Recommendations for walking shoes

[Allie_snowflake]

I would like any recommendations for a good, sturdy walking shoe. Something that won't break the bank either! I have flat feet and always seem to destroy the soles on my shoes. The inside of the heels always collapse because of the way I walk (I'm knock-kneed!). My shoes wear out/sole cracks within months of use. I'm hoping for something under $100. Believe it or not, the most comfortable shoes I've had were all-terrain sports sandals. They just don't make that model any more and don't want to waste money on something that might not work!

Thanks in advance!
Allie

[mmerry5]

When I started walking a lot I went to Fleet Feet and had them recommend something for me.  They watch you walk across the floor or on a treadmill and try to find the best sneaker for you.  I don’t know if you have a Fleet Feet near you or another store that has “specialists” to help you, but it was worth it to me to pay a little more for my first pair of good sneakers.  Many people including Fleet Feet recommended that I use running shoes because I was walking about 3 or more miles a day.  Running shoes are much cooler and lighter than walking shoes and that’s all I buy now.  (Though now I actually run every day too.) Once I found the brand I liked by trying them on there, I made my first purchase from them.  My first pair was around $100 maybe a little more maybe a little less.  It was a few years ago.  I’m guessing that you might pay closer to $130 now.  However, now that I know what I like I order them online and they are less expensive.  By the way, this is what I wear:  http://www.amazon.com/Saucony-Womens-Guide-Running-Silver/dp/B0081KKQ8M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=13905...  But it really is a personal preference, you have to find what is comfortable for you. 

[gerrymcd]

Road Runner sports http://www.roadrunnersports.com have a system where you can wear shoes for up to 90 days, and if you don't like them exchange them for a different pair.  I've bought a number of pairs of running shoes from them, but never had to return a pair -- so I can't say for sure how well their return policy holds up (in saying that, I'm sure it won't be a problem).  They sell a bunch of different styles of walking shoe/sandals.  

[steff]

Most "sturdy" shoes for walking aren't going to be much good for walking.  You really need to go to a reputable running store and be fitted for shoes properly.  They fix many if not all of your issues and get you in a pair of shoes that make walking a pleasure.

[Allie_snowflake]

Thank you for your recommendations! I never thought about having my feet fit 🙂

Going to check out some places this weekend.

[loveabull]

I guess the correct term with my feet is I pronate out. The outer edges of my heels wear out. To tell you the truth with shoe brands I wear Payless running shoes. Good support and I add working feet Dr. Scholl insoles to each pair. Also rotating pairs is a good idea. Try not to wear the same ones more than two or three days in a row.

I used to get exclusively Saucony or Nike, comfortable yes...but no different really than the off brand. Plus I'm on my feet most of the day and concrete floors at work. It doesn't hurt so much to toss the worn ones every few months if they were only $20-$30 dollars. And at that price and their regular half off sales you can buy 2 or 3 pair at a time.

[Kateb3]

I have Brooks sneakers and yes, they are last year's model. You need to get properly fitted for the correct sneaker. I pronate but i didn't know it until I went to the store. Spend 100.00. Your feet and knees will thank you. In addition, once you do find the best sneakers for you, you'll be able to walk/run further and further.

[Jabrat]

Asics are the way to go!  Love them - walked 4,000 miles with them and they still are going!

[inaj]

What works for one person may not work for you.  I really like Brooks.  I have a bunion and need a wider toe box.  I learned that day that one of my feet is 1/2 size larger than the other.  I found this out by going to a store that sells specifically running shoes and being fitted for my personal needs.  I would spend as much as I possibly could because you will be dollars ahead in the long "long run" (no pun intended).  I had paid close to $100 for a pair of Asics that now sit in my closet because the toe box isn't wide enough for my feet. 

Just go get fitted.  You will be happy that you did.

[WendyB]

I agree about getting fitted. What works for me might not work for you.

[Allie_snowflake]

I'm definitely going to get fitted this weekend. I live in the Orlando area so I've got lots of options to check out. I am on my feet (and very active!) all day at work and definitely need a good quality shoe. I'm willing to pay for not having foot cramps and sore feet! I limp like an old lady when I stand up after sitting for a while just because my feet are so sore. I am so over that feeling. It feels like the lower half of my body is suffering! I usually log 5-7 miles at work alone every day so having sore feet makes it harder to get motivated to move when I get home! Thanks again for all of your advice!

[Lever]

I'm also flat-footed and knock knee'd, and I'd had experiences similar to yours.  Getting fitted at a good shoe store will help immensely.  I've also found that running shoes are the most comfortable for being on your feet the whole day.  Another thing that comes with flat feet is, generally speaking, wide feet.  Have you looked into getting wider shoes?

Brands that I'd recommend are Asics and New Balance.  These both have types / models / whatever-its-called that are comfortable, wide enough, and will last.  The New Balance seem to have their soles collapse (on the inner portion of the heel) quicker than the Asics.  Both have "cheap" versions, but you'll generally want to avoid the cheap ones.  The best cost to length of use ratio seems to be in the $60-80 range, in my experience.

[Ali]

I swear by my Asics as well. Just about to buy a new pair - they make a waterproof shoe that will make my rainy day walks much more pleasant.