Walking shoes

The very best walking shoes I’ve ever had are Lowa. They are expensive but worth every penny. Ten years ago I saw a podiatrist who told me that with the various problems I had, it was vital to find a pair of shoes which provided very firm support - there should be no bend in them at all. As a second choice, I would recommend Merrill. I do wear Sketchers and Hotter when I want to look a little smarter, but they definitely do not offer the same level of comfort or support. I hope you find something that suits your needs.

The other day I went with dd to the Oxfam ‘superstore’ in Oxford. There I found exactly what I’d been wanting - the sort of really comfortable shoes to wear in colder weather with socks and jeans while walking or traipsing around the shops.

They’re a pair of lace-ups in an unusual and to me a very attractive style - apparently brand new and by the look of it, originally expensive - the Oxfam price wasn’t exactly cheap either.
Although they were only a size 6 - I take a 7 - I tried them on and they fitted perfectly.
Once home I googled the brand - an evidently British one I’d never heard of - lo and behold they only made men’s shoes!!

So no wonder the size 6 fitted, and they were not at all obviously men’s, which was why they were shelved with the women’s shoes.

At any rate, I very soon wore them for traipsing round the shops, looking for a birthday present for dh - blissfully comfortable!

Skechers every time with memory foam and I get them from Pavers as they are cheaper!

Thank you for all suggestions and tips ?

I find skechers with inbuilt supports brilliant

Are the arch supports good ChrisK? I usually wear prescribed ones.

I have terrible problems with my feet, left very bad arthritis, have had plantar fasciitis as well. I find skechers with inbuilt supports brilliant, problem is not waterproof. Have also got hotter boots which are good.

Bicycle1

Hi there , can anyone recommend shoes for walking in 4/5 miles daily , I am prone to plantar fasciitis, very painful ?, many thanks

I was advised by the podiatrist to wear trainers, but not the ones that you can bend in two iyswim. They must be firm.
I have plantar fasciitis too and it seems to take a very long time to improve.

I do wear a softer pair of Skechers in the house and they do help.

Can I just add a word of warning when looking for walking boots if you intend to go miles off the beaten track? It's worth getting a good pair with good, rubber if possible, soles.

I learned this a few years ago when I had a pair of Hotter shoe soles disintegrate under me. Literally. Within a few hundred yards the soles fell apart. I took them back and was told this often happens and what did I expect! The soles are synthetic and intended to be as light as possible. I went to a local independent shoe shop and had a bit of a moan mentioned this as the rather nice Keen boots were ever so slightly expensive and was assured the soles were rubber and would never disintegrate.

Last week another shoe fell apart, disintegrating again in a few strides, but they were lightweight cheap ones.

I have a really nice pair of Hotter walking boots. Light, comfortable and purple. But I wouldn't dare walk far in them, just in case!

Merrills every time ! They may not look the most elegant but you can’t beat them for total support and comfort.
You really need to go to a stockist and try them, but don’t think ‘ Oh No, too expensive ! ‘
Believe me , they’ll last you for years.

Any kind of wedge in shoe for PF I’ve even used a good few layers of chopped up cereal packet before now. Rubber wedges are great from Boots or the like.

Hello i use skechers alternating with trainers from aldi (i also have massive bunions) but!!!! i do love my toe post birkenstocks have indoor and outdoor ones they are the best thing i have found

For any kind of serious walking, I love these from Moshulu:

www.moshulu.co.uk/product/dartmoor-waxy-waxy-leather-boat-shoes-1599#?variant=22

Supportive and very comfortable with deep-cleated soles to give traction on muddy and slippery ground.

I have very wide feet and have just bought some Peter Storm walking shoes. They are great and hugely reduced in Blacks.

Biggest Skechers fan here! I’ve got more pairs than I’d like to admit to!

Bicycle1, Merrell walking/hiking shoes, all the way, for distances.

They support the foot (unlike Sketchers and Fitflops, which are comfy for normal, everyday wear).

You can usually get them half price if you search the internet offers.

I used to use Hotters but I swear by Sketchers now. They are wonderful! They make my feet feel bouncy. It is now possible to walk miles.

Ecco. They give good support & last a very long time.

Petera

I do about the same each day and I swear by Meindl (https://meindl.de/?lang=en)

Another vote for Meindl here. Have so far walked over 500 miles in mine including completing a Moon Walk challenge with no blisters

use insoles. Give them time as your body takes a while to adjust. Don't walk through pain. Try to wear them around the house as well as it shortens the adjusting time. keep trying different insoles until it works. Don't forget you ma need different insoles each side. Took me six months to get the combination right.

I suffered from plantar fasciitis for ages, and had several steroid injections which gave temporary relief but finally cured it by buying a book by a physio, The Five Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution by Jim Johnston. I followed his advice, and particularly the purchase of a night splint from Physio Room.com . It was like a miracle and cured it in a very short time. I also use over the counter orthotic insoles. Good trainers or walking boots for long walks and Birkenstocks for around the house. I've recommended the book and splint to others who have also found them amazing.

For those who wear insoles for plantar fasciitis, can you please tell me which ones you recommend.
Mine improved a lot by changing from soft comfortable Clarks Trigenic shoes to Ecco with Nike Air in the summer and constantly stretching but it's not going away after two years. I'm not sure which insoles to get as there's so much choice.

Definitely Hotter. I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis 2 days before a long-planned short break in New York with a friend. I wondered whether to cancel as I was in some pain walking but on impulse went into a Hotter shop and asked for their most comfortable shoe. The assistant said I was brave to buy new shoes the day before a holiday but we walked everywhere, with breaks, and never once went on the subway. I've never worn anything except Hotter since and they are wonderfully comfortable. The only problem for me is that the local shop has closed so I have to buy online now and I prefer to try shoes on. However their sizing is pretty consistent.

Definitely Hotter. I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis 2 days before a long-planned short break in New York with a friend. I wondered whether to cancel as I was in some pain walking but on impulse went into a Hotter shop and asked for their most comfortable shoe. The assistant said I was brave to buy new shoes the day before a holiday but we walked everywhere, with breaks, and never once went on the subway. I've never worn anything except Hotter since and they are wonderfully comfortable. The only problem for me is that the local shop has closed so I have to buy online now and I prefer to try shoes on.

Definitely recommend Keen walking shoes. Never a blister, comfortable, waterproof and after 3 years look like this! Love them

Hotter