A foot pain/shoe question (ETA: clarified) - YouLookFab Forum

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A foot pain/shoe question (ETA: clarified)

Scarlet

Veteran

Does anybody else find sneakers uncomfortable? It seems counter-intuitive because I thought athletic shoes are supposed to be the ultimate in comfort, but lately I am finding that a flat shoe with a sturdy sole is serving me much better for long walks. I am thinking maybe this has to do with the fact that I have spent much of the last few years at home barefoot, so maybe my foot structure has adapted to that. It sort of feels like a shoe with arch support is forcing my foot into a shape it doesn't like, but is maybe also something about all the cushiness at the heel of a sneaker. I know a lot of forum members have different foot concerns, so I thought someone might have some insight. I need to buy new hiking shoes, but I am thinking now maybe I better look for something more minimal.

ETA: Just wanted to clarify that I own many pairs of athletic shoes, and while they feel comfortable on my foot, after standing/walking for awhile my foot starts to hurt in a muscle/tendon way.

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21 replies

Latest reply was from April

Jane

Veteran

Yes, some sneakers I find uncomfortable, the ones that are very flat especially, as my ankles ache after wearing them. I wear walking boots (not shoes) regularly though and have a lovely pair, I can't recall who they are made by: they are a delight to wear! I wish you well with your search.

A tip Angie suggested which has worked very well, is to have little leather heel lifts and they make a difference - may be they might be worth a try. This link may work...https://cherryblossom.co.uk/pr.....l-cushion/

LaPed

Veteran

I think athletic shoes (and fashion sneakers) are as varied as any other category of shoe -- some are great, some are awful. And what's great for others may be awful for you. My preferences are for lightweight construction, flexible sole *and* upper, minimal arch, and minimal heel-to-toe drop. Same things I look for in shoes for young children, tbh. I do also spend a lot of time barefoot, and I do think that may influence your feet and their needs/preferences.

I used to be fine wearing Converse All Stars daily, but now they feel too rigid and too constricted in the toes. I also wasn't impressed with Stan Smiths comfort-wise, though others rave about them.

BlondeAmbition

I don't find all sneakers comfortable, not all sneakers are made for every foot. My most comfortable sneakers were bought at the running store. They put you on a treadmill and analyze your gait to identify your ideal shoe.

There is a lot of debate about being barefoot. In my experience I find that people who are barefoot have a number of foot problems and a limited tolerance for shoes. It may be a good idea to get fitted for a good house slipper, with arch support. Also, physical therapists are trained to fix flat-foot which can wreak havoc on your knee and hip alignment. It may be worth checking out.

Style Fan

Veteran

I have a lot of foot problems. I don't wear sneakers anymore. I can't find a pair that are comfortable. I have one pair of New Balance shoes for fitness classes that I put orthotics in and I can't wait to get them off at the end of the one hour class. I wear leather oxford shoes for long walks.

Joy

Veteran

I agree with others that not all sneakers, even the ones that are supposed to be good for your feet, are comfortable on everyone. For me, the arch support may be slightly off,. For me, the top and lacing are often painful.
Keep trying different brands. A foot specialist may help. A place like REI may help you with a hiking boot. My feet have been happy with a Merrell shoe that is sort of a sneaker/ hiking boot hybrid, a half size up and worn with Smart Wool socks.

DonnaF

Veteran

My clunky Brooks Addiction walking and running shoes are comfy but other sneakers aren’t. Most are too flexible and narrow for my feet. I have a pair of Dansko sneakers on the way, but the Dansko clogs (also on the way) may ultimately work better for my feet in which case I think I will quit trying sneakers.

karen13

Veteran

My favorite shoes for distance are my Keen hiking boots. But I put custom orthotics in just abut everything. I love fall, spring, and winter when I can walk for miles in them. They can be a bit warm in summer, but I still wear them.

Violettt

Hi! I hate my foot feeling locked in, and all tied up with the laces. I much prefer a slip on mocassin type shoe, like Tod's Driving Mocs. But, I did buy some slip on Sketchers which are my absolute most comfy shoe I have. Nothing to lace, and the sole is divine. They also have memory foam inside. My heels and feet tend to ache daily, (not so young anymore) and I have a bunion from so many years of wearing heels. Try the driving moc type shoe with a good sole and also the slip on Sketchers at the Sketcher store!

rachylou

Veteran

Now this is a good topic. I have standing sneakers and I have walking sneakers. They’re very different shoes.

Those for standing are very cushy, but if you really walk somewhere, you can feel the pavement when you bend your foot and push off.

My walking shoes distinctly do NOT have a cutout in the sole under the arch. That destabilises the support, and my feet roll a lot.

I also always can feel the seams in sneakers across the bridge of the foot, so I’m very sensitive to the piecing and stitching placement.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES!

EXACTLY MY PROBLEM TOO, Scarlet, and I've blogged about this a few times. I find most sneakers uncomfy. Can't stand the arch support, and the fits are too wide.

It took me while, but these are sublime - with extra insoles. I wear the Fryes without socks:

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Faux Fur Chelsea Sneaker (Women)

View Info

Top Pick

33

Converse Converse Women's Chuck Taylor All Star Winter Knit & Fur Fashion Sneakers

View Info

Top Pick

28

Frye Ivy Low Lace

View Info

Top Pick

25

Frye Ivy Low Lace

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Top Pick

19

Scarlet

Veteran

Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts.

La Pedestrienne, great point about kids’ shoes. Please let me know if you have found a brand that goes in the direction you describe.

Style Fan, it sounds like we might have similar issues if you also like oxfords for long walks.

It seems like a flexible sole would be more natural, but my most comfortable walking shoes do not have a very flexible sole.

Violett, interesting tips. I will keep those shoes in mind.

Rachylou, I am not sure actually what you meant. You mean your walking shoes need a good arch support?

Angie, it’s reassuring that you know what I am talking about. I realize you have done a hard search for white sneakers, but I didn’t realize you regard sneakers difficult as a category. I have been thinking about trying those Fryes for so long. I have something on order, but if it doesn’t work out, I will bite the bullet and try those. I can’t do without a white sneaker for my style. Also, those fur-lined ones would be good for a day like today, where I spent a very cold hour at the playground!

elpgal

Veteran

I too find sneakers painful but can't wear the styles Angie recommends because of a wide forefoot. If I remove the weird high arch insoles, I find them more tolerable.

Diana

Veteran

Yep. For me, I have flat feet so definitely need *some* support (true minimal shoes don't work at all, nor do flat things like cons), but on the other hand too much support is really painful. I also can't wear athletic shoes that are too built up on top, esp around the ankle, because my feet are too low volume and the uppers on those come up too high. I actually usually wear all my sneakers with the top set of holes unlaced because of this. What works for me Are certain styles of new balances with the insole replaced with my preferred superfeet black insole (the superfeet black are the lowest arched superfeet if you want to give them a try.)

I feel that a lot of doctors and athletic shoe fitters tend to see my flat feet and want to recommend super strong arch supports and stability shoes, which are both terrible for me... unfortunately I don't know a foolproof method except for trial and error.

Violettt

I can't suggest a shoe with memory foam enough. iT HAS SAVED MY LIFE

rachylou

Veteran

...Not arch support (inside the shoe), but the sole of the shoe, under the arch of the foot... that’s a trouble spot for me.

I’ve attached a pic of a problem type shoe for me. A lot of sneakers have a sole that’s either got a ‘cut out’ under the arch or a sole that curves in under that spot. So even if you have arch support inside the shoe, you don’t really have arch support because that’s undermined from the outside. Even if it’s not as obvious as in the pic, it still effects my feet. Basically this is the equivalent for me of a rock inside flimsy shoes...

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Astrid

Veteran

I have the same problem, most shoes with arch support seem to be a bad fit for my feet. I find them more uncomfortable than helpful. I prefer my sneakers without one (I have flat wide feet btw). My Meindl hiking shoes are fine, but I don't think they have that much arch support.

Katerina

Veteran

I have "difficult" feet and I also find sneakers uncomfortable. However, there is a type of shoes which I can walk in or stand in a whole day - Hogan Interactive. I have had many pairs during the years, both winter and summer versions.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

My husband has had an awful time with his feet hurting in many of his shoes when he does any degree of walking. We went shopping for new shoes last week, and I pointed him to The Walking Company. They have a fit assessment analysis that takes an imprint and measurements of your feet and tell you exactly what your fit issues are. He discovered he has ultra high arches and a high instep, and here he's been thinking his feet are really wide, when they're not -- He wears a 13.5C which is not wide! It was really eye-opening for both of us. He bought two new pairs of shoes after that and has commented every day since that he is so happy his feet don't hurt!

So I might suggest trying one of those stores, if there is one near you, to get an accurate picture of what is going on. Trial and error can get expensive when it comes to shoes!

Violettt

Angie, love the pics~** it's a lot of fun seeing pics here*****

Janet: That's so interesting that they have that assessment at The Walking Company--thanks~ Over the summer I did buy a pair of sandals from that store, they are the brand "Strive". Really cute black with nude straps. They have a huge arch, and say you should wear them only for an hour a day at first, but they are super comfy~ even to wear longer than that!

At some CVS stores they have that Dr. Schol assesment where it measures the pressure of your feet then recommends which insole. You stand on it for about 15 minutes. lol Has anyone done that? bought the suggested insole? I haven't bought it yet, but it sounds interesting!

Oh I have found Birkenstalks to be super comfy! I used to think they were the ugliest shoe on the planet, but my son and I both got a pair a couple years ago, and they are amazing! I love them! They are kinda hideous looking though, but hey your feet have to be comfy!

Jeanie

Veteran

I guess everyone's feet are different. I can see where if you have flat feet then arches would be painful. I have high arches so flat shoes are painful. Looks like Angie had some good suggestions. I am finding my sneaker to be uncomfortable but mainly because the heel if stiff and hurts my already achy heals. I am now wearing Easy Spirit clog type sneakers.

April

Veteran

So true that even an adequately wide, cushy flat shoe may not feel comfortable, depending on what your specific foot problems are. (Unless it's a massive, visible bunion, most people don't know exactly what's wrong, except they know their feet hurt.)

I have had some relief from two exercises suggested by a physical therapist. With a bare foot, rolling a tennis ball back and forth with firm pressure from ball of foot to heel, and attempting to "pick up" same tennis ball using the base of the toes. Helpful if you have neuromas.