Advice from walkers

My boots and trainers have arrived too, and I’m very happy with them. The boots are in a lovely soft suede and feel so comfortable, even on my wide feet.

My Fitflops loafers arrived very promptly today and they fit very well. I've yet to wear them outdoors, but I'm sure they will make walking easier.

Ecco are the most comfortable walking shoe I’ve ever had ,I’m an 8 with a wide fit.Also Joseph Sieble are very good.

...that’s. ‘I’ not U otherwise you wouldn’t be asking!!!

U walk between 5-6 miles a day.... all in Sketchers.... the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn ..got 3 pairs...need more!

Look online at a company called shoegarden, they have masses of German made shoes, I’ve bought all sorts from them. My job involves up to 25k steps a day and I alternate between a pair of smart suede trainers from that website one day and some Ecco shoes the next !

Hope you find something soon ?

When my walking boots broke my feet during my Santiago experience I put on my fitflops and completed the pilgrimage. Get a pair in the sale, they are marvellous.

Ecco footwear is the way to go.....I know they are expensive, but they are so well made, have very good soles for walking and many styles look reasonably fashionable too. They really do last too. I’m in my 70’s too and have come to realize that well made and well fitting shoes are a necessary investment - they help minimize the chance of tripping or falling and definitely minimize aching hips and lower back pain - often caused by wearing inappropriate footwear.

I used to wear Havianas (flipflops) a lot until I had big trouble with my Achilles tendon. I was told that wearing flat shoes was a no-no so I graduated to the Skechers version which have thicker soles. They are amazingly comfortable and hard wearing and I no longer have Achilles problems ?

I wear Sketchers for all walking! I gave several pairs and I’m a size 8. Some are machine washable. You can get all styles, sandals, walking shoes and boots. I have a pair of each! I can highly recommend them!

I can't wear Hitter or Skecher, just can't get a good fit. Ecco are usually my go to and I have had the occasional boat type shoe from M & S though they are pretty flat.

I used to swear by Ecco until they appeared to change to cheaper manufacturing and got a bit plastic-y and less comfortable. I've worn Hotter now since their 'Shake' style got me walking around New York in comfort two days after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis which was causing me lots of pain. Some of their styles have 'double' insoles for walking-on-air comfort. I only ever buy Hotter now but, unless I'm repeating a style I already have, I still try them before buying for width, although they do online sales and no quibble returns.

Wearing Ecco shoes is like walking on air.

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Have had both Rieker and Merrell walking sandals in the past and they are very good but now wear Keen sandals which are sold by outdoor specialists (also available online - should be available reduced right now) specifically for walking/hiking Many styles have a covered toe which is excellent for protecting toes when walking on rough uneven ground. They are ultra light, with non slip soles and good ventilation, very comfortable and can be washed in washing machine. Not cheap but worth it - bought mine for walking on Greek islands (dusty rough uneven ground) and in the Lake District and they feel very secure. Now prefer for everyday use and have even worn them when mountain biking. I have square feet (small but wide with bunions) and I find both Keen and Rieker comfortable to wear plus they hide the bunions! Keen are available in size 7 and 8.

Also have the Healthy Back bag for walking/hiking - again available on line or outdoor specialist. Two different sizes, lots of colours, lots of pockets, inside and out. Light as a feather and you can wear as a shoulder bag or across the body.

Good hunting and walking!

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

My podiatrist also said Skechers don't have enough support. Sadly, she also didn't like Crocs which I found the only shoes I could wear when on my feet all day - mostly standing around with very little walking (Arsenal steward).
Was referred to the podiatrist as I had chronically painful feet - even woke up with them painful. Assumed it was arthritis (also in knees, hands, wrists & elbows) I now have orthotic insoles which have solved that problem - thanks NHS!
Can you get a podiatrist appt via your doctor? Obv supportive shoes also help.

Oh yes, along with Seibel I also like Rieker footwear. Both German I believe, comfortable and last well.

I've thought of Fitflops before, but stuck to Hotters as I knew they would fit me. However, I couldn't find another style I really liked to replace my 'tired' everyday black flats, so have taken a chance on a pair of Fitlops loafers and ordered them. I hope they are right for my feet.

I used to love fitflops, the thonged ones for summer wear. But I’ve had to give up on them as have found the thong part stretches over time making them too loose to wear. Found my toes were gripping on to soles. Also tripped several times wearing them.

Fitflops all the time! I have boots, ballerinas, slippers, toeposts and I love all of them! Very supportive and super comfy, can’t recommend them enough!
Always buy in the sales though and the ‘Shoetique’ website is always worth a look as they have many Fitflop styles.

Have you thought of seeing a good podiatrist and getting your walking analysed. They can then see if it is anything to do with your feet. If not, you will just be wasting your money. I found MBT's brilliant but they have been taken over by the Chinese and they are just not the same. I also like Skechers and FitFlops, the former because their memory foam insoles are good with the latter having nice thick soles to cushion impact shock.

Well as a direct result of this thread,my new fit flops have just been delivered?

Skechers are the most comfortable footwear ever. Highly recommend.

Skechers for me too although my walks are not too long.
They have a huge range of styles. Sandals, boots, shoes. Best to try them on though, ie. visit a shop or buy online from a source where you can return them I have two pairs of shoes which look identical but I took 7.5 in one and 8 in the other.
My daughter washes hers in the washing machine.
Use a bag with a cross-body straps. I always do otherwise I get backache. Also if you feel to need a bit secure, you can sweep the actual bag to the front. Do need a longer handle though.

I would strongly recommend orthotic insoles. I definitely do not have fallen arches (exactly the opposite) but I find they make any decent flat shoes (ecco if you can afford them, or trainers) blissfully comfortable.