Shoe Recommendations

I weigh 207 and am walking the indoor mall 5 miles/day (4-5 days per week) at roughly 4.5 - 5.0 mph (depending on the day).  I wear Reeboks that I bought at Finish Line, but my heels are starting to be stiff and sore when I'm not exercising.  The shoes fit well, no blisters, sliding, etc but I think I need more cushion.  I've done the survey on runners world and seem to have a pretty normal foot - no over pronation, etc, etc. 

I've read about the Ryka Element, also on the Runners World website.  I may give these a try but I wondered if anyone else has gone thru the shoe search and can share your stories and recommendations.

Thanks!!

I think for walking New Balance are the best.  You can also go to one of those Performance Footwear's where they have you walk and they test your stride and way your foot lands and stuff and recommend "custom" type shoes.  Hear they are expensive though.

I had developed plantar fascitis from walking on cheap shoes and the dr and podiatrist both said New Balance are the ones to use for walking.

I have orthodics.  There are custom made insole that fit in any shoe.  You can even get them for high heels.
I would not trade them for anything as I am on my feet 8 hours a day at work.  Pricey, but your feet will say I love you!

Thanks for your responses.  I should have mentioned that I would like to work up to running.  I can identify with a recent post on another forum from someone who had run 1/2 mile. That's about what I can probably do.  I'm a teacher and the 2-3 days I don't walk, I'm usually still at the hs., pretty late.  We have a track and I should probably give it a try.

I can't say enough positive things about Asics.  I heart my asics.  I run on the treadmill and they are wonderful.

Also - if you aren't already doing this, you might try stretching after your workouts.  I know that's sort of impossible to do while at the mall, but when you get home or before you go to bed - stretch all your muscles.

Thanks for the recommendation kellywood23 and the reminder to stretch.  I always underestimate the value of stretching and like to just get on with whatever else I need to be doing.  I will start taking a little time to stretch both b4 and after!

How did you get turned on to Asics?  I read about them on a running website and researching from one thing to another found a running store fleetfeet?  that will analyze my feet by sizing them, watching me walk, watching me as I walk in different shoes, etc.  I don't know, it might be a little overkill, but what the heck.

I bought a pair of ultracushion adidas that are working pretty well.  The cushioning in the heel is excellent.  It may be a discontinued line, though, I found them on a clearance rack. 

We all love the clearance racks!! =)  quality can be affordable.  Thanks for writing!!

I have never worn a pair of comfortable shoes in my life, until I found these: http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product. aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240006641&TITLE_CATEGORY_ ID=250001549

I kid you not. I always had foot pain and hated walking or running. I bought those shoes, and I have not had any pain, and I love walking and running. Standing for long hours doesn't bother me. The man at the store (a big man himself) said they are made for big people....I'm a believer.

Hi all,

Just thought I would mention that we are probably talking about high end New Balance and high end Asics here.  I had terrible problems with my feet for many years.  I only buy the best now and my last pair were Asics Gel Kayano (supposed to have the most cushion of any running shoe and are moderate in the stability area).  I just bought New Balance 992's day before yesterday.  I'm going to try them for a while.  They do not have as much rocker as the Asics, but are also a good cushion running shoe for larger people.

In the past I have also had good luck with the Brooks Addiction and Brooks Beast.  These also do not have much rocker but are very stable, cushioned, and long lasting shoes.  My Physical Therapist reccomended the Asics because she said for my stride, I needed more rocker than the Brooks shoes gave me.  We'll see how the NB compare after a few weeks in the gym.

Good luck!

I think I would like to try some Asics thanks to both of you hgielrehtaeh and wildfiregirl.  My husband just ordered a pair of Kayano for himself.  I also think I will bite the bullet and go to Fleet Feet in Elmhurst to have my gait and foot analyzed.  In for a dime, in for a dollar.  After perusing the Asics website, the Kayano appears to be for runners w/ some over pronation.  I'm not sure if I have that.  They also seem to have shoes with a lot of cushion for runners with more neutral gait.  So, off I go this weekend.  I'll post back to let all of you know my experience with the "professionals". 

Thanks for sharing!

I went to the running shoe store and they confirmed I needed a neutral shoe.  I chose Asics Cumulus VIII and they are wonderful.  Around $90.  I did 5 miles in an hour tonight on the hard mall floor and the bottom of my heel no longer hurts.  They have a very breathable material.  I love them.  I might sleep with them, in my arms, not on my feet!

Thanks to all of you that gave your opinions.  =)