Cool Supportive Shoes

I have a pair of Ascis mesh top run/walk shoes that are pretty breathable and very comfortable. They also have good arch support and are more of a "box toe" fit (I don't like my toes mushed together). Also, look for breathable socks to wear with them for the best of both worlds.

Good luck!

I'm a runner. I've been in the military for over 13 years, have been required to run for all of it, and have run recreationally for the last 2 years. I run about 20-30 miles a week, depending on what's going on (races). I'm also a medic and talk with a lot of Soldiers about running, injuries, rehab from injuries, and physical fitness in general.

I can tell you, without a doubt, that you can absolutely strengthen your feet and arches. And you should. Our feet were never meant to wear cushy shoes with arch supports. They were designed/evolved with muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments, all meant to work without cushion or arch support. Furthermore, when we add built up heels and arches, we significantly affect our gait...the way we walk....which impairs our joints from properly cushioning our body. We aren't meant to walk with our heels striking the ground firmly. We're meant to gently walk on our midfoot, and run on our forefoot, cushioning our ankles, knees and hips.

I ran and walked on tradtional, built up running shoes for years, and had hip pain, foot pain, and shin splints. Three years ago, I found a pair of "flats." Basically, shoes without built up heels or much extra padding. I began walking on those and slowly transitioned to running. It was tough at first. My feet weren't used to the work. But now I run completely minimalist, basically in shoes that have no support and only protect my feet from rocks and such. I have NO pain, no shin splints, and have been injury free for years.

So...the reason your sandals made your feet hurt is for one of two reasons: They aren't the kind of sandals you should walk in, meaning that they don't have enough strapping to keep your feet from having to "grab" every time you step, OR, your feet are weak.

AL is right. VivoBarefoot makes an excellent minimalist shoe. So does Merrill. If you want strong feet (and GREAT looking calves, by the way), go for a minimalist shoe. Bonus...they're light and cool. :-)

If you do decide to go for a minimalist shoe, be sure that you take your time to transition. Read up on changing your gait from a heel strike to a midfoot strike. Don't put on too much mileage at first.

Good luck!

Hi Tia
The best shoes I have found for walking are Lems and or Vivobarefoot trail freak ... Now, these may not have the arch support you are looking for, which leads me to this.. IF you just started walking in sandals that are flat, then your feet need a bit more time to strengthen (in all three arches) .. The dilemma that people have in flat shoes is that prior to wearing them and since childhood, many people have worn shoes that bind.. the toebox isn't wide enough and often it's narrow, causing our big toes to turn outward..
I mention all this because unless you were born with an arch problem, then although you may end up with sneakers that have a built in arch, the problem may not truly be solved.. I found that after years with foot issues, once I switched to shoes with no arch and that were flat with a wide toe box, WOW...................... bring on the foot health..

In any event, the Lems are flat but you can always add an insert, they are nice and lightweight too.. if you go to their website, you can view the illustration which shows how flexible and lightweight the shoes are..
I love them... I had to go down one size because there is so much room for your toes to splay..

also.. If interested, Dr Ray McClanahan of the NW foot and ankle clinic has a short video and or article specifically on choosing shoes that don't cause foot problems.. in fact, he has many videos on youtube that discuss the many foot ailments that plague us.. it's a good learning tool..

well happy walking and good for you for getting and there on your lunch break !! :)

Christy Lee has given you some great info.

She's right about the training and getting used to new shoes/heel strike patterns. You might have read, for example, about the Vibram 5-fingers shoes and some consumer complaints - it's essential to realize that there are strict instructions about gearing up for a big change. So many people just ignore sensible training preparation and go out and get hurt. We see it the Boston area all the time when people go out the month before the marathon and run too hard/too fast and get hurt!

One thing you could do is get really good socks from the running store, which wick the moisture away from your foot and keep you dry. Instead of recommending a specific shoe, I'd suggest you go to that same running store (not just a branch of a sporting goods store in the mall) - you want a store that caters to runners and walkers and (important) is run by them. If you don't know of such a store, call the track coaches of 1-3 neighboring high schools and ask them where they send their runners.

Tell the running store staff how much you are walking, discuss your goals, mention the concern with the shoes you have (take them in so they can see them), and get fitted properly. You can discuss Christy Lee's advice with them and ask how to implement it as well as anything else they suggest. They are interested in helping you develop into an effective walker. You don't have to be a marathoner to get good service from a store like this.

Don't worry yet about what brand to buy. My husband, my son and I all use the same store, but we all wear different brands. They both run, I walk and work out at a gym. We have different feet, different strides, different needs. What brand works for me might or might not work for you.

ETA: Christy Lee--you can stretch your feet and treat pain with OTC mess, but there is no non surgical fix for flat feet OR fallen arches. As we age, and due to lack of support, arches do fall over time.

Lightweight, breathable AND supportive? Sketchers GoWalk!

I disagree that over time you can "strengthen your arches.
Every doctor, IME, has stressed the importance of arch support.
It's a pay me now, or pay me later thing.
Don't walk in flat sandals UNLESS the have good arch support--like Clarks, etc.

my shoes are for running, but i rarely run these days and have moved over to walking, and the shoes are just as good. i've got a pair of altras, and a pair of vibram 5-fingers. the only time i walk in sandals or other form-over-function shoes is if i'm just strolling a short distance. feet are really important.
in your case i'd start off with something with moderate arch support, and over time use less and less. i'm down to a little above minimalist and love it. go to a running store and describe your needs to them. they should, if they're good, put you on a treadmill and observe the roll of your foot, and advise you thoughtfully on what shoe is best for you. you'll lay out $100 or so, but so worth it.
khairete
S.

Birkenstock sandals are great!

Have you tried some type of trail shoes? You can usually find them open toed or with a mesh top. Otherwise, if you really want to go cool and name brand, Nike has a mesh top shoe.

Toms are awesome. They are light and made of canvas. I don't have sneakers anymore since I have Toms in so many colors.

Although they look like they are totally flat, they have support inside. LOVE them!

My DH wears Saucony for running, but I think they make walking shoes, too.

I over-pronate (ankles roll in) despite having "normal" arches and have since I was a kid, so I need supportive shoes. My favorites for summer are a pair of strappy slides from Crocs. They have a slight wedge to the heel and the classic Crocs comfort without the regular ugly Croc look. I take the train in to work and often have to stand on the train and then walk a few blocks to my office and these are totally comfortable all day.

Good running shoes normally have some mesh in the upper so that your feet can breathe comfortably even when running long distances. I use Asics and New balance and both keep my feet cool, even in the summer.

I have a pair of Sketchers mesh walking shoes/sneakers. They are black and they are not hot. My Teva walking sandals worked for me for years but now my feet hurt if I try walking in them. Who knows?

If you want to wear sandals have you tried glitterflops.com ? They are a bit pricey but you can wear them all day and not be tired. Try it out.

Dansko's. Worth. every. Penny.