Please sign in to post.

Running shoes best for walking?

My husband has problem feet, plantar fashitis (forgive the spelling), and insists that running shoes will be the best for walking throughout France next month. Wouldn't something like Mephistos, or Merrells be better since they're made for walking?

Posted by
9363 posts

I have plantar fascitis, too, and have orthotics that fit my hiking shoes and work shoes. If I have to wear shoes that they don't fit for any length of time, I do best with an athletic shoe (like a cross trainer, not a running shoe) and a good arch support insole. The best person to advise him, though, would be his doctor.

Posted by
138 posts

Carol, make sure he is careful about it. I have plantar fasciitis, too, and the best shoes for me in Paris were Merrell cross-training athletic shoes. Not what they wear in Paris, but I had to go, go, go all the time, so who cares. When i could, I wore my Danskos, they worked very well, too.

Posted by
11507 posts

Let hubby wear what ever he is used to and knows works best for him. Everyones feet are different and what works for one ,, even with same foot condition, make not work for another.
Comfort is crucial to enjoying walking in Paris, and you will walk alot. It is a good idea to actually train before you go, walk at least an hour a day and see how that goes.
Good luck, and don't worry, I saw every sort of foot wear imaginalbe in Paris this past August,, no one cares what you wear,, just be comfy.

Posted by
9363 posts

I agree with Pat, use what works for him. It's not a good idea to get new shoes before a trip, either, unless you have a fair amount of time to get used to them and be sure that they are comfortable.

Posted by
67 posts

I agree with some of the other posters - let him wear what's comfy. You can buy running shoes that are "low profile," we got some black Reboks that look (at a distance, anyway) like "dress" shoes for my husband to wear to work (he's a pharmacist & has to wear a shirt & tie with dressy shoes every day) and they are pretty comfortable.
My only caveat: I wouldn't wear bright, white athletic shoes, they brand you as an American tourist (as most "local" adults in France don't wear them outside the gym) and I like to try to "blend in to some degree. Also, instead of the parkas, anoraks & athletic-looking jackets & coats we're used to wearing here (especially in the Pacific Northwest) I got a wool pea-coat and bought my husband a "travel" blazer of microfiber to wear when we went to Paris a couple years ago (I bought it a little large so he could wear sweaters or fleece under it). We were plenty warm (even in December) and looked more stylish than "just tourists."

Posted by
705 posts

I would think a cross trainer would be the best. What about an Ecco? They are made for travelling/walking and don't look like a running shoe. I'd suggest going shopping with him and be in on the decision making. However at the end of the day let him choose the ones he will find most comfortable. If he's having problems with his feet it will spoil his holiday and yours.

Posted by
112 posts

I have Plantar Fascitas, also. My doctor told
me to get running shoes. They seem to be o.k
I also bought some BVT shoes, expensive. It is
hard to get used to walking in them. I am not
going to take them on an upcoming trip.
It works better for me if I change shoes from
day to day.
Shoes that have spongy insoles or not the best.

Posted by
161 posts

My husband thanks you and I will stop nagging him to buy other shoes. Thanks everybody.

Posted by
852 posts

Hi Carol,

In event you will one day want the right shoes, we recommend you contact SAS [San Antonio Shoes]... They don't do business via the Internet, but you can get answers to all your questions by calling. And they will mail you information, too. Information on SAS contact is in their web site... click on

http://sasshoes.com/

Hope the problem feet are better soon.

All the best,
P.

Posted by
161 posts

Perry,
He's had the problem now for a couple of years and they are better than they were. He's learned a lot about what to do and not do, eg: never going barefoot, ever. It has helped. He's a runner but has had to make adaptations. Thanks for your input.