice if it rain, but they also could act like a sponge. I through my Crocs in everyday for rain that never came.

 

[ThistleMae]

i really appreciate all the suggestions. My husband and i will definitely go to several shoe stores and get professionally fitted. i just wanted some suggestions on what brands seem to work for other people. i've never heard of a Dr. Scholl's machine. Perhaps a good shoe store will have one. i think the Crocs aren't working as well due to the weight loss. i'm floating around a bit in the ones i have. Might just need a smaller size.

I've had foot issues over the last year. I had a pair of inserts made, which help prevent plantar faciitis (which I had for 7 months). My new balance sneakers have been good, very comfortable for long walks. My crocs are good for short trips, very spongy, but like you mentioned, they offer no support around my feet (the feet get tired). My podiatrist recommended Ascics and anything that you can't twist easily when trying to bend them in your hand. So a very solid sole. He also said make sure the shoe is wide enough...too narrow will scrunch your upper foot and cause pain. So my new balance are falling apart. I bought a pair of sketchers and am still looking for another pair of new balance. Whatever you buy, try them out before you go. My daughter went to six flags for the day and was all full of blisters on her feet. She is going shoe shopping and will thoroughly vet her sneakers before Disney. Also, my last trip I had to use an ECV, so I hear you loud and clear. But....if you have any concerns just rent one, sore feet will greatly impact your trip. Good luck!

 

[Lori74]

Can any of the Sketcher Go Walk experts clear up the difference between the various Go Walk options? I used to always wear my running shoes (Asics or New Balance), then got really bad plantar fasciitis while at Universal in fall 2014 and while wearing my running shoes, and more recently tried Ecco Walking sandals. The Eccos though after 25,000 steps in Vegas last week left me with horrible blisters. I'm in the market to try out new shoes but there were a ton of Go Walk options.

Thanks in advance!

i agree, i would also like to know about the different Go Walks

 

[VikingInMouseEars]

i agree, i would also like to know about the different Go Walks

I have 2 different styles of the GoWalks, but on mine the only difference is the design of the uppers, the soles are identical. Sorry I can't help more. They are comfortable if slightly narrow. I will stress that they are not for people with high arches and even people with normal arches will probably need an insert.