Help me pick walking shoes, please.

[SusanMomOf2]

I post here more than anywhere else, so I thought I'd ask my fellow family DISers a question

Which sneakers are great for walking the park? Something in the $50 range. I have a pair of Nikes that I bought before my last trip, and for some reason, they gave me blisters and hurt when I go out running. I'd be willing to splurge a little if I need to. I just don't want my feet to die if I'm going to be walking for 8 days.

Thanks for anyone who can help me!

 

[whogirl'smom]

We all wore Airwalk croc type shoes this trip week before last and they were more comfortable than anything else. These shoes are at Payless for 14.99 for women's, 19.99 for men's and I think 12.99 for kids. We each wore our different tennis shoes on different days and immediately went back to the Airwalks which really surprised me, even though they are very comfy shoes. Once my DH got over how "ugly" they were, he didn't care if he was the only man at WDW in them! The tennis shoes I had were NB running shoes, which I work out in every day comfortably and even walk in, but somehow they just didn't stand up to the amount of walking at WDW as well as the Airwalks. I don't like Crocs at all (those little bumps in the bottom and the "jellyish" feel) but these have no bumps and the rubber feels springier and more supportive. Give them a try!

 

[whogirl'smom]

P.S. They make them without the holes in the top for fall/winter so your feet won't get cold. They look like the solid Birkinstock clogs.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Our family swears by New Balance. I do love the Crocs but not sure i want them in winter when we are going.

 

[penguin087]

A second vote for New Balance. If you've never tried a pair give them a shot. They don't have to be the most expensive model on the shelf. I've had the cheapest New Balance and the most expensive New Balance they all are good.

 

[Tracy Savage]

Third for New Balance. My foot Dr. says so too. I had to get $100 ones(bad feet) but they told me all their shoes are numbered and the higher the number the more support. So just look for a high number in your price range.

 

[dbmarie]

New Balance. Sears and Jcpenneys always have sales on them too.

 

[Paull117]

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/

This place is great for NB, Soucony, or Asics. Usually they are closeout models I got my last pair of Soucony in the bargain bin for $28 the new model at that time was 120.

Personally I would have your foot checked by a foot doctor or a good athletic shoe store, and get a recomendation. Right down the models that they wanted you to buy with the size and look around.

Paul

 

[lpbm4]

I used to wear New Balance until I came across Adidas. I'm an ICU nurse so walk and stand often. They are great shoes!!!!!

 

[Kimmie5870]

Another vote for New Balance.

I bought a pair the week before our trip in March and even though I never had a chance to break them in they were still the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.

 

[HopperFan]

My kids are very serious long distance runners and we are all about the right shoes for practice and racing and walking. Traditionally we are New Balance people. DH, DD and myself still wear, the physical therapist switched my DS to a Nike (hard sole for support). Just before my trip a couple weeks ago I went to replace my New Balance (which I bought) but I also bought some Avia 297 running shoes http://www.kohls.com/products/produ...LDER<>folder_id=200209445&bmUID=1161719610305 because they were very light weight, comfortable and felt like they had great support. The netted looking part keeps the air flowing, no sweaty feet. I took both pairs in case they didn't work out. Well, I wore the Avia pair the entire week of WDW, and that included some open-to-close park days. Now they are on sale and I am stocking up on them because I am rarely totally happy with sports shoes.

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

New Balance was my choice while we were down there. They were wonderful!

 

[bartleby1]

I always had problems with sneakers due to a wide foot (and they are wide in a wierd place so wides never seemed to work). Before our last trip I was determined to find a pair that FIT and didn't hurt. A lot of people suggested New Balance, but they just didn't fit me right, even the extra wides. Anywho, I finally found my dream sneaker - Easy Spirits! Love, love, love them! First time EVER that I didn't get a single blister or sore spot. I will never buy anything else again.

Unfortunately, not every shoe or sneaker works for every foot. You just have to keep trying. I wanted crocs to work so bad since everyone here raved about them, but they just weren't comfy on me.

Good luck!

 

[NYCDVClover2000]

I have to agree with all the others, New Balance. I buy a new pair every trip and never had a problem.

 

[pjb_hockey_mom]

I've had really good luck with Asics. My back and knees can sometimes give me grief but I can go all day in my Asics and feel great.

Another thing to keep in mind is are you buying the right size sneaker? Typically womens feet have a tendency to swell up to a half size after walking all day and being in the heat, so make sure you're allowing enough room.

 

[grlpwrd]

Without even looking at what others posted I was going to suggest New Balance, too. I bought mine from the Sierra Trading Post, too.

There's also Avia which is made to fit a woman's foot and really gives great heel support. I do agree with getting a proper shoe fitting. It really depends on whether you are flat footed, pronate, etc.

GL!

 

[bnorm27]

New Balance Cross Trainers for me! As an added note, they also come in wide widths, which many other athletic shoes do not.

No blisters and no knee or ankle pain. Paid about $49 in Kohl's for mine!

 

[SusanMomOf2]

Awww, thank you all so much! I really appreciate the input. I will definitely take all this advice. I will go up half a size, probably give New Balances a try, and make sure I don't have any special feet needs. THANKS! And if the NB's don' work, next time I'll try Avias or Adidas (All Day I Dream About Susan (me)). Thanks again!!!

Susan

 

[KristiKelly]

I really like my Rykas. I wear those or Nike Shox. I have a hard time with shoes moving up & down on my heal and neither of these do that. My Mom wore her Crocs the entire time @ WDW and had no problems.

 

[ignatz1]

hi all
just got back oct 22 and wore avia 6626 all day long not a problem and i have had problems with my right foot (2 pins in there) and just had surgery on my left knee .they are a light weight running shoe and only 29.99 at kohls .i have tried NB and disliked them especially the crosstrainer too stiff and clumsy for me.