Everybody's Talking About a New Way of Walking

[billroper]

Having gotten tired of blisters on my feet after a five mile walk, when I stopped at REI to pick up a pedometer on Saturday, I decided to go back and take a look at their walking shoes to see if they were better than the Rockports I've been wearing. The fellow working the department took a long time to get around to me, which wasn't his fault, as he was being nibbled to death by a woman who seemed to be awfully picky from what I was hearing. (Then again, maybe she wasn't, in light of what happened subsequently.) He left her for a moment to see what I wanted and I told him I was looking for a walking shoe in 13 Wide. He went back to the back and brought me two pairs of shoes, saying "Try these," and went back to the woman.

I looked at the boxes. Each pair was 13 Medium. Now, I was reasonably confident this wasn't going to work, but I figured I'd give it a try. The New Balance shoes were too tight. The other pair wouldn't even go on my feet. This wasn't a surprise.

Another clerk came back to see if anyone needed help, since a crowd was starting to gather. I popped up and told him that I needed a 13 Wide and the other fellow had brought out two pairs of 13 Medium shoes. He went back to the rear, then came out and announced that "They don't make walking shoes in 13 Wide." I loudly told him that was absurd and walked away.

When I got home, Gretchen directed me to Zappo's, where I found and ordered a pair of New Balance walking shoes in 13 Extra Wide. I'm wearing them now and they fit just fine.

The interesting thing, though, is that I have a tendency to wear away the outside of each heel in most shoes. But in these, I feel like I'm walking with my feet turned in toward my instep. Ok, that's different. We'll have to see how it works and how the shoes wear.

Comments

[braider.livejournal.com]

It probably feels like you're walking on your instep because (from your wear patterns) you're used to walking on the outsides of your feet, and these shoes aren't letting you do that.

[johno.livejournal.com]

I used to wear out my shoes oddly too.

My chiropractor had me practice walking correctly, so that I distributed my weight evenly.

He also suggested good shoes and to trash them after 6-9 months, even if they are "good condition." As my weight would simply crush the support out of any shoe long before they looked bad.

Best shoes I ever got were in Las Vegas. Walked into a store an said "I'm working Comdex." The clerk referred me to another store and a specific person. I've been getting that brand and model of shoe ever since.

Runner's store

[zencuppa.livejournal.com]

Hmmm . ..Usually every town has a shoe store that all of the competitive local runners and walkers recommend and shop at. And that store, whatever it is, should have excellent service, great salespeople and is usually locally owned.

Any Chicago area runners around here who can recommend a local store?

I bet this is the store

[zencuppa.livejournal.com]

Ah hah!

I would suggest trying this Chicago running store .. at least consider giving them a call and asking for the best store for walking shoes ..

http://www.universalsole.com/

Re: I bet this is the store

[billroper]

Thanks! If these shoes don't work out, I'll give them a call.

[backrubbear.livejournal.com]

If new balance shoes work out well for you, I'd suggest finding a local store for them. They've been the only shoe that has fit me consistantly and comfortably from the minute I put them on at the store. However, finding wide anything outside of their stores is damned near impossible.