Let's get some SHOES

[luvsTink]

Hi all....what do you long distance walkers (would love to hear from runners as well, but I am a walker) prefer as far as shoes go? in other words, what shoes ...make and model... will I be seeing in January?

Anne

 

[dsnyfan21]

Most walkers wear running shoes.
Racewalkers (competitive) tend to wear racing comp shoes with a good rounded heel, needs good flexiblilty and shoes that don't weigh much.
A bit of a lower heel is what you are looking for as walkers strike first with the heel and toe pointed up. As with running shoes some walkers have a neutral gait, some need stability and some need motion control.
There are some New Balance shoes that I use for long distance walking NB768 or 769. Asics 2140s and Mizuno Wave Inspire or the racing comps. There are some others, but again, most walkers (in racesm like Half Marathons) wear running shoes.

Tracy

 

[Duanerice]

Runner here and I use the same shoes as Tracy mentioned, Asics 2140. Used to use the Kayano 14's but The 2140 feels about the same for about $40 less.

Enjoy,
Duane

 

[luvsTink]

Hmmm, I have been using the 768s but they seem too firm to me. My calves have been bothering me and one suggestion I got was to get a more flexible shoe.

Anne

 

[dsnyfan21]

What feels right to one person may not be right for another person's feet/legs or gait.

Gotta try a few things or get a gait analysis at a runner's store and they can help you find shoes that work for you.

Tracy

 

[mrsR123]

Head to a good running store; knowledgeable sales staff are invaluable.

I'm on my fourth or fifth pair of Mizuno Wave Alchemy shoes; I've walked my last three halves and two fulls in them. Love, love, love that shoe.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I'm a runner. I use NB 769. I switched to them this year from Asics Kayano - those had a lower toe box and weren't working out for me anymore. I can't say I miss them too much because NB is a less expensive shoe.

 

[dislvr74]

I am a walk/runner and I just swtiched to the Nike Lunar glides. They are easily the best shoes I have ever owned. I overpronate (my left foot is much worse than my right) and these offer enough support without overcorrecting. I had been running in Brooks, but they were causing me to supinate, which gave me problems with my peroneals and IT band. I wish the Lunar glides weren't so expensive because I want to stock up in case Nike changes them.

 

[queen mimi]

I'm a walker and wear Adidas Supernova Classics. When I couldn't replace these, I tried a couple of different brands. I ended up ordering the Adidas online and getting them delivered just 5 days prior to the Princess half marathon. Now, I just stick with them. The most important thing is being fitted at a specialty running store, if there is one in your area.

Meg

 

[FireDancer]

I look at the shoe threads a lot like I look at the dining threads, the choice is so subjective it almost doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

I would recommend going to a good running store and speaking to a salesperson that knows what they are talking about. A good store will take multiple measurements of your foot and watch you walk before suggesting a shoe. Most will have a treadmill so you can do A/B comparison while they watch you and let you know if your stride is substantially different in either shoe. They will also most likely let you go run/jog/walk around the parking lot so you can see how they feel on real pavement.

If you can't find something comfortable at one running store don't be afraid to walk out and go to another. They may just not carry a brand with a shoe right for you.

Along with the shoe don't forget about inserts. I use the Super Feet Blue inserts to add some arch support that even the best running shoe doesn't have.

 

[luvsTink]

I agree that it is completely subjective and personal, but it is interesting to me what others look for and finally decide upon. I have custom orthotics that I wear that were measured and ordered through PT. The shoes I am currently wearing are Nike zoom trainers, which are not "technically" a running shoe, but they are super light and flexible. I am looking to also get a second pair to trade off and on.

Anne