Footwear for walking… a lot

GBNI

newlywed said:

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

I personally don't find them too hot, I do quite a few miles daily as I've two big dogs that like a lot of exercise! 

Manxman_in_exile

newlywed said:

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 have had issues in the past with inflamed Achilles and planta faciatus as well so absolutely need the cushioning.  

...

I'm probably replying to your thread too late to give you helpful advice, but as somebody who does a lot of running and walking and who also suffers a lot from feet problems, I'd say a couple of things:

1.  It's not that walking will put less strain on "trainers" than running will, the problem is that they probably won't have been designed for walking in.  Walking puts different stresses and strains on your feet than running will.  If the shoes you wear aren't designed to absorb those specific walking stresses and strains, then your feet will have to absorb them, and that may cause you further foot problems.  Just to add, unless you have been specifically advised that you need a softer shoe, it might also be a mistake for you to assume that you "need the cushioning".  Maybe it's support you need, not cushioning?

2.  I haven't suffered from plantar fascitis but have been plagued by many serious foot and lower leg problems over the years which stopped me from running.  I only got over these problems after consulting a podiatrist who prescribed orthotic inserts for me.  (They're like super supportive insoles but are made specifically to suit your foot shape and foot problem).  Despite what another poster has said, the NHS most certainly DOES employ podiatrists and chiropodists.  You can ask your GP for a referral but there may be a long waiting list to see one.  If you don't want to wait for the NHS, but your foot problems are bad enough for you to want to see one privately, you can find one here (but check their fees first and likely cost of  any prescribed orthotics):  Find a Podiatrist (rcpod.org.uk)

As others have said, buy a pair of shoes designed for walking (not running) from a decent outdoors shop.  Do it in person if you can - only distance buy as a last resort.  If you decide you want to see a podiatrist, you would ideally do so before you buy new shoes, as their diagnosis will help you make a more informed choice.  (A podiatrist will examine your current/old shoes to look at the wear patterns and to see how you have broken down the uppers.  This will help them identify any foot problems you have and will help them point you towards the shoes you need).

[Edit:  It's best to buy the best walking shoes you think you can afford - so long as you are happy with the fit and sizing etc.  But bear in mind that most walking shoes will be significantly stiffer and less well cushioned than "trainers".  That's because walking is different from running and they are designed to be like that.  If your previous plantar fascitis problems were serious enough to require some sort of treatment, you'd be best advised to seek professional advice as to whether your need more cushioning or less... ]

newlywed

Thanks @Manxman_in_exile, you’re certainly not too late. I have been doing some research on walking shoes etc and decided I need to save for a bit longer in any case. 

I am also booked in for a free contact lens trial so hopefully that will help me to see and walk on drizzly days.

I saw an excellent osteopath for both feet issues and she advised I needed shock absorption, and with trainers that often translates to cushioning, although probably not accurate! She recommended I wear either trainers or walking boots.

I have very little trouble with them now, unless I am walking carrying a backpack weighing about a stone (food shopping days).

I will look up podiatrists thanks, specific advice could be useful.

Manxman_in_exile

Hmmm... I'd just say that I used to be involved in commissioning training for NHS clinicians and - so far as I'm aware and I think it's still the case - the NHS does not employ osteopaths (or chiropractors).  You might want to ask yourself why that might be the case...

If I had a foot problem - or a problem with running or walking - I'd consult a podiatrist in the first instance, privately or on the NHS.  I wouldn't go to an osteopath for various reasons, but mainly because they aren't a foot specialist - I wouldn't even want to see a NHS physiotherapist for the same reason.

Good luck anyway.  Issues with your feet can be a literally crippling problem.

Norman_Castle

Walking shoes are probably better for walking and should last longer. Orthopaedic insoles or simply replacing worn insoles might help, did the osteopath suggest them?

Why are insoles so expensive? 

newlywed

Thanks @Manxman_in_exile. I was already being treated by the osteo for other things and she helped my rsi way more than any painkillers from the gp, so whilst it’s very true they aren’t feet specialists, they do have knowledge of bones and muscles etc.

I have never even looked up what a podiatrist does to be honest - until your suggestion. Always associated them with corns and in growing toenails. I apologise for my previous ignorance about them. 

Have also discovered I can claim back via a health policy for private booked podiatry treatment and bio mechanical assessments (but not insole cost) so will be booking in for that soon. Thanks for the suggestion. 

Brie

Meindl is the footwear the OH favours - as others have said it's expensive (unless sometimes you're buying in Germany or Austria!) but I never got on with them myself and prefer Salomon.  The first pair I bought were a revelation - like having my feet encased in marshmallow!  

For a jacket - I like Patagonia - but anything that is both breathable and waterproof is good.  Check if there are under arm zips - allows a bit of circulation into your pits which is very helpful.  

And def get some poles - they take some of the pressure off your legs, provide stability (helpful if you're a natural trip hazard like me) and give you a better all round work out.  

Oh and I've always had great help when buying from Cotswold.  And if you sign up to their mailing list you might get 10% off.  

And - I buy walking socks from Aldi - they are the double layer ones so no blisters!!!  And cheap!!!!

Well done on the weight loss - that makes a massive difference to one's feet!!!

Manxman_in_exile

newlywed said:

...

Have also discovered I can claim back via a health policy for private booked podiatry treatment and bio mechanical assessments (but not insole cost) so will be booking in for that soon. Thanks for the suggestion. 

That's the way to go then.  What you need to do is find a podiatrist and get some kind of initial gait analysis or bio-mechanical analysis from them on your insurance.  See if you can find somebody locally.  If you know anybody in a running club or if you have a running shoe shop* or outdoors shop near you, ask if they know of anybody they can recommend.  Members of running clubs will often know who is a "good" podiatrist.  If you live in a largish city you'll have no problems finding someone - if you live in the middle of nowhere it'll be more difficult.  Ask your insurance co. if they have any particular restrictions on who you can see.

Look on the internet too (and the link I gave above).  You want somebody who says they deal with gait analysis and running/walking problems

If you need orthotics, they can be expensive** - perhaps ranging from as little as £50 up to £300 or more.  When you choose someone make sure they understand you want some kind of initial assessment on your insurance but that you will have to decide whether you can afford any insoles etc if the podiatrist thinks they are required.

The terms podiatrist and chiropodist are almost interchangeable, but I tend to think of chiropodists as toe-nail and bunions people whereas podiatrists deal more with gait and lower leg movement and function problems.  In practice I suspect there ain't a great deal of difference between 'em.

*Some shops will film you on a treadmill.  It can be interesting and it can certainly identify problems, but I wouldn't spend money on the basis of what they tell you in ashop.

** Mine cost about £200, but in terms of the increased pleasure from running and the reduced pain, they were worth at least 5 (or 10!) times that to me.

Claddagh_Noir

I suffer with plantar fascitis (sp?) and I have a gel cushion heel support insert (they usually come in three pairs).  The boots I wear are a brand called Merrell and they are so comfortable, no need to break them in, they fit perfectly.  I tend to walk 20 miles a week on average.  I do not have any agony after walks.  I definitely recommend quality support for your feet. 

Stompa

Claddagh_Noir said:

I suffer with plantar fascitis (sp?) and I have a gel cushion heel support insert (they usually come in three pairs).

I use these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tulis-Heavy-Duty-Heel-Large/dp/B000MSZT7O/

and have found them to be very good.