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Review of: Women's Helli Otter Leather/Suede by Waldlaufer

New update:
I wore these for 2 days, walking over 8 miles first day and 5 the next. Great success with heel problem (heel spurs)I have and no discomfort while walking both days. I did not change the insole, and found the shoe to be very sturdy. The price is 175.00 but I found a internet store that I got them for 155.00 free shipping and returns. http://www.tiptopshoes.com/helli-otter-combi.html
Now, the color appears to be a olive color, it is not, its black with a grey trim and some shiny black mixed it, really a pretty shoe. I wear a solid 7.5 med with light socks but I ordered an 8 med because I want a little heavier sock. Good call, they fit like a glove with room in the toe box for wiggling.
The rocker bottom, I found it is not a heavy one, quite honestly I can't feel any rocking when I stand on a hard surface. I walked all over down town where we have brick side walks and cobble stone roads, felt very secure and not a bit tippy if thats a word. Also after 2 days of walking all over, my ankles feel just fine.
Now the big problem, they are way to pretty to wear hiking so will use them for my european trips, and still continue to look for a hiking shoe or boot for say Alaska or muddy trails. If you have any suggestions, let me know. The search continues!!

Before I bought the shoe:
I found these shoes on line and they sound like a great shoe for walking for a trip I am going on in August. Anyone have experience with these or this brand? I some times after a great deal of walking have some pan in one of my heels, possible a spur. This is what they say about them:The Helli Dynamic walking shoe is designed for extra stability with an extremely solid sole. If you're looking for a serious walking shoe with great cushioning and incredible arch support, you should definitely try one of Waldlaufer's Dynamic products.The women's Waldlaufer Dynamic shoes and sandals run true to size. Waldlaufer's revolutionary Dynamic walking shoes and sandals provide incredible support and shock absorption without the "learning curve" associated with other more aggressive rocker soled products. Besides being easy to walk in from day one, Waldlaufer Dynamic footwear offers better arch support than the competitors, making them more suitable for people suffering with plantar fasciitis or pronation. Every shoe and sandal has a removable insole so fitting custom orthotics is a breeze! Manufactured in Eastern Europe with the finest quality leathers and components.

Posted by
13934 posts

Since you don't have a lot of break-in time, I am not sure I would try the rocker sole if you haven't worn one of the other rockers like MBT or less expensive brands. I have had a couple of different pair of rocker soles (not this brand, though) and you feel a little unstable on them. I am not sure I would want to walk on cobblestones without having build my ankles up in these shoes and would not want to put in the long days you will have in Amsterdam or Rome with your tour. They will also stretch your calves and hamstrings with the rocking action which is helpful if you are working up to it but may not be helpful to suddenly put a lot of mileage in on them. The do look nice, though.

I do see where it says you don't have the learning curve, so if you get them, then I would start trying to rack up miles in them and see how they feel.

I will suggest something for your heel pain. Get the MELT Method balls and take them with you. Watch the DVD at home before you go and start rolling your feet every night or at least on the nights where you have walked during the day. This really makes any heel pain I have go away. I am not sure I believe her explanation on hydrating fascia but I don't care...it works! It is at meltmethod dot com I have no connection with this company or product, just a satisfied customer who used it to get rid of plantar fasciitis pain.

Posted by
487 posts

I have a really high arch and bought rocker type shoes with arch support and found them very uncomfortable when wearing for more than an hour. After awhile it started to feel like i was forcing a rock into my arch with every step. If you do purchase these shoes, make sure to try them out for long periods prior to your trip to make sure they work for you.

Posted by
985 posts

I would not buy the rockers for a trip involving lots of walking whether on even or on old streets/cobblestones, even if I were used to them. I have worn various brands of rockers for quite a while and never had a problem until I happened to step sideways on uneven pavement and my foot turned. The thicker sole had my ankle higher than normal so when my foot went over that was it! As I was moving at a decent pace I ended up skidding on my knee across the pavement for a couple of feet. Oof!
You know what made it worse? You know how whenever people have accidents like that there's always people around to laugh? There was no one around and I needed help. Nope - don't think I would recommend them.

Posted by
118 posts

Has anyone tried these shoes? Trying to decide if they will work for me from someone that has tried them. Even if i dont take them on the trip to wear for the 21 days. Thanks

Posted by
118 posts

I have also ordered a pair of the QUANTUM
Women's Performance Fitness Walking Trainer (Great for Heel Pain) by Kuru. http://www.kurufootwear.com/womens-shoes/womens-quantum.html?color=Woodstock-Reef

We will give a review of both shoes in the next few weeks. I developed a heel pain a few months ago and it seems heel spurs is the issue, so with all the walking I do I had to quickly find a solution for the next 3 trips. Wish me luck!
If anyone has a suggestion for a real hiking boot please let me know, it needs to address the heel issue when hiking.