Ping: Laurie in Maine, walking shoe query

This question is aimed at Laurie because she walks so much, but
anyone else is free to chime in too. The question is: how does
one know when their walking shoes need replacing?

A few years ago, I went to see a podiatrist because my feet
were cramped and sore, especially where the toe meets the foot
on the top side. He told me to get some shoes with good support
(I normally wear Reeboks Classics, which are cute, but are not
very supportive). So I got some Brooks walking shoes at Big 5;
they worked great for walking, shopping, etc. but lately they
seem to be getting harder, less springy, and my feet are getting
sore again sometimes.

Do I need new shoes, and if so, is there a brand you really
like or should I stick with what I've been using? Or, should
I see the podiatrist again? I don't want to be an alarmist,
it's just that walking is my favorite form of cardio, so I
need my feet to be in their best shape. And they deserve the
pampering; they've been carrying a big load for the last 10
years. ;-)

Thanks for any advice...


--
J.J. in WA State
(251/241/150)

Hi J.J.... it sounds like your shoes are getting close to the end of their
useful life! When in doubt, replace them. I like New Balance, they are the
most comfy sneakers I've ever worn!

"J.J. in WA State" wrote in message
...
This question is aimed at Laurie because she walks so much, but
anyone else is free to chime in too. The question is: how does
one know when their walking shoes need replacing?

A few years ago, I went to see a podiatrist because my feet
were cramped and sore, especially where the toe meets the foot
on the top side. He told me to get some shoes with good support
(I normally wear Reeboks Classics, which are cute, but are not
very supportive). So I got some Brooks walking shoes at Big 5;
they worked great for walking, shopping, etc. but lately they
seem to be getting harder, less springy, and my feet are getting
sore again sometimes.

Do I need new shoes, and if so, is there a brand you really
like or should I stick with what I've been using? Or, should
I see the podiatrist again? I don't want to be an alarmist,
it's just that walking is my favorite form of cardio, so I
need my feet to be in their best shape. And they deserve the
pampering; they've been carrying a big load for the last 10
years. ;-)

Thanks for any advice...


--
J.J. in WA State
(251/241/150)

J.J. in WA State wrote:

The question is: how does
one know when their walking shoes need replacing?

I have read that they should be replaced every so many miles, but there
comes a time when I just know the shoes are shot. I can tell because my
feet and legs are just more tired when I'm done. I wore out 5 pair the
year I lost weight. I have made a couple mistakes being a Thrify Yankee
but have also had $60. shoes that were terrible *for me*. Sometimes gel
insoles can make a shoe wonderful. I always needed a lot of support when
I was heavy. Now I just think it makes sense?

Right now, I'm totally enamored with Reebox Velowalk DMX that I got at TJ
Max for $30. Once I knew they were the real deal, I went back and got 2
more pair. Other than my treadmill, shoes are the only money I spend on
exercise. Oops! and my beloved iPod s

On a hot summer day, stopping at the village landing and soaking the feet
in the cold salt water is very nice!

Keep walking, J.J.!!

--
Walking on . . .
Laurie in Maine
207/110 60 inches of attitude!
Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03

On Wed, 17 Mar 2004 20:08:08 -0600, "Perple Gyrl"
wrote:

Hi J.J.... it sounds like your shoes are getting close to the end of their
useful life! When in doubt, replace them. I like New Balance, they are the
most comfy sneakers I've ever worn!

I also like New Balance. I wear New Balance 1220s. These are
described as running shoes, but also are excellent for walking. (It
was recommended to me to buy running shoes even if I just wanted them
for walking. And now that I run as well these are good general
purpose shoes.)

I also use separately-purchased orthotic insoles in my shoes. I like
the Superfeet brand, but there are other good ones as well.

I purchase my shoes and insoles from www.newbalancewebexpress.com,
which often has some good closeout buys. You might want to check it
out.

Chris (just a happy customer -- not affiliated)

I purchase my shoes and insoles from www.newbalancewebexpress.com,
which often has some good closeout buys. You might want to check it
out.

Chris (just a happy customer -- not affiliated)

In the running group they are usually naming New Balance,
Reebok and Nike as best running shoes.
I am running with Nike shoes but I shall soon replace them.
I had a new pair of shoes but they are not enough cushioned for
running.
I felt every single stone when I ran with them, therefore I only ran
with them once.

Cool.. thanks... I have to buy size 9 men's wides to fit my 11 feet. This
is equivalent to Womens 11 wide... which I can't find anywhere!! I look
forward to researching this site...

"Chris Braun" wrote in message

I purchase my shoes and insoles from www.newbalancewebexpress.com,
which often has some good closeout buys. You might want to check it
out.

Chris (just a happy customer -- not affiliated)

Hark! I heard Chris Braun say:
On Wed, 17 Mar 2004 20:08:08 -0600, "Perple Gyrl"
wrote:

Hi J.J.... it sounds like your shoes are getting close to the end of their
useful life! When in doubt, replace them. I like New Balance, they are the
most comfy sneakers I've ever worn!

I also like New Balance. I wear New Balance 1220s. These are
described as running shoes, but also are excellent for walking. (It
was recommended to me to buy running shoes even if I just wanted them
for walking. And now that I run as well these are good general
purpose shoes.)

I also use separately-purchased orthotic insoles in my shoes. I like
the Superfeet brand, but there are other good ones as well.

I purchase my shoes and insoles from www.newbalancewebexpress.com,
which often has some good closeout buys. You might want to check it
out.

Thanks for the input, both of you -- I'll check out that web site
ASAP. Also, if I can get down to 239 by Sunday (one more pound and
I'll finally be under 240!), we're going out for a nice dinner in
Olympia and will go by Big 5 again to see what they have.

And speaking of the "nice dinner", that's usually a trip to the
Outback (I love their steaks). Before January, that meant the
fried mushrooms appetizer (shared with the family), creamy onion
soup OR a salad with lots of blue cheese dressing and croutons,
a 10 oz. steak (although I would have half for breakfast the next
day), baked potato with everything, 2-3 pieces of bread with butter,
and occasionally, dessert. Whew! I can't believe I used to eat so
much!

If/when we go on Sunday, I'll skip the appetizer and soup/salad,
have a 7 oz. steak, get steamed veggies w/butter sauce instead of
potato, maybe one piece of bread (no butter). According to Dietpower,
that works out to 675 calories and 23g of carbs (which I do have to
be aware of, being diabetic). That still leaves me with 825 calories
for the rest of Sunday, and no guilt!!

I'm excited about this, because over the weeks I've learned that I
can go out, enjoy a nice meal, and stick to my diet. That's probably
old news to most of you, but it's something I didn't think was possible.
I didn't realize how much food you can eat and still keep the calories
low. This gives me great hope for how I'll handle maintenance, and not
gaining the weight back, as I have in the past. I finally understand
that it doesn't have to be all or nothing -- good food choices don't
have to mean feeling deprived... :-)


--
J.J. in WA State
(251/240/150)

Hark! I heard SnugBear say:
J.J. in WA State wrote:

The question is: how does
one know when their walking shoes need replacing?

I have read that they should be replaced every so many miles, but there
comes a time when I just know the shoes are shot. I can tell because my
feet and legs are just more tired when I'm done. I wore out 5 pair the
year I lost weight. I have made a couple mistakes being a Thrify Yankee
but have also had $60. shoes that were terrible *for me*. Sometimes gel
insoles can make a shoe wonderful. I always needed a lot of support when
I was heavy. Now I just think it makes sense?

Yup, I'm with you. Thanks for the input; I hope to go shoe shopping
this weekend.

Right now, I'm totally enamored with Reebox Velowalk DMX that I got at TJ
Max for $30. Once I knew they were the real deal, I went back and got 2
more pair. Other than my treadmill, shoes are the only money I spend on
exercise. Oops! and my beloved iPod s

I have a Rio Sport mp3 player -- I can't walk without it! Well, slight
exaggeration, one time I didn't realize the battery was dead until I was
already at my walking trail. I went without the music (hard rock/heavy
metal), but I didn't enjoy it as much. ;-)

On a hot summer day, stopping at the village landing and soaking the feet
in the cold salt water is very nice!

I'm sooo jealous -- we used to live on a large body of salt water, and I
loved it. I'm hoping we can retire there someday.

Keep walking, J.J.!!

Thanks for the encouragement, Laurie!


--
J.J. in WA State
(251/240/150)

J.J. in WA State wrote:

I have a Rio Sport mp3 player -- I can't walk without it! Well, slight
exaggeration, one time I didn't realize the battery was dead until I
was already at my walking trail. I went without the music (hard
rock/heavy metal), but I didn't enjoy it as much. ;-)

It's just not the same without music. My battery died right at the
midpoint of a 5 mile loop last week and I was not a happy camper, uhh,
walker. The last song that had been playing was stuck in my head for
2.5 miles. grrrrrrr

--
Walking on . . .
Laurie in Maine
207/110 60 inches of attitude!
Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03

A few years ago, I went to see a podiatrist because my feet
were cramped and sore, especially where the toe meets the foot
on the top side. He told me to get some shoes with good support
(I normally wear Reeboks Classics, which are cute, but are not
very supportive). So I got some Brooks walking shoes at Big 5;
they worked great for walking, shopping, etc. but lately they
seem to be getting harder, less springy, and my feet are getting
sore again sometimes.

Sounds to me like your shoes are done. I would definately recommend
getting a new pair ASAP.


Do I need new shoes, and if so, is there a brand you really
like or should I stick with what I've been using? Or, should
I see the podiatrist again? I don't want to be an alarmist,
it's just that walking is my favorite form of cardio, so I
need my feet to be in their best shape. And they deserve the
pampering; they've been carrying a big load for the last 10
years. ;-)

If your not sure what shoes to get, it's a good idea to take your old
ones and go to a store that specializes in athletic shoes. They can
tell by the bottom of your shoe if you need certain kinds of support.

My own experience has taught me that my feet are certainly worth every
penny I spend on them. I have very flat feet. For a long time I just
wore Nikes, any old pair I thought was cute. I was always getting
blisters and my heals often hurt. I even ended up needing physical
therapy for my knee because of my flat feet.

My physical therapist suggested I get fitted at a running shoe store.
My work outs have been heaven since I got a good pair of running
shoes. I still am amazed that buying new shoes doesn't involve
getting blisters! Don't let the name running shoe decive you, they
will work for walking too!

Best of luck to you.

Lisa
190/170/145