Walking Shoes - suggestions?

I am still pre op (about 2 weeks to go!) and I have been stepping up my walking like mad! I am wondering if anyone has any good walking shoe suggestions for a walker that is 300+ lbs. I am up to almost 2 miles a day, but by the end of the day, my feet are absolutely killing me! I know I need better shoes, so I want to make the best choice. Thanks in advance! Debra

I had heel spurs years ago. So I have since then always tried to keep myself in good walking shoes. Nowadays there is not much improvement that they can do on shoes but there is so many with what I call commercial stuff that makes it look good but only hurts your feet. like the gel sole( not the gel insert I havent tried that) yeah right feels better tell I wear it a couple weeks then the gel part sticks out hard as a rock. My suggestion is to go to some good shoe stores and try on something make sure to get the right size. walk around the store in them for a few minuetes five or so and dont rush into buying anything. And I find good support but not fancy seems to work the best. My favorite is called Ryka. I have had these for over a year and still walking in them. Reebok and Nyka do make some good shoes but be careful as they have a lot of variety and some are not good for walking and some of theirs are commerciallized also. I also found walmart sales some good ones, Dr. Schoals (spelling?) . But be careful which ones of those also some are better than others. I am sure if you look around you will find something that works good. And as always with new shoes I break them in slowly as not to hurt my feet. And I am walking from a mile to two for over a year now and no feet problems yet. Sorry so long and hope this helps. good luck love marie

Thanks Marie! I have been told that New Balance makes good shoes for wide feet. I am going to have to go to a good store. I think I have a heel spur on my right heel. I haven't been officially diagnosed, but it sure feels like the one I had years ago. I need to get it checked, it really bothers me some days. Thanks for the input Marie.

Hi Debra, Wow you are already up to 2 miles.. it took me 6 months to go that far..good for you. I wear New Balance 620 extra wide. I like them, I also have heel spurs. I buy them on line because alot of the time the stores don't have the extra wide in stock. Good luck.. Lynn

Hi Debra, I have very wide feet..well..one foot is more swollen then the other one. I also have heel spurs so I have shoe issues. I hate to wear shoes by the way..and have wore the same sandals till now they are almost ready for the tra**** was sugested by my podiatrist that New Balance and I think Nike are the brands that have the wider widths. I ended up buying a New Balance pair of Men's shoes because they tend to run wider. They are working for me..for the first time in ever so long I can wear walking shoes without pinching pain. I can even tie them puppies with no problem at all now! Good luck finding that perfect pair. Hugs and stitchesGinger

Debra, I vote for New Balance. Once you lose weight and your feet shrink (which they will), move on to Asics Gels. Both are great for the heavier walker. Lori 384/237/199 (I'm averaging close to 4.5 miles a day walking)

Lori, You are walking 4.5 miles a day.. first where do you get the time, second "how?" Do you do it all at once? I am having a heck of time doing 2 miles. Of course I still have lots and lots to lose. It gives me hope that someday I will be able to walk as far as you. My husband and I are planning a trip to Vegas in October, so I need to increase my walking so I will be ready for that. Thanks, Lynn

Lynn, I have, but, do not usually do all my walking at once. I once walked 6 miles at once. My knees hurt for a week! I typically walk for 30 minutes on the treadmill, which is close to 2 miles, in the morning at 5 am. Then I do weights for 30 minutes. Then I walk alot on my job going to meetings at the hospital (I always park as far away as I possibly can) and get in another 1 or 2 miles. Then I walk for about 30 to 45 minutes at night around my neighborhood. I wear a pedometer and try to get in 10,000 steps a day which is about 5 miles. Some days I do much more, some less, so that is why my average is 4.5. I did not start out this way! I had my surgery May 2005. Didn't start walking much or really exercising until August 2005. I had to start with walking around the block. Now, 10 months later...woohoo...I can walk! I've been very consistent exercising 5 to 6 days a week. I think that is what it takes, but, you must work up to it. You will do it Lynn! And you will get so that you enjoy it so much (at least the endorphins you get) that nothing will stop you! Lori 384/237/199

I can also recommend New Balance - I just got a new pair, and boy are they wonderful! Walking never felt better! Janet