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Hi all. Looking for recommendations for footwear for hammering out miles (walking - my running days are long gone).
My Hoka Anacapas have come to the end of their life and I’m looking for a replacement. I’ve been a Hoka fan for a few years now, but find that I’m getting through them quite quickly so am interested in what else might suit my needs.\
I use these shoes for work. As a postie I do around 75 miles per week, mostly on hard surfaces, but maybe 10% on tracks/grass/sand (I’m lucky to have rural/coastal rounds). I have moderate to severe arthritis in one foot, and moderate arthritis in the other foot and one knee, so cushioning and comfort is really important for me. I’m also out in all weathers so decent waterproofing is also important (something even the Goretex Hokas have dissapointed on).
I find Hokas really comfortable - really cannot fault them on that score. However they don’t seem particularly durable. All my Hokas have started splitting, losing tread and generally fraying in the first 2 or 3 weeks of ownership, which is hard to take at £150+ per pair!
My priorities are
1. comfort
2. waterproofing
3. grip (on decking, leaves, mud, dogshit, oil… you name it)
4. longevity
I appreciate that this might be moon-on-a-stick territory, but I’m happy to pay top whack for shoes. I guess its analagous to a sharp suit if you work in “business”.
Would be really interested in other people’s experiences. Thanks in advance!
ETA: I know shoe buying is hugely personal, but I live in a bit of an outpost so can’t really walk into a shop which will offer loads of different makes to try on so hearing your experiences is massively helpful.
I've got big wide and slightly flat feet.
I've found Keen good and there are waterproof models (I have some NXIS).
I've not covered enough miles to know about longevity but paid about £90 for the waterproof ones in Go Outdoors and £50 for some more trainer like ones from Sports Pursuit. That latter are very light and ventilated!
solovair?
I always wear Ecco shoes
Mortons exrension foot plate or something
I had some keen which suit wide feet, but they didn't last a particularly long time, less than a year of some admittedly hard use.
They gave me a full refund so not all bad.
I find the decathlon waterproof shoes to be very similar.
Keen Targhees are fantastic. and tick all your needs.
Keen's really don't last long though.
I bought a pair last year and am half way through the sole now, probably a couple hundred km. Really comfy boots but won't be buying again.
I'm looking for something that can be resoled now
I'd be looking at something like Altberg lightweight tabbing boots in your position.
Perhaps not squishy enough compared to the Hokas, but otherwise fit the bill.
I would usually avoid anything to do with Mike Ashley but these could be an option, especially at that price
But of a curveball and not high on the cushioning side, but I've found my vivobarefoot Primus really comfy walking. Whatever the sole is, I find it great. I've had decent walks in tarmac and hill walks with no issues. I need to get them resoled. Admittedly I'm not sure what they'd be like with arthritis.
Adidas Terrex?
Ridiculously cushioned and tough. Helped my banjaxed Achilles and the wife's arthritis.
Have been on sale a lot recently too (got a boa 320 for 60 quid).
I have Keen NXIS too. They're very comfy, almost too much so. They're like slippers - supportive enough, but I like a bit more rigidity. Had them a while and they've got a small tear but seem to be holding up ok for mostly lightweight hill and trail walking duties.
As someone with a freshly removed Mortons Neuroma, I can confirm those boots are slightly narrow in the toe box. I have some and they (used to) set my Neuroma off.
It'll be sometime before I try them on again....
I got a pair of these Country Classics recently and they are very comfy
Second vote for Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2 trail running shoes. I bought them after rolling my ankle/achilles and they give great support. These were the only shoes I wore/had on a recent 3 weeks in a hot country, perfectly comfortable, no overheating or soreness. I've just discovered they've the best grip in the snow and ice of all my footwear. All my other trainers have gone to the charity shops.
Have a look at Haix.