newnbetter's Journal, 04 February 2018

My feet started hurting when I started doing long walks - the bottom of my feet. I would even rub Ben Gay on them. I bought a good pair of walking shoes with gel in the soles and use heavy hiking socks. I bought some more hiking socks on Amazon but they are not as heavy as the ones I bought years ago at REI, they are wool. I can't walk in flip flops or sandals, no support for the feet 

Definitely sounds like a shoe issues. Even with memory foam, I find Sketchers to be very uncomfortable for anything beyond quick errands. As Fritzy said, look into getting yourself a good pair of cushioned yet supportive shoes. It will make all the difference! 

Thanks. I figure it is shoe related too. I guess I’ll get some new socks and see if that helps 

You could try orthotics. REI sells some and I order Power Feet on line. Used to use Spenco, which does well, but power feet give better support. REI shoe sales person has told me most of shoes, hiking or otherwise don't have the support needed. I like going the support insert route then you don't have to keep trying to find a shoe that has support and you can use them in any shoes you wear. They do wear out though. My feet started bothering me again when I walk my daily two miles--they evidently need to be replaced about every 6 months, or whenever your feet start bothering you again. 

Try high insoles shoes like Fila / they massage my feet when I walk and give me a bounce in my step / also flitted insoles could be the ticket / if you have to , spend money in feet , they are important - Go Green 

This is a sign getting flat feet - but this can. E dealt with -  

Be dealt 

I wear and have for years (when I had back problems) Keen brand shoes great support! Runs around $100 but worth it. 

Thanks. I will have to go check out the fila shoes. I looked online at powerstep but there are so many inserts I’m not sure what I need. I’ll have to buy something in person in order to learn. 

If you have a running shoe store near you that would be ideal. They also carry walking shoes, the staff should be trained to fit you with the proper shoe and looking to see if you pronate or supinate when you step. Flip flops are terrible for your feet, your toes are gripping them to keep them on and will cause more problems in the end. Replace them with a pair of Mephisto or Burkenstock sandles for walking. There are so many resources out there, keep it up. 

Also you can massage the bottom of your feet with a tennis ball or even a frozen water bottle. 1 to 2 minutes per foot, standing with medium pressure on the foot you are rolling. Be careful with the arch. Stretching the calf before and after you walk will help too, the major muscle bellies for the foot and ankle are in the calf. 

Thanks for asking this question -- I'm getting a lot of good ideas from the comments! Keep us posted on what you find that helps. 

Like 8Patty I have a pair of Keen shoes/sandals. I noticed a couple friends wearing them for walking. The pair I got are sandal type so although I will walk in them, sometimes I get pebbles inside the shoe so usually I walk in a pair of Aasics gel walking shoes after my niece recommended them. I need a better pair of walking shoes for my long 10 mile walks. I did over 10 miles today and the bottoms of my feet are sore, although getting a little better now that the 4+ hour walk is done! 

The type of shoe you need, depends on your foot type. The socks don't matter as much.