It’s time for another round of “Ask the Internets.” What? You don’t know that game? It’s where I ask y’all (You all, for you Yankee types) a question and y’all holler back. Ok? Easy, right?
The last time I tried this, I opted for a back-door thesis. I figured, I’d write some little thing about how I was completely out of touch with what’s worth reading in fiction due to my stint in Seminary. However, I ended up writing a completely different piece and never got around to the ask.
Oh, temptation! See, now that I’ve used the term “back-door thesis” I want to tell you the story of how that nasty habit got me into so much trouble in school; how my mentor tirelessly attempted to rid me of my penchant for leaving the point to the end. But I won’t. I’ll be good. See, I can be good.
So the question. Wait, not yet. You need to know the reason why I have a question. Isn’t that some post-modern thing, context and all? Pfft. Anyhow, I am trying desperately to shed some pounds this summer. Part of my plan has been to attack the hills mountains of Astoria, daily. Oh. My. Goodness. My entire body is aching. While I am out of shape and, uh, pudgy— that’s only part of the problem. Because what hurts most would be my feet! I realize that all my walking shoes are terribly worn out and I am in a quandary about buying a replacement pair.
So. Here’s my question. I need to buy a good pair of shoes to hoof my way to skinny me. It wouldn’t HURT if they looked good, because, uh… yeah. Vain. Anyhow, I’m looking for walking shoes/sandles, not hiking boots.
Dear Internets, what would you suggest?
Shoot, that’s a back-door thesis. At least I asked the question this time! Progress, not perfection, right?
I always liked the Ryka brand in my more active days. Made by women for women and all.
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I can already see from everyone’s comment this is going to require a trip to Portland. I will inscribe “RYKA” on my forearm so I don’t forget. 😀 ~W
Get thee to REI and speak with one of their experienced shoe people. A well-made supportive shoe is worth its weight in gold, and yes, you will pay top dollar. They carry all kinds of shoes and sandals as well as hiking boots. An alternative would be a store that specializes in athletic shoes and hires people who are runners/walkers and who really know their product (not one of the big box stores like Sports Authority).
Your turn: I need a new hairstyle. Hook me up.
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Which means, I should get myself to Portland. OOF. I will keep this in mind. Obviously, I have road trip ahead of me. Good thing I can drive, because I don’t think my feet would hold out! As for your haircut, I think you’d look great in a Nancy Kwan bob. And trust me, if a hairdresser doesn’t know what that is, WALK OUT! 😀 ~W
I, too, love Ryka shoes. I wear them every day at work (where I’m usually speed walking all over the place). I used to wear New Balance, but my feet hurt all the time. Ryka bases their shoes on women’s feet, not men’s, and I’ll tell ya, it makes all the difference. Wide in the front and a narrow heel (so your heel doesn’t slip out the back). Very cushy. Love ’em. Can’t really say enough. The only problem that I have with walking shoes is that they’re all WHITE. I mean, would it kill them to add some more color? I wonder if there’s an actual reason for this or if people who walk for exercise prefer white? Hm. So. Yeah. Ryka.
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Writing “RYKA” on my other forearm. 😀 Thanks ~W
I hunted and hunted and finally bought a pair of Footprint Padua shoes that got me comfortably through Italy. I loved them and they look like regular shoes, not athletic wear. http://www.flummel.com/ee/index.php?/weblog/my_quest_for_shoes/
Good luck!
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Padua, check! 😀 ~W
I feel your pain regarding decent looking walking shoes. I’ve ended up purchasing running shoes since I couldn’t stand the all white walking shoes. I’ve had mixed results in the shoe department at REI, I think if you make it there on a weekday you will have better luck as Saturdays there are too many customers per salesperson.
Are you looking for walking shoes that masquerade as regular shoes or just un-fugly walking shoes?
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Ideally, I’d like shoes that don’t look like athletic shoes. 😀 But, at this point, I just need something that doesn’t do a number on my feet. And, good point about REI. So, Portland trip on a weekday… 😀 ~W
I know it’s a bit of a trek into the “big city,” but I love the people at Portland Running Company. I am NOT an athelte by any stretch of the imagination, but about four years ago I trained with a group called Portland Fit to do a half-marathon, and the Portland Running Company was a sponsor. They have very talented experts that will take time to help meet your specific shoe needs. It’s really a whole body evaluation, they don’t just look at your feet. Like, how is your stance? how do you walk/run (they look carefully at your pace and stride)? and of course the shape and flex of your feet. I loved milking them for knowledge and support! Whatever you decide on – good luck!!
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Stacey, thanks for the tip. Although, I must confess… this smacks of going to Nordstroms for a bra fitting. OMG. How I hate that. Seriously. I think I’d rather they look at my boobs than my feet. But I will do it. It’s good advice and I won’t regret it. These people are in Portland and have NO IDEA WHO I AM. Oh, which reminds me, I need to write “pay in cash to protect your anonymity” on my forearm. 😀 ~W
I have been wearing the same sling back walking shoes I bought on sale for $6 at Payless, 3 1/2 years ago!
I put inserts in them and they are extremely comfortable.
I walk in them everyday.
this may be, just ’cause their just the right fit for MY feet. I don’t know. but I do know that one brand that may work for one person may be totally wrong for another.
I would suggest just trying some out. go to a local dept store, put a pair on and walk around and finish your shopping then take them off before you leave.
*winks* 😉
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Kalurah, you’re just begging to see post on this site that details how I got arrested for shop lifting… because you know I’d forget those shoes were on my feet and promptly walk out the door! As for your payless shoes… I had an inexpensive pair of black pumps, year ago… in high school. They were perfect. Not too dressy, not too plain, not too high and went with everything. Well, that is, until my brother’s dog ate one. Ooh, I’ve still not forgotten those shoes. 😀 ~W
I heart my KEENS…they are wonderful! And, Chacos are really good too…they have that uva sole or whatever, so you can cling to rocks so very much betta’ Oh, an excuse to buy shoes…may the force be with you!
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Keens and Chacos. I’m running out of space on my left forearm. 😀 ~W
I was distracted by the picture. Is it a painting? A drawing? Who did it? Is it yours? IZ’s? Is it for sale? It is so striking and bold. I. love. it.
As for the shoes … um … yeah. Not so much help. I try not to walk anywhere. I’m blessed with guilt-free laziness. 😀
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I emailed you–but for everyone else, the photo is of a chalk painting I took several years ago. ~W
A self portrait? She looks like you – ish.
To counter-balance my guilt-free physical laziness, I am afflicted with random, intense obsessions for mental fitness. 😉
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Yeah, that would work for me if I could walk around NAKED. But as that’s not an option, I need to drop a few (30!!) pounds to wear clothing. OOF. ~W
As for shoes, I know nothing. As for art – it really could be of you…
I say … pudgy is not only beautiful, it is downight sexy.
Love,
Jodi
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Oh, Jodi. I’m being kind to myself using the word “pudgy”… 30 lbs overweight is not pudgy. It’s that other word. 😀 ~W
Ok. Let’s try this again…
I say … pudgy is not only beautiful, it is DOWNRIGHT sexy.
🙂
Love,
Jodi (again)
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Well, when you put it that way! 😀 ~W
i finally caved and ordered that sweet gold creamer at thrifty goodness. it has been taunting me.
i second the notion of going to a good shoe store and asking a lot of questions and having your feet sized properly, specifically where you’re arch is and how it needs to be supported. this sort of info can change your life… 😉
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Melissa, YOU ROCK. I appreciate all the business that comes my way–but it’s really cool when I have some idea who the person might be. 😀 And the pitcher is really lovely. 😀 ~W
I am in the same dilemma. It has been 2 months of sitting in front of this darn computer with chocolates and treats galore.I use regular nike tennis shoes….Cross trainers…. My feet only hurt the last 10 minutes in those…..
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Scribbling “cross trainer” on my right forearm with my left hand. Hope all this writing doesn’t wash off. 😀 ~W
I don’t know much about shoewear. I just wear my Saucony running shoes, but they do LOOK like jogging wear. They make me feel very athletic though. (HA HA) Good luck with the hills; my rear always hurts when I do hills.
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The upside of living here is that you have amazing views from just about everywhere–but the downside, is you have to hike hills in every direction! Ouch. I’m hoping it will optimize the walking I’m doing because running isn’t in my future. My joints will no longer support it. ~W
I can see that this is an issue that many of us suffer from…I have to say that I really love the look of your sandals but i laughed at your son’s concernes as to who they might be for! On Friday, I wrote about my happy feet on my blog, what a coincidence! I will look out for your brand in the UK…it seems the UK is very limited on designs for comfortable shoes!
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Yeah, he was worried I’d bought them for him and was going to make him wear them! These are pretty comfy but really, anything is a step up from the shoes I had been traipsing around in. 😀 ~W