Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

Advice from walkers

(90 Posts)
grandtanteJE65 Thu 09-Jan-20 16:26:58

I swear by Ecco sandels and shoes. They are quite expensive, but last for years even when used daily.

I have walked el camino de Santiago from Roncesvalles to Compostela in the same pair twice! That's how good they are.

Puma sandals are good too. Both will be cheaper in Spain than in many other countries.

pennyh47 Thu 09-Jan-20 16:18:23

Thanks for a your replies and advice. I have Hotter sandals but they are not as comfortable as I hoped they would be. I’ll look into Sketchers, fiflops and Pavers which I hadn’t heard of. Lots of research ahead so thanks again

Fennel Thu 09-Jan-20 11:46:54

Same here with Skechers. I can't wear leather shoes or boots any more as they rub up my corns.
Like others I have several pairs. For walking outside I wear their laceups plus warm socks. They're not waterproof but soon dry out if you get them wet.
Look online for them - cheaper than in the Skecher stores.

shysal Thu 09-Jan-20 11:36:53

I had Plantar Fasciitis in the past and started to wear Skechers. Now that I have arthritic feet, I don't find anything else comfortable. I wear them for walking and every day activities and also as slippers indoors.
Last week I had a sort out of shoes and found myself left with only Skechers, donating everything else to charity. I have the full range of slip-ons, trainers, sandals and boots. My only complaints are that very few are waterproof (i.e. leather,) and many have white soles which show the dirt.
I tried my first ones on in Sports Direct to find my size, and thereafter have bought them on line from Ebay, which also has a S.D. store.
I hope you manage to find something attractive and comfortable.

dragonfly46 Thu 09-Jan-20 11:24:06

I love my Sketchers as I am also in between sizes. I think they are quite smart and do not care too hoots who sees me in them. I find Fitflops too narrow. I also have some very good heavier walking boots for this country but abroad I swear by Sketchers. We have a Pavers outlet near us where you can buy them at half the price so shop around.

Dee1012 Thu 09-Jan-20 11:18:49

I have arthritis in my feet and wear Sketchers and Fitflop shoes/trainers a lot.
I'm on my feet a lot and they have been a lifesaver!

Fitflop have some lovely designs which are "dressy" although more expensive than some.

annodomini Thu 09-Jan-20 11:17:20

I have around 17 pairs of Hotter shoes, sandals and boots. They suit my feet and are as comfortable as my slippers! However, my everyday black flats are beginning to look 'tired' and I can't identify an alternative style, so far. I need to visit a favourite shoe shop that stocks different brands. However, I still have my Skechers trainers which are comfortable and supportive - and I got them from a discount shoe store!

MiniMoon Thu 09-Jan-20 10:48:33

I love my sketches, and they do some pretty ones. I have a pair of flat ones with a strap over, needed as I have narrow feet. They are fancy woven black fabrics and I've worn them with summer dresses, and black evening trousers.
For walking, I bought a pair of fairly lightweight shoes from Cotton Traders which are really comfortable. I have tailors bunions (little toes) and most shoes or boots are uncomfortable and rub on them.

Ellianne Thu 09-Jan-20 10:46:57

I used to be a Hotter fan but have recently preferred Josef Seibel for all types of footwear. I walk the dog all year round so need good quality, comfortable shoes.

Cabbie21 Thu 09-Jan-20 10:39:07

Pavers are very comfortable and supportive. Ideally I need 5.5 but a 5 wider fit is good. Better than Hotter as more flexible.

PernillaVanilla Thu 09-Jan-20 09:53:16

I regard Sketchers as a very guilty secret, and wear them on holidays abroad that include a lot of walking and my oldest pair for dog walking. They are extremely comfortable. for use when i'm likely to be seen I have some lovely gold coloured Geox trainers, which have been much admired by my sons friends and are perfect for long treks round galleries or shopping/sightseeing. I have a totally illogical hated of Hotter, but maybe one day......

Davida1968 Thu 09-Jan-20 09:47:22

I recommend trying Hotter shoes. They now do some good shoes/boots for walking, and they go up to a size 9 in Women's styles. Also they have some styles in different widths. As gillybob says, it's worth trying them in store , if you can. (But the company are good about "returns" if you buy online.) I've worn Hotters for years and I have happy feet!

gillybob Thu 09-Jan-20 09:41:34

I have found Sketchers to be a life saver for my feet pennyh47 after suffering the agony of Plantar fasciitis . They do a range of shoes, trainers, boots and sandals which have a raised memory sole offering a cushioning for the bottom of the foot. Their range of sandals always sell out so you have to be very quick off the mark once they have them in stock.

As for comfort they are liking walking on air . Do try and try them in store if you can because I usually get away with a size 5 but occasionally need a 5.5 which can make all the difference. Good luck .

harrigran Thu 09-Jan-20 09:39:10

I wear Fitflop sandals and shoes because of the thick soles, they are so comfortable.
My holidays were mostly spent in country areas of France and it can be hard on the feet.
I have tried Sketchers but found them a poor fit and not as comfortable as I would like.

pennyh47 Thu 09-Jan-20 09:29:47

I’m hoping some of you can advise me about walking. I’m quite a fit 72 year old and my OH and I walk a lot. However I’ve been getting a lot of back pain and also sometimes across my shoulders. I will be living in Spain and wear flat sandals mostly. However was thinking I need better shoes. Problem is I have size 7/8 feet and want something practical but nice enough to wear with sundresses. I’ve seen some Sketcher shoes that look lovely although not tried any on. Would appreciate thoughts and ideas. Also I think carrying a handbag doesn’t help and think maybe a pretty and small backpack may be better. Again appreciate any ideas
Thank you