Great Women's Walking/Athletic Shoes

[brunette8706]

Hi All!

I know this has been discussed ad-nauseum, but can anyone recommend a GOOD/GREAT walking shoe!? I need these for the parks and also when I get home. I would love something that is very comfortable and has support. Has anyone had any luck?

Thanks again!

Brunette

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I have extremely bad plantar fasciitis and bone spurs in both of my feet (but after a year in constant intense pain I am currently in treatment that is working!!!! ). I have searched high and low for shoes that are comfortable for me at home and in the parks. I recently swapped to saucony tennis shoes and love them. They have enough support, but aren't too 'heavy' on my feet and offer enough cushioning to provide comfort most of the day.

I previously have also had good luck in new balance shoes but have found that their running shoes work best for me b/c their regular walking and tennis shoes are too heavy. I also found that I felt better in NB shoes when I bought 'wide' shoes, although I have never had to buy wide shoes before and my feet aren't wide. They seemed to fit better in their brand.

 

[brunette8706]

I have extremely bad plantar fasciitis and bone spurs in both of my feet (but after a year in constant intense pain I am currently in treatment that is working!!!! ). I have searched high and low for shoes that are comfortable for me at home and in the parks. I recently swapped to saucony tennis shoes and love them. They have enough support, but aren't too 'heavy' on my feet and offer enough cushioning to provide comfort most of the day.

I previously have also had good luck in new balance shoes but have found that their running shoes work best for me b/c their regular walking and tennis shoes are too heavy. I also found that I felt better in NB shoes when I bought 'wide' shoes, although I have never had to buy wide shoes before and my feet aren't wide. They seemed to fit better in their brand.

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Hi PirateGirl!

WOW, thanks for your indepth reply. What do you use in the parks, saucony or New Balance? My husband has New Balance and loves them! I was wearing the flip flop crocs in white in the parks and they were very comfy. But, I'm going to start a walking program and I need a great pair of shoes. I really appreciate your comments. Thank you! Brunette

 

[KristinU]

I would recommend going to your local small running store (like a Fleet Feet franchise or something like that) and getting fitted. SInce everyone's gait, stride, and foot structure are different a shoe that works perfectly for me might give you pain and blisters. I run and did the "trial by recommendations from friends and online reviews" in search of the right shoe for a while and finally went and actually got fitted - it is like night and day. And at my local place the prices weren't more than a couple of bucks higher than the big box stores. There was a woman in there when I was in that was getting fitted for walking, so it isn't like you have to be a big marathoner to go into a running store or anything

 

[brunette8706]

I would recommend going to your local small running store (like a Fleet Feet franchise or something like that) and getting fitted. SInce everyone's gait, stride, and foot structure are different a shoe that works perfectly for me might give you pain and blisters. I run and did the "trial by recommendations from friends and online reviews" in search of the right shoe for a while and finally went and actually got fitted - it is like night and day. And at my local place the prices weren't more than a couple of bucks higher than the big box stores. There was a woman in there when I was in that was getting fitted for walking, so it isn't like you have to be a big marathoner to go into a running store or anything

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Hi KristinU!

Thank you for your comments. I never thought of doing that. What about Foot Locker or something, but on the other hand I'm sure there is some kind of sneaker boutique in the mall. Great idea. Thank you! Brunette

 

[lakelandgal70]

I only wear NewBalance when I go to parks. Use to be an avid wearer of Sketchers but they made my feet hurt after a long day of being in parks.

ETA I get my walking shoes from Zappos.com. If they don't fit or feel good I can return for free.

 

[brunette8706]

I only wear NewBalance when I go to parks. Use to be an avid wearer of Sketchers but they made my feet hurt after a long day of being in parks.

ETA I get my walking shoes from Zappos.com. If they don't fit or feel good I can return for free.

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Hi Lakelandgal70! Thanks for your input. That's good to know about Zappo's. Can you return them if you wore them, if they hurt your feet? Thank you! Brunette

 

[KristinU]

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Hi KristinU!

Thank you for your comments. I never thought of doing that. What about Foot Locker or something, but on the other hand I'm sure there is some kind of sneaker boutique in the mall. Great idea. Thank you! Brunette

Yep, you could check the mall for Foot Locker or Lady Foot Locker or something like that, but IMHO you're kind of getting luck of the draw with getting somebody to actually fit you who knows what they're talking about. If you don't have any small mom and pop stores that specialize in running and/or walking you could always call ahead and speak to a manager and ask if they do true fittings and find out when a well qualified person will be working.

 

[brunette8706]

Yep, you could check the mall for Foot Locker or Lady Foot Locker or something like that, but IMHO you're kind of getting luck of the draw with getting somebody to actually fit you who knows what they're talking about. If you don't have any small mom and pop stores that specialize in running and/or walking you could always call ahead and speak to a manager and ask if they do true fittings and find out when a well qualified person will be working.

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WOW! Great. Great information. Thanks again!

 

[lakelandgal70]

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Hi Lakelandgal70! Thanks for your input. That's good to know about Zappo's. Can you return them if you wore them, if they hurt your feet? Thank you! Brunette

Hey no problem. Glad to help. Here is link for their return policy http://www.zappos.com/shipping-and-returns. Looks like you have a year to return as long as you have original package and they are in same condition you recvd them so I guess if you wore them around house to try them out that would be ok. Hope you find a comfy shoe!

 

[brunette8706]

Hey no problem. Glad to help. Here is link for their return policy http://www.zappos.com/shipping-and-returns. Looks like you have a year to return as long as you have original package and they are in same condition you recvd them so I guess if you wore them around house to try them out that would be ok. Hope you find a comfy shoe!

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Oh cool! Thank you! We're going to Disney Janaury 5th. Can't wait! I'll definitely check your website out. Brunette

 

[lakelandgal70]

Awesome brunette! hope you have a great time!!

 

[brunette8706]

Awesome brunette! hope you have a great time!!

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Oh thank you! And by the way I just bought my husband the Lady and the Tramp stuffed animals at the Disney Store! LOL! Love your avatar!

 

[lakelandgal70]

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Oh thank you! And by the way I just bought my husband the Lady and the Tramp stuffed animals at the Disney Store! LOL! Love your avatar!

Oh how cute!! That is my favorite movie from childhood. The reason I probably love cocker spaniels. Have my blonde cocker girl sleeping in chair beside me snoring away ahhahaha. I had tshirts made up withLady and the Tramp on them with our names under the Lady and Tramp when we went to Disney in November. So I am a big big fan

 

[brunette8706]

Oh how cute!! That is my favorite movie from childhood. The reason I probably love cocker spaniels. Have my blonde cocker girl sleeping in chair beside me snoring away ahhahaha. I had tshirts made up withLady and the Tramp on them with our names under the Lady and Tramp when we went to Disney in November. So I am a big big fan

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We love Lady and the Tramp too! Great classic movie! You need to go in Tony's on Main Street USA it's themed like the Lady and Tramp movie!

 

[lakelandgal70]

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We love Lady and the Tramp too! Great classic movie! You need to go in Tony's on Main Street USA it's themed like the Lady and Tramp movie!

Can't wait to go there in February for our late anniversary celebration!

 

[mollybeasley]

It really pays to get some expert fitting and advice based on YOUR feet. I would try a couple different stores and try a few different brands before you make a purchase. You might get conflicting advice from different salespeople, so I'd always recommend getting a few opinions.

I always wore New Balance but I really love my new Aetrex sneakers (I might not be spelling it right). They have some ventilation so they are comfortable even when it's hot out. I wore thick socks in Disney last week because it was so cold.

I got a brand new pair of customized arch supports from a podiatrist before my trip. (I have flat feet, I over-pronate, and I have knee and tendon problems, so I need extra support.) I only had a few days to break them in, but they saved my trip. Before I got them I could barely walk two miles without a lot of pain. I was worried that I would have to rent a scooter or use a wheelchair, but I made it through seven days of heavy walking. They were worth every penny.

 

[mrsR123]

I'll echo the PP's advice to go to a running specialty store--not a chain at the mall-- to get fitted for running shoes. I personally swear by Mizunos, but I've had Saucony and even a pair of Reeboks that I'd liked prior to the ones I have now.

 

[inkkognito]

I've lived in FL for years now, which means I wear flip flops almost exclusively and have trouble tolerating regular shoes. About the only shoes I can handle for a full day in the parks is Sketchers Shape-Ups. They're pricey, but I managed to get a half-off deal about a month ago and bought two pairs to replace the ones I wore out after summer theme parking, followed by near-daily Halloween Horror Nights and Howl-O-Scream jaunts. I lost 4 pounds during the Halloween season too; not sure if it was the shoes, but it was a pleasant surprise. It just takes a couple wearing to get your leg muscles used to them.

 

[racechick8293]

I love my MBT's, particularly the Kisumu sandal. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn.