Advice from walkers

Ecco are my go to sandals. I have worn them everywhere and they last for years. For looks I love Pikolinos.

I think all my shoes, boots, sandals etc are FitFlops. I can walk miles in them. Check their website as loads of styles and nearly always have a sale of some kind. Good luck

Skechers have transformed my life! I had chronic pain in my feet and my first purchase was a pair of Skechers sandals. Since then I've bought 3 x pairs casual shoes and a pair of Bobs ankle boots. My daughter was recommended to buy them by a podiatrist when referred for knee pain and they've totally ended her knee pain. I tell everyone to buy them. We have a Designer Outlet in our town with a Skechers shop do they're no more expensive than other shoes and SO comfortable to wear.

I concur with Grandtante & others about Ecco. I've found them great as walking shoes & sandals.
I agree that you should ditch the handbag and buy a lightweight small backpack. Kipling are lovely, but if you need a supportive one for your back I suggest going to a good outdoor store.

Agree with most of this.
There is also Flyflot ( as opposed to Fitflop). I actually bought a pair from Flyflot thinking I was buying from Fitflop, which annoys me as I suspect there was a deliberate reason for choosing a similar name! However, some of the Flyflot shoes suit me well. I have extra wide feet, bunions, arthritis and plantar fascitis so can only wear backless shoes.
I am now careful to distinguish the flops from the flots!!

i bought fit flops this year as i have shin splints and painful heels they made life so much better as they are wedged and not flat approx 40 -50 pound a pair but well worth the money

I wouldnt have anything else except Skechers,I started after being recommended them on GN a few years ago when I had trouble with my feet, they are SO comfy and light as air. I have several pairs and just bought a winter boot on line which are waterproof, of course since buying them the weather has been too mild to wear them but the time will come.Purchase a pair pennyh47 you wont be disappointed.

I would recommend putting them in the washing machine every now and again (i don't have the gel insoles) but it helps refresh them and last longer

Bit of a long one but...... I have very odd!!! Feet ? size 4 and now bunions hammer toe very tiny little toes (with no toenail) and planter fasciitis!!!!! Have suffered with a bad back THAT comes from wearing my comfy old shoes that have worn down throw them out (sorry i know they are comfy) but would do this over a bad back but i now have skechers and flit flops try and go to the shop (you get better fitting) and for short times other shoes i also put them in the washing machine regularly to keep them fresh and re energised and sort of puff up the insoles (get a laundry bag or use a pillow case) and wash with towels or something bulky to stop them rattling about) hope that helps

I have a narrow foot, high instep and am just a size 3. Have over the years wasted money on uncomfortable shoes. Have discovered Vionic shoes and get them online they are really comfortable. They do all sorts of styles and sizes. They can be expensive but often have sales on.

My most comfortable shoes just now are Brookes Adrenaline Walkers, the ones I have are not suitable for a Spanish summer (Brown suede), and are expensive. These were recommended for my awkward feet by a podiatrist. Otherwise I go for Skechers every time.

Comfort, dry feet and longevity are what I care about...the first two most important. I buy Sketchers....nothing else. The ones I have are men’s, black lace up...they are like a trainer but in a waterproof material, not leather. I’ve had mine 18 months....they have an inbuilt gel pad, like walking on air...I’ve done ten miles in them at one go and everything aches except my feet. I wear them daily, walk 6 dogs in the countryside wearing them. I clean them under a tap or hose and polish them up with gold furniture polish. I jazzed them up with rainbow laces. They cost sixty quid, but I’ve worn them daily, they look brand new....they will last at least another five years. I won’t buy anything but Sketchers.

I’m
Never out of my Sketchers in the summer - just love them - like walking on air - even persuaded my hubby who will never try anything new to change - he is hocked like me now

I recently bought two pairs of Reiker shoes at £65 each. They have been life changing. I was guilty of buying cheap shoes which were wrecking my feet. From now on I will wear Reiker or Hotter, both quality shoes.

I have a friend who travels extensively and does a huge amount of walking. She swears by her Birkenstock’s, and wouldn’t wear anything else. They are a little uncomfortable at first, until they shape themselves to your foot,she says, but pure bliss afterwards. They are quite expensive, but very hard wearing, and last her for several years.

Hi, I too have arthritis and can only wear comfortable shoes, in summer I wear Merrell Sandles' kahuna' style, I've been wearing these for about 10 year's now (not the same pair!) They are so comfy, I have tried others (cheaper one's) but non compair!! Shop around, look on internet for a good deal! Usually around £60/£70 ?

I'm an Ecco fan. I've never had a pair yet that weren't comfortable. They have a range of styles, including ones that can be worn with skirts/dresses.

I think I’m the only person I know who can’t get on with Skechers! I put it down to 5he size of my feet a standard 8 or 42.
I would go with Ecco or Clark’s for comfort and style (and I’m used to being on my feet ) .

I have arthritis of the feet and I always use Ecco lightweight boots for walking, and Ecco shoes and boots for every day use. When it's hot I use Teva Trek sandals which have a really good sole.
I would advise getting an assessment with a good podiatrist. They will look at your gait and will be the best person to give you advice based on your particular symptoms. It's well worth the money.

Sketchers, Rieker and Ecco. Can recommend them all! Best to go and try them on and see which fits you best. Xx

When in Spain have a look for Lince shoes. I have a smart pair of blue leather trainer style shoes with comfort soles.

I loved Fitflops especially in summer, but hurt my foot with the straps as I have a high instep and the strap rubbed, leaving a scar which is sensitive. I've to avoid straps over the instep since.

I use Sketchers but only in dry weather. I find they slip really easily on metal and smooth surfaces in the damp.

I have this www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/deuter-speed-lite-16-rucksack-E1314255.html?colour=124 - is very light itself and adjustable for a smallish frame. You might find it cheaper elsewhere.

I love Echo not only are they comfortable and last for years but they have some very pretty designs. The only snag is that they are very expensive to start with.
As a serious walker I do not worry about fashion, however, and have several pairs of proper walking shoes/trainers all of which I make sure are waterproof. Cotton Traders are Ok but my most comfortable are a German pair that I bought half price in Hoggs of Fife sale but still about £80.
Regarding bags I use small crossover leather bags just enough for some money, keys and my phone. Sometimes I also use a Nordic pole type walking stick. This may all be too much for what you want depending on the kind of walking you will be doing.

Look at Merrell and Regatta sandals - go for a good sole and something that suits the sole of your foot - adjustable helps as the day goes on and feet get a little larger you can still get 'firm but comfortable'. Sketchers can be light and comfy but don't last well.