'Proper' trainers, not fashion trainers (bad knees/back).

[gardenisblooming]

I'm looking for some good, supportive trainers, for walking (not running), outdoor mixed terrain (pavements as well as grass/woods). I've had Asics in the past but really feel like a change. I've had ON trainers recently and am moderately happy with them. Really wanted to try some Hoka trainers but there seem to be a lot of negative comments online about them being potentially not great for knees so that has put me off.

I have intermittent back and knee issues so would like something that will give me good support. If it can look stylish that's a bonus, but I definitely don't want a fashion trainer.

Any suggestions would be great, or reviews/ thoughts about Hoka. Thank you.

I wear Hoka for running, they work really well for me. Do you mean supportive, or cushioned, as they are quite different. Supportive tends to mean a bit more rigid and guiding the foot to move in a certain way.

Do you definitely want a trainer? As I'm sure they released a walking boot fairly recently.

The only thing with Hokas is that they are not especially hard wearing, traditionally they haven't bothered with an outsole (although the new Mach 6 which I am going to buy when I get paid does have)

@SuncreamAndIceCream Thank you that is interesting. I'm not sure if I mean cushioned or supportive?.. I'm doing a few city breaks and I live quite rurally and walk a lot, and so am after something more like a trainer than a boot as it will be warm weather when I'm away. I think I mean supportive - I mean something not like an Ugg type shoe/boot which offers nothing at all, does that make sense? But also cushioned would be nice. Most shoes in fashion stores seems to not be well made, but I'm not really entirely sure.

I think trainers are a really personal item, what suits some will not suit others. I use On for running, I tried Brooks and Hokas and didn't get on with them at all. Can you go to a shop that knows their stuff, one that offers gait analysis maybe, I know you are not running but maybe they can help in this situation too. Or even just a sports shop that does 3D foot scanning and suggests shoes based on that? It might help you to get a starting point anyway.

Maybe you want hiking shoes if you're not running? Not rubbish sports direct own brand type but Merrells, Berghaus or Salomans?

Your beat bet is to pop into a shop like runners need, get your gait checked and then just try loads on until you find ones that feel supportive and comfortable for you. Everyone's foot is different and I didn't like the Hoka's or Aisics but really get on well with Saucony running shoes...even for city breaks and some walking.

I’m in th same boat as you, live rurally in an area where the weather can mostly be crap so also need to eb shower proof as a minimum. I bought these for walking (have Raynauds = freezing feet and these keep them HOT) but brillliant for my two busted knees, bad ankle and need so much cushioning and support

https://thesportsedit.com/products/sorel-out-n-about-iii-classic-waterproof-boot-black-sea-salt

Sorels - absolutely amazing

All of the main sports brand will have something suitable
Just go and try on - I get mine at the Nike out store.

I have Nike juniper for walking - they are trail trainers and good for walking in dry level surfaces

I have adidas Oswego's for day to day

I have adidas bounce for sports and going swimming popping to the shops

I have Nike AF1 which stay in the box as they are so uncomfortable

I have converse high tops that are also uncomfortable

I have hoka recovery slides which are incredible! Not trainers but comfy

Trainers are personal as pp suggest and you win some and lose some

I also have sorrel boots for winter

Thank you.... a lot to think about and look into. I have sorrel snow boots and have been very happy with them, so maybe that's a good place to start. The website link is also good - I'll look up where my nearest store offering gait analysis is, and also order a few different options to try at home so I can really try to get a feel of how they are. Funnily enough, I have some Nike AF1, which I found really comfortable in the beginning, and recently they are so uncomfortable so they will be staying in the cupboard. I'm starting to think that I've never had a problem with Asics, so don't fix what isn't broken, and maybe I should just replace them?

I find Merrells good