Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Judy Cherry on February 8, 2010 at 7:42am

Katie,
Welcome to the wonderful world of Avon Walks. The most important thing about your shoes is that they are fitted properly. Most of us wear running shoes not walking shoes. Typically walking shoes are not really meant for marathon walkers and most of us find the extra shock absorption of the running shoes helps when walking on the roads and sidewalks of a two day walk.

Do not choose your shoes because they are "cute" or "pretty", chosse them because they fit you and are comfortable. You should never have to "break" shoes in for them to feel comfortable.

You should buy a pair of shoes that are 1/2 to 1 full size larger than your regular shoe size in order to be able to handle your foot swelling that happens as you walk these distances.

Thank you for walking, you are a HERO!

Hugs,
Judy Cherry
All City Walker
Solo STrutters USA

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Permalink Reply by Cynthia Haug on March 1, 2010 at 11:29pm

I agree, don't rely on the because it's "cute". Last year, my first year, I was suggested to get two pairs of shoes for training and where one for Saturday's walk, and the other for Sunday. I did so well with Saturday's shoe that I used it as well for Sunday! Agree, buyi 1/2 size bigger so that your feet have room to swell. Wear air-wicking socks and change them 1-2 times on Saturday's walk. The kind of shoes I used last year (will buy the same this year) Nike Air Pegisus and Nike Motto - both are great running shoes (they have more support than walking shoes). I hope this helps. P.S. no blisters or sore feet!

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Permalink Reply by Katie Feltus on March 3, 2010 at 2:58am

Thanks so much.

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Permalink Reply by Katie Feltus on March 3, 2010 at 3:01am

Thanks for the info.

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Permalink Reply by Vicky Bingham on February 8, 2010 at 1:18pm

I went to Lady Footlocker and was advised to go with either New Balence (the hight the # the better; I got New Balence 749), Nike or Asics. I also bought additional insoles for the shoes. The insoles are made just for walking. They feel great!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Katie Feltus on March 3, 2010 at 3:02am

Thanks, I will go this weekend.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Robertson on March 3, 2010 at 9:54am

Katie,

Try going to Texas Running Company at 59 and Hwy 6, right next to Whole Foods. They'll put you on a treadmill and watch you walk to determine the exact type of shoe you'll need. Tell them you're doing the walk and they'll have plenty of tips for you as to how you should treat your feet (shoes, socks, blister prevention, etc.), just ask them any questions you have.

The shoes run on the expensive side, but they are great for your feet!!!

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Madore on March 13, 2010 at 7:39pm

Hi Katie!

I'm a first time walker too. I was told that the most expensive part of the walk is investing in a pair of shoes. I actually lucked out and found a great deal ($50.00) on some great running sneakers from a New Balance outlet just outside of Boston, Ma. (http://shoetube.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/6901-810696-3.jpg) I also invested in some poly blend (no cotton) socks too. I'm up to 9-10 miles on my training walks, and no blisters :)

Also, a friend of mine gave me a great suggestion. I was told that if you put just a pea sized amount of Vaseline on the balls of your feet, and your heals along with the non-cotton socks and the walking/running sneakers, then you will have happy feet. I guess if you use anymore than a pea-size amount, then your feet get all slimy and gross feeling inside your socks, lol.

I hope this helps you. Good luck with your training and I hope you're having as much fun, and as much of a wonderful experience as I have had the last 2 weeks that I've been registered.

Take care!

~Jenn

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