Faithr Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 and arthritic knees? I need a couple of brand names that you really like. I need a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of shoes that are slightly dressy to go with nice slacks but still give a lot of support. Oh, and what is the best brand of sandals for poor feet like mine? Thank you. And my feet thank you too! I am ready to go shopping today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 Birkenstocks. I probably wear them 350 days out of the year, even in the winter. They make clogs, but I love having my toes free even if they're cold. I started wearing them about three years ago, and I doubt I'll ever go back. The only time I take them off is to go to bed. I like the classic foot bed, but they do have a softer one. They won't be awesomely comfortable at first because the weight of you walking on them needs to mold the footbed to your foot. It will take a good two weeks of heavy wearing. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 :bigear: I'm listening here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faithr Posted March 9, 2013 Author Share Posted March 9, 2013 I tried Birkenstocks. I had had a pair a long time ago before my feet every started to bother me and they were wonderful and last almost forever and ever. However, just this past spring I bought another pair and they were simply too painful for me to walk in. I never could break them in. I'm in pain NOW. I can't go through the breaking process. I need something cushy. . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleEJ Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 Dansko shoes are the best! Super comfortable, lots of support, casual and dressy styles. I really like them. They also have sandals. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 I like Clarks. I looked at their site and they have free shipping and returns. http://www.clarksusa.com/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 I love my Brookes running shoes. They have stability control and great arch support. I used to suffer from achy feet and painful legs until I purchased these. Find a good shoe store that has a foot scanner and will help fit your feet with the perfect shoe. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
praisefor3 Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 I've been looking for the same. I'm in a lot of airports for business and then on concrete quite a bit. I was introduced to Ecco's and do really like them from what I learned. However, I haven't been able to bring myself to pay the $109 yet. I might though. I did find a pair of Skecher GoWalks for $49 that I bought and am going to try. They are between tennis shoes and casual. http://www.amazon.co...owalk��I' I'll be wearing them next week on a trip to Chicago so if you are still looking after that pm me and I'll let you know what I thought. They were quite a bit cheaper than Ecco's. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in CA Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 I've been looking for the same. I'm in a lot of airports for business and then on concrete quite a bit. I was introduced to Ecco's and do really like them from what I learned. However, I haven't been able to bring myself to pay the $109 yet. I might though. I did find a pair of Skecher GoWalks for $49 that I bought and am going to try. They are between tennis shoes and casual. http://www.amazon.co......owalk��I I'll be wearing them next week on a trip to Chicago so if you are still looking after that pm me and I'll let you know what I thought. They were quite a bit cheaper than Ecco's. I've had a lot of foot pain over the last 5 years or so, and I tried Danskos and a couple of other suggestions. What really worked for me was Skechers. I was able to walk for miles & miles & miles on a Europe trip wearing Skechers, and my feet were fine. I now buy Skechers for daily wear, and though I haven't found a great solution for dressier shoes, I have some Aerosoles that have been really close to great. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfinlady Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 Naot. Dansko. Aetrex Sandalistas for sandals. Mine are flip flop style. For the walking shoes, I agree with Mandy. Find a good running store with a foot scanner and have them fit you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 Birkenstocks. I probably wear them 350 days out of the year, even in the winter. They make clogs, but I love having my toes free even if they're cold. I started wearing them about three years ago, and I doubt I'll ever go back. The only time I take them off is to go to bed. I like the classic foot bed, but they do have a softer one. They won't be awesomely comfortable at first because the weight of you walking on them needs to mold the footbed to your foot. It will take a good two weeks of heavy wearing. I wear Birks almost exclusively year round. For me there is no break in period, especially with the softer footbed. Order from Zappos, wear them around the house, and return if they don't work. Do look for the softfootbed ones tho. They are amazing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 I tried Birkenstocks. I had had a pair a long time ago before my feet every started to bother me and they were wonderful and last almost forever and ever. However, just this past spring I bought another pair and they were simply too painful for me to walk in. I never could break them in. I'm in pain NOW. I can't go through the breaking process. I need something cushy. . . . Did you try the soft footbed? They are very different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 I LOVE my danskos professional line http://www.dansko.com/Womens/Footwear/Styles/Clogs/Professional/Cordovan%20Cabrio/ I have a pair of black dressy clogs and a pair of fun colors. These are my winter "go to" shoes and I wear them almost every day. For outdoor use, I like my Brooks tennis shoes with an "upgraded" insole or my Asics running shoes (no, I don't run due to back, knee, and hip problems) For summer, I have worn and really liked Chacos http://www.chacos.com/US/en/Women-Styles-Sandals#%2FUS%2Fen%2FWomen-Styles-Sandals%3FCollectionID%3D1520%26PageSize%3D20%26PageIndex%3D0%26SortBy%3DFilteredGallerySortOrder%26Ascending%3DTrue%26UserSelected%3Dsmall%26__ajax%3Dtrue I've had a pair for almost 10 years now and still love them! I also like Keene http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/product/shoes/women/cnx/clearwater%20cnx/barberry!hot%20coral for outdoor or water activities. I've had a pair of these for about 8 years now and still going strong! I'm thinking this summer, I'll by a pair of Dansko sandals. I've tried these on and they feel great http://www.dansko.com/Womens/Footwear/Styles/Sandals/Sophie/Sand%20Dollar%20Soft%20Full%20Grain/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiramisu Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 I don't know if this will help, but... I recently took my daughter for orthotics because her ankles are pronating badly. I always thought it was her lax ligaments from her dad. Well, the guy tells me it's a forefoot problem, takes a look at my feet, and tells me she got it from me. I've been having sore feet and sore knees, especially around the inside of my leg. My state just passed a low requiring insurance companies to cover orthotics. If the insurance goes through without a hitch, I'm going to get some, too, because I'm worried about my knees in the years to come. I see what happened to my grandmother's legs and I know I'm headed the same way. Anyway, Faith, it's something to think about. If you get orthotics, you can pop them into different kids of shoes and get the support you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 I find Ecco to be very good for slightly nice but very supportive shoes. I own these Clarks too - they look great with a pair of wide trousers (think Katherine Hepburn) and are fairly comfortable. I also have orthotics that I wear in boots or any shoes where there is room/less support. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 I like Birks, also. My mom, who has a bad back, likes Clarks. I also like Teva sandals, but they might not give you enough support. I like them to work in though (cleaning houses). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faithr Posted March 9, 2013 Author Share Posted March 9, 2013 Thanks everyone! The Birks I got were indeed the new soft sole, but I have plantar fasciitis and a heel spur plus arthritis in my knees. The Birks just didn't work at all. I was in agony trying to walk around in them. I've had steroid shots before when it got to the point where I could barely walk, but I am trying to avoid that again! I think I will go back to Potomac River Running and get my feet scanned and get new walking shoes. I loved the first pair I got from them but I can't remember the brand name and they did not carry them any more, so I got the shoes they recommended (Brooks) but they never have been as comfortable and now they are downright uncomfortable. In fact I've got this whole new pain, not on the bottom of my feet but on the top part which feels like a weird burning sensation. I do use Dr. Scholls inserts which help quite a bit. Anyway, thanks for all the recommendations. I know there is a shoe out there for me somewhere! Hope springs eternal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McKay Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 I've tried Birks, Tevas, Clarks and Danskos. This winter I got a pair of Merrell Encore Ice Shoes. They are so cozy and my favorite for comfort. The shoe has a sheepskin lining, so soon I'll have to switch to one of the other options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiramisu Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 Burning in your feet can be nerve related. It's probably something you should mention to your doctor sooner rather than later. Your doctor should check your B12 levels and hemoglobin AIC (a blood test that checks your glucose levels over a three month period). If your B12 levels are low, you'll feel great when you start to supplement. The limit for what's considered a deficiency is the US is higher than other countries, so you'll want to start supplementing if you're in the 400's, not just the 200's like some US doctors recommend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbi in Texas Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 I love Fitflops!! www.fitflops.com 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 I had crippling plantar fascitis a few years back, and started a thread about it, and got quite a variety of amazing suggestions. I suggest that you search for it. It's called something like 'Plantar Fascitis--What has helped you?' and I initiated it, so it should be easy to find. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 here's a great brand you've never heard of. propet I also learned from my chiro that some of my foot pain was actually tight calf muscles. (including curing me of plantar fasciites.) massaging them helped release tension and relieved the pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-bex Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 This woman has a fabulous blog about alignment, and has written a book about foot pain: http://www.amazon.com/Every-Womans-Guide-Foot-Relief/dp/1936661071 http://www.alignedandwell.com/ Some things that are hereditary are because we learn our gait from our parents. It's not genetic, it's learned! Foot problems can be caused by bad footwear, not enough barefoot time, and lack of muscular strength from underuse. I encourage you to check her out. :) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaJeanne Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 This woman has a fabulous blog about alignment, and has written a book about foot pain: http://www.amazon.co...f/dp/1936661071 http://www.alignedandwell.com/ :iagree: I have been reading her lately as well. There is some great information there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VeganCupcake Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 Plantar faciitis, knee arthritis--yep, it makes me think of Katy Bowman and body alignment linked above. Her book is great. This morning, there was also a really great blog post by one of the Restorative Exercise specialists she trains about gait and foot and ankle flexibility and strength. Counter intuitively, a really minimal flat shoe, combined with stretching and strengthening, may help you feel better. I wear Vibram Five Fingers and they have been great for helping with my hip and back issues, as well as a bit of toe arthritis I think I have. I'm also looking at some Softstar shoes for something a little more normal-looking. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carriewillard Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Read and study every page of this woman's blog: http://www.alignedandwell.com/katysays I'm not affiliated with it at all, but it's lifechanging if you have any feet/knee/hip/pelvic/back issues. Be forewarned! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 I wear Spira in white, with skirts and everything (unless it is a dressy occasion). http://www.spira.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 I have some Timberland Pro Renovas that are wonderful. They come in white for nurses, but they also come in other colors and designs. http://www.zappos.com/renova Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faithr Posted March 11, 2013 Author Share Posted March 11, 2013 Wow, thanks everybody! Thanks for all the brand names and for the blog and exercise links. It all comes down to me not exercising enough, I know. Yesterday, I actually took a walk! So I am vowing this week to try to exercise a little, just a little, every day. I am always too sedentary and then I go through spurts where I try to exercise more and soon that fades away and I am back to my old bad habits. But really, I need to take care of myself! Being in chronic pain just makes me so tired which makes me not want to exercise, which makes me more tired. Anyway, thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplejackmama Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 These are my go-to comfortable shoes. Ugly, kinda, but oh so worth it :) http://www.alegriashoes.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 I found foot relief with rolling out and working out knots in my calves and shins. I found info on the sock doc website...I think it was a video about plantar fascitis. (The foot doctor told me I had pf, heel spurs and my only option was shots and constant shoe wearing.) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sun Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 What works for you will depend on your feet. Clogs are good for a lot of people with foot/ankle/back problems. Dansko is a common brand, and the professional line has more width options. They are supposed to be looser than regular shoes, but they should stay on without any work on your part as you walk. I think clogs are often helpful because they have no flex/give at all to the soles. The rigid soles definitely help my foot problems because the problematic parts don't move nearly as much as in other shoes. For soft, cushy, amazingly lightweight comfort, I second the Skechers Go Walk recommendation. I picked up a pair at a TJ Maxx-type place, and I couldn't believe how light and soft they are. They're so soft and comfy that I'm willing to overlook their "old-lady" style. Ecco has also been great for me for walking shoes/boots. When my feet have been really bad, I always go back to my clogs because they are the most comfortable at that point. I wouldn't wear them to go for a long walk because they're too heavy, but I don't go for long walks when my feet are acting up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 Brooks running shoes. :001_wub: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 I'd probably try a shoe store that specializes in shoes for those purposes. There is a place nearby called The Good Feet Store. Based on their ads they seem to have some decent and stylish shoes (so no not what you are possibly assuming). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 I wear Alegria. BUT wear what feels good for you. I also switch shoes during the day. I have tendonitis on the inside near the ankle and terrible arthritis so different shoes hurt differently. Ice is my best friend. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 Have you determined why the feet are aching? If there's an underlying issue, then new shoes won't help long term. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 Zombie thread bumped by spam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 abeo is another good brand - I've been having issues, and am wary of my favored danskos. the abeos are very comfortable, especially with the metatarsal support. my chiro was impressed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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