Advice from walkers

I took Skechers to Aus last year for a month's trip that involved a lot of walking. They were very good but I would have liked to have something else so I could swap about. Back packs are great - have you looked at Mr Kipling - they are very lightweight

Having had plantar fascilitis twice and insoles from hospital podiatry I walk 4 miles 4/5 timed per week in Nike Air Max trainers, using the insoles. I’ve been doing this for the last 3 years without any issues. For general purpose wear I highly recommend FitFlop but mainly go for ‘microwobbleboard technology’ as the support and comfort is second to none. ‘Fly of London’ have also been a godsend although I now tend to wear them with my insoles too although I managed without them for years. I also have Sketchers but don’t find them as comfortable - I think that’s more to do with the sizing than the soles though. Doc Marten sandals are also fab. Walked in New York with them this year, day and night for four days without issue. Best of luck!

Birkenstock’s do a good range of sandals which are great for supporting feet. Quite expensive but well worth the money.

I do a lot of walking and I use Karrimor hiking sandals in the summer. Very comfortable, and provide the support I need for my arthritic big toe and bunions. I do 5 to 6 miles dog walking daily and have had no issues with them.

Another vote for Fitflop and Geox.
Used to only buy Ecco but find I like these better now.
Good luck.

Sorry, no ideas regarding backpacks.

mrswoo, the soles do wear down very quickly, I found! Comfort, but no support or durability.

I had a pair of Sketchers which I loved as they were so comfortable to wear.
BUT after a while I found the soles started to get “skiddy” in wet conditions. It was almost like walking on ice even if pavements were only slightly damp. In the rain they were treacherous and I skidded and almost fell on a number of occasion. I reluctantly had to stop wearing them.
I may have been unlucky with that particular pair but I wouldn’t risk buying another pair.

I walk in Ecco hiking sandals, which have good strong soles and are very comfy and hard wearing. You're right to ditch the handbag. Choose something that allows your arms and shoulders to move freely and stay relaxed - a bum bag or a small backpack is best.

I have to say my feet are very broad and I've only ever had an issue with one style of Fitflop....in my case a loafer style.
I have a pair of ankle boots, some trainers and ballerina styles and all are fine.

Light, well fitting trainers are important. I’ve narrow feet and have Washable Walkers from James Inglis. They make such a difference.
Try to travel light and go without a bag. Put essentials in your pockets or wear some sort of belt or bumbag.

I discovered Fitflops when I first had plantar fasciitis and the relief was wonderful.
As an aside could I mention, for fellow sufferers, that after many visits to the podiatrist for the second bout of plantar fasciitis I was eventually given a steroid injection which cleared the condition in a week. I so wish that had been tried at the beginning.

Joseph Seibel, I am also a fan and have no problem with them when walking and I walk a fair bit.

I have been a serious walker, and I would say that for more than a couple of miles, wear proper trainers, or preferably walking boots that will support your ankles. A lot of the good brands have lightweight walking boots. My own favourites are Merrells.
Nothing beats a rucksack, but if you want something a little smarter and more accessible, look at Healthy Back Bags.

I am just getting over six months pain with plantar fasciitis and it was brought on by wearing Sketchers on a city break ! My physio has told me never to wear them if anticipating doing a lot of walking , they have no support . She said any shoe you can bend isn't supportive and won't be good .

Having said that I loved my Sketchers, now have to look for different trainers. She recommended New Balance

I have Hotter sandals and love them .

Yes, I've just ordered my first Fitflops as well, Nortsat46, in the online sale. A pair of suede ankle boots and a pair of trainers, £68 for both and another 10% off because I ordered via Topcashback. The power of Gransnet recommendations!

They might well be going back though, as one poster said they were a bit on the narrow side and my feet definitely aren't.

I am another Ecco fan. So comfortable

Penny, I haven’t tried Fitflop before but had a quick look on their site, after so many GN’s mentioning them.
Their sale is still on and the price reductions are sizeable. I just ordered a pair of flat ballerinas (not literally of course) reduced from £90 to £34.

So if you are thinking of giving them a try ... now might be the time. ?

I’d recommend Teva. I have several pairs and find them very comfortable and supportive, especially the ones without toeposts, which can take a bit of wearing in.

I pretty much buy Fitflop for all seasons now I've discovered they do winter footwear as well. Have just ordered and received some ankle boots, because although I have quite a few with a small heel I no longer find those comfortable to walk longer distances with. These new ones are perfect and look better imo than say a trainer. Fitflop are always mailing me, like most brands they have constant sales, so I take full advantage when they do, I don't think I've ever paid full price for anything.

For summerwear they probably have more lines, including, plenty of strappy type sandal that would go with a dress if that's what you are after.

Turning to handbags, they can be a hinderance when walking, I recently purchased a small purse/clutch bag from Radley, large enough to contain phone, a small wallet with cards, as well as some loose change, lipstick, keys. Very handy large loop, so can hang on the wrist.

Sketchers are comfortable for everyday but not durable for serious walking. Fitflop are very good and I like Merrell trainers. It's just not possible to walk long distances in pretty sandals without suffering the consequences.

My mother was more concerned with looks than comfort and ruined her feet, knees, hips and back. I'm not going down that road so I'll happily wear trainers with a dress. I gave up handbags long ago too!

My elder son goes to Profeet in London for gait analysis and specialist fitting to prevent knee and back pain - cheaper in the end than injury.

I recommend fitflops.They have a really good sale on at the moment.I have just bought some with a 70% reduction so definitely worth having a look at their website.

If you are walking any distance, even in a sun dress, you need to wear supportive properly fitting shoes.

Since the fashion is to wear trainers with every thing - even party clothes - I shouldn't worry about mix and matching summer dresses and what we would probably call 'sensible' shoes. You can get sandals designed for walking distances.

I cannot recommend any specific brand as I wear trainers for walking that I buy in a local shop, no particular brand but posters above have all recommended well known brands who have many supporters.

The main thing is to wear properly fitting and supportive shoes, that protect your back and forget about vanity.

Cotton Traders are really good, all my sandals come from there, nice wide fitting, and their walking shoes are excellent.

Interesting about walking the Santiago route as we have friends in Spain who did it last year for charity. Also v interesting the podiatrist advising against Sketchers. Even more food for thought now! Thanks ladies

If you are asking about shoes fir walking you need good support so trainers or proper walking shoes/sandals are the best option. No need to spend a fortune, I get mine in Aldi and they are fine.
However trainers aren’t that pretty with dresses etc.

As a matter of interest When i mentioned Skechers to my podiatrist he advised against them, because they don’t give sufficient support.

Re a bag I use a cross body lightweight one or a small backpack. Also find two walking poles help.
Happy walking.