Walking footwear and aids

[MedusasBadHairDay]

Thought of putting this is Style and Beauty, but actually think it's better placed here.

We're moving house, hopefully this month, which is exciting but means that whereas at the moment the kids school is literally outside my front door, in the new place it's a 10-15 min walk. So just on the edges of what I can physically manage.

There are also some beautiful walks near the new house, and I'm so determined to get to see them.

Which makes me think I need to invest in some bits that will help me, especially shoes and a walking stick.

Ideally the stick will be a folding one, as I don't want to use it all the time. I used to, and it just caused me wrist pain, so want to be able to pop it in a bag when I'm doing OK.

The shoes are trickier, as I'm fussy - still mourning not being able to wear high heels 😂 Ideally I don't want trainers, as I live in vintage style dresses and don't personally like how trainers look. I also tend to get skin splints if I wear anything entirely flat, I need a bit of lift/arch support.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for either? Or any advice on gradually improving how far I can walk (I have hypermobility syndrome)?

[ziggystardust76]

Some of the online mobility sites have loads of walking sticks including folding ones:
www.abilitysuperstore.com/

They also have a foot care section btw !
www.abilitysuperstore.com/collections/heel-protectors-splints

[Hazelnutlatteplease]

Kickers kick high, Dr Martens (you can get really pretty DMs but they can be quite heavy), or walking boots. When you want to walk I would stick with boots for even in summer, if you fix the ankle the rest of the leg should stay a big more stable. We found purple or flowery ankle DMs very suitable for this.

If you do venture into sandals, I really dont rate fitflops for either their arch support or heel cup. We have vionics in summer but have also had success with crocs (especially the non crocs style crocs), boring walking sandals and birkenstocks (although they seem great support wise we all hate them). Nike trainers seem to be good for taking insoles.

Exercise generally, ideally some form of weight based exercise at least twice a week. Les mills body pump (starting with very light or no weights) contains all of the generally recommended physio exercises. We've also had success with the tone series on the on demand app (you can do it without jumping and low impact) and zumba strong DVD (same). Swimming also good. Pilates not yoga.

I wouldn't rule out a mobility scooter. It can increase your freedom hugely, especially for the walk to and from school.

[Shehasadiamondinthesky]

Hypermobile feet tend to flatten and roll so they make you look like you have flat feet when you don't so you need something that is going to support your ankle and have a slight rocker botton shape that helps you achieve the gait you should have.
i don't have hypermobility but I treat people who do in the NHS, I do have awkward feet though and always get my walking boots from here:
www.backcountryuk.com/womens-walking-boots-133-c.asp
They are expensive but they do width fittings, half sizes and bunion fit walking boots.
I'm 60 with fairly crippling arthritis but I can walk miles in these. They will give your floppy feet the shape they need.

[RickiTarr]

I know this seems counterintuitive to some (looking at you SIL) but I use crutches/wheelchair and wear a lot of vintage and I swear by Clark’s Maritsa sandals. They have a platform so the heel isn’t as much as it looks but I find a slight heel more comfortable anyway.

My issue isn’t hypermobility, though.

www.clarks.co.uk/search/?text=Maritsa

[AOwlAOwlAOwl]

I have some superb light weight walking poles OP - they're light as a feather and really strong.

Black diamond distance carbon x. Lots of brands do similar carbon poles to be fair. They're not cheap but they will last you and because they are light you can stash them in a bag and forget about them until you need them.

[Akire]

There are some lovely pretty and unique folding sticks these days thank
Goodness. Can’t help on the shoe front though having my own battles finding Velcro trainers for adults.

I know can get elastic laces but still tricky to hold the shoe open and get foot in. Had some really old sketchers trainers with Velcro strip that was perfect. Guess have wait till they come round on “trend” again.

[motherofsnortpigs]

I have bespoke insoles (made by the podiatrist) inside DM boots or my walking boots. I have yet to find a decent summer alternative. I shall be investigating fitflops @redpandaalert. Thank you

[WingingItSince1973]

I hope you get some more replies op as I could do with some advice xxx

[redpandaalert]

I have hyper mobility (and now osteo in my feet) and only wear ASICS trainers and Fitflops. Some of the flatter Fitflops are uncomfortable as I need arch support. I can walk an hour or an hour and half in ASICS though - gel Kayano recommended by rheumatologist tried the cheaper ones first and still had a lot of pain.