Need comfortable walking shoe advice from women with bad feet

[BuelahWitch]

I'm going to be starting a part time job that requires a lot of walking and will be needing a decent pair of shoes. Are those Croc shoes really comfortable? How are they for people who generally need a wide shoe? I'm also looking at the Kalso sneakers, but with warm weather coming I would prefer something that didn't make my feet sweat so much (and I've heard Crocs do not). Walking around downtown last week has convinced me that my little ladylike huaraches are not exactly good walking shoes.

If I don't appear or answer right away in this thread it's that I've gone to run some errands.

[1gobluedem]

1. Crocs are heaven

I have very high arches and am somewhat swaybacked so the small of my back can really begin to hurt big time when I've been on my feet a long time. Crocs have helped immeasurably; I LOVE them.

Plus they go in the washer when they're dirty.

I highly recommend them.

[AlCzervik]

2. i wear Asics running shoes all the time, on the treadmill or just walking around

on the advice of my orthopedic surgeon, i paid about $100 for each pair and i swear my feet never feel tired or hurt when i wear them. Also, i am a big fan of Dansko clogs, they make a shoe clog with a back, also an investment but well worth it and you'll have them forever.

[AllegroRondo]

20. Asics are amazing

I switched to them for long distance running 2 years ago and never looked back. I used to wear New Balance religiously. I go through about 2 pairs a year, but the ones that are worn out for running are used for everyday wear. They just feel great.

They make a variety of running shoes for all kinds of arches, pronations, and widths. If you check for sales you can find them for under $60 too.

[AlCzervik]

23. someone here i wish i could remember who helped me out with asics before

i saw my surgeon. I went to London last April and i brought my Asics and each day we ended up walking between 5 and ten miles and i was the only one not complaining about my feet. I have a pair that i use on the treadmill only and then another pair i wear during the day.

[crispini]

42. Danskos are great!

Plus, they make some nice dressy shoes. :D

[GoneOffShore]

3. Crocs, I've heard, are owned by a fundie Repug.

Not sure where I heard it, but it might've been discussed on here.

Mrs GoS swears by Ecco's and Doc Martens are remarkably comfortable. Check out The Walking Store or Zappos on line for shoes.

[MissMarple]

28. Crocs are made near The People's Republic of Boulder.

That's in Colorado. I don't know if the owners are conservative, but their company seems to be at least a tad progressive.

http://www.cobizmag.com/articles.asp?id=1363

[grace0418]

4. Crocs are comfy but don't have much support. I think most podiatrists will tell you

to find a shoe with a lot of support. Check out Zappos.com. They have a gajillion shoes (including an entire section devoted to wide widths- do you hear the angels singing?) and their customer service is the best I've ever experienced at any store ever. If you're worried about buying shoes online, don't be. They are tax-free, with free shipping and free RETURN shipping if you decide the shoes aren't for you. You literally do not lose a dime if you decide you don't want the shoes. I've ordered many, many shoes from them because I have really weird feet (size 10.5, wide- good luck finding that at DSW) and they usually give me a free upgrade to overnight shipping. I've ordered shoes at 3:00 on a Monday and had them in my hands by Tuesday morning!

[Bunny]

24. I second the Zappos rec. They're wonderful - great selection and customer service.

A good shoe maker for freakishly wide feet, like mine, is called Propet. I have a pair of mary-jane type shoes that I wear to work in the summer and they are really comfy. I think they make sneakers, too, if that's what the OP is looking for.

[grace0418]

27. Yeah, I can't say enough about Zappos.com. They rock. Propet is good, also Softspots

and Softwalk. Some of the styles are dorky but some are really cute. I have a pair of red sandals that I always get compliments on from the hipsters at my office.

[The empressof all]

5. I wear Munro

I have wide feet and they have a good selection. They are pricey but worth every penny as they are well made and last forever. The Susi slip on and the mules are my every day shoes.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/2373729/0~2376778~2372811~2373727~2373729



Easy Spirits are also available in wide sizes and provide decent support.

[NC_Nurse]

6. Merrell shoes...

Crocs are fine, but you can slip and bust your ass on wet surfaces - they slide on water VERY easily.

[BuelahWitch]

7. Ooh, that's good to know

I certainly don't want to do that!

[NC_Nurse]

12. I fell twice.

There shouldn't have been water on the floor, but still....those shoes were part of the problem.
I bought a pair of Merrell clogs and have really liked them.

[idgiehkt]

36. sierra trading post carries Merrell and they have really great prices

but you have to order them quick if you see something you like because they sell out so fast
here is a pair of slides like someone else referred to
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/6231,78377_Merrell-Primo-Paisley-Nubuck-Slides-For-Women.html

[peacefreak]

11. Yup, done that.

Said some really choice curse words in front of two little old ladies! I wear them only on nice days now.

[Gormy Cuss]

8. If you call your feet bad, do yourself a favor and buy good quality walking shoes.

When I need to buy new walking shoes I seek out the brands that I know fit and feel good after a month of wearing them. For me that's brands like Merrell, Rockport, and New Balance. Your experience may be very different. It helps to go to a place like The Walking Store (or a good outdoor store like REI) and ask for help with the selection and once you find a dependable brand, stick with it. I have never owned an uncomfortable pair of Merrell shoes and I only buy Merrell hiking boots.

There are expensive brands that fit too but I usually only spring for those in dress shoe styles.

[BuelahWitch]

9. I have flat feet

And the fact that I'm older and have put on weight in later years has made them not so user friendly.

I am looking into the Merrells now.

[Gormy Cuss]

10. That's my issue too, so definitely try Merrell.

We flat-footed people tend to slam our feet down when we walk and that means not only good support but good cushioning is needed, and Merrells tend to have both.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

13. Do yourself another favor

and buy orthotic arch supports like Spenco brand (which you can find in athletic shoe stores). I've noticed a tremendous difference since I started wearing a 3/4 length in my shoes.

I get my shoes, which are leather, and have removable insoles to accomodate orthotics, from SAS. I swear by them!

I also get a catalogue called FootSmart, which offers a variety of healthy-feet products including shoes, socks, and orthotics. Wearing good socks makes a huge difference, too. :hi:

[Shell Beau]

14. Merrells are comfortable and some are pretty stylish!

[dropkickpa]

22. And they are good people, too!

They joined in with a local shoe store here and provided a pair of shoes for every kid at my daughters elementary school (425 pairs), many of whom desperately needed good, well-fitting shoes (the shoe store fitted every single kid for the order). This was done in conjunction with the Oprah thing where she gave a $1000 to audience members to do some good with, and the kids at the school did a walkathon after getting the shoes that raised over $60,000 for the library at the Children's Hospital.

http://www2.oprah.com/presents/2006/pay/challenge/challenge_205.jhtml

[Manifestor_of_Light]

15. I have very narrow feet and always wear flats.

I wear a triple-A, and the narrowest they make is a quadruple-A.

The ultimate in comfort is Ferragamo sneakers. Made in Florence.

[Midlodemocrat]

16. Earth shoes are incredibly comfortable.

They conform to your feet. They're great.

[YDogg]

17. SAS.

I'm not a woman, but I love my SAS shoes. I also love my Crocs for banging around the 'hood.

[Bridget Burke]

25. Another vote for SAS shoes.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, SAS makes shoes for women & men. Some are "walking shoes"--but other styles are available. I like the huarache-style sandals that give much more support than real huaraches. And I tell myself they don't look too orthopedic.

I'm a "narrow"--which rules out many of the cool European brands. But SAS has all sizes & widths. The shoes are extremely comfortable & longlasting.

The website isn't very informative, but gives contact information. Call them or send an e-mail to find out where you can buy their shoes. They do answer e-mails.
www.sasshoes.com/

[Kali]

18. I have REALLY sensitive feet (about shoes - I normally go barefoot)

I found these funky shoes at a big shoe sale in Germany - they are Berkemannns. (I think they may be affiliated with Birkenstock but not sure) I have never seen them in the US although I don't shop much, but I did see them on a Canadian website so you might be able to order them from there. The ones I have (three pairs) are actually mens but they are pretty "unisex" clog like with a heel strap - I call them my German Lesbian Shoes - sorry for the stereotype, but they just are.

Anyway, I HATE walking and these are about the only shoe I can do much of it in other than my Converse high tops.

here is the style I have (I think) but mine are dark blue and a deep maroon: &IC=

here is the catalog from the Canadian site: http://www.berkemannshoes.ca/katalog.pdf (too big for me to load right nos so I am not sure what it says)

[LeftyMom]

19. New Balance sneakers.

I have really f'n wide feet and I stand up and walk around at work all say. I swear by them.

[Digit]

33. I second the vote for New Balance

I walk on the inside of my feet somewhat and they make a pair called 991's which really help with this. Adding some cushioned insoles has made walking with them pure heaven.

I also like the Dansko clogs for work...extremely comfortable although pricey.

[texas1928]

21. My wife and her mother have problems with their arches.

I use Asics, and I had my wife try them and now both are wearing the running shows. They claim that they do not have foot pain any more.

[LisaM]

26. Clark or Munro. I swear by them.

I don't have bad feet, but I have short, wide feet with high arches. I can almost always find a Clark or Munro in my size; the support is excellent and they have some attractive sandals. The prices are high, comparatively, but they last for years, even with constant wearing.

[trackfan]

29. Strange - my wife is into classic, silent & pre-code films and has bad feet.

I wonder if there's some connection.

[BuelahWitch]

30. Did she wear heels constantly as a young woman?

That's part of my problem. I was a dumbass with flat feet who wore heels because they made my legs look sexy. And now I suffer. :cry: I don't think it's a classic film lover's curse, only if the CFL abused their feet.

[femmocrat]

31. I live in Skechers. Wear them everyday to work and I'm on my feet all day.

Birkenstocks are also good and come in lots of cute styles now.

I wear Clarks for "dress-up."

[AtomicKitten]

32. Birkenstocks are comfy

[RevCheesehead]

37. And Betula (their offshoot company)

My feet are always happier in the summer. :)

[AtomicKitten]

38. I have a pair of the Betula shoes.

Happy feet.

[brook]

34. There's usually at least one store

in most towns that carry a variety of 'good for your feet' shoes...like Clarks, Merrills,Easy Spirit, etc. After foot surgery 2 years ago, my doctor sent me to one. I suggest going and trying on anything that looks good to you...then go to Zappos and get a better price. I like Naturalizers (clogs only) for work as I am on my feet for most of my shift.

[Savannah_H]

35. Rubber Soles

Any shoe that has rubber soles is good whether it be sneakers or Crocs or other ones.
Make sure it has an instep and is not flat or too high.

[Pharlo]

39. Wolverines with durashock soles.

Worried about slipping - on anything - get vibram in the soles also.

[Heidi]

40. I love my Crocs, and CMW loves his, too.

Check out Crocs.com They have a really cute style, "prima," which looks comfy and suitable for work. The Mary Janes style would be good for work, too, I bet. :thumbs:

[HughBeaumont]

41. I use Walk-fits

http://www.walkfit.es/

They work, believe it or not. Helps immensely in getting rid of my toe crunch problems, bunions and aching ankles. Haven't had problems with that since.