Footwear for walking

ripplyuk

@Manxman_in_exile Thanks for the tips, and the links  I do lock lacing too but not on these particular boots as it’s not needed. 

The physio said that both running shoes and walking shoes should be replaced every 300 miles. She looked at my boots and said they’re ‘done’. According to her, it’s a common misconception that you don’t need to worry about footwear when you’re ‘only walking’ (I would guess it depends on how much walking).  I swapped to the Brooks because that’s the only other option I had for a while. The physio didn’t seem to have a preference for boots or trainers. The Brooks are still bouncy so I don’t see any reason to replace them. They also propel me along nicely compared to the boots, which means I’m less tired when I get home and don’t have sore feet. But the mud and constantly wet feet is a problem. 

There’s no ‘give’ left in my old boots and there hasn’t been for ages. They were very supportive to begin with but now it’s like walking on bricks. I had ordered a new pair (exact same model) and I wore them today. The difference is remarkable but I know it isn’t going to last and after a few months, the midsole will compress and they’ll be like walking on bricks too. 

The insoles I tried were not prescription ones and were a total waste of money. Three different brands and I was surprised at how quickly they compressed, literally within a few days. 

I don’t actually have shin splints (yet!). I was having mild shin pain which I believe was from pounding along the roads in boots that have no cushioning left as the pain went away wearing the Brooks and returned when I swapped back. Obviously with the new boots now it was fine. I had a gait analysis done but it was years ago. All I remember is him saying there was nothing remarkable ie; I don’t over or under pronate, my arches aren’t very high/low. I’m not 100% sure he was a podiatrist though. It was a foot clinic and I only went because my partner was going. I’ve never had any foot issues. 

If regularly buying new boots is needed to protect my feet/legs then I’ll do it but it’s an awful lot of money so I’ll need to find the most economical solution. Perhaps different brands are more supportive for longer? With a more durable midsole? I might have to research a bit more. I did contact Anatom but the guy didn’t seem very knowledgeable. All he said was to replace them when the tread has worn away. 

Manxman_in_exile

OK.  Sounds like you know what you're doing then.

Whilst I agree with your physio that many people wrongly think you don't need to worry about footwear if you are "only" walking, I find it very hard to believe that walking boots would need to be replaced after 300 miles.  That distance, 300 miles, is right at the lower end of the range for running shoes with shock absorbing EVA (or whatever it is) midsoles.  Not all walking boots even have midsoles like that and should last a lot longer I'd have thought...

I would still say avoid running/training shoes for walking.  Get some trail shoes.

If the only insoles you've tried are "off the shelf" or "in a packet" from a shop or a chemists, they're probably a waste of money.  For most people - and this may not apply to you if you haven't actually got shin splints - it's a relatively rigid and supportive, not compressible, insole that's required.  Having said that, many outdoor shops sell "Superfeet" and they are quite good.  I have a pair of those too.

If you don't want the expense of buying 6 pairs of expensive footwear each year, I'd try a podiatrist and ask their advice.  It might cost £50 - £100 but if you can afford it, it may be money well spent.  I'd reached the stage where I really didn't look forward to running any more, but visiting a podiatrist completely rejuvenated my running.  If he/she thinks you need orthotics, check out the cost.  Might only be £100 but could be £500.  (Or you may not need anything... )

In terms of finding a podiatrist, apart from the links I gave earlier you could try asking local runners, running clubs, running shoe shops and outdoor shops if they can recommend anyone.

Disappointing response from Anatom... Hopeless!  (Which is a pity as I thought the product looked good.)

Rednick87

I walk a lot because I like off-road trips outside the city. That's why I have decent shoes and it's probably one of the few things I don't save money on - the Salomon Quest 4D Forces 2.