Finally, lightweight walking shoes

[wdfifteen]

I have arthritis in my feet, especially my big toes. It hurts to walk in any normal looking shoes because normal shoes are flexible and let my toe joints move too much. I've spend thousands on various orthotics that didn't work. I hit the jackpot a few years ago and found some comfortable, lightweight hiking boots with stiff soles. I wear them most of the time, but they are hot, and still pretty heavy. A few months ago I dug through the pile of orthotic junk I've accumulated and cobbled together (see what I did there) a pair of lightweight shoes that don't hurt my feet. All I did was take the carbon fiber plates out of some elaborate prescription orthotic mess that I paid hundreds for and didn't work, and simply glued them to the bottom of some spongy insoles with some RTV. Then I took the laces out of the eyelets that tighten the shoes around my toes. Easy, and they've been working for months. I've found a source for carbon fiber plate so I can make more if I need to.

[masraum]

wow, cool. Glad you were able to find something that is comfy.

[bkreigsr]

My suggestion - based on experience - grab up as many pairs that you think you will need for the duration.
The last three 'perfect' walking shoes I found (I suffer the same condition you describe) have all disappeared. I'm talking Zamberlan, NewBalance996, and Teva4103. When Teva discontinued the 4103 (Riva Event) - I bought four more pairs.
Bill K

[Tobra]

That works by preventing motion at your first metatarsophalangeal joint

[scottmandue]

Have you tried New Ballance? I also have foot problems and they make a 4X wide and have some mesh like the ones you posted. I wear them for work shoes.

Just checked their site and like said above they have already sold out on the 818 mesh style (I also liked the 996)

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by Tobra

That works by preventing motion at your first metatarsophalangeal joint

That's what I was going to say

[rusnak]

You could glue a fan belt nut spanner in there from an old 911 tool kit.

[Chocaholic]

But he'd never get through security at the airport!

[craigster59]

New Balance's USA made shoes are worth the money. Very comfortable shoes, around $200

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by bkreigsr

My suggestion - based on experience - grab up as many pairs that you think you will need for the duration.

Bill K

That's a good plan for the hiking boots, as I can use them right off the shelf. For the lightweight shoes, the shoe isn't so important as long as it has a large toe box and enough "give" in the uppers to fit in the extra thickness of the carbon fiber plate. I don't need to go for expensive shoes.

[Tervuren]

Originally Posted by bkreigsr

My suggestion - based on experience - grab up as many pairs that you think you will need for the duration.
The last three 'perfect' walking shoes I found (I suffer the same condition you describe) have all disappeared. I'm talking Zamberlan, NewBalance996, and Teva4103. When Teva discontinued the 4103 (Riva Event) - I bought four more pairs.
Bill K

My favourite shoe ever, was on a discontinued sale when I bought my first pair of them.

By the time I realized they were perfection, not a single website or store had any left in my size.

The sequel from the manufacturer just didn't have it.

[Tobra]

Saucony is pretty well known for having a wide toe box. You may find that a slightly wider shoe will functionally be deep enough to accommodate everything. Steel or nylon shank boot will also work well for you.

[Tervuren]

How is the plate for traction?

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Tervuren

How is the plate for traction?

I imagine it would be like a hog on a wet clay bank.
Fortunately it's inside the shoe.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I imagine it would be like a hog on a wet clay bank.
Fortunately it's inside the shoe.

Hahah, I'll have to remember that.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

That's a good plan for the hiking boots, as I can use them right off the shelf. For the lightweight shoes, the shoe isn't so important as long as it has a large toe box and enough "give" in the uppers to fit in the extra thickness of the carbon fiber plate. I don't need to go for expensive shoes.

Check out Keen boots. You can find them at Work World and REI.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Saucony is pretty well known for having a wide toe box. You may find that a slightly wider shoe will functionally be deep enough to accommodate everything. Steel or nylon shank boot will also work well for you.

Red Wing used to make a boot like that. It was made with a steel plate in the sole for protection agains nails. I loved them because it gets really hot sitting on the tractor, and it melts the left boot.

[Tervuren]

I think he's got hiking shoes/boots covered.

I have below ankle keen's that are my mainstay for off pavement.

I wouldn't give them 5 stars, but final assembly of materials is in Oregon, bit of a plus to have at least part of the process in the USA.

I think they'll have more flex than he wants anyway.

[Bill Douglas]

I bought a pair of rieker jodhpur boots for riding around on the motorbike. There was a young chickie at the factory outlet shoe shop raving on about Scholl gel shoe liners, so I went out and bought a pair of them too. WOW, I wear the boots with them almost all the time now. They are good for charging about the hills, stomping on rocks, as I walk the dogs. And they are so comfortable. Plus they are non-boot like enough to wear in town or out to lunch.

[rusnak]

The steel plate in the midsole is what I was talking about. There is still a bit of flex at the toe, however. Otherwise you walk like Frankenstein.

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