Help! Best Shock-Absorbing Walking Shoes?

[WorldTraveler 79]

Thank you to everyone who wrote in-I'll get fitted this weekend!

So, can we get an update on your experience? Share so others can learn.

Here is what happened this past weekend:

I tried on Brooks addiction walkers and loved them in the store. Got them home and went for my 4 mile route to discover the built-in arch support was killing my flat feet/plantar fasciatis. I took them back (sadly). I really wanted to like them, their cushion and lack of impact on the pavement were heavenly.

I then went to a foot/shoe store to have my feet analyzed. No shock about the results-flat feet with strong impact (impact will be reduced after weight loss). I was offered a $400.00 orthopedic insert-decided against it. Went to a Dr. Scholls foot kiosk and was analyzed to have the same issues and purchased one of their inserts for $50.00. I put it in my Asics Gel shoes and walked well this weekend with reduced pain.

Now, this coming weekend, I'm going to a different shoe store (one for runners) to try on other shoes with good cushion that work well for my flat feet/inserts. I'll keep you all updated!

[CrazyJaney 775]

Not sure where you are in your journey with plantar fasciitis (and yours may be different) but I've suffered on/off with it over the years. I did the expensive foot doctor inserts and still use them BUT I've had decent results with the $50 inserts from New Balance or ones sold at running stores. However, I found that, as ugly as they are, Birkenstocks did THE best job in helping. But it took time to get there. I had to work up to tolerating the artificial arches (mine are flat as a pancake). I wore the Birkenstocks to work (I'm a hospital nurse) and then I'd exercise in either NB or Brooks (the high end, super supportive kind). It took a while but the Birkenstocks really helped. Painful at first as I corrected the fallen arch which causes the heel pain, but eventually it got easier to wear something that rigid. And my pain went away. Such a miserable pain when your feet hurt that bad. Good luck!

[mi75 1,239]

I wholly agree to have a gait analysis done. there are great stores out there JUST for runners, and they will help walkers too.

I am a die hard MIZUNO brand devotee right now. actually have been for many years. they are pricey but worth it. i'm a nurse and overweight and on my feet all day. these shoes save the day and I can still function when I get home.

New Balance are supposedly a brand that were designed for the walker, however I don't really care for them too much. I didn't feel like I got great support from the shoe. my parents love them though, and they are pretty avid walkers.

Since everyone's feet are so different, all the suggestions in the world may not be helpful unless you get a gait analysis, and best of luck!