Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a brand or model of walking shoe that you've found to be very comfortable and "springy"! Oh, and doesn't cost a fortune! I got my band on Nov. 2, and I plan to start a walking routine on my lunch hour after Christmas. Thanks in advance for any info, and Merry Christmas and Skinny New Year to you all!

Robin

Hi Robin! Congrats on your band and plans to get moving :eek:

Here's a link that let's you add info to get to the proper shoe.

Running Shoes and Gear at Runner's World.com

I think it's pretty dead on...I've spent way too much on the WRONG shoe, and this helps.

Personally, I love with my Asics (GT2120, IGS <gel>). They support my poor arch, have a wide stable heel, wide toe box that rolls up nicely (great on treadmill). They were in the 60-$100.00 range, don't remember exactly. I also love Etonics. Both sem good (structurally) for "overweight" folks.

Other than that, best advice I can give is wear the socks you will wear when trying on, and go at the end of the day, when feet are very tired and aching...buy the ones that bring you back to life! Avoid all that give even the slightest hint of discomfort.

Good luck!

Thanks Cindi!!!

Robin

I love my Reeboks! I know they're not the "coolest" brand any more but my Reebok cross-trainers are the most comfortable darn shoes in the world. Nice and bouncy but don't feel like I'm wearing bricks on my feet. I was walking 7 miles a day on my treadmill with them and they never once hurt my feet!

(I'm a weirdo about sneakers...I hate when they feel like they weigh a ton on my feet!!)

This won't help, because it's a third option and you're trying to narrow it down, not expand your options!

I love New Balance. I have a wide forefoot and a relatively narrow heel and it was hard to find a shoe that fit correctly, particularly since the C width I wear is not commonly available in stores. Anyway, they're springy and I like them. YMMV, lol.

Alyson

Most running stores have walking shoes also and IMO that is the best place to go. They watch how your walk, your instep, check your width and size of your foot. You leave with a shoe that really fits your foot well.

Thanks to everyone for their ideas. I haven't gone shoe shopping yet, but I DID start walking on my lunch hour! I did it yesterday and today. It's pretty cold and icy here (Wisconsin), so I walk at our local mall. Kind of boring but it's just until spring, which typically doesn't come here until May or June...lol!

Thanks again!

Robin :rain:

I can vote for just about anything Asics. I have their walking show and running shoe. Kahana, Kayano... I don't remember the model. They definitely give me that effortless walking feeling... you know the one, where it feels like your shoes are propelling you forward. I had tried NB, ROckport, Reebok, Nike, Ryka, etc. and these are my personal favorites without a doubt.

I have a wide foot and I love new Balance.

Just take your time when buying your shoes - walk around in them for a while.

Socks (non-cotton) are important too!

New Balance rocks-wide and comfy!

Sonia,

Why non-cotton? Can you tell me what you use? Thanks!

Robin

cotton absorbs moisture. this will lead to blisters.

i look for socks that say Coolmax or Wicking. You can find them everywhere. they will keep your feeties nice and dry!

I have to recommend Asic too. I've had 3 pairs of kayano's now and swear by them. They also do a gel walking shoe similar to the kayano. You can get specialty walking and running socks from sports and running stores. I've found the fit dri nike running socks to be fantastic. They are thin but keep your feet cool and dry.

I buy Ryka shoes from QVC. The price is great and they are made on a woman's last. Most athletic shoes are not designed specifically for women's feet. I find Ryka really fit and feel great.

Thanks for the help everyone!! I finally went shoe shopping yesterday. I tried on all sorts of the ones you all recommended. I ended up getting Saucony ones. They felt the best. The heels are super-springy. I tried them out today walking at the mall. They feel really good, except I have flat feet, so the arch supports fatigued my feet a bit. Hopefully I will adjust to that. Thanks again!

Robin