Shoe Experts, lend me your ears!

[Sheep]

I wanted to put Rears, but didn't know if anyone would get the Ace Ventura reference.

Anywho, My work shoes are starting to really hurt my feet (I developed Plantar Fascitis as a matter of fact, due to the poor arch support). I've been running a lot and really enjoy it, so having this shooting pain in my foot really sucks.

My running shoes and everyday shoes are all Nike Shox, with good amounts of arch support. However, my work shoes are flattened out Etnies I picked up in vegas for 40 dollars. They've been fine until now, as my feet are constantly getting soaked at work. I guess the insole lost it's shape, and now it's killing me. I have some arch support heal pads in there right now (Dr. Scholls, I'm gellin'). But even with these there is still pain.

Basically what I need to know, is which brands make a decently durable shoe, that have good cushioning and arch support. Also, it wouldn't hurt if it looked nice (I could maybe use it outside of work ).

Thanks,
SheepStar

 

[highfigh]

I wanted to put Rears, but didn't know if anyone would get the Ace Ventura reference.

Anywho, My work shoes are starting to really hurt my feet (I developed Plantar Fascitis as a matter of fact, due to the poor arch support). I've been running a lot and really enjoy it, so having this shooting pain in my foot really sucks.

My running shoes and everyday shoes are all Nike Shox, with good amounts of arch support. However, my work shoes are flattened out Etnies I picked up in vegas for 40 dollars. They've been fine until now, as my feet are constantly getting soaked at work. I guess the insole lost it's shape, and now it's killing me. I have some arch support heal pads in there right now (Dr. Scholls, I'm gellin'). But even with these there is still pain.

Basically what I need to know, is which brands make a decently durable shoe, that have good cushioning and arch support. Also, it wouldn't hurt if it looked nice (I could maybe use it outside of work ).

Thanks,
SheepStar

Do you squat often and/or for long periods? I had PF when I was doing car audio/security and it sucked. The fact that I was playing in 3-6 softball games every week didn't help, either. I tried the DrScholl's heel pads and they did approximately bupkis. I figured out that my heel was really sore every time I got up when I worked on a car, so I changed how I positioned myself while working. It went away in about six weeks, IIRC.

I usually wear New Balance but have also worn Nike shoes. As ling as they have good heel pads, it'll be relatively comfortable while it heals (no pun intended).

 

[unreal.freak]

I wanted to put Rears, but didn't know if anyone would get the Ace Ventura reference.

Anywho, My work shoes are starting to really hurt my feet (I developed Plantar Fascitis as a matter of fact, due to the poor arch support). I've been running a lot and really enjoy it, so having this shooting pain in my foot really sucks.

My running shoes and everyday shoes are all Nike Shox, with good amounts of arch support. However, my work shoes are flattened out Etnies I picked up in vegas for 40 dollars. They've been fine until now, as my feet are constantly getting soaked at work. I guess the insole lost it's shape, and now it's killing me. I have some arch support heal pads in there right now (Dr. Scholls, I'm gellin'). But even with these there is still pain.

Basically what I need to know, is which brands make a decently durable shoe, that have good cushioning and arch support. Also, it wouldn't hurt if it looked nice (I could maybe use it outside of work ).

Thanks,
SheepStar

Sheep, i too have had the Plantar Fasciitis. My doctor sent me to a foot specialist (podiatrist). The only thing he recommended to prevent this was either a cortisone shot and or orthotics. He recommended the orthotics as the fix and then the shot if they didnt work. $300 later and i had a pair of custom orthotics made from a mold of my foot. I haven't had a problem since. They are able to be swapped from shoe to shoe. My arches are so high, you can see daylight underneath when im standing shoeless. I always wear New Balance shoes for work, untill we were required to wear steel toes. You can find some New Balance shoes that have good arch support at this link.

http://www.newbalance.com/fitness/walking/MW845BK/

Peace,
Tommy

 

[Alex2507]

which brands make a decently durable shoe,

Are you looking for a man's or woman's shoe?

Actually I do have something to contribute. The best recommendation I ever got for a work shoe was for Wolverine with Dura Shocks. I'm on my second pair and when they wear out I'll get another pair. I got the last ones on line because I had gotten the size thing figured out in a store (14 M) and on line I could get exactly what I wanted (non insulated, waterproof, 6" boot, Dura Shocks sole, no steel toe). A really old guy told me about 'em and I've been happy with them. I'm usually 250 lbs and I carry 100 lbs sheets of drywall around all day long over all kinds of construction debris. I just want to establish that my feet take a beating and this is the best work solution that I have found yet.

http://www.wolverinecanada.ca/en-CA/Gallery/GPG/WORK/SAFETY-TOE/6-inch-BOOTS.aspx

 

[Sheep]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Unfortunately, I can't change my stance when I clean wheels. I only see cars every 8000km for a wash, and they are pretty rough. 4 wheels a car, 12-15 cars a day minimum right now.

My doctor said if the pads and a decent pair of shoes don't fix the problem, I would need to come back for some more thorough tests and possibly measurements for custom orthotics. My dad has some already, I should be covered through my medical, but I'd rather not got straight there if I can avoid it (going to need an under bite corrected at some point, less I use medical the better).

So far the pads aren't working, but I've only been using them since Tuesday. I'll give the pads and stretching a week or so before I make final judgment. Thanks for the shoe recommendations too.

SheepStar

 

[Sheep]

Are you looking for a man's or woman's shoe?

Actually I do have something to contribute. The best recommendation I ever got for a work shoe was for Wolverine with Dura Shocks. I'm on my second pair and when they wear out I'll get another pair. I got the last ones on line because I had gotten the size thing figured out in a store (14 M) and on line I could get exactly what I wanted (non insulated, waterproof, 6" boot, Dura Shocks sole, no steel toe). A really old guy told me about 'em and I've been happy with them. I'm usually 250 lbs and I carry 100 lbs sheets of drywall around all day long over all kinds of construction debris. I just want to establish that my feet take a beating and this is the best work solution that I have found yet.

http://www.wolverinecanada.ca/en-CA/Gallery/GPG/WORK/SAFETY-TOE/6-inch-BOOTS.aspx

Thanks for the link Alex, I'll see if I can find them locally.

SheepStar

 

[Rickster71]

Sheep, I agree with Alex (I can't believe I said that twice in one month)

I can highly recommend these Wolverine boots http://www.wolverine.com/US/Product/NZP/G-WRK-SOF-89I/8-9-inch-BOOTS/Wolverine-Waterproof-400-Grams-Thinsulate-8-inch-Boot.aspx

They are the most comfortable work boots I've ever worn. When the stock foot pads started to lose their cushioning effect
I switched to the Dr. Scholl's sport insoles. These were very good too: http://www.footmapping.com/

The New Balance site has a http://www.newbalance.com/totalfit/#/GLOSSARY/ "Total Fit" section; the parts about Over and Under-Pronation helped me also.

Good Luck,
Rick

 

[sawzalot]

Check this shoe out its called the MBT from anti-shoe..its at theantishoe.com my foot doc told me about it.I have yet to try cause it looks a bit odd ...........theantishoe.com

 

[aberkowitz]

My experience:

I have flat feet (opposite problem of many on this board), so I've always needed to make sure that I don't wear shoes with too much arch in them. The pediatriast that I saw recommended staying away from Nike when it comes to sneakers- they're only useful for people with "normal" feet. He recommended New Balance and Asics as the best brands of sneakers.

He also told me that Dr Scholls was a bunch of cheap crap. For better quality inserts, but not custom-made quality, check out the Spenco brand. You can find these at any good shoe repair store (or online of course). They're more expensive than Dr Scholls, but the difference in quality and effectiveness is significant.

I ended up not needing to have custom orthotics made, I can get buy by being more careful which shoes I purchase, but everything I've heard is that they are worth every penny for people who really need them.

 

[Sheep]

My experience:

I have flat feet (opposite problem of many on this board), so I've always needed to make sure that I don't wear shoes with too much arch in them. The pediatriast that I saw recommended staying away from Nike when it comes to sneakers- they're only useful for people with "normal" feet. He recommended New Balance and Asics as the best brands of sneakers.

He also told me that Dr Scholls was a bunch of cheap crap. For better quality inserts, but not custom-made quality, check out the Spenco brand. You can find these at any good shoe repair store (or online of course). They're more expensive than Dr Scholls, but the difference in quality and effectiveness is significant.

I ended up not needing to have custom orthotics made, I can get buy by being more careful which shoes I purchase, but everything I've heard is that they are worth every penny for people who really need them.

My Nike's have never hurt my feet, and I've been using them for quite some time (3 years at least). I'm going out today after work to test fit some shoes, it will be hard to tell though, as my feet as still sore.

I'm not very impressed with these Dr. Scholls inserts either. I bought the sport ones for my normal shox and the heal supports for my work shoes. The heal ones still hurt my feet, the full foot sport insert seems fine. More time is needed though.

If this problem doesn't go away soon, the shoes will be replaced first.

SheepStar

 

[jostenmeat]

I don't know anything about shoes really, but I was involved with athletics back in the day, and I believe that New Balance is historically the choice for wider feet, lower arch. Nike is more for narrower feet, higher arch, but I think New Balance might* be more "extreme" than Nike is.

Sheep, I'd hate to advise to you stop doing something you love, but instead of running.... mebbe something else (requires research) could fit the bill, dunno, roller hockey, roller derby (just met a girl on a team, lol), cycling, etc . . .

I've always found Nike basketball shoes to be pretty comfortable. If having wet shoes is an issue, perhaps instead a waterproof pair of boots?

oh yeah, you can always try a pair of arch inserts I suppose . . .

 

[JLMEMT]

I also think that it sounds like waterproof would be a good starting point for you, though is not likely the whole solution.


I believe that I am going to have to go the custom orthotics route. I can't find a non custom that is large enough. I have had that problem for many years. But now I also need to correct for a height difference. The Dr's guessed wrong and put my left leg back together 1/2" short.

 

[Sheep]

I don't know anything about shoes really, but I was involved with athletics back in the day, and I believe that New Balance is historically the choice for wider feet, lower arch. Nike is more for narrower feet, higher arch, but I think New Balance might* be more "extreme" than Nike is.

Sheep, I'd hate to advise to you stop doing something you love, but instead of running.... mebbe something else (requires research) could fit the bill, dunno, roller hockey, roller derby (just met a girl on a team, lol), cycling, etc . . .

I've always found Nike basketball shoes to be pretty comfortable. If having wet shoes is an issue, perhaps instead a waterproof pair of boots?

oh yeah, you can always try a pair of arch inserts I suppose . . .

I can't cycle, it's too cold right now, and my bike isn't geared for exercise (plus some useless cop will give me tickets). I don't think running is the cause either, I've been running for many years, with different shoes, and only the cheap shoes hurt my feet (back when I first started).

I don't know how well my foot will be supported in waterproof boots, plus I can't exactly drive a 130,000 dollar car with those on either. I'm thinking breathable shoes will dry out better, but ones that repel water would work best. My current shoes are sponges. I'll have to ask about this.

I'll let you know what I find when I get back. I'm also going to see The Watchmen tonight, and I'll post my impressions.

SheepStar

 

[mtrycrafts]

... My arches are so high, you can see daylight underneath when im standing shoeless. ...Peace,
Tommy

WOW. I think the Terminator has such high arches What are you trying to tell us?

 

[captiankirk28]

Hi i went through the same thing as you and a co-worker turned me on to these and they are very comfey and they are steel toe but dont let that fool you they are great. Hope this helps!

And they are made in the good ol U.S.A!

http://workingperson.com/products/22_353_45/1/8028/Red_Wing_8674_Mens_Brown_Leather_Waterproof_EH_Work_Shoe.html

 

[tbergman]

I'll throw in my two cents as well. If you're looking for a comfortable waterproof/repellent shoe I don't think you can go wrong with Merrell, I currently have two pairs, my hiking boots and low cut casual shoes. I love them so much that when my roommate's dog ate them, I went out and bought the exact same pair again. But anyway, I'd suggest Merrell.

 

[Sheep]

Hi i went through the same thing as you and a co-worker turned me on to these and they are very comfey and they are steel toe but dont let that fool you they are great. Hope this helps!

And they are made in the good ol U.S.A!

http://workingperson.com/products/22_353_45/1/8028/Red_Wing_8674_Mens_Brown_Leather_Waterproof_EH_Work_Shoe.html

I'm Canadian, and deeply offended by this post.

SheepStar

 

[Sheep]

So apparently to get a job at a shoe store, you need to be capable of avoiding customers and knowing nothing about footwear. I'm going to have to find a better store.

SheepStar

 

[unreal.freak]

sheep, one thing the foot specialist did to temporarily relieve my pain was, tape up my foot. Here is how he did it.

first he cleaned my foot with acetone....yep it was cold on my foot he said it would get all the oils off the skin so the tape would adhear to my foot very well.

then he used a very good quality cloth tape, and started by putting narrow strips between my toes and stretched them tightly to my heel.

he then taped arund my foot with the full width of the tape roll several times. this made the tape pull my toes toward my heels and relieved the tension n the tendons that were getting stretched so badly.

This method of taping had my foot at about 90% better in 2 days!! It would be sorta hard for you to do it by yourself, but maybe you could talk some buddies into helping you out in a Hooka sessions you have . just add a little herb in there for their trouble

Also i remembered seeing just about every waitress in Gatlinburg Ten. wearing these. I thought they were odd looking shoes but all of the ladies I asked, said they wouldnt dream of wearing anything else.

http://www.z-coil-miami.com/catalog1.htm

Good Luck
Tommy

 

[adwilk]

Those z-coils are comfy, but I have to say, my left ankle will never be the same... with any activity at all they arent very stable... I went down quick-fast...