Walking shoes/shock absorption

ElaineGr

My greatest love was walking in the countryside but this is difficult with arthritic knees. My Grisport walking shoes do not seem to absorb shock as much as I would like given that now I mostly walk on the tarmac lanes. Anyone found any good sturdy waterproof shoes that work for them?

claudsl

Hello @ElaineGr

I don't do enough walking to be able to give recommendations but hopefully someone with more knowledge on this can help!

All the best! Claudia x

Baloo

@ElaineGr

One decided to buy a pair of slightly oversize kitchen work shoes with shock absorbing heels, velcro strap, designed for chefs who stand all day, oil-proof.

Wearing size 11 when I take size 10 was a bit weird, especially climbing into taxis. Great for puddles.

I wouldn't say they are designed for walking on rough paths but I haven't worn anything else since. They fitted like a glove. The toe is starting to peel off but they are still going. I have a second pair on standby after I found the first pair so good. I would say they increased my walking distance without pain to about 6k a day but thats all.

PJoanne

Hello @ElaineGr

I stand all day for my job, I wear Sketchers Max Cushioning. Not sure they are up to par for country walking (not waterproof) but they have definitely reduced foot pain considerably.

Best Joanne

PaulS

I find any of the 500 series of walking shoes from decathlon to work for me and I walk long distance on paved and unpaved paths with them. I have osteoarthritis in both knees and hips.

Bryony

I'm also currently looking for similar shoes as my current pair (they were approach shoes and the make is no longer available) are falling apart, so am interested in the replies to this! These were the type of shoes I had decided to look at first:

Trail running shoes. They have the cushioning / shock absorption and many are waterproofed, and do seem to be bought by people who are not runners but have jobs where they are on their feet all the time.

Also waterproofed trainers.

I found this useful page yesterday which gives some suggestions of suitable type of shoes :

https://nkactive.co.uk/best-shoes-for-managing-knee-osteoarthritis/

With Black Friday coming up soon you may find some good deals, as good shoes are usually not cheap.

ElaineGr

I have today bought a pair of Merrill Speed Strike 2 Goretex walking shoes ( at a well discounted price!). They immediately felt more cushioned in the shop but time will tell!

Jalexp

Hi ElaineGr and the rest of the group.

A few months back we went on a short holiday and I went into a discount shop where I saw some trainers. They are called GEOX trainers and have excellent cushioning made of tiny air 'balloons' within the sole. The make were GEOX spherica and you can buy online. I've just bought another pair because they are so good. I've had a full knee replacement and severe arthritis of the other knee, but these shoes are just a little bigger (even though the same UK size) and the cushioning is brilliant. They have eased a lot of the pains I have when I'm out walking. ;-)

jamieA

Hi @ElaineGr

I saw a rheumatology podiatrist a couple of years ago who suggested a Hoka make rocker type running shoe with a carbon fibre plate in it for walking. She said the rocker shape is beneficial to walking with arthritic knees and the plate gives a spring and support for the ball of your foot. As well as damaged knees I was diagnosed with arthritis of the metatarsial. Unfortunately I have wide feet and they don't do a wide fitting version. I ended up getting Skechers rocker type in a wide fit and have stayed with this brand. They do a waterproof version. For bad weather I've got proper walking shoes and boots with Vibram soles. They are a bit heavier but the Vibram soles give a lot of support and are rocker shaped.

I was really surprised when my son (who is a runner) told me that running shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles.

Bryony

Glad you found some to suit.

Spent most of yesterday in York searching out footwear, though didn't get into the centre of town to the specialist running/climbing shops.

I'm desperately needing everyday shoes for the shopping and driving, and that are also good for impromtu walks. Over the previous 20+ years I loved the Five Ten Camp Four approach shoes and wore them for just about everything. Unfortunately Adidas brought the brand and discontinued the approach shoes.

Tried the mainstream trainer shops and two outdoor shops. Not impressed. A lot of cheap trainers that don't look as if they will last more than a few miles of walking. Some so cushioned that they are not suitable for walking, but may be great for standing on one spot all day! Others very stiff. Skechers used to be good but they seem to be after the cheap fashion market now.

In the end I settled for Decathlon's Arpenaz 500 Revival walking shoes which are styled like trainers used to be, and superficially look like some of the very expensive approach shoes. They are leather rather than fabric, which I prefer. They seemed the most comfortable of any I tried. Cheap and cheerful and not water resistant, and not available in women's sizes (size 39 upwards only). I don't expect them to last very long - but should hopefully keep me going until I find something better.

I'll try and track down Meindl's walking shoes, see if they have something suitable. I've had their boots for years.

Those GEOX trainers look good, but they seem to be only in London.

ElaineGr

I have come across Geox before and believe they are good shoes so that’s a brand to keep an eye on. It’s difficult because feet are so different but it seens like we all have shock absorption as the big priority! Interesting recommendations and ideas to keep for future use, thank you.