Walking shoe advice

[mommo77]

I've worked up to about 3.5 miles a day, 3-4 days a week.  Not a lot of mileage, but for me, at my (still over) weight, they get a fair amount.  I know after today's walk and subsequent sore legs that it's time for new walking shoes but I'd like to hear from dedicated walkers/runners out there as to how often you replace your shoes and what you look for.  I hope to avoid the 'wear them till it hurts' scenario in the future, so give me some idea of when you start thinking of replacing yours. The trail I walk on is covered in fine gravel, and is reddish in color, thus my once white shoes are now an unlovely shade of reddish brown.  I only wear them for park walking, but still, they're pretty bad, lol.  Any tips on the care and cleaning would be appreciated, also, thanks.

[iMike]

Find a store in your area that focuses on running and walking shoes.  Many of these stores will have a treadmill type device you can run and walk on that will show which parts of your feet absorb the most impact.  The shoes will be a bit spendier but your feet and legs will love you for it.  For me, I learned I have a high arch and I under-pronate.  I was able to purchase shoes that work for me and I've not had pain in my feet/legs since.

[GershonSurge]

Thanks to an injured achilles tendon, I've been walking VERY slowly the past couple of weeks. Think a pace of 40 minutes/mile. My legs get sore like they never did walking at a normal pace. My explanation is it's like doing slow reps in weight training vs. doing fast reps. Unless you have reason to believe your shoes are causing the problem, I'd back off on the distance until you aren't sore after walks. You can make up the calories by doing chores around the house in short spurts.

Running shoes are fine for walking, but to me, they feel like I'm walking in sand. As long as they give enough motion control, I wouldn't worry about the difference. I'd suggest hiking shoes, but few brands come in wide sizes. 

A good pair of socks can make a huge difference. I recommend any brand of merino wool socks. Thorlo socks are a good synthetic brand. They are usually about $15.00 a pair. 

I put my running shoes in the washing machine every couple days with a load of old clothes I keep for that purpose. I let them air dry. It is good to have two pairs of shoes and alternate days. 

[mommo77]

Thanks for the advice.  The wool socks though, my stomach turns at the thought of wearing anything but the thinnest sock I can get away with in this awful heat/humidity.  I have been walking 3 miles for a few weeks now, and no leg pain, so I'm pretty convinced the shoes are the culprit.  Plus, they look like they need to go, if you know what I mean, lol.  I was thinking of getting 2 pair and alternating.  That's what I used to do when I worked in a bakery and was on my feet 12-15 hours a day.  Sometimes I'd have to change shoes before the day was done, just to give my back/legs a break.  I wore SAS shoes, but their athletic line is really, truly ugly.  Bleck.

[WendyB]

I agree with @iMike Same thing for socks. A good running/walking store will also help you with socks as well.

[JohnRi]

I'm a huge fan of New Balance Walking shoes.  I've killed a pair of 659's and now killing a pair of 759's. 

Walking shoes are different from running shoes.  Walking shoes are harder to find.  I like the New Balance shoes are they are designed to walk 10,000 steps a day.  Running shoes have different support than Walking shoes.  As they two activities put different stress on different parts of your feet.

Having good socks is a key.  I have expensive Belaga hidden comfort socks, and they let me walk about 1 more mile when I exercise.

Get shoes 1 to 2 sizes bigger than your normally wear.  Gives you extra rooms for your toes to move in.

You can generally get 400-500 miles out of a pair of good quality walking shoes.  I replace mine about every 4-6 months.  But the last time I replaced them about 2 months ago, I got two different brands, and I randomly switch between the two.  This helps to avoid blisters.  Lace lock your laces helps too.

Good luck and keep stepping!!!

[DonT58]

I used New Balance 990s for a couple of decades but recently discovered they don't hold up well for walking.  My NB 677 got many more months and costed about 1/2 as much.  That said my Rockports will last longer than the 677s and recently picked up a pair of ECCOs (expensive) that just might end up being the best shoe I ever owned.  Before my knee replacements I was walking a couple of miles a day and wearing through a pair of 990s in less than 6 months.  I've had the 677s and a couple pairs of Rockports around and they are holding up to my current 15K+ steps per day.  For me I'm going to wear different shoes not just a single brand so I'd say Rockports, New Balance walkers (not so much running shoes), Ecco and Timberline are all worth a try.  I get my miles on dirt, on the streets, in the air conditioned malls and on the treadmill.  FWIW this morning I put in almost 2 miles at Sam's Club doing a little shopping.