Footwear for 30 mile walk.

[LycraLovingLass]

I am going to be doing a 30 mile walk, I am going to buy footwear specifically for this because none of mine is suitable.

Would you buy walking boots which wouldn't really get worn again or would you buy comfy running trainers which would probably get more use?

Basically are running shoes sufficient for the job? It's an not hills or hiking its a city walk.

If it's just in a city I would buy hiking shoes - a cross between trainers and hiking boots.

Disclaimer: I'm unfashionable, do all my shopping on foot whatever the weather so from Autumn to Spring that's my standard footwear when I go into town.

For a city walk, I’d wear my Birkenstocks. But I live in birks from April to October, and have walked up a short mountain in them. Assuming pavement walking, I think you can wear anything that you find comfy, so long as it’s got a reasonably cushioned sole.

Whatever footwear you choose, take blister plasters if you aren't used to walking long distances.

I wear running trail trainers for long walks.

I find my running trainers really uncomfortable to walk long distances is, though I have the air types which are extremely light. I would buy some vans, ridiculously comfy, waterproof and hard wearing, but you can wear them whenever.

For a walk in a city on mostly flat, paved terrain, yes, I'd get trainers.

If you buy new shoes of any type do wear them in beforehand! Makes a hell of a difference

If it's in uneven ground then I would get walking boots as you want some ankle stability

If its pavements then running trainers should do

Compeed, lots of Compeed. Being male, I walk paving and gravel in DM oxfords, well laced with bamboo socks. That's good for at least 10 miles in Paris in midsummer, possibly the toughest city in Europe outdide London.

I did a 50 mile walk and while I was training for it got running trainers fitted at a running shop. Much lighter than walking in shoes/ boots. Also really recommend looking at anti blister socks- fab. Enjoy your walk 🙂

Compeed and anti blister socks (never even heard of those).

I am goung to get them today so I gave a few weeks to wear them in and build up. I used to regularly walk far but I am so out of practice.

Soft walking boots/walking trainers but you need to wear them in and train in them before you walk that far in them.

Beginners' type running trainers. Chunky with decent cushioning would be my aim for a road walk.

Bit more off road, probably light trail shoes. Because grips.

Any need to carry weight (eg DC/big bag over about 15kg) and I'd be wanting ankle support.

City walk I'd do in running shoes. Walking boots are designed for rough, uneven terrain to support your ankles from twists and turns. Good quality running trainers would be perfect - not that dissimilar to running a marathon.

Wiggle has some nice half price Salomon hiking shoes (bit more substantial than a trainer) at the moment

Definitely well fitting trainers. Very light hiking or trail shoes may also be suitable. Definitely not Birkinstocks or walking boots.

I do a lot of walking and even on off road terrain that's not too rocky/uneven, have found trainers to be best if not muddy.

Make sure they don’t feel too snug when you try them on- your feet will swell.

something with decent soles and padding. Probably not something aimed at women.

I would also go with trainers for this.

Can I be nosy and ask why you'll be walking 30 miles? :)

I'd wear trainers and take a spare pair in your backpack (born worn in for several weeks). Change them at mile 15 or so. I did a marathon walk once and swapping trainers and socks half way was a game changer. 1000 mile socks are great.

I'd recommend moleskin bandage. You can use it if you already have blisters or protect the areas where you are likely to get them.

www.lifeandlooks.com/3353828.1.html?msclkid=0fdd687fdd8419419fa9369cb145efb7

You can also get it in Morrisons.

I am doing it for charity. I won't link here, I dont think its allowed but its a local thing anyway.

I never thought of changing shoes halfway through. Thats a great idea though.

I think trainers have pipped it so I have ordered Nike zoom Pegasus 7 which seem to be recommended for comfort and have lots of cushioning. I get on well with Nike, I already have the metcon x free 2s but they are work out trainers so very flat bottomed.

I have ordered some expensive anti blister socks too which help keep feet cool apparently and wick sweat.

I have Addidas AMDs which I can switch the nikes to as they are pretty seamless sock design so if i do get any blisters they can't hurt, they just aren't the most supportive shoe I own so couldn't see me doing 30 miles in them.

Comfy sandals for as much of the distance as possible would be my first choice, but still bring plasters in case of blisters (I only buy sandals comfy for walking). Resort to trainers only if wet.

Allbirds.

Good luck with the walk