Best Shoes for overweight folks?

[LadyDarling]

Alrighty. I've got 1 pal coming along on this trip for sure who is working on dealing with his obesity. I am concerned that we'll be dragging him around. We're starting NOW by taking walks together, eating better, etc. My goal is to lose 30lbs by then (11/27). The goal for him is for him to be able to keep up with the 15miles/day we usually end up logging on our feet (6 days). So we're going to be purchase new tennies for him (and me!) within the next couple months so they'll be WELL broken in by then and we can hike/walk comfortably in the mean time. Are there any brands/models ya'll can recommend? I'm currently wearing a pair of New Balance Cross Trainers that I've had for over a year now, and a pair of LLBean hiking boots that I've had for about 4 years. Time to trade them in I think! We're looking for something very durable.

 

[tigsmom]

I think most people swear by their New Balance. I have a pair of Reebok walkers (that are very comfortable) that I'm going to replace very soon... they're worn out. I have wide feet so I'm going to try the New Balance.

We always try to pick up our walking program in the months before a WDW trip. Thay way you are conditioned to all the walking. Congratulations on wanting to lose the weight. (have you been to the diet thread in Chit Chat?), but remember if you do lose the weight you may need a new pair of shoes as, believe it or not, your feet will shrink too.

 

[LadyDarling]

:lol: Actually in that department I won't need anything new when I lose weight, except maybe pants and "unmentionables". I'm already down 80lbs, and have kept it off for over a year, so it's time to get the final 30 off. Due to my orthodics, my shoe size has been for a couple years now, since my shoes HAVE to fit them. I did like my New Balance, but Reebok (in the past) have always had a lot of padding. I just break down thier arch supports too fast with my orthodics. I'm wearing out the soles on my New Balance, so that's the only reason they are going away. I liked 'em.

 

[barnum42]

Side tack onto the weight loss thing - best thing I did was buy a heart rate monitor and a ski exercise machine.

Using the heart rate monitor you work out what best the range is to burn maximum fat, it is a surprisingly relaxed rate which allows you to converse and work out for longer. I just set the machine up in front of the TV and do an hour or so three days a week.

Overall I have lost over 50 pounds. Of course sensible eating is part of the deal too, and it helps that I don't drink.

 

[vilegirl]

I've heard alot of good things about New Balance. I've always worn Nike. I used to weigh quite a bit more than I do now (I've lost 120 lbs over the past year and half) and my feet never hurt when I wore my Nike's. Also, as strange as this may sound, I've found Sketchers to be pretty good. Not the "jazzed up" ones, but just their normal walking/running shoes.

 

[beauty_Belle27]

I think new balance and nike sound good.I know one guy who swears by Converse high tops,but I wouldnt go with them.lol

 

[LadyDarling]

Side tack onto the weight loss thing - best thing I did was buy a heart rate monitor and a ski exercise machine.

Using the heart rate monitor you work out what best the range is to burn maximum fat, it is a surprisingly relaxed rate which allows you to converse and work out for longer. I just set the machine up in front of the TV and do an hour or so three days a week.

Thanks for the tip! Currently, I walk 1 1/2 miles to work and it takes me 1/2 an hour, so that's a good work out. I also head to the gym a couple times a week when I can spare it and kick it up on the rowing machine (my fav), stair climber (my nemisis), or the elpical plus some light weight training.
My problem is I always work TOO hard ( heart rate in the 180's and lower 200's) - add that to a hormonal disorder that LOVES to keep weight on me, and I've got the cards stacked against me, but I'm getting there! So I'm trying to get my pal ready with me. It's hard to think that "taking it easy" (heart rate in the 160s) will get the weight off me but that's my mental road block.

My Hubby is one of "those people" though... he can eat whatever he wants and he's only now (approaching 30) begining to gain weight. He's a martial artist and very lean. :brick:
Oh well! He's really supportive and that helps a ton.

 

[LadyDarling]

I've heard alot of good things about New Balance. I've always worn Nike. I used to weigh quite a bit more than I do now (I've lost 120 lbs over the past year and half) and my feet never hurt when I wore my Nike's. Also, as strange as this may sound, I've found Sketchers to be pretty good. Not the "jazzed up" ones, but just their normal walking/running shoes.

Thanks! I've noticed that Nike's don't last very long with me (neither do Reeboks), but that was a few years ago. Maybe the quality has gone up! I'll keep my eye out for the next sale on them. :sohappy:

 

[barnum42]

It's hard to think that "taking it easy" (heart rate in the 160s) will get the weight off me but that's my mental road block.

Trust me - it works. And it's lowered my max heart rate. When I started I had to work at up to 140 beats per minute, then more recently I was conscious that I had to work harder to get that rate. So I recalculated and I'm down to having to work at a max of 135 to keep the fat burning working.

Congrats on what you have achieved so far :sohappy: And well done for walking to work. When I visit America and walk some place that is less than a mile away people look at me like I am strange. Most lunch breaks I'll take a walk of a mile or two.

 

[no2apprentice]

Speaking as one who is "a few pounds over" and deals with some muscle problems in my feet, and whose wife had to have surgery for plantar fasciitis (heel spur), the following is what we have learned from our doctors (family practice, podiatrist, and foot surgeon), and our own experience:

- New Balance is a very well constructed shoe, as are many others. However, NB comes in different widths, a real plus for people who are heavy, or have orthotic needs. They also have different shoe lasts, to accomodate various needs (wider toe box, higher instep, wider heel, etc.).

- To quote my wife's podiatrist, "Nike has really helped my practice." He attributed this to Nike having a very pronounced arch, which stresses the foot too much for many people. But every one is different, so go with what feels comfortable.

- Try not to buy shoes from chain stores that carry only cheaper shoes from many companies. Go to a dedicated athletic shoe store or sporting goods store with a good selection of higher end shoes. You get what you pay for (though sales are always helpful).

- Never use a gel insole. We heard this from all our doctors. Gel allows the foot to "float" and "shift" while walking, which is not good for the muscles.

- I highly recommend replacing the insole with Spenco brand insoles, even if they're a top name shoe. Yeah, it's another $20, but the difference is incredible (for me, anyway).

Remember, you can never spend too much on good shoes or a good bed. You spend all day on your feet and all night on your back.

 

[Debbie]

Thanks! I've noticed that Nike's don't last very long with me (neither do Reeboks), but that was a few years ago. Maybe the quality has gone up! I'll keep my eye out for the next sale on them. :sohappy:

I've been through the Nikes, the Reeboks, etc. The only shoe I can wear is Rykas. They are only made for women and designed for a woman's foot. Mervyn's puts them on sale for between $29.00 and $39.00. I put a brand new pair on when I got to WDW this February, and with my pedometer; logged over 20 miles! The only problem I've found myself having is needing to wear thick socks. I can feel each thread and stitch by the end of the day if I wear cheap, thin socks.
BTW: this is coming from someone who could lose 100 lbs.

 

[themouseman]

For some reason the only shoes that I can wear are K-Swiss I guess it's cause I have wide feet and they fit them best

Ps great job with the weight loss

 

[Scooter]

Consumer Reports says New Balance 608's are the best walking shoes.

I Love them but find that they only last for about a year before I need new ones so I buy a new pair just before going on my Disney Vacation every year.

I wear them to my local Mall a couple of times before my Disney trips to break them in.

 

[jesserin]

Just a thought - but I can say from personal experience that my husband and I live in our Rainbow Flip Flops... I know I know - most people can't wear sandals in the parks... but these are different... my DH's had his for over 5 years now - he wears them every single day and they have surrvived and gotten us through at least 10 disney trips - I also got a pair a couple years ago and now they're the only thing you'll ever see me wear either... for the ultimate comfort and durability they are wonderful for the parks b/c your feet can breath all day long - not to mention they have great support... I highly recommend looking into them = trust me, once you break them in, you'll never buy another pair of shoes... I can run in them, walk in them and I even wear them to the beach (leather) - they wear that well... just give it some thought - it might be a nice alternative to having your feet shoved in tenni's all day long...

 

[tigsmom]

Just a thought - but I can say from personal experience that my husband and I live in our Rainbow Flip Flops... I know I know - most people can't wear sandals in the parks... but these are different... my DH's had his for over 5 years now - he wears them every single day and they have surrvived and gotten us through at least 10 disney trips - I also got a pair a couple years ago and now they're the only thing you'll ever see me wear either... for the ultimate comfort and durability they are wonderful for the parks b/c your feet can breath all day long - not to mention they have great support... I highly recommend looking into them = trust me, once you break them in, you'll never buy another pair of shoes... I can run in them, walk in them and I even wear them to the beach (leather) - they wear that well... just give it some thought - it might be a nice alternative to having your feet shoved in tenni's all day long...

I do wear my leather flip flop style sandles in WDW, but only when I'm going out for a short trip... dinner and the fireworks, say. I live in them at home, but I just can't take the chance of getting run over (yes, it has happened) and having my toes broken.

 

[jesserin]

I never thought about that Mad... hmmm... well, it's always a thought... just watch out for those wheelchairs, strollers, children, and EVC's- okay, on second thought... maybe I've just gotten lucky all these years...

 

[1stStarIC2nite]

Oasic Cross Trainers/Cross Country/Distance Running shoes are excellent. I've had mine for a very long time now and run all the time in them and they're still holding up very very well. I'd recommend them to anyone.

 

[mousepainter]

LadyDarling - I just wanted to recommend that you not let your sneakers get TOO broken in before your trip. As a jogger, I find that when the sneakers are newer, they give more support. I like to buy a new pair every year before my trip and break them in for a couple of weeks. It sounds like you are doing quite a bit of walking and I would want sneakers with less miles on them for my trip...

As for which brand, you should try on several different ones to determine which feel best on you. I notice that certain brands seem to be cut better for my feet.