Walker's Opinions Please

[windwalker]

Brooks is a good company that makes no nonsense shoes. They were my shoes of choice since the 70s when I was a more serious runner.

I'm hoping that a company will develop shoes for people who walk distance races at paces from 15 min per mile to 12 min per mile. That group is the fastest growing trend in the sporting world and I can't believe no one thinks we are a market.

I guess we are looked at as a passing fad. But we have been steadily growing in #s since the 90s. Several marathons now cater to walkers, Portland, Nashville, The Flying Pig and of course our own beloved Disney events.

Maybe if more of us approached the companies.

Shoe challanged Panda

 

[Steffwalks]

That makes sense, Dave. Since, you have the addresses, give them to the rest of us, that way we don't have to duplicat all your hard work. Did that make me sound lazy, today??

 

[windwalker]

That makes sense, Dave. Since, you have the addresses, give them to the rest of us, that way we don't have to duplicat all your hard work. Did that make me sound lazy, today??

Connie here is the link to Brooks, none of the others have even given me a response. Nike is un approchable. I guess they don't care about customer comments.

http://www.brooksrunning.com/corporate/contact.phtml

Walking Panda

 

[princessrunner]

Dave, did you try New Balance? I have a sort of in as my running partner from ToT's mother is in charge of marketing here in Maine so I can approach her for either help or a contact if you would like.

I used to always run in Saucony or Asics shoes but now have this high arch supination problem which causes PF so I have had to switch to Nike or New Balance shoes.

 

[windwalker]

Dave, did you try New Balance? I have a sort of in as my running partner from ToT's mother is in charge of marketing here in Maine so I can approach her for either help or a contact if you would like.

I used to always run in Saucony or Asics shoes but now have this high arch supination problem which causes PF so I have had to switch to Nike or New Balance shoes.

I emailed NB and didn't get a positive response. They thought I was trying to get free shoes. They made a racewalking shoe but it's to high on the sides and rubs the ankle bones. I have heard this same complaint from several other racewalkers. Racewalkers would buy one pair and wear them a couple of times and give them away just like I did. If that shoe were lower on the sides around the ankle bones it would be very good. They have from what I've heard decided to discontinue it instead of improving it. It was a horrid bright blue and orange also. It was the 111 model.

Yes please talk to your friend. There is a tremendous market for a shoe that is designed for serious marathon walkers.

Any help would be super, Thanks.

Walking Panda

 

[princessrunner]

Dave, I will try to talk with her this weekend. I am going to stop by the outlet store we have here today and query about this model and/or replacements for it or suggestions in its place. They have been very knowledgeable and helpful in the past. We have a manufacturing plant here in my little town of Norridgewock and another larger one in Skowhegan with an outlet store. They make most of the uppers here in Maine!!

 

[funwalker]

Thanks, Dave!

To think someone will actually listen to us.
Brook's are the shoes I have worn for the past couple of years, but they sure could use some major improvements for walkers. We need them to understand walkers are out on the road longer than a runner.

The weight is not bad, but if they would lower that heel it would be so much easier to walk at faster speeds and they would be lighter!

The adrenaline's I now have are great for the first five miles. My feet swell summer & winter, so I need a more roomy toe box.

Also I have to wear extra padding under my ankle bones until they are broke in because they are to high in that area! So much for not needing to break your shoes in.

Sad...but yes, with all these problem they are still the best I have found to work with for my feet.

 

[Mizuno guy]

Hi Racewalkers,

If you are looking to find a great transitioning, lightweight model with a low midsole profile then you will want to take a look at the Mizuno Wave Revolver 4 or Wave Idaten 2. You can check them out at mizunousa.com. Click on "Running" then "Track and Field" then "Racing" Please keep in mind that they are offered in unisex sizing down to a size 5.

Sorry guys I tried to attach direct links but the system gave me an error. I hope this helps and happy walking...

 

[Creativebeth]

I have been watching this thread with interest. Dave you are awesome to be working on this for everyone!

Thanks also to "mizuno guy" for directing the dis'ers to see what your company has to offer. I myself have been running (slowly) in Mizuno's for my last two pairs and have really liked them. Previously was in Asics, but started to have problems with them. It's nice to get a direct response!

Beth

 

[windwalker]

Hi Racewalkers,

If you are looking to find a great transitioning, lightweight model with a low midsole profile then you will want to take a look at the Mizuno Wave Revolver 4 or Wave Idaten 2. You can check them out at mizunousa.com. Click on "Running" then "Track and Field" then "Racing" Please keep in mind that they are offered in unisex sizing down to a size 5.

Sorry guys I tried to attach direct links but the system gave me an error. I hope this helps and happy walking...

Hello Mizuno guy: I wear your Revolver 4 as my primary racing and training shoe and have been promoting it to others. I understand it's being replaced by the Revolver 5 wich will be available in Feb 08.

I have a couple of questions for you to pass along to your company:

Why don't you market your product now as a short to middle distance walking shoe so walkers will be more aware.

Second, your shoe is good and the heel is a good height, however the shoe I'm asking for is a long distance shoe, marathon walkers are on the average out on the road 6 to 7 hours. We need more support and more cushion. Not a huge amount but some, especially along the entire sole, not just heel. We push off on the toes so a little more cushion there would be nice. You can't use a thicker insole because it takes away the toe box room which is very necessary.

Thank you for your response, it's wonderful that you contacted us.

Dave

 

[jeanneg]

Thanks for responding, Mizuno guy! (You may not have been able to post a link because I think you need a minimum number of posts to do so)

The shoes I presently wear are Wave Rider 10s in a Wide width. I am fairly happy with them, but they wear out very quickly...particularly on the inside.
There are not too many choices available for shoes in a Wide width and so these are the best ones I've found so far. Another concern for walkers is that whereby most runners have a small to mid-sized frame, there are alot of distance walkers that would be considered to have a large frame thus requiring extra support. I recently did a search for shoes on one of the major running sites using wide width and large frame and ended up with zero choices. There's a large market for sturdy distance walking shoes that is presently not being serviced. Hope you can help!

 

[windwalker]

Jeanne thanks for bringing that out. That reminds me of something else I need to bring up.

The long distance waklkers are for the most part the baby boomers. I'm 56 and I'm pretty sure the majority of the marathon walkers are in the 40 to 70 age range. We need a bit more padding and support. We are not the young elite runner, our needs are a bit different.

Another issue is the height of the shoe under the ankle bones. When you are walking on roads that are slanted for drainage for 6 hours it puts lots of pressure on the ankle bones if there is not a lot of clearance.

Dave

 

[windwalker]

double post sorry

 

[MiniGirl]

Hi Racewalkers,

If you are looking to find a great transitioning, lightweight model with a low midsole profile then you will want to take a look at the Mizuno Wave Revolver 4 or Wave Idaten 2. You can check them out at mizunousa.com. Click on "Running" then "Track and Field" then "Racing" Please keep in mind that they are offered in unisex sizing down to a size 5.

Sorry guys I tried to attach direct links but the system gave me an error. I hope this helps and happy walking...

Thanks for responding Mizuno Guy. My last pair of shoes were Mizuno Wave Creation 7. I went with the men's shoe because my feet are too wide to fit into the women's shoe. I really liked them, but the running store was out when I went to get new ones, and I ended up with a pair of Nike Air Pegasus. They felt like they had better cushioning. However, even after about 4 or 5 miles in those the balls of my feet are hurting. I never walked that far in my Mizunos because I am a new walker, but I do regret not waiting until they were back in stock.

I am a new walker and am learning that my pace is faster and I'm able to go faster longer if I use a smaller stride, so I think flexibilty and cushioning are key things to consider. I'd love to see a walking shoe specifically for fast and/or endurance walkers. I really am at a point where your average mall walking shoe just doesn't cut it -- although those are great for those who need them.

Anyway, I'm off to check out the site to see the shoes you recommended. Thanks for the web address. Keep posting, and you'll be able to post a direct link.

 

[Mizuno guy]

Hello Mizuno guy: I wear your Revolver 4 as my primary racing and training shoe and have been promoting it to others. I understand it's being replaced by the Revolver 5 wich will be available in Feb 08.

I have a couple of questions for you to pass along to your company:

Why don't you market your product now as a short to middle distance walking shoe so walkers will be more aware.

Second, your shoe is good and the heel is a good height, however the shoe I'm asking for is a long distance shoe, marathon walkers are on the average out on the road 6 to 7 hours. We need more support and more cushion. Not a huge amount but some, especially along the entire sole, not just heel. We push off on the toes so a little more cushion there would be nice. You can't use a thicker insole because it takes away the toe box room which is very necessary.

Thank you for your response, it's wonderful that you contacted us.

Dave

Hi Dave,

See below for the answers to your questions.

1) Why don't you market your product now as a short to middle distance walking shoe so walkers will be more aware.
I will forward this query to our Marketing Department as a possible addition in the future.

2) If one of our flats will not fit the bill regarding the amount of protection offered then you could go up to one of our performance trainers like the Wave Precision 8 or Wave Elixir 2 as they both will have a slightly thicker midsole profile. (23mm/11mm in the Elixir and Precision vs. 22mm/10mm in the Revolver or Idaten)

 

[Mizuno guy]

Thanks for responding, Mizuno guy! (You may not have been able to post a link because I think you need a minimum number of posts to do so)

The shoes I presently wear are Wave Rider 10s in a Wide width. I am fairly happy with them, but they wear out very quickly...particularly on the inside.
There are not too many choices available for shoes in a Wide width and so these are the best ones I've found so far. Another concern for walkers is that whereby most runners have a small to mid-sized frame, there are alot of distance walkers that would be considered to have a large frame thus requiring extra support. I recently did a search for shoes on one of the major running sites using wide width and large frame and ended up with zero choices. There's a large market for sturdy distance walking shoes that is presently not being serviced. Hope you can help!

Hi Jeanne,

I am glad to hear that you are currently using our Wave Rider 10 model. Please keep in mind that we design our shoes differently than other footwear manufacturers. We actually design our shoes to fit specific foot types and not body types. For this reason it is best to visit your local Mizuno dealer and have your gait and foot type analyzed to ensure that you are making the best choice for your particular needs.

 

[princessrunner]

Dave: I PM'd you some NB info. I did not get to talk to the person I had wanted to and will try to get in touch with her over the weekend.

The model that the men's specialist in the store recommended was the RC1001 which is actually a performance running shoe with more mid and forefoot cushioning. Being that I am not a racewalker, I will have to defer this to you. He said that he remembered seeing something about a race walking shoe but that he would have to do more research and get back to me. I also have a card with the address in Lawrence, MA if you need that too.

My issue is that I have really narrow feet and high arches which make my choices probably as slim as the wide width problem. I wish there was a "perfect" shoe out there that we did not have to put orthotics in or wear blister pads!!!!!!!!!!

 

[westcliffemom]

Okay, Mizuno guy, you convinced me. I bought some Mizuno Elixir @ runningwarehouse. (no WISHD discount on Mizuno, though!)

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[MiniGirl]

Okay, Mizuno guy, you convinced me. I bought some Mizuno Elixir @ runningwarehouse. (no WISHD discount on Mizuno, though!)

Thanks for the suggestions.

Oh... I like 'em, and they're lime green to boot.

 

[westcliffemom]

Oh... I like 'em, and they're lime green to boot.

Yep! I could of gotten them cheaper on shoes.com, but they were royal blue! So I opted for more $ (about $5- after rebate from paypal & Sunshine rewards) to get the lime green!