The right pair of shoes can make a world of difference for obese walkers, offering not only comfort but also support and stability. This article explores the best footwear options for those carrying extra weight, focusing on designs that cater to their unique needs.
Our guide is divided into comprehensive sections, from understanding the importance of choosing the right shoes to specific features to look for. We’ll also delve into how well-fitted shoes can prevent foot problems and enhance overall foot health.
Summary
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Importance of Right Shoes | Enhances support, prevents injuries |
| Features to Look For | Wide toe box, strong support, durable materials |
| Preventing Foot Problems | Importance of proper fit, role of specialized footwear |
| Footwear Recommendations | Brands and types ideal for obese walkers |
| Final Thoughts | Recap and encouragement to find the perfect fit |
Understanding the critical role that footwear plays in maintaining foot health paves the way for obese walkers to make informed choices. Let’s dive into the specific features that make a shoe ideal for those with extra weight.
The Critical Features of Footwear for Obese Walkers
Choosing the right footwear is essential for anyone who enjoys walking, as the right shoes can significantly improve comfort, stability, and overall foot health. Here’s a deeper dive into the critical features that make a shoe suitable for heavy set individuals:
- Wide Toe Box: A wide toe box allows for ample room for the toes to spread naturally, reducing the risk of blisters, bunions, and other foot deformities. It’s crucial for obese walkers who may experience increased foot width due to pressure and swelling.
- Strong Support: The additional weight carried by obese walkers necessitates enhanced support from their footwear. Look for shoes with structured arch support and a contoured footbed that can distribute weight evenly and reduce stress on the foot’s arch.
- Durable Materials: Shoes designed to withstand the extra weight and provide support over time are made from durable materials. Look for high-quality leather, reinforced rubber soles, and robust stitching to ensure longevity and sustained performance.
- Shock Absorption: Effective shock absorption is vital to minimize the impact on the joints during walking. Shoes with thick, cushioned soles or specialized midsole technology can help absorb shock and alleviate pressure on the feet, knees, and hips.
- Adjustable Fit: Shoes with adjustable closures, such as Velcro straps or laces, can accommodate changes in foot size throughout the day, especially in cases of swelling. This adjustability ensures a comfortable, secure fit at all times.
- Breathable Materials: Footwear made from breathable materials can help manage moisture and reduce the risk of fungal infections. Look for shoes with mesh panels or natural fabrics that allow air circulation around the foot. Some brands like FITec also include anti-microbial inserts.
- Slip-resistant Soles: Maintaining balance and preventing falls is critical. Slip-resistant or non-skid soles offer better traction on various surfaces, ensuring safer walking experiences.
Incorporating these features into your footwear selection can lead to a significant improvement in walking comfort and foot health. Brands that offer wider widths like Apis, Propet, and Orthofeet specialize in creating shoes that meet these criteria in widths that include 2E, 4E 6E, 9E and even 14E widths for both men and women. Exploring these brands can help find the perfect pair of shoes tailored to the needs of obese walkers.
By prioritizing these critical features, those who enjoying walking can enjoy enhanced comfort, improved stability, and a reduced risk of foot-related issues. This comprehensive approach to selecting footwear is a significant step towards promoting better foot health and overall well-being.
Did You Know?
Being overweight or obese significantly affects not only the feet but also the ankles, knees, and hips, altering gait and increasing the risk of injuries such as broken ankles or severe knee problems necessitating replacement. It’s noted that individuals with a BMI between 30 to 35 are 8.5 times more likely to require total knee replacement compared to those with a BMI of less than 25. These findings stress the importance of managing weight through healthy diet and physical activity as essential steps towards alleviating foot pain and enhancing overall foot health.
Key Points to Consider Before Buying:
- The importance of measuring foot size correctly for a perfect fit.
- The benefits of custom inserts for enhanced comfort and support.
- Prioritizing footwear with a wide and roomy toe box for maximum comfort.
This foundational knowledge leads us to explore how the right footwear can prevent potential foot problems, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable walking experience for obese individuals.
Footwear Recommendations
When it comes to choosing the best shoes, several factors come into play:
- Selecting the Right Brand and Model: Brands like Apis, Propet, and Orthofeet offer specialized shoes that cater to the walking needs, including extra wide shoes and shoes for swollen feet.
- Opting for Shoes with Customizable Support: Custom inserts can significantly enhance comfort and support, making them a valuable addition to any shoe.
- Prioritizing Comfort and Fit: Ensuring the shoe fits well and provides the necessary support to accommodate extra weight is crucial.
Best Selling Walking Shoes For Men
Below are the out best selling walking shoes for men along with a comparison chart.
Men Athletic Mesh Velcro Walking Shoes | 9704-V
BONUS Gift with purchase - three sets of custom heat moldable inserts. A $240 value included FREE!
- Comfort and Support: This shoe is noted for its supportive design, which is particularly advantageous for individuals with specific foot needs.
- Durability: Made with high-quality materials, the shoe is durable and suitable for prolonged use.
- Customizable Fit: The shoe features design elements like removable insoles, offering flexibility and customization to accommodate different foot shapes and orthotics.
- Limited Color Options: The shoe is available in only a few color choices - black or grey.
- Size Availability: Certain widths and sizes are only available through special order, which may involve longer wait times and restrictions on returns or exchanges.
- Fit Concerns: Some users have reported issues with the fit, such as the shoe running slightly narrow or having a tongue that could be wider for better comfort.
Black, Grey
5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E
Men's Comfort Shoe | Rex Hands Free
FREE Gift with purchase - one set of custom heat moldable inserts. A $80 value included FREE!
- Comfort and Support: The Orthofeet Rex is engineered for superior comfort, featuring an ergonomic sole and anatomical orthotic insole. It's particularly beneficial for those with sensitive feet or specific foot conditions like heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and others.
- Easy Wear Technology: The shoe incorporates a patented Slip-On system, which allows for hands-free wear. This is especially useful for individuals who have difficulty bending down or tying shoelaces.
- Versatile Foot Accommodation: The shoe offers additional features like a cushioning sole with a mild Rocker, stretchable knitted upper, and a wide toe-box, enhancing the ease of walking and accommodating various foot shapes and conditions.
- Limited Style Options: While the shoe offers functional benefits, it might not meet all style preferences due to limited color options - black and navy blue.
- Width Availability: Only available in widths up to 4E. Those with larger feet or severe swelling will need a wider width.
Black, Navy
7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14
D, 2E, 4E
Men's Added Depth Walking Shoe | 9720
BONUS Gift with purchase - three sets of custom heat moldable inserts. A $240 value included FREE!
- Comfortable and supportive: The cushioned insole, wide toe box, and supportive features make these shoes comfortable for walking and standing for extended periods.
- Durable: The leather side panels and rubber soles provide lasting wear.
- Accommodates foot conditions: The extra depth, removable inserts, and wide widths make these shoes a good option for people with diabetes, bunions, hammertoes, and swelling.
- Multiple widths: Ensures a comfortable fit for different foot shapes up to 14E.
- Special Order: While offering wider widths, including 10E & 14E, they have to be special ordered.
- Limited breathability: The leather and mesh uppper may not be as breathable as a full mesh uppper.
- Not for high-impact activities: The lightweight design makes them less ideal for running or other high-impact sports.
Black, White
5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E
Men’s Walking Shoe Comparison Table
| Attribute | Apis 9704-V | Orthofeet Rex Hands Free | Apis 9720 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closure | Velcro | Lace | Lace |
| Upper | Mesh | Stretch knit | Leather and Mesh |
| Insole | Removable | Premium orthotic insoles with anatomical arch support and cushioning heel pad | FITec insert with Anti-Microbial fabric |
| Outsole | Solid injected EVA midsole with durable slip-resistant rubber pad | EVA | Solid injected EVA midsole with durable slip-resistant rubber pad |
| Lining | – | Fabric | – |
| Technology | Slip resistant, 4-Layer Heel Counter | Patented slip-on technology, Water repellent, Lightweight, Breathable | Slip resistant, 4-Layer Heel Counter |
| Heel Height | – | – | – |
| Sizes | 5 to 20 | 7 to 14 | 5 to 20 |
| Widths | D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E | D, 2E, 4E | D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E |
| Colors | Black, Grey | Black, Blue | Black, White |
| BONUS Inserts | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Conditions | AFO, Swollen Feet, Hammertoes, Bunions, Diabetes | Diabetes, Hammertoes, Swollen feet, Bunions | AFO, Swollen Feet, Hammertoes, Bunions, Diabetes |
Best Selling Walking Shoes For Women
Below are the out best selling walking shoes for men along with a comparison chart.
Women's Light Weight Walking Shoe 9321
BONUS gift with purchase - three set of custom heat moldable inserts. A $240 value included FREE!
- Lightweight: The shoe features a neoprene upper that makes it very light and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
- Added depth and extra width: The toe box is deeper and wider than traditional shoes, providing ample space for swollen feet or other foot conditions.
- Seamless linings: The smooth interior minimizes friction and irritation, preventing blisters and discomfort.
- Removable inserts: The shoes come with removable inserts that can be replaced with orthotics or custom insoles for a personalized fit.
- Multiple widths and sizes: Available in a variety of widths (B/D to 14E) and sizes (4 - 15) to accommodate different foot shapes and needs.
- Not for high-impact activities: The shoe is primarily designed for walking and light activities, and may not be suitable for running or other high-impact sports.
- Bulkier design: Compared to some other walking shoes, the 9321 may appear slightly bulkier due to the added depth and width.
- Special Order Requirement for Certain Widths: Widths such as 7E, 10E and 14E are available only through special orders, which can take 6-8 weeks for delivery.
Black, Grey
4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
B/D, 3E, 5E, 7E, 10E, 14E
Women's Mesh Walking Shoe | Stability X
FREE Gift with purchase - one set of custom heat moldable inserts. A $80 value included FREE!
Berry, Black, Lt Grey
5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13
AA, B, D, 2E, 4E
Women's Mesh Knit Athletic Shoe | Stability Strive
FREE Gift with purchase - one set of custom heat moldable inserts. A $80 value included FREE!
Black, Burgundy, Denim, Grey
5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13
AA, B, D, 2E, 4E
Women’s Walking Shoe Comparison Table
| Attribute | Apis 9321 | Propet Stability X | Propet Stability Strive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | – | 8.4 oz | 9.7 oz |
| Closure | Lace | Lace | Lace |
| Upper | Leather and mesh | Mesh | Precision knit mesh |
| Insole | Removable | Open cell PU | Open cell PU |
| Outsole | TPR | EVA midsole with rubber outsole | EVA midsole with rubber outsole |
| Lining | – | Nylex | Mesh |
| Technology | 3 to 1 combination last | Double Insoles | – |
| Heel Height | – | 1.5″ | 1.5″ |
| Sizes | 4 to 15 | 5 to 13 | 5 to 13 |
| Widths | B/D, 3E, 5E, 7E, 10E, 14E | AA, B, D, 2E, 4E | AA, B, D, 2E, 4E |
| Colors | Black, Grey/Pink | Black, Black/Berry, Lt Grey | Black/Pink, Denim/Green, Grey/Purple, Burgundy/Teal |
| BONUS Inserts | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Conditions | AFO, Diabetic, Bunions, Hammertoes, Swelling | Bunions, Hammertoes, Diabetic | Bunions, Hammertoes, Diabetic, Plantar Fasciitis, Swelling |
By focusing on these recommendations, obese walkers can find footwear that not only fits well but also promotes foot health and comfort.
Preventing Foot Problems with Proper Footwear
Footwear that doesn’t fit well or lacks necessary support can lead to a range of foot issues for obese walkers, such as:
- Blisters and Bunions: Caused by shoes that are too tight around the toes.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Stemming from inadequate arch support.
- Overpronation Issues: Exacerbated by shoes that don’t offer enough stability.
To combat these problems, it’s crucial to choose shoes designed for footwear for swollen feet and wide feet, which provide ample space and support. Orthopedic shoes, often recommended by podiatrists, are specifically designed to address these concerns, featuring wider widths and more substantial support mechanisms.
This section underscores the importance of selecting the right footwear to prevent common foot problems associated with obesity, leading us into a discussion on specific footwear recommendations for obese walkers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right footwear is a critical step toward maintaining foot health, especially for obese walkers. By understanding the essential features of appropriate shoes, recognizing the importance of preventing foot problems, and following specific footwear recommendations, individuals can enjoy comfortable and supportive walking experiences.
For those who enjoy walking, the journey to finding the perfect shoe doesn’t have to be daunting. Our Fitment Specialists are here to guide you through the selection process, ensuring you find footwear that meets your specific needs. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact our Fitment Specialist. Remember, happy feet lead to a happier, healthier life.
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Disclaimer: Educational Information Only
The information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment, including any foot-related concerns. If you have any health issues or questions about your feet, please consult a qualified healthcare professional, like a doctor or podiatrist. Don’t ignore medical advice or delay seeking help based on what you read here or elsewhere. We’re not responsible for any harm caused by using this information. Everyone’s response to treatments can be different, and medical recommendations may change over time. If you experience a medical emergency or serious foot problem, seek immediate medical attention, or call your local emergency services. By using this resource, you agree to these terms and understand the importance of getting personalized medical advice from a qualified professional.
