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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: TheBR on 16:39:36, 22/01/20

Title: Looking for some sturdy walking shoes - but there's a catch
Post by: TheBR on 16:39:36, 22/01/20
Hi All,

I am looking for recommendations for some walking shoes however, i have a problem with the usual brands like Solomon / Merrell / North Face etc in that they all seem to disintegrate around the rear, at the top of the shoe above the heel, where you slip your feet in after only a few months of use and then they claim its normal wear and tear and don't offer to fix them. I could understand if they lasted a year or two but at the moment I'm averaging 6-7 months between shoes.

I walk my dog several times a day so i use them often but despite spending good money on GTX Mid type shoes they all end up going at that part first.

This is mostly due to the "mesh" type material not being robust or strong enough i think.
As it seems to happen to me with all the brands I've tried so far im wondering if im buying the wrong type of shoe for my feet or even if my feet are just a bit weird at the heel to cause this.

So, can anyone recommend a walking shoe which might have a soft leather or non mesh material part at the heel that would be nice and comfy for walking on trails etc?

I don't mind paying good money, if they will last, and i'd prefer they were at least waterproof as i traipse through many a puddle and muddy trail. ;)

Many Thanks.
Title: Re: Looking for some sturdy walking shoes - but there's a catch
Post by: kinkyboots on 18:53:23, 22/01/20
The question I would ask is why a shoe and not a boot? Daily dog walking  in all weathers is particularly hard on any footwear and I would recommend staying away from any leather/fabric combination type shoes and boots as once the waterproof liner fails (and they all do) they are only fit for dry weather and need replacing.

If it was me for daily dog walking I would look at the Altberg Defender military boots available via eBay. New from around £55 upwards or used about £25 upwards and cheap enough to replace as and when they wear out.

https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/military-issue-boots10/mens-defender-combat-boot (https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/military-issue-boots10/mens-defender-combat-boot)

The Berghaus Supalite II GTX leather lined lightweight boots may be worth a closer look @ around £100 but I'm not sure about the build quality or the durability of the soles.

Other shoes/boots which may be worth checking out
https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/shoes11/jorvik-trail1 (https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/shoes11/jorvik-trail1)
https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/5-width-fitting-boots/fremington-men (https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/5-width-fitting-boots/fremington-men)
https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/aforme-boots13/malham (https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/aforme-boots13/malham)


Title: Re: Looking for some sturdy walking shoes - but there's a catch
Post by: ninthace on 19:27:45, 22/01/20
If I understand your problem correctly, the only time i have seen shoes fail in that way is when they are not undone correctly before putting them on.  This puts a strain on the heel stitching as you slide your foot in.  Are you undoing and loosening your laces your shoes before removing them?
Title: Re: Looking for some sturdy walking shoes - but there's a catch
Post by: kinkyboots on 19:42:47, 22/01/20
the only time i have seen shoes fail in that way is when they are not undone correctly before putting them on. 
Either that or just very badly fitting or possibly not being fastened tight enough which allows a lot of heel lift causing friction which wears out/through the fabric ankle cuff.
Title: Re: Looking for some sturdy walking shoes - but there's a catch
Post by: TheBR on 20:47:16, 22/01/20
Well, the last pair I got were North Face fastlace technology shoes which have a drawstring type Lace which is also a fast release.
So you just pull them tight and slide the catch on the Lace to set or squeeze the catch to release the Lace.
These have been better for me than the Solomon or Merrell ones I had before but they are still breaking down in the same spot.

Saying that, even with trainers, where I usually wear Adidas that have a "leather" heel I can see 5p sized spots where my heel has been rubbing against the back of the shoe. But because that area on those trainers isn't typically padding/foam etc as they are on the walking shoes they hold up much better.
I can't post images otherwise I'd show you what's happening.

Title: Re: Looking for some sturdy walking shoes - but there's a catch
Post by: Mel on 21:31:03, 22/01/20
Does it look something like this?...


(https://i.postimg.cc/MTsHxMr3/20200122-210524.jpg)


If it does then welcome to my world.  I manage to do that to every pair of shoes or boots I own – particularly if they are material/mesh/lined but it still happens to a lesser extent on my work shoes (Doc Martens) which are unlined leather on the inside.  I’ve come to the conclusion it’s not the footwear, it’s not even my feet, per se, but my gait – the way I walk.
   
I somehow flex my foot laterally inwards at the heel (rubbish description) as I walk.  It’s particularly noticeable if I wear flip flops or walk barefoot on the beach.
 
I’ve tried the unlacing them properly to take them off/put them on.  Nowt, no difference.
 
I’ve had my feet professionally measured to make sure I have the correct fitting footwear.  Nope, not a jot of difference.  Though I have corrected my over-pronation problem so some good came of that at least.
 
I’ve even tried those padded heel grips you stick in shoes…. Nope, they either just come unstuck and end up attached to my socks or wriggle their way out of the top.
 
Sorry I can’t be of more help and good luck with finding a solution - if you do find one, will you come back with an update so I can try it?


I just wanted to let you know you are not alone!



Title: Re: Looking for some sturdy walking shoes - but there's a catch
Post by: TheBR on 21:36:29, 22/01/20
Yup, Pretty much. That looks roughly the same as what happens with me.

If i do find anything that works i'll let you know but that may be some time ;).
Title: Re: Looking for some sturdy walking shoes - but there's a catch
Post by: kinkyboots on 10:08:11, 23/01/20
From what you've said I don't think the answer is as simple as finding alternative shoes as the exact same thing is likely happen with all shoes to some degree. There's obviously an underlying issue causing this problem which needs resolving.

I don't know where you are located in the country but a visit to a professional bootfitter such as Whalley Warm & Dry should be able to identify exactly what is causing your problem and any steps you can take to resolve the issue and recommend more appropriate footwear. It could be something as simple as pronation which is causing the issue and this can normally be corrected by the use of appropriate specialist insoles which suit your arch type and hold your heel and foot in the correct position.

https://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/ (https://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/)

https://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/foot-conditions/ (https://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/foot-conditions/)

If you do decide to visit a professional bootfitter make sure you take at least one pair of your old damaged shoes with you to show them what's happening.
Title: Re: Looking for some sturdy walking shoes - but there's a catch
Post by: watershed on 12:07:57, 23/01/20
Some of the athletes I used to advise suffered from over pronation (its a very common complaint). A few running shoes catered for that, but not many. Asics were about the best. They had certain models that catered for different degrees of pronation. You would need to ask a Qualified/trained shoe shop assistance to get advice. Some of the better ones will get you to run on a treadmill to decide which would model would be best for you. One runner took up walking and we enquired whether there were boots or walking shoes that catered for this but at the time there didn't appear to be anything.
I found this web site though that might help.
Depending on the walks you are doing a running shoe might be of use to you.
https://www.woowalkers.com/best-walking-shoes-for-overpronation/