17 mile walk - what footwear?

[heisthegaffer]

Hi all

I'm doing a 17 mile charidy walk end of Jan but unsure what to wear on my feet. I've got walking boots but I'm wondering if running trainers might be best with softer soles.

Its along the Thames so likely to be cold as well.

Could get some gel Insoles for the boots?

[egor110]

What are you training in or what do you usually wear walking ?

[i4got]

heisthegaffer said:

Hi all

I'm doing a 17 mile charidy walk end of Jan but unsure what to wear on my feet. I've got walking boots but I'm wondering if running trainers might be best with softer soles.

Its along the Thames so likely to be cold as well.

Could get some gel Insoles for the boots?

Personally for walking on hard tarmac (which is a lot of the Thames path) I'd go for a pair of Hoka trainers. Very well cushioned soles and no need for a long breaking in. (I've used both Challenger & Speedgoat and can recommend both)

I wore Challengers for most of my Lands End to John O Groats walk earlier this year.

[Imasurv]

^^^^that would be good enough for me!

[Wacky Racer]

I walked 27 miles to Skipton three months ago in my normal shoes.

Also did the Pennine Way (270mls) in 1974 in a pair of Hush Puppies.

Just make sure they are comfortable, you will be OK.

[NaePasaran]

Personally i wouldn't go for walking boots, i think they'd be a bit of an over-kill for a Thames walk and you'd be carrying alot of pointless excess weight with them. I'd go for a trail running shoe - Solomon, Adidas Terrex etc. Brand wouldn't bother me but fit and comfort 100% would.

[BoRED S2upid]

Wacky Racer said:

Also did the Pennine Way (270mls) in 1974 in a pair of Hush Puppies.

When I was a lad we had one pair of shoes etc… All this gel sole Hoka nonsense! Get yourself a pair of hush puppies.

[ChocolateFrog]

If it's flat you don't really want a restricted ankle.

Comfortable trainers with plenty of cushioning.

[Steve_H80]

I would say whatever you are comfortable walking in.
For me that would be my Altberg walking boots, but I do just about live in them so they are well broken in and my feet are used to them.

But as it's a charity do you could go for extra sponsorship bg doing it in heels!

Whatever you choose make sure they are well broken in. 17 miles isn't a long way but it's enough to cripple you in any new footware.

Edited by Steve_H80 on Sunday 8th January 10:54

Edited by Steve_H80 on Sunday 8th January 10:55

[PositronicRay]

ChocolateFrog said:

If it's flat you don't really want a restricted ankle.

Comfortable trainers with plenty of cushioning.

This, I only wear boots in craggy, muddy, wet grass these days. Anything else shoes do the job, I'd caveat waterproof too, if it's pissing down you'll still want to keep your tootsies dry.

[HappySilver]

Which bit of the Thames? I was walking along part of the Thames Path near Henley this morning and needed boots as it was so wet and muddy. Trainers would have soon been waterlogged. I imagine the South Bank would be fine in brogues though.

[Evanivitch]

heisthegaffer said:

Hi all

I'm doing a 17 mile charidy walk end of Jan but unsure what to wear on my feet. I've got walking boots but I'm wondering if running trainers might be best with softer soles.

Its along the Thames so likely to be cold as well.

Could get some gel Insoles for the boots?

If it's likely to be wet and puddles in aces then I'd be thinking either light weight waterproof boots or waterproof (goretex) trainers. Alternatively, consider seal skinz socks, but they can be a little sweaty despite breathability claims.

Have a think about your socks too. Plenty of opportunity for blisters and hot spots if you're not used to that mileage. Don't go overboard though, even a thick pair of football socks would be fine. Potentially carry one or two spare pairs if it is a wet day.

[Davetheraver]

I would think that at only 17 miles its really just whatever you are comfortable in? I can do 17 miles in my M&S leather work shoes no problem on pavements. If its wet and muddy maybe something with more grip?

[dudleybloke]

Mizuno trail running shoes are my go to for doing any type of distance.

[Pedro Raynard]

Another reason to go with light weight footwear is that the weight on your feet has 5 times the impact as weight on your back.

1lb weight on feet is equivalent to 5lb on your back.

https://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activi...

If you are not regularly covering similar distances then I'd suggest that any additional weight from heavy footwear will have a big impact on your effort and from the above link there is science behind it.

Whatever you choose I hope you enjoy the walk.

[Randy Winkman]

Be carefully with lightweight footwear if you might be walking on firm, stony ground.

[SydneyBridge]

Randy Winkman said:

Be carefully with lightweight footwear if you might be walking on firm, stony ground.

This, I walk a lot around Kingston along the river and all firm stony paths

[JQ]

I definitely go for decent quality trainers, however, ignore all the recommendations of brands above.

Go to a running shop and try on all the brands and find the one that suits your foot. For me, Suacony fit me like a glove and I have numerous pairs, for one of my mates it Mizuno and for another it's Asics.

If you're worried about wet feet, then all the major brands do Gore-tex versions.

[Zarco]

Walking boots. Just make sure you break them in first.

[Steve Campbell]

Decent pair of walking shoes…..I use Merrell MOAB 3 walking shoes as they are so comfortable on first wear…..and are great for summer walking aswell.