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Walking shoes-What do you wear?

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djsb

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15
I enjoy walking in my heavy Meindl boots but would prefer a pair of lighter trainer like shoes. Problem is I don't want to buy another pair of expensive running shoes because I never run anywhere. I would like my feet to be as comfortable as possible (type 2 diabetes) when walking over rough terrain or longer distances on roads/pavements. Are any of you serious walkers who walk long distances, and do you have any recommendations for a particular type/brand of shoe I can try? Thanks.
 
I lead a walking group. We’re maybe not as ambitious as you are, not particularly rough terrain or much longer than around an hour in one go. I don’t have any diabetes related problems but have had multiple orthopaedic surgeries on my feet and have Raynauds. I find Skechers with my orthotic insoles to be really comfortable, the lace up one’s, not the slip ins as they slip out too easily!
 
I like Keen. Wide range of walking footwear from boots to sandals.
 
djsb said:
I enjoy walking in my heavy Meindl boots but would prefer a pair of lighter trainer like shoes. Problem is I don't want to buy another pair of expensive running shoes because I never run anywhere. I would like my feet to be as comfortable as possible (type 2 diabetes) when walking over rough terrain or longer distances on roads/pavements. Are any of you serious walkers who walk long distances, and do you have any recommendations for a particular type/brand of shoe I can try? Thanks.
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I have very wide feet, and with the thyroid issues my soles tend to get hot and burn-y... The shoes I walk best on are Skechers with ArchFit, usually Uno's. Thick soled, not the flex kind, because they're not supportive enough. The mesh kind is nice and airy for a hot day, but far from waterproof in other weather. I'll never ever go for shoes without memory foam again. Not really expensive, so I have a range of colours at home thanks to regular sales. :) Current favourite is dusty rose, before that it was strawberry red, and I have silvery-grey on stand-by. ;) Good luck finding a pair of shoes that suit!
Jo
 
@djsb I do a lot of hiking, trails and mountains mainky. I like Keen and Merrell's . I have arthritis everywhere including in all the joints in my feet, hips and knees. Walking definitely helps the arthritis. I have wide feet, the arthritis is making my toes bend sideways so I'm particular on the width. To be honest, I go for the widest fitting, lightest trail 'runners', I can find that feel comfortable. The lighter the better and with good tread. Two brands I have consistently bought are the Keen and Merrell's brand.
 
I have a variety of Merrell shoes.
In front are the soft ones for general walking. These are about 15 years old and are starting to wear. They are my most comfortable. I really need to find an equivalent.
Middle are my day to day going shopping etc shoes. Comfy with some support.
In the back are my wet weather shoes, ideal for all weather hiking.
I have another pair not shown which are for hard, Peak District trails. They are at least 15 years old and have taken some punishment but are still good.

Overall, if you are doing hard trails you want support and protection. My feet are delicate (neuropathy) and prone to injury, so I always take care with footwear.

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I wear a pair of Cotton Traders walking boots for rougher walks/climbs and Skechers for normal long walks.
 
Every one will be different re make they prefer
for general walking I like New Balance (runners) for serious walking yrkshire Dales etc then proper walking shoes (not boots) other than Karrimore they are ****
 
I broke my ankle wearing walking shoes! So now I always wear my scarpa walking boots which have ankle support. For walking on flat ground I wear comfortable running trainers.
 
Mark Rawlinson said:
Every one will be different re make they prefer
for general walking I like New Balance (runners) for serious walking yrkshire Dales etc then proper walking shoes (not boots) other than Karrimore they are ****
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Are you saying the Karrimor are poop or the others? I have Karrimor boots but no experience with walking shoes.
 
For easy going I like Merrells. I have their sandals and light boots. Heavier going means correspondingly heavier stuff and I have a pair of milsurp Altbergs that are good for anything. Expensive new but you can get a decent used (ie well worn in) pair for under £50.
 
djsb said:
I enjoy walking in my heavy Meindl boots but would prefer a pair of lighter trainer like shoes. Problem is I don't want to buy another pair of expensive running shoes because I never run anywhere. I would like my feet to be as comfortable as possible (type 2 diabetes) when walking over rough terrain or longer distances on roads/pavements. Are any of you serious walkers who walk long distances, and do you have any recommendations for a particular type/brand of shoe I can try? Thanks.
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Hi, I have two pairs of Meindl walking boots, one pair of heavy boots, one lighter pair that are more like trainers. I found this brand suit my feet really well and not had issues with either boot, but my recommendation would be to go to someone like Go Outdoors who have a good range of walking footwear from sandals upwards, talk to someone there and try a few different types on, what suits one person may not suit you. My daughter likes Regatta, which is a good brand and I have a lot of their stuff, but I can't get on with their footwear, so you need to go try some on.
 
Thanks everyone for your replies. I have enough info here to start a shortlist. I'll definitely go to a specialist shop with a good choice of shoes. There are quite a few in the London/south east area.
 
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My partner wears Merrell shoes - these are styled like trainers but with a Vibram sole.
My lightweight walking boots are Berghaus Explorer Trail Lite.
These are a good few years old now, so I don't know if they are still available.
I like the Brasher/Berghaus land because of my wide feet.
For trainers (which I don't use so much now) I use New Balance in the 4E width (which limits style choice).

I find that I generally need to wear boots these days as my feet spread and I need firm support to stop the small internal joints within the foot from aching.

Cotswold Outdoor do a good boot fitting service if you have one within reach.
 
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