Walking boots and insoles problem, and is this a normal part of getting older?

[Icelandholiday]

I had some walking boots for over ten years, they were quite tight but had good support, finally fell apart

Spent an hour in a shop trying on loads of boots, bought a pair. Went out for a walk, found them really uncomfortable as I have a flat foot sometimes (pronates inwards) and ended up with sciatica.

Went back to the shop, bought some Superfeet insoles, after trying them all on in the shop. They did make things better, but they still leave me aching. On one of my feet, I feel like the arch of the insole is in the wrong place so it's not comfortable. I actually feel like I've slightly injured myself due to the wrong position.

The boots cost £150 and the insoles cost £40, so I don't really know what to do now. Do I admit defeat and spend yet more money on another pair of boots? Do I buy yet more insoles? I'd really like to rescue the situation.

When I say is this a normal part of getting older, I mean when your body is used to certain shoes and you change one tiny thing, your whole body goes out of alignment and you're aching everywhere because everything's been pulled out of place.

I bought a new pair of walking boots after 10 years too, but mine have been really great. I think they’re one of those things you don’t buy regularly and they feel quite different to “normal” shoes, so it’s hard to tell if you’ve got it right. Just because they’re expensive doesn’t mean they’re a good fit. I don’t know what to advise you to do - I think I’d go back to another shop and try more boots on. It took me a lot of shops (and eventually great advice in Cotswold outdoors) before I found a pair that fitted well.

After 10 years, I think it's more likely your old boots didn't actually support that well but your body was used to it. Now there is actual support for your feet, it's putting (possibly correct) strain on your back/hips/pelvis so you're feeling it as sciatica?

Do your knees point forward when you wear your new boots? Maybe you need to strengthen your back and pelvic muscles with Pilates or exercises?

@Talipesmum That's the thing, I did get my new ones from Cotswold Outdoor and they were really helpful! I suppose you never really can tell until you go out for an actual walk on countryside terrain rather than a shop floor.

The quality of shoes has declined massively in the last decade as well. Along with ridiculously inconsistent sizing.

My DH is also flat footed and needs arch support insoles. He has a nightmare with shoes and trainers. Some brands he needs a 10, others an 11 and sometimes even a 12! Even across the same brand, he needs different sizes.

I am having the same problem with work boots .
I am already limted as they have be steel toe capped .
It's impossible to find a comfy pair 🙁

I find that if I use insoles I have to go up a size or sometimes two in boots. Have you considered seeing a podiatrist and getting insoles made to suit your feet? I couldn't afford to but both my parents have seen one and swear by the improvement it's made to their walking.

I've had similar issues. I'm in peri-menopause and not sure if it might be related. I've just bought some Meindl comfort boots, not worn them in anger yet but fingers crossed! I found BackCountryUK really helpful with the fitting.

I think I should've got Meindl boots as those were the ones I had before. I'm going to have to think more about this.

That’s v disappointing. My new ones were Meindl comfort and they’re lovely. But it’s just how it matches to your feet.

Did your old ones have any form of arch support?
I overpronate and have flat feet. The only type of shoe, trainer or walking boot I can wear without pain is one with a completely flat insole.

If you bear to spend more time and money, Altberg do a much broader range of width fittings than most walking boot manufacturers, and even a bespoke device.

Did your boot fitter talk to you about lacing patterns too
@Icelandholiday ?

I can't wear any shoes at all apart from my Merell walking boots, and Nike Air trainers. I must look daft but I can't tolerate painful feet anymore.

@AnxiousShep My old ones didn't have arch support, but they were a lot narrower or tighter, so they held everything in more.

I would recommend taking your walking boots to a really ace podiatrist and having a discussion with them about your feet issues.

I went about two corns the other week to a different podiatrist from my usual as I discovered one much nearer to my home. He did an overall feet assessment as well as spotted 3 small in growing toenails that two previous podiatrist had not picked up on. He also spent an amazing length of time checking over my feet. You would have been well impressed. The best podiatrist out of 6 or 7 I have known in my life (I am 59).

Custom insoles made for your feet will be hugely helpful. You might need a bigger size shoe to accommodate them.

My DH is 50 and is beginning to struggle with shoes/support/shock absorption etc. which he's never had before.

To be honest I've tried custom made insoles a couple of times before and they never work, so I always end up giving up. It was a waste of money.

I have custom made insoles after having a gait analysis, best thing i ever did. I can walk for miles with them and my regatta walking boots.

Well anyway, my old boots were fine without any type of insole or addition, so I might try some Meindl ones again.

Sorry didn't see your previous post I took so long writing mine! I went through 8 but settled on Regatta Vendeavours which a really lightweight but feel super supportive. Not sure why I chose cream though... they stayed cream for 1 walk!