Is it my trainers or me? Plus where to get comfy trainers!?

[Loopylooni]

Mad post here. Recently I've had a real pain in my heel and I thought it might be plantar fasciitis as seemed to get better when I walked more. Its better now but worried me for a while. I've checked my trainers and they look worn down so I want something decent for my school run (40min walk). My Converse feel like they might not be comfy enough.

Any tips on comfy, fashionable trainers?

Vans have got a bit more to them than converse if you like that style

My tip is don’t worry about fashion - clothing should be functional first and foremost - a 40 min walk justifies proper foot support so look for proper walking or running trainers not flat ‘trendy’ ones with no arch support. Good news is that in fact proper trainers are trendy this year!

I really rate my adidas ozweegos. They took me around WDW with comfort and no blisters.

Deeply uncool but Skechers are the most comfortable trainers ever.

Salamon do great walking shoes - very lightweight and like trainers in appearance but better on uneven slippery surfaces.

Allbirds

Sketchers have proper arch support which you do need for that kind of walking. I find them so comfortable. They also have waterproof ones which could be handy in the Winter. Get both as not a good idea to keep wearing the same ones.
Or get fitted for proper insoles for whatever trainers you choose.

When I got orthotics I was told ASICS had the best foot support of all. Since I switched to them I only have foot pain when they begin to wear out and I need a new pair.

Skechers, for me. Can buy and wear for a long walk the same day I buy them, with no pain or rubbing. I know when they are wearing out, as I start having issues again.ASICS were good too, but took more wearing in, and although I was told they were great for running, I didn’t find that. Brookes Ghost were best for running.

Skechers for me too. They have loads of different styles. They tend to size big though, I'm a 6 in Skechers but 7 everywhere else.

I find New Balance comfy.

ASICS are the most supportive, converse, I believe, are very unsupportive shoes and I would be ditching them pronto. I have terrible plantar fasciitis for three years and you need to avoid it, it’s a nightmare.

My advice would be to look at what the top athletes have on their feet when they are competing and try and find something similar but in your price range from the same brand.

Asics or Nike tend to be worn most by runners/walkers, particularly marathon runners. They definitely don't go for fashion - they go for what will support their ankles, their arches, their feet.

That said, a new brand seems to be making inroads on both Asics and Nike and that brand is Hoka.

https://www.asics.com/gb/en-gb/womens-gear/c/as20000000/

https://www.hoka.com/en/gb/

Converse are the absolute worst. Superga aren't much better.

Pretty much any "proper" trainers will be better: Nike, Adidas, ASICS, New Balance, or even thicker soled non-sports trainers from a fashion brand or M&S. Just pick what you like. Fitflops are good for walking though not as fashionable.

So currently I'm wearing Nike Flyknit but these are the ones I think have worn out. I'll post a pic for you experts! Otherwise I really don't know why my right foot aches at times!

I had exactly the same problem with my converse and rocket dogs. My foot was agony ! Swopped to Nike and no issues. In fact last night I wore my converse to go out for an Indian and in 2 minutes my foot was hurting again

Sketchers archFit I walked all round Cornwall in mine last summer. I'd been having heel pain just before the holiday so picked up a pair.

Nike trainers have good support,I know when I need new trainers as my feet hurt (noticed it in the gym recently so new trainers for my birthday I think).

I also have some Puma suede that have good support, I've done 12km walks in them regularly.

New Balance 574 are very comfy but less supportive than a sports trainer

All the sports trainer brands do different ranges, some are built for more stability and support, some are less stable more bouncy. So be careful to choose a more supportive range

Asics Gel-Kayano and GT-2000 are very supportive for example.

Skechers, Fitflop Rally white leather sneakers.
I had PF and the above sorted it for me.

I used to get foot pain when walking a long way. Then started wearing the running shoes I bought during lockdown, no longer run and didn't want to waste them. The most comfortable trainers I've ever worn and no foot pain.

Try nike air force ones, Adidas forums, or skechers .
Converse and vans are skate shoes which make them quite flat and without much support as you need to feel the ground more for skating

Definitely sketchers

I happily walk 12 miles a day in my Skechers. I don't care that they are deemed as old lady shoes on mumsnet because they are comfy and lightweight. I have a bright blue pair with bright pink laces. I have very narrow feet and my foot swims around in my supergras plus they rub. Converse have to be the most uncomfortable trainers ever and the rubber moulding always cracks and peels away.
I have a pair of goretex Merrells for wet weather. Glamorous I am not but at least I have dry feet. I miss Salomon being as they were back in the late 90s. They were great.
I see all the NB ones with that brown rubber thing up the heel and wonder how anyone can criticise Skechers.

Another vote for ASICS. I’ve been wearing them for running for years - 5k, 10k, weekday plods around the town. I even went up a (small) mountain in a pair this summer. I’ve never had a single blister or the slightest pain when wearing them.

Personally I don’t like Skechers because the memory foam makes my feet sweat - I do have a bit of a tendency to sweaty feet. Something to consider in case you are the same OP