I’ve recently started another new job, this time as a cashier at a big box store. As such, I’m on my feet all day, every day, and they’re not that great a set of feet to begin with… I have Plantar Faciitis in my left one and due to some other issues, poor circulation by the end of my shift, which results in numbness and pain. So my question you guys is what kind of shoes would be best for me? Currently, I have some men’s hiking boots that are decently rigid, with a pair of (roughly) $20 insoles to help. I need much better than that, so any recommendations or advice would be much appreciated.
I struggle with this all the time. My current go to shoes for spending all day on my feet are Saucony Redeemer ISO running shoes. They are stability shoes, so they do a good job holding your feet in a good position. They’re also comfortable. These definitely look like running shoes, although they are not nearly as flashy as some styles.
Another option might be the Brooks Addiction Walker. These are also intended to provided really good support, and might be good options for someone on their feet all day. These are more understated in look. They are leather. They’re not dancing shoes, but they’re a small step up from running shoes in dress.
I’m a big fan of New Balance Walker models. Lots of cushion for walking on hard floors. After a couple months I have to replace the insoles. One downside is that they are not cheap. But everyone has different feet, so what works for me may or may not work for you.
Thank you both. I’m not opposed to any kind of shoe, be them running or tennis or otherwise. Price is also not a factor, as I’ll just keep wearing what I’ve got until I can save up enough money to buy whatever it is that I need. For the time being, I just got a thinner set of insoles to add to my current ones, and I hope that helps until the big purchase time arrives. I’ll see if I can track all these down to try them on and then go from there.
My wife and I have both had foot problems; her to the point of seeking professional medical advice. The doctor’s two go-to brands are Brooks (Beast) and New Balance (574) for what its worth. For standing he seems to prefer a court shoe sometimes over a walker/runner but I don’t remember the total reasoning behind it.
I Vionic shoes. They come in all different styles, plus they have inserts. I’m wearing a pair right now.
A few years ago I had really bad plantar fasciitis until I tried their sandals and slippers. Now I also have four pairs of work shoes (flats, pumps, and dressy loafers) and a pair of sneakers, plus I bought a second pair of sandals and replaced the original pair of slippers when they wore out. Not cheap, but so worth it!
I should have mentioned earlier that I was pointed towards the running shoes by my physical therapist who thought they were the most stable shoe. The ones I recommended weren’t her pick, but what I got to after researching anti-over-pronation shoes, and what’s available 'lo these many years later. Folks, in general, seem to love the Brooks brand. I found them through research.
Every couple months, I teach a three-day class that is basically eight hours a day of lecture (with awful PPT slides). My feet used to get so sore I could barely walk at the end of the day. My ankles also bothered me a lot. I started using a tall wooden stool so I could sit for some of the time, but I’d have to jump off to point to something on a slide, so the relief wasn’t that great.
One day, someone suggested to me that increasing ankle support might help. I tried wearing some 3/4 hiking boots and they actually did help somewhat. I decided to go for broke and next tried my construction site work boots. They are tall, with steel sole plates and steel toes, and are actually waterproof. I combined them with a pair of silk sock liners and wool socks. They were great! My feet didn’t bother me at all at the end of each day. Granted, the socks were pretty moist and stinky, but my feet were fine. I think that part of the solution is that the steel toes keep all pressure off of my toes and the front part of my feet.
YMMV, but I tell everyone about this approach whenever I get the chance.
I’d be looking at something designed for standing rather than for walking. Two that come to mind are the Red Wing shoes worn by many factory workers, and Dansko shoes which are very popular with doctors and cooks.
I love New Balance walkers. I am a large lady and do a ton of walking and my legs and knees NEVER hurt.
That being said, I agree that I don’t think walkers are going to be your best bet. Like **Turble **says get something made specifically for standing. When I was doing kitchen work, all the chefs had Dansko clogs.
I can be on my feet up to 12 hours a day so upon a recommendation I got a pair for Shoes For Crews. The are great for low cost shoes but I don’t know if they would address the OP’s specific needs.
I have a different set of feet issues than you, but you might look into shoes geared towards nurses. Fortunately they’re not all white anymore. Also, don’t laugh, but Crocs brand has some good shoes, and they’re not all holey clogs.
I was going to recommend that you buy from some place with a good return policy. I tried the Dansko clogs that a lot of people love and they just killed my feet. I got them from Amazon, and I was able to return them.
WORD. Vionics are the shizzle. My arches started falling a couple of years ago, thanks to my wearing shitty cheap shoes all the time. I started wearing Vionics sandals last year and now I absolutely need to start stocking up on their closed shoes for winter. The difference in how my feet and body felt during the Vionics-only summer and my current no-Vionics winter shoe wardrobe is night and day. They’re expensive as fuck (think $80 for a pair of flip flops) but totally worth it.
Thank you everyone. I’m still following along, and note that a friend recently told me about the Dansko clogs. I’m also mightily impressed with the Shoes for Crews and a couple of other ideas that’ve been floated. I really appreciate y’all. If anyone thinks of anything else, I’m still here and reading. Hopefully, I’ll be able to afford a really good pair by spring.
Talk to someone who is always on their feet - a pharmacist! (They also use rubber mats on hard concrete floors where they stand. I have these in my kitchen [stove/sink].)
Thumbs up for Shoes For Crews. I’m on my feet at work 8+ hours/day and they’ve been by far the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn. Nice, thick, nonslip, soles, variety of styles…plus they’re not kidding when they say they make wide sizes, LOL. They also make “regular” shoes, too, which are just as stylish as you’ll find at any major retailer.
They’re not cheap but overall I’ve found them less expensive than Merrells and certainly Dansko.
They sell clogs and a variety of slip ons. They are amazing. The closest thing I can think of is if you could wear those thick rubber mats you see in kitchens or other places where people stand all day. They’re made to absorb shock. They feel unbelievably supportive and my feet don’t hurt. You can feel the shoes taking some of the force of impact when you step. I highly recommend trying these.
I’m a nurse and on my feet a LOT. Complicating this is that I wear a 7.5W shoe and have a high instep. I buy New Balance walking shoes, but make sure to get the higher number models (800’s v. 400s, the actual model numbers change yearly.)
