Good walking shoe with a heel?

Hi. I've been having issues with my feet and legs these past few weeks. I've even started PT as a result. The most worrisome has been a lot of cramping in my calves when I walk (it happens nearly instantaneously, not gradually). I'm someone who's always been able to walk a lot very easily.

Today I'm out for appointments downtown and suddenly it occurs to me that my calves are fine. I had been instructed to always wear either a heel or an orthotic insert, but the one the doc gave me was barely half an inch. (Edit: and I'm almost always in flat shoes with the insert.) Today I'm wearing booties that are about 1.5".

I'm really hoping that is all I need. Meanwhile booties still not a great support shoe (and I have a wide toe box).

Does anyone have a rec for a really good, supporting shoe for lots of walking on pavement? With a heel of 1.5-2", ideally? A sneaker with a heel, essentially:)

I know are women here on the forum who can't wear flats (never could, or stopped being able to). Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry if this seems more like Off-topic.

Thank you!!!!!!

7 years ago

Veteran

I'm sorry you are experiencing that pain. I actually have a pair of sneakers with about 1.5 or 2" heels that my sister brought from Netherlands a couple of years ago, I don't know if you can find something similar here. How about something like this: http://www.zappos.com/p/munro-.....lor/103212 it has 1" heel and if you use your 1/2" insert it might help. Or this one: http://luxury.zappos.com/p/see.....lor/640182

Mochi

Thanks, JP. They both look very good, especially the Chloe (though I'm experiencing some sticker shock....) I switched to flats when I got home today and immediately felt worse, so I think the heel really may be the source of the problem and solution.

L'Abeille

If you've been wearing heels for a while and then wear flats to walk any distance, you can get calf pain because your Achilles tendon and calf muscles have shortened a tiny bit and it causes pain to stretch them. In that case, wearing a heel on your walking shoes will perpetuate the problem rather than prevent it. Alternating your heel height on different days is the best way to avoid it. Your physio should be able to advise if this is the case with you. But check it out before you shell out for heeled walking shoes!

njw

Active Member

I second the Munro endorsement ( from JP's post above). for short term walking. I may have the worst feet in the world; need strong arch support and wide width and removable insoles for long distance walking to insert custom orthotics. Not stylish I know but what I have been forced to wear for HOURS of walking is Brooks Addiction 12 with ties, not the velcro http://www.brooksrunning.com/e.....html?CAGPS
Danskos also offer a wide toe box.

That sounds very wise, L'Abeille. Thank you.

Also njw, thanks. I'll check that one out too. My feet are problematic as well, sigh.

I know they aren't the most fashion forward, but Alegria shoes are super comfortable. I have a pair of booties with maybe a 1.5-2" heel and I can walk all day for kilometres (miles) with no pain. Their insoles also are removable, bit not sure if you would need to. I too have increasingly fussy feet and tho there are many style I wouldn't wear, there definitely are some I would. http://www.alegriashoeshop.com

Greyscale

I have been amazed by how comfortable my Converse wedge sneakers are, but they are on the higher end, something like 2" or 2 1/2", and I wouldn't want to wear them all day. I think Ash used to make a similar sneaker with a lower wedge. But also, it's a trend that may have passed its peak, though I hope to wear mine for quite a while yet.

But I agree with someone above that you don't want to perpetuate the shortened Achilles tendon if there's a way to loosen it up gradually with lower shoes.

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