Decent walking runners

R11

I'm 5' 11, 17 and half stone male and am very unfit. Had total hip replacement in 2013 due to Perthes disease. I'm pretty sedentary. Last week I signed up to walk 100km in 30 days (by the end of June) to raise money for breast cancer. I've walked just over 36km since last Sunday, walked just over 6km today in an hour. I have a pair of Nike air max but they're now starting to cause blisters on my heel. I also suffer from lower back pain but thankfully it not as bad as it was at beginning of the week. Sorry about the long winded intro but thought it might be helpful.
So, can anyone recommend a decent pair of walking runners to suit someone like me? I have wide feet so that's why I tend to go for Nikes. Budget would be €100 max...

ILoveYourVibes

Hello!

Firstly sorry to hear about the Hip issue. 36 KM since Sunday is a lot well done and on the 6k today.

I think it might be best for you to go to the store only they can take a look at your feet and you and recommend something.

Hope you find what you are looking for

tamara25

New balance & Skechers. Both wide fitting & I have found them very comfortable & lasted years

chicken foot

Ive a wide foot too with a neutral gait (Elverys will test you). Ive been wearing Brooks Ghost for years now and I swear by them. It is like walking on well supported clouds!. Theyre not cheap, about €140 but no more than youd pay for the Nike Air.

calfmuscle

chicken foot wrote: »

Ive a wide foot too with a neutral gait (Elverys will test you). Ive been wearing Brooks Ghost for years now and I swear by them. It is like walking on well supported clouds!. Theyre not cheap, about €140 but no more than youd pay for the Nike Air.

Totally agree Iv a neutral foot and love my Brooks ghost. Incredibly comfortable with great support.

When your buying shoes pick them up and twist the shoe, you will see some brands and models twist easily as they dont offer much support. Go for the more firm shoes. Your nike air max offer a lot of support!.

You could try double socking too. So put a nylon sock under your normal sock to help reduce friction. Most Tesco's have these.

Well done on taking on the challenge. If things get really tough you can always break down the walks to 2km 3 times a day etc. Just dont get a repetitive stress injury as itll ruin your motivation!

Enjoy!

R11

calfmuscle wrote: »

Just dont get a repetitive stress injury as itll ruin your motivation!

Enjoy!

What's repetitive stress injury? Or how will I know?

R11

There's a pair of Brooks Ghost 12 runners on ebay for £92, so just over €100. Worth a punt?

calfmuscle

R11 wrote: »

What's repetitive stress injury? Or how will I know?

Lots of ppl who suddenly take up walking every day will get shin splints or planterfacitis . So just be careful to stretch and (as you are doing) wear good footwear!

Alf Veedersane

I used to wear the 1000 mile socks for running and when I switched to those I stopped getting any level of blister.

Really reduces the friction between shoe and skin. Worth a try because you've decent runners and it's likely just the toll the extra mileage over and above what you're used to that is causing any issues

ExMachina1000

Asics Cumulous range is very good. Easy on the joints

R11

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

I used to wear the 1000 mile socks for running and when I switched to those I stopped getting any level of blister.

Really reduces the friction between shoe and skin. Worth a try because you've decent runners and it's likely just the toll the extra mileage over and above what you're used to that is causing any issues

Never heard of them! Looked them up on amazon so I'll grab a pair. My Air Max are probably 3 years old at this stage, they're a bit worn at this stage so maybe it's time I upgraded! I'll go into Elverys tomorrow to get sized up properly and I'll search online for bargains!

DoozerT6

I had a pair of Skechers a couple of years ago and they were very comfortable for walking. However, they had the memory foam insoles and I found the foam completely wore away where the ball of my foot sat within just a few months making them unusable, which was a shame because they were in perfect condition otherwise.

I now have a pair of Asics that I got on sale last year and they are still in perfect nick and never hurt or rubbed my feet. Actually I might throw them on and go for a walk now

R11

DoozerT6 wrote: »

I had a pair of Skechers a couple of years ago and they were very comfortable for walking. However, they had the memory foam insoles and I found the foam completely wore away where the ball of my foot sat within just a few months making them unusable, which was a shame because they were in perfect condition otherwise.

I now have a pair of Asics that I got on sale last year and they are still in perfect nick and never hurt or rubbed my feet. Actually I might throw them on and go for a walk now

Yeh, a neighbour of mine recommends Asics. I never heard of Brooks runners before but they look decent also

Flickerfusion

I’m not sure what version of Sketchers have, but they’re far too bouncy. I found them extremely weird to walk in.

Alf Veedersane

R11 wrote: »

Never heard of them! Looked them up on amazon so I'll grab a pair. My Air Max are probably 3 years old at this stage, they're a bit worn at this stage so maybe it's time I upgraded! I'll go into Elverys tomorrow to get sized up properly and I'll search online for bargains!

They've two layers...the idea being that one moves with your foot and the other with the shoe so less chance of blisters. Used

Outkast_IRE

I know you asked for runners and i am not sure why. Runners are designed to make the most of jogging / running. They are not optimal for walking long distances.


A dedicated pair of walking shoes are your best bet in my opinion. I buy an ecco pair once every year or two and put 100s of km on them per year walking the dogs usually.



Bio-mechanically walking and running are quite different. There are plenty of articles online you can look up , but if walking long distances get walking shoes.

R11

But I won't be walking big distances. Probably do between 6 to 8 kms on a good day. But if walking shoes suit me better, I'll look into them.
Edit. Nice pair of Ecco Terracruise on amazon for £78....would they suit me better than Asics or Brooks?

R11

OmegaGene wrote: »

asics would be fine for moderate walking like that in my opinion, you could try on a few pairs in sports direct maybe

Any particular brand? Kayano, cumulus etc... Should I get the gel ones? I'd like a casual pair, not books so that's why I like the asics/brooks /ecco ones.

calfmuscle

R11 wrote: »

Any particular brand? Kayano, cumulus etc... Should I get the gel ones? I'd like a casual pair, not books so that's why I like the asics/brooks /ecco ones.

Nobody can answer as we dont know your foot type. As said earlier brooks ghost are for s neutral foot. Asics kayano are for pronation.

I agree about sketchers no real support Nd I never buy them or recommend them to my patients.

R11

calfmuscle wrote: »

Nobody can answer as we dont know your foot type. As said earlier brooks ghost are for s neutral foot. Asics kayano are for pronation.

I agree about sketchers no real support Nd I never buy them or recommend them to my patients.

OK, I just watched YouTube video on foot pronation. I'm kinda in between normal and under pronation.

GalwayGrrrrrl

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

I know you asked for runners and i am not sure why. Runners are designed to make the most of jogging / running. They are not optimal for walking long distances.


A dedicated pair of walking shoes are your best bet in my opinion. I buy an ecco pair once every year or two and put 100s of km on them per year walking the dogs usually.



Bio-mechanically walking and running are quite different. There are plenty of articles online you can look up , but if walking long distances get walking shoes.

I agree with this. Unless you are planning to progress to running you are better off looking at walking shoes.
I have been running for 20+ years and always buy ASICS GT 1000 online in last year’s colours to save money. Avoid sketchers at all costs. They feel really soft when you try them on but they lose shape and support very quickly if you are walking every day in them.

R11

GalwayGrrrrrl wrote: »

I agree with this. Unless you are planning to progress to running you are better off looking at walking shoes.
I have been running for 20+ years and always buy ASICS GT 1000 online in last year’s colours to save money. Avoid sketchers at all costs. They feel really soft when you try them on but they lose shape and support very quickly if you are walking every day in them.

Yes,I'll steer clear of Skechers. So am I better off going for a pair of Ecco walking shoes like this- https://www.amazon.co.uk/ECCO-Terracruise-Hiking-Shoes-Black/dp/B07DTMGDBJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=ETSEVWZYURH6&dchild=1&keywords=ecco+walking+shoes+men&qid=1592166035&refinements=p_n_size_browse-vebin%3A1920035031%2Cp_72%3A419153031&rnid=419152031&s=shoes&sprefix=ecco+walk%2Caps%2C142&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRzMxUzE2RkxFRTZNJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTI1MDk3Uk5VMkVTQzlDOUtFJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyNjkxMTgzUjNJR0dBQVU4NEc5JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

I won't be walking big distances but hope to keep this up and get out regularly from now on.....Seems its either walking shoes or Asics???

Outkast_IRE

R11 wrote: »

Yes,I'll steer clear of Skechers. So am I better off going for a pair of Ecco walking shoes like this- https://www.amazon.co.uk/ECCO-Terracruise-Hiking-Shoes-Black/dp/B07DTMGDBJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=ETSEVWZYURH6&dchild=1&keywords=ecco+walking+shoes+men&qid=1592166035&refinements=p_n_size_browse-vebin%3A1920035031%2Cp_72%3A419153031&rnid=419152031&s=shoes&sprefix=ecco+walk%2Caps%2C142&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRzMxUzE2RkxFRTZNJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTI1MDk3Uk5VMkVTQzlDOUtFJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyNjkxMTgzUjNJR0dBQVU4NEc5JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

I won't be walking big distances but hope to keep this up and get out regularly from now on.....Seems its either walking shoes or Asics???

If you think you will be doing some walking in all weathers a good few ecco shoes are available with the goretex lining , really helps keeping the feet dry in rain or if there is alot of surface water.

If it's possible try and call in store and try them on .

R11

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

If you think you will be doing some walking in all weathers a good few ecco shoes are available with the goretex lining , really helps keeping the feet dry in rain or if there is alot of surface water.

Ok,would Ecco be the best brand?Just looking on amazon here and there's Columbia,Merrell,Grisport, Mountain Warehouse,Salomon,adidas and a few others. Ideally,would like a pair with a runner look and not big boots!

GalwayGrrrrrl

Really with shoes the best way is to go into a shop and try some on. You can always order them online after, even though that is cheeky! Also sizes vary, for example I’m a 6 in sketchers (which I wear for work, not long distances) but a 7 in ASICS which I wear for exercise.
If you are near Dublin Decathlon have just opened. They usually have a wide range of walking/hiking and running shoes at varying prices.

Outkast_IRE

R11 wrote: »

Ok,would Ecco be the best brand?Just looking on amazon here and there's Columbia,Merrell,Grisport, Mountain Warehouse,Salomon,adidas and a few others. Ideally,would like a pair with a runner look and not big boots!

It would be better to go into a shop and try them on , I have had Merrell before as well and they are grand . I think the ecco build quality is good, have had several pairs that I have walked through until there was holes in the soles and they were great right the way through.

For your first pair go try some on , they can all vary slightly between width at the toes , cushioning , comfort .

R11

Cheers,not a lot of stores have walking shoes where I am and I'm an hour from Dublin. I'll pop into elverys and sports direct tomorrow so.

ILoveYourVibes

R11 wrote: »

OK, I just watched YouTube video on foot pronation. I'm kinda in between normal and under pronation.

Just look at the outside sole of the runners you wear for walking now. See where they are run down most ..that will tell you if you or not.

Have your feet checked in the store etc.

Good luck xx

R11

ILoveYourVibes wrote: »

Just look at the outside sole of the runners you wear for walking now. See where they are run down most ..that will tell you if you or not.

Have your feet checked in the store etc.

Good luck xx

Cheers, they tend to wear on the back outside more than inside.

ILoveYourVibes

R11 wrote: »

Cheers, they tend to wear on the back outside more than inside.

You land a little supinated at the back and on your heel.

Its not necessarily a bad thing as you are only walking though.

Bring your old pair with you into the shop you go to ....show them.

R11

ILoveYourVibes wrote: »

You land a little supinated at the back and on your heel.

Its not necessarily a bad thing as you are only walking though.

Bring your old pair with you into the shop you go to ....show them.

Yes, the outside back of both heels tends to wear quicker. What's your opinion - walking shoes or Asics runners?

chicken foot

You do really need to try runners on to see how they feel for you. I love Brooks because they make my foot feel secure and they have great cushioning but others may prefer a lighter runner. If you've any inclination about progressing to jogging then def stick to the runner. Also, sizing is a bit different when buying running shoes. Im a 5 but tend to go for a 6 as your feet swell when your clocking up the mileage.

Just to confirm what others said, sketchers are not for running. Ive a pair for leisure wear, accidentally wore them on a two mile walk with the kids and my feet were burning after. However, they do a walking runner that i bought for my 65yr old mother and she loves them but obviously her needs are different. Get yourself into elverys theyll put you on the machine and guide you in the right direction.

R11

chicken foot wrote: »

If you've any inclination about progressing to jogging then def stick to the runner

I defo won't be running as I had hip replacement. I just don't like the look of most of the walking shoes... But if they're more suitable for me, I'll try get a runnery type. I'll try get into Elverys tomorrow.

I would also recommend 1000 mile socks, I've bought all my pairs in Elverys.
Going into Elverys is well worth it, the staff can guide you towards what type trainers will suit your feet and needs.
Best of luck

R11

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I would also recommend 1000 mile socks, I've bought all my pairs in Elverys.
Going into Elverys is well worth it, the staff can guide you towards what type trainers will suit your feet and needs.
Best of luck

Just looked them up on Elverys site, there's a few different types - 1000 mile run anklet, 1000 mile trail and 1000 mile fusion anklet, 1000 mile trainer liner ... Are they all the same? Some are twin packs, others are single pack.

chancer12

My physio recommended either Brooks or Asics, have both, never blister. Best of luck

R11

R11 wrote: »

Just looked them up on Elverys site, there's a few different types - 1000 mile run anklet, 1000 mile trail and 1000 mile fusion anklet, 1000 mile trainer liner ... Are they all the same? Some are twin packs, others are single pack.

I had to have a look myself there to see what mine are called, I have the fusion anklet at the moment.
I find them very reliable, and they have lasted me a long time. My ankles used to suffer a lot from my shoes rubbing through my socks while hill walking and hiking. The 1000 mile socks are made of 2 layers to prevent this from happening.
A good few years ago, I limped to the end of a mini marathon, and someone recommended the brand to me. My ankles and feet have been happy ever since

Fingers crossed that you get pointed in a good direction tomorrow, and maybe even find a bargain!

Alf Veedersane

OmegaGene wrote: »

Regular Nike socks have done me fine for years, I’ve yet to have a blister tbh what’s so special about these socks ?

I rarely get blisters but I got them a few times with new runners. I got them when I started training for marathons as well, which was as much a function of the distance as anything else.

Wore them with new work shoes as well a few times.

It reduces the frictions against the skin because it has two layers so is like a sock inside a sock. It's not rocket science but if you're getting blisters, it makes a big difference.

R11

Went to Elverys today, they don't do the sizing due to Covid restrictions. But the guy recommended Asics and Brooks. Asics were comfy but the Brooks were amazing, like walking on clouds. €140 but so I went into sports direct and got a pair of Asics gel contend 6,very comfy, wide fitting and €52. Going out for a walk shortly for a test walk!

calfmuscle

R11 wrote: »

Went to Elverys today, they don't do the sizing due to Covid restrictions. But the guy recommended Asics and Brooks. Asics were comfy but the Brooks were amazing, like walking on clouds. €140 but so I went into sports direct and got a pair of Asics gel contend 6,very comfy, wide fitting and €52. Going out for a walk shortly for a test walk!

Hope it works out well for you

R11

calfmuscle wrote: »

Hope it works out well for you

Thanks. For the relatively short walks that I do, they'll do me fine. Just did a 4km walk, very comfy, no blisters or heel pain. So that's a good start.

ILoveYourVibes

R11 wrote: »

Yes, the outside back of both heels tends to wear quicker. What's your opinion - walking shoes or Asics runners?

If you are walking on mountains ....walking shoes. IF you are walking on paths ..runners ..but honestly you need someone to see your feet to say what you should do.

Also TIP DO NOT BREAK IN YOUR NEW SHOES /RUNNERS on a walk....wear them about the house for a bit ....or your feet will be wrecked in new shoes /runners after 4k walks etc.

CraftySue

67 year old Mother, walks everyday, has discovered and swears by Brookes, so much so, she has half her neighbours wearing them, and her sisters and now I'm on the lookout for a pair.

R11

OmegaGene wrote: »

The start of that post sounded like a dating profile

No harm giving a bit of background info.....

Ceepo

[quote="ILoveYourVibes;113769959" ..but honestly you need someone to see your feet to say what you should do.

Also TIP DO NOT BREAK IN YOUR NEW SHOES /RUNNERS on a walk....wear them about the house for a bit ....or your feet will be wrecked in new shoes /runners after 4k walks etc.[/quote]

Like who and why?

As for the 2nd part. That's a bit of a myth for runners. While that might have been the case for harder leather shoes it's a bit different with runners.
Most runners are fine straight out of the box of course there will be some that are not, if these these are causing a issue from the off then you'll find they always cause an issue.

ILoveYourVibes

Ceepo wrote: »

Like who and why?

As for the 2nd part. That's a bit of a myth for runners. While that might have been the case for harder leather shoes it's a bit different with runners.
Most runners are fine straight out of the box of course there will be some that are not, if these these are causing a issue from the off then you'll find they always cause an issue.

I speak from personal experience ...no it definitely makes a huge difference ...its not a myth. I have made that mistake myself I learnt the hard way.

You can feel it in your calves for a start. Runners do soften ...even the perfect running shoe that feels it fits like a glove at first will hurt after 6k or so because your feet expand differently in each new shoe...you can't go a size up etc it will be too lose.

Plus its not just the size shape around your foot its the hardness of the sole.

Your muscles feel MUCH more tired after new shoes the next day after a run. THAT more than anything is what happens for me anyway.

So if i get new shoes i keep the old ones and alternate for a bit. One day old shoes next day new ones.

At this stage i know the runners i need and like for me.

But before ..my thing was this ..
I basically asked in a running shop sports store for someone with some experience of fitting shoes for runners. I would ask them what mileage the runners have in them etc.

Where the cushioning is in runners used to be more important for me. But as my gait improved it became less important.


But if you need more stability ..or have weak ankles ...certain runners give more motion control. If you underpronate you need more cushioning.

The person fitting will see there is enough room in the width for long walking etc lengthwise too. They need to see your arch etc.

Think about it if you think these things don't matter ...the OP is buying NEW runners because the older ones are destroying their feet.

This stuff matters. My feet have bled and gotten blisters etc

The OP will know themselves in future what they life.

If you don't want to break in YOUR shoes that's cool. I NEED to ...or its no joke. Everyone is diff.

Alf Veedersane

As you said, everyone is different. Which is why you don't need to talk in absolutes like "your feet will be wrecked in new shoes /runners after 4k walks etc".

Might be applicable for you but not others.

Especially since you said that more than a day after the OP wore them for a 4k walk with no issue and found them comfortable.

You don't need to tell somebody that something is 1 because it's 1 for you. It might be 0 for them.
It also might be anywhere between.

angel eyes 2012

calfmuscle wrote: »

Lots of ppl who suddenly take up walking every day will get shin splints or planterfacitis . So just be careful to stretch and (as you are doing) wear good footwear!

Don't mean to go off topic but I was diagnosed with planterfacitis last week after attempting 10k walk most days during lockdown. Now I'm back to square one, hobbling around in pain and still overweight. I thought the condition was made up until others in work mentioned that they suffer from it too.

I have asics trainers that I haven't worn in over a year, I was wearing Reebok for the walks but they are clearly more for leisure than proper walking and may have caused the damage. What basic stretches should I be doing as I have to get back walking one way or the other despite the pain.

calfmuscle

angel eyes 2012 wrote: »

Don't mean to go off topic but I was diagnosed with planterfacitis last week after attempting 10k walk most days during lockdown. Now I'm back to square one, hobbling around in pain and still overweight. I thought the condition was made up until others in work mentioned that they suffer from it too.

I have asics trainers that I haven't worn in over a year, I was wearing Reebok for the walks but they are clearly more for leisure than proper walking and may have caused the damage. What basic stretches should I be doing as I have to get back walking one way or the other despite the pain.

Invest in yourself and go to a chartered physiotherapist. It's a small amount of money to spend to get back to what you enjoy.

ILoveYourVibes

angel eyes 2012 wrote: »

I have asics trainers that I haven't worn in over a year, I was wearing Reebok for the walks but they are clearly more for leisure than proper walking and may have caused the damage. .

Yep.

What basic stretches should I be doing as I have to get back walking one way or the other despite the pain

Honestly ask a DR if you are in pain about it ..or a physio etc. I would give you some but when i did that before the mod said it was giving medical advice.

I hope you get better. My father had plantar fascitis ...he got over it completely tho with exercises.

Ceepo

ILoveYourVibes wrote: »

Yep.



Honestly ask a DR if you are in pain about it ..or a physio etc. I would give you some but when i did that before the mod said it was giving medical advice.

I hope you get better. My father had plantar fascitis ...he got over it completely tho with exercises.

A few have stated that Reebook are a fashion trainer/shoe.
This depends in the model that you get, which is no different that any other brand of runners.
Reebook "float ride" runners are made from "pebax" foam. This is the same foam that Nike use in their high end Pegasus turbo, and top end and probably the most used line of racing shoes, the Nike 4%, Next%, and Alpha fly.