Footwear for walking… a lot

newlywed

Hi. I know that running will put more strain on trainers but wondered how long you would expect a pair of lower priced Nike (downshifter) to last?

I am walking up to 30 miles a week (longest single walk so far was 19 miles). I live in a city so some is walking on pavements/paths and some over fields or brideways/uneven paths.

I only started walking this much since wfh and needing to get out. I have had issues in the past with inflamed Achilles and planta faciatus as well so absolutely need the cushioning.  

I have no idea when I should be planning for new trainers or what other Nike I should be looking at for any potential upgrade?

Or whether there are any lighter weight walking boots that will give me the cushioning protection (my karrimor walking boots aren’t cushioned at all)?


I want to walk even further!

littlegreenparrot

There are lighter weight walking boots.

Although it's a pain going to stores I would do a few trips to try on some pairs, if you have specific requirements it's worth it. I'd start with Decathlon, Go Outdoors and Blacks and see how you get on. 

What socks are you wearing? They are not created equal, proper hiking or running socks have cushioning which can make it more comfortable.

It also might be worth having a chat with your GP, you might benefit from insoles for support and that would need a referral. 

newlywed

Thanks @littlegreenparrot yeah maybe I will try and plan some shop visits. We have decathlon, and blacks within 4 miles of us.

I use saucony running socks… they are super thin but really good in my trainers, so would need different ones for boots.

getting an appointment with my dr was never easy even pre COVID… and they generally seem too quick to prescribe drugs or want to sign me off work!  My feet are doing so much better since taking magnesium powder and vit D, plus losing over 3 stone will have helped too.  It’s more that I want to prevent anything recurring.

TELLIT01

Try to find specialist, independant 'outdoor' shops.  They generally have the depth of expertise to provide good information.  You may pay a few quid more but it will be worth it.

MalMonroe

Walking shoes are different to running shoes and pavement pounding shoes are different to track pounding shoes. Then there are waterproof, heavy duty and light duty types. There are so many different types and makes of walking shoe that I am completely confounded. I've been looking into getting some decent walking shoes (and maybe even Nordic walking sticks) as I would like to take up serious walking and hopefully get fit, as you have done. Well done, by the way, losing three stones is no mean feat. But looking at different shoe types has taken me ages! And then, as people are suggesting, you have to have the right socks. 

I think that if you have to pay more for a good brand, then it is well worth it, as TELLIT01 says. littlegreenparrot has some sound advice as well. 

I haven't decided as yet but I'm leaning towards Merrell or Brooks. Neither very cheap but both appear to have excellent reputations and they last. 

Also with shoes you are going to be doing a lot of walking in, I do agree that it's essential to go to a shop and try them before you buy them. 

As you've been having trouble with your feet, do you think it may be worth just splashing out on seeing a chiropodist/podiatrist for some advice? Sadly they don't come under the NHS but I think that's something else that's well worth the expense. They can also recommend inserts for shoes to help with conditions like plantar fasciitis - which I also suffer from. GPs can only help so far with foot problems but my podiatrist has been very helpful and is very knowledgeable. (I'm not getting paid to say that, btw!)

Here are two links I've been checking out recently - 

https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/outdoor/1406011/best-walking-shoes-lightweight-outdoors-shoes-for-men-and-women

https://www.countryfile.com/go-outdoors/best-walking-shoes/

Hope some of that is helpful but if not, please feel very free to ignore!     

prowla

I've worn Merrell shoes for many years, but they seem to have gone downhill (haha!) in the past few years.

I think they've offshored and their production is nowhere near the same quality; I had to take back and replace my last pair twice because they developed a "click" after a few days (apparently it's the design of their internal bracing or something) and also noticed visual mismatches between the two shoes in each pair.

I think my next shoes will be another brand.

I've tried Brasher, but they seem to be made for people with narrower feet than me.

I may look at Timberland next time.

I also wear padded/hiking socks, which I find more comfortable.

newlywed

Thanks. I have managed to find an independent outdoor shop in a town about 8 miles away… so that’s even within my walking distance now  

everything nearer is a brand store chain like decathlon and blacks etc. Who says living in a city is better? 

Will look up your links and do some research as to what I might be able to afford or invest in.

thanks for the Brasher comment too… I have wide feet but narrow heels so will just avoid that brand


next question…. Waterproof, breathable lightweight jackets anyone? I do get pretty warm so don’t want to feel like I’m wrapped in plastic!  Currently using a sea salt tin cloth full length mac. 

comeandgo

I have wide feet and find that Berghaus boots and trainers fit better.  I have many different rain jackets, some for torrential rain, some for showers and some for hurricane weather, again, I find the better jackets cost more.   To reduce sweating try and get a jacket with underarm zips.  If weather is not very windy maybe a poncho type would be better.  What about waterproof trousers, do you have any?  I’m going to suggest Berghaus waterproof trousers with side zips to open if you get too hot.

newlywed

Thanks everyone. Have done much reading of review websites. Keen footwear look like they are generous width but will take some advice when i have some money and visit the shop.

really not sure whether to go for waterproof footwear or not (I have issues with my spectacles in the rain anyway)…. Plus my feet get warm quickly like the rest of me… but then again, in dry weather I can still wear trainers. Hmmm.

Have looked at coats but think I will stick with my long Mac for now… it’s just a pain when the rain stops and I want to take it off!

haven’t looked at socks yet 

GBNI

I definitely recommend going for something more suited for walking as others have said I have a pair of Meindels for walking (that's probably spelt wrong!) and whilst they were on the pricier side, they are lightweight, comfortable from the start and waterproof (I went for a material pair as opposed to their leather pairs.) I find I can wear them year round as well.

newlywed

Thanks @GBNI. So not too hot even tho they are waterproof?