My podiatrist recommends New Balance because they are wider than most women's shoes. He says most women's shoes are too narrow causing damage down the line. My Rheumatologist recommends getting orthotics to help with foot pain. I haven't done that yet, but I do only buy New Balance.

Please do invest in good shoes. I just spent weekend on the beach and took long walks. So nice and refreshing.

Kimhurts.Thx for response.My Dr as well told me to get orthotics but there 400$ which I just couldn't afford.I'll look into New Balance.

This is the brand I've been wearing....the D'Lites version. I have a medium width foot but I get them in wide because I wear heavy socks in the winter.

https://www.skechers.com/en-us/women/all?brand=/d-lites

Hi, peppyest, let's figure out how to get you back on your feet!

Here's my story, maybe it will give you an idea.

I walked a marathon a few years, pre-diagnoses. When I was preparing for it, I knew I needed better shoes. I very nervously walked into the elite sports shoe store a few towns away. I thought well, they might laugh at me, but it will be worth it if I leave here with a good pair of shoes.

So I went in and introduced myself and said okay, I'm obviously overweight, and you can't see my scoliosis but it's a factor, and I'm really clumsy, and my walking stride is a kind of awkward, and I'm going to walk a marathon in six months, can you help?

Peppyest, they spent two hours with me. They had me walk in the parking lot in different shoes, they analyzed all of the old shoes I brought with me (which shows wear patterns and told them were I was putting too much pressure on my feet). They looked at my callouses and told me what they meant, in terms of how my old shoes had not fit well.

They gave me the name of a sports therapist who helped me correct my gait (I learned some simple 'mantras' to use while walking, to remind me to soften my knees - it makes sense if you see how I walk.) We swapped emails (this was pre-Facebook) and they actually sent me some supportive messages over the next few months.

And when I left the store, it was NOT with the most expensive shoes there. In fact, they outright refused to sell me a pair I kind of liked, because they didn't have as much support as they felt I was going to need. I had, previously, been buying a particular style of shoe online, and I did not spent more on the shoes they recommended than I would have on the ones I'd been buying.

It was an excellent experience all around. And it reminded me that when you find people who genuinely love what they do, they'll do right by you.

I hope you find something that works for you.

Hi Katie,Is the store called Elite Sport ?Thx for your input.

No, it's Fleet Feet, and I think it's only a central PA thing, but I'm not sure. But that sounds like it might be the right kind of place. I found out about it from some friends who are avid runners.

I know exactly what y'all mean by "wide". My work shoes (sales) are Ecco ($110) because they're wider and for casual I wear Sketchers ($40-50) extra wide. Also, I go to a high end running store and get inserts ($70 ea pair) with big time arch supports. None of them are cheap but they sure are worth it. When the RA switch flipped to the "on" position my feet (male) went from 11 narrow to 12 wide.

For soreness/swelling, rub them with Frankincense. That's the best I can offer.

I wear New Balance and walk about 6 miles a day (dogs) and most days are good. Every once in a while, if a painful day, I slip in Dr. Scholl's gel inserts for a little extra comfort. I also sometimes use my "nuke booties" when I'm done for the day and that just feels heavenly.

What are nuke booties?

Yes,Susie G,What are "nuke booties"?

Haz-Mat booties????

http://www.johnsonwilshire.com/sites/default/files/foot-wear/lb1250y_spec_sheet.pdf

I have a lot of foot problems from my RA , and chronic pain and have found that ASICS Gel Nimbus has been my go to sneaker for walking for the last 6+ years. I just purchase the latest model GelNimbus-20 and they are great for long days on my feet or walking. They do come in wide which is what I buy. A little pricey but there is always a coupon online for at least 20% off. Definitely worth the money. I found the New Balance does offer the width but not nearly as much cushioning and support. I have tried and failed at many many sneakers for walking and am very satisfied with the ASICS Gel Nimbus. Just do not buy the #19 model as ASICS changed the engineering and it is much more narrow , after the consumer was so unhappy they messed with perfection the #20 is back to the original design and toebox. Hope this helps !

Fleet Feet are in CA, as well.

I've got a bunch of foot issues, including a fused L 1str MTP joint, plus a Morton's neuroma on that foot. On the right, I have the same OA issues on my 1st MTP joint, but not altered, as well as a tailor's bunion on my 5th MTP.

I had a wonderful pair of Brooks tennies, but the next year's model didn't work. Repeat with New Balance. I got some inexpensive, but custom, inserts that saved me through the 4 years before I finally had the joint fusion. I did that because the oint pain was throwing off my stride, and ruining recovery from TKR surgery on L knee.

Anyway, I found a wonderful, out-of-the-box solution last year at REI. The shoe is Hoke One One, I think they're Hawaiian, but if not, at least prounce the name as thought it were! :)

I still have some issues with the sesamoid bones under the MTP joint (I have an anomoaly -4 bones, nstead of 2), which never fused to the joint, so I just bought some custom orthotics, which were a big waste. I would never do that again. Good shoes - and I highly recommend the Hoke One One's, which are a trail/runner - make such a difference.

I agree with the post about ASICS gel nimbus. Especially the part of making sure to NOT get the version 19 because of them being narrower. Unfortunately every few years ASICS has a year where that happens and it’s very frustrating. I have learned to keep an extra pair on hand in case it happens, that I have a backup pair to get me through that year until the next model comes out.

I have osteoarthritis in both big toes and psoriatic arthritis in the 4th toe at the moment. I exercise 4-5 days / week. Low impact cardio on elliptical, bike (boring), or rowing machine as well as strength training. I love my ASICS.without them and the extra cushion in the footbed, I would have to give up exercise and exercise is my stress relief. I need it or I get very crabby. Definitely get the wide width. If you can’t find them near you, you can find them on Zappos.com and they have free shipping and returns.

LOVE ZAPPOS! It makes it easier to find shoes for problem feet...you can search for wide widths, order a few pairs and return what doesn’t work outwithout having to run all over town.

Also, the Hoka One One are great too as far as cushion but they come up higher on the ankle and I’ve never been able to get past that annoyance.

Good luck with shoe shopping! It’s such a frustrating thing when you have foot problems! And trying to find attractive, work appropriate shoes that are also ok for arthritis...ugh! There is a fortune to be made if someone can do this and have them be fashionable