Hi everyone,
I was looking for advice from those of you who do a lot of walking. I'm averaging over 30 miles a week now and finding that my feet and ankles ache all day after my walk. I have size 13 flat feet and I weigh 419lbs. Can anyone offer any advice on a make/model of walking shoe/trainer that they find nice and comfy.
Thanks - Kenny
I'm currently in a pair of The North Face Litewave Goretex Mid Shoes, but they've done some 1500 miles since the beginning of the year now and are on their way out.
If you rather want a trainer type shoe rather than something that covers the ankles I can recommend another North Face one, I find the "Hedgbog" range super comfy!
If it's just short distances you cover you might want to try some Skechers, I've got a pair you can just slip into, no laces, but with a memory foam insole - niiiice! 😊
Shop around and I'm afraid, when it comes to shoes I believe in "what you pay is what you get". If you can afford to, dont go for the cheapest pair you can find...
I love Salomon shoes, they seem to work for my slightly oddly shaped feet! I would get to a walking shop - preferably a few if you can, we make a day of it if we're in need of walking boots or shoes and go to somewhere like Keswick or Fort William - and talk to the staff, try them on and try them on the inclines they should provide. You do get what you pay for as Foodie87 says - you probably need to spend £60-100 - but worth it!
I also have Salomons, the lighter weight hiking boots called hillwalker, I think that may be a ladies model but there's probably something similar for men. They have arch support but it's gentle (I find some arch supports can be painful) they work brilliantly for my arthritic feet, I still can't walk as far as I'd like but in these I can manage around 5/6 miles without pain. For warmer days I have running trainers brand is Saucony, very expensive but again allow me to walk further than I could in cheaper ones.
i recommend going to a shop. Any good walking footwear shop will let you try them on and usually have a little area set aside for this. Everyone's feet are different so you need to find a make/model which are comfy for you. GOoutdoors if you have one near you are a bit more cheaper and stock a variety of brands.
My boyfriend works for Mountain Warehouse and he is always advising me (sometimes without my prompting him! and I think oh, here we go) on walking boots/shoes. I had a lovely pair there and will be buying another this year. I regret not buying a pair before I went on holiday as I struggled with the coastal paths. I bought a pair of comfy Sketchers but I'm between shoe sizes and they are not made for walking so I will have a proper pair of walking shoes next time.
If you have a store like Mountain Warehouse near you pop in and ask them, if they're anything like my boyfriend and his staff they'll give you great advice. I don't recommend Gelert which is a Sports Direct cheap pair, I bought them and my mother did and they are not waterproof and my mother bought a pair from Regatta as her's didn't cope just walking the dog. Any my boyfriend hasn't anything good to say about Karrimor, I think they are also in Sports Direct. If you are a serious walking buying a cheap pair of shoes is pointless, I always buying good quality shoes now as cheap ones never last.
Myself I have a lot of outdoor shops by me, Regatta, Trespass, Tog 24 as I work and live near a Mc Arthur Glen. My boyfriend should be answering this question
Hi Kenny I have bought a pair of Sketchers,relaxed fit, memory foam, gel infused ( yes that is the description for a pair of trainers) trainers for the treadmill and walking as I am not into the running bit yet. They are really comfy and light to wear cost me £35 from Boyes but if there is a sketchers shop near you they have more choice. I am sure there are lots of good brands out there so it might be good to visit an outlet and try lots of different ones on. These are comfy for me but would not do well if you are planning walking in the fields/countryside as they are mesh on top so you would need something more substantial. Good luck you are an inspiration and brilliant motivator hope you have a good week.
Thanks for all your replies. Food for thought indeed.
I do about 6o miles a week on average. I wear my boots a lot, they are by Grubs and so very comfy. Otherwise Sketchers trainers are very comfy for on road walks.
It's also worth a browse in TK Max as they often sell end of ranges, often lots of very small and very large sizes which are left at the end of the season, and the prices are good if you don't mind having last year's trend. I bought some Hi-Tec leather hiking boots there which are great for "off road" walking and more water-proof than the fabric boots.
I just bought a pair of Merrells walking shoes from Sports Direct for £32 and I love them. I also bought some waterproof spray as they're not the super goretex waterproof ones. But they're so comfy, with a square toe perfect for my wide feet, and good arch support. For running shoes I recommend the Karrimor Run range also in Sports Direct. My running shoes were about £25, also good for wide feet, and so comfortable I bought the same pair a year later when I'd worn the first pair out. Also - look into socks. I discovered double layer socks for running - they completely prevent blisters. There are lots of different kinds of socks for different types of activities. So don't underestimate the importance of good socks too 
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