Hello everyone, I do a lot of walking and I have been thinking about the shoes we wear and how impact is recommended for strengthening bones. But there are many walking shoes and trainers on the market which are designed to absorb impact. I wonder whether anyone knew what is recommended in this respect? Whether for example barefoot shoes are best, or thick soled shoes with a firm base etc. I appreciate there will be nuance for example if someone has joint issues, meaning other factors need taking into account, but I’m asking on a general level. Thank you!
Hi Houseelf, I don’t really know what shoes are best but I’m sure that I’ve read somewhere that you shouldn’t wear thick soled shoes as they can affect your balance, and that barefoot shoes are best for balance. All I can tell you is what I wear. Before I suffered a fractured metatarsal and then vertebrae in my spine I ran and had accumulated several pairs of running shoes - bought when on offer! I’ve been living in these trainers ever since. Whilst not barefoot they have a minimal drop, difference between heel and forefoot, of 4mm but are cushioned. They are comfortable and supportive.
1 Like
I wear lace ups. Mostly ECCO shoes and mostly white ones, they are comfortable and offer good support.. I’ve also got a pair of ASICS trainers that are also supportive and comfortable and a pair Sketchers that are good too. If I’m going on country walks I’ve got a pair of lightweight walking boots.
I need something where the heel is higher than the toes and I also like a shoe where the toe curves up off the ground - means you don’t catch the from not on anything. I know I couldn’t wear barefoot shoes and I tried but didn’t like those ‘step in’ shoes.
2 Likes
I think it’s the action of walking that strengthens your bones because as your leg muscles contract, they pull on your bones. Have you tried ‘Hotter’ shoes as these were recommended to me. I wear Sketchers most of the time now and they are quite spongy.
Thank you @Whoosh . May I ask what these are?
Thank you @Lizzie2 , this is super helpful. I had sketchers when I was younger and while they still fit, they aren’t lace up and I would like something more secure feeling as I have narrow feet. My granny wore ECCO as they are sturdy, but I hadn’t considered them. Will have a look. A nurse suggested Brookes for walking to my father due to his arthritic knees. Not sure about them for osteoporosis though. Good to know about ASICS! Any particular type?
@Mongoose59 yes, thank you. I am also thinking about impact, as the exercises recommended are impact exercises so it got me thinking about those shoes that say they are impact absorbing. I’ve not tried Hotter, I’ll take a look. Who recommended them? Were they recommended to you for osteoporosis?
@Houseelf My shoes are Saucony Kinvara 13s which I’ve had a few years now, unworn due to fractured foot. I’ve noticed that the latest models (16) have a slightly thicker sole than mine, though still have a 4mm drop. These last few days, due to it being warmer, I’ve been wearing my Teva walking sandels (Terra FI Lite) and these have felt really good. Hope you find something suitable.
Hi Houself It was when I was at the RNHRD in bath. I was on a course about Ankylosing Spondylitis. When I compare the Hotter shoes I have with Sketchers the Hotter do have some padding but are firm so some energy from walking gets through whereas Sketchers are very soft.
Out of interest I tried out a vibration plate at my local gym. At first it was Ok but after a while I felt very odd so stopped.
I agree it seems impact reducing soles may go against bone building, however since I’ve used these slip in shoes my knees have felt much better and I can walk a lot further so that must help the bones as well.
Hello everyone, I saw the physio (about a separate i.e. non osteoporosis related issue) and quizzed him about shoes, impact absorption and bones. He said some things that echo what has been said in this chat - it is mainly in the walking so go to a shoe store and find a pair that is right for your feet (and knees etc). He gave the example of a friend who had a particular pair of trainers he wore for running, so he wanted to get those, only to try them and find they were very uncomfortable. I got the impression from our conversation that as I was asking about walking not running, looking at shoes that don’t claim to be massively impact absorbing is probably best (I think the latter helps protect the knees? which would be more greatly impacted when running) and to go with the pair that work best for us individually. They don’t need to be a particular brand, as no one is better than another.
I suffered a spinal fracture 2 and a half years ago. I wear barefoot shoes and have done for most of that time - but I also have a knee replacement and use to get plantar fasciitis quite a bit. The podiatrist said it was partly because I was wearing shoes that were too narrow. I have small but wide feet and getting suitable shoes was really hard. Barefoot have been my saviour; they are the only shoes I’ve ever had that are comfortable from day one!
Do they help my osteoporosis- given I now do weights, impact exercise, have changed my diet, take supplements- I honestly don’t know. Just know they are super comfortable, and my t-scores haven’t changed since first diagnosed.