The right sneakers

[Autumn]

Don't laugh but the problem I have with walking or any other exercise is finding the right sneakers. I HATE sneakers-they are heavy, hot and uncomfortable to me. I spend my days mostly barefoot-and when I go out I wear heels, mostly open sandal types. In the winter I wear clogs with heels or mule-type shoes or boots.

I have tried several types of sneakers and have gotten measured at the store for the proper fit, etc., but none of them ever feel good to me after about 15 minutes.

Anyone have a suggestion for a lightweight but durable sneaker or similar workout/walking shoe?

[rawpriestess]

I only wear Birkenstocks, no matter what I am doing.

They fit my feet.

I trip over all other shoes.

You might choose to try them.

It's good to have you back. Did you have a wonderful time?

[Revvell]

Being as I have narrow feet, Teva's work well for me. I've gone hiking in them.

I've found only one pair of sneakers that actually fit my feet so perfectly I didn't have to break them in and those were New Balance 851's. Alas, they don't make them anymore.

You might check out Van's if they're in your area. My friends wear them (too wide for me) and love them.

Revvell

[tglasco4]

Sneakers are a problem for me also. Not in the same way but the bottom line is, you have to just try on many types of sneakers until you find the ones you like. For running I think I had to buy and take back about 4 pairs of sneakers until I found what I think I liked. Even then I ended up buying 2 pairs (one of which I have not even worn since the other is very comfortable). I don't think there is an easy solution to this problem unfortunately.

Peace.

Todd

[misslinda]

~Usually takes about 3-4 days to break into a shoe--I made the mistake one time of wearing my new running shoes as soon as I bought them and OUCh! blisters and soreness.

~I had my orthotics fitted and it was recommended that the NB 843 (can't remember exactly the model until I pick them up) the ones with the little pink bow for breast cancer is a great for walking.

~Persoanlly I don't feel regular walking shoe is good for running and regualr running shoe is good for walking--even though they are both athletic shoes.

~It may be helpful to take an existing pair of shoes that have traction to find out wher you need support and comfort.

~I don't like heavy shoes either--sometimes it's the shoe and sometimes it's the way we walk or strike the ground too--I would really suggest buying a shoe at a department store that has a great return/exchange policy in case you end up with problems with the shoe.

~I really like the nike air max shoes, Adidas response for trail and mulitiple terrains, NB will be my first walking shoe but I would never run in a NB shoes, Asics don't have enough buoyancy for me--although alot of long distance runners I know, run with Asics or brooks. Adidas has come out with a new runnig shoes that has a computerized mechanism to tell the shoe to add support when needed--as you strike the ground, the chip tells the shoe to put added support into the key areas--reviews sais it did assist in the motions.

It's hard for me to find shoes I like for comfort,support and look---the colors have to be right also! :p

I would say keep in mind some simple and important keys:

Support for how you strike the ground, arch, comfort and if you a N,M or W in shoes. Don't be embarrassed to try onthe shoe and bounce around in the store. :D

Best wishes.

[brandilynn]

I got some AMAZING sneaks. I have foot claustrophobia like it sounds you do. These are called Nike Max Air, but the whole foot of the shoe is like a sock with some sturdy "ribs."

http://www.finishline.com/store/catalog/product.jsp?productId=prod459550&NIKE

This link is kind of like them -I LOVE them and have neuralgia and my feet cramp up if they do not have freedom, but you can tie them tight enough to be snug so you do not ankle twist, but give your toes breathe! I love them! They were worth every penny!

[Sharon in Colorado]

A couple of shoes I really like are Keds and Prophet. They are light and comfortable.

[Autumn]

Thank you ALL for your tips and advice. I guess it will be trial and error... again! :rolleyes: I will check out online and in the stores each one recommended. Hopefully I can find one that lets my tootsies breath (and of course shows off my toe rings). :D

[misslinda]

Autumn: Did you get shoes yet? If you want fashionable ones for your toes to show, Mephisto has pink strap walking sandals with rhinestones! :p

[asil]

Another shoe I like for walking are Chaco's sandals. They really conform to the foot, and are so light I don't even know they're there. I've hiked some pretty steep, rocky, cactus-ridden terrain with no troubles in them.

I also have some trail runners I bought at REI that are made of mesh and very lightweight.

And Misslinda, I *must* check out those Mephistos!

[misslinda]

Here is a link to what the shoe looks like. Retails for $155.00 at Nordstroms.

http://store.nordstrom.com/popup/product/colorswatch.asp?ColorSwatch=IMG~product/swatch/large/142440-PIN.jpg&ColorName=Pink

[ANIMLOVER]

here in canada we have a store called the running room.
it's great, they actually assess you for the best shoe type. they do this by looking at the way you walk, the way you squat on one foot, and the movement of your knees and the way you roll off yuor feet when walking. you are barefoot when doing these movements. they then give you 2-3 shoes that are best for you to try around the store.
I buy my runners there ASICS - I love them - injury free is me!!

Go to a reputable running store and have yourself assessed!

[misslinda]

Wow, my kind of store--I love personalized service! That's interesting,alot of long distance runners love Asics. myself, no matter what model, it doesn't support me. However, I recently got orthotics so I'm going to see how my feet have change and if it will be comfortable in Asics.

Can I ask what was it about your knees they felt would be appropriate for that particular Asics?

[Autumn]

I am going to see if I can find a store here that does that kind of evaluation. Thanks for the tip! That is exactly what I need.

Linda- I so wish I could see those shoes! The link won't work for me for some reason, it keeps freezing. When I copy and paste, it tells me the page is unavailable.

[Sharon in Colorado]

http://nike.com/nikefree/usa/index.jhtml#landing,movie1

[misslinda]

Autumn, try this link---hopefully it works. when you get to the page, click on the color choice and it should show the sandals in that color.

http://store.nordstrom.com/product/product_brandboutique.asp?styleid=2854121&boutique=mephisto&category=2376778~2372811~2379908~2379909~2380055&NextStyleID=2859200&PrevStyleID=none

[truepeacenik]

Another shoe I like for walking are Chaco's sandals. They really conform to the foot, and are so light I don't even know they're there. I've hiked some pretty steep, rocky, cactus-ridden terrain with no troubles in them.


Chiming in with a big YEAH for Chacos. I bought my first pair in late 98 or early 99. They are on my feet with their second sole right now. I hike, run 5Ks, dance, drum, hula hoop, paint, walk and generally live in these babies, I own two pair simply so I can have two colors. (actually, I boxed up my babies and started to reach down for a pair of shoes. They were all I owned, so I bit the bullet and got a second pair)

[Alissa]

Sharon, my husband and i just bought these. They are amazing. People are stopping us and asking what they are, they look like slippers. we have had them for two weeks now. i can never find comfortable sneakers because of my unbelievably high arches but these are really incredible even though they don’t seem like they have support.

Autumn if you hate bulky and hot you gotta try these. It’s like going barefoot!

[rawpriestess]

I suppose the most natural thing is to go barefoot.

I personally go barefoot ALL the time, unless I have to go into a store, or walk on hot pavement.

I find barefoot is the only way to go for me when walking or running.

I suppose it depends on what you are walking or running on though.

Or Birkenstocks for if you MUST wear anything, although they are heavy, but that will build up your calf muscles. and if you wear open toed and backless, it allows your toes to work too.