No advice on shoes, but once you find a pair consider adding inserts. Dh was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Doctor highly recommended New Balance inserts and they've made all the difference in the world. He's now pain-free.

Here is a link that might be useful: New Balance shoe inserts

How funny Natal - my hubby also was diagnosed with PF. He's had two injections which helped, but his last visit he got inserts. Not NB (well to be honest I don't know what brand but we got them from the doctor), and they have made a big difference. He doesn't use them in athletic shoes - his foot rarely hurts him then, but in his work shoes. He wears steel toe work shoes as he designs/fabricates metal among other materials. I think part of his problem is he is on his feet constantly. He is always moving - rarely sitting. Hmmmm 'course that's probably why he's within 10 lbs. of his highschool weight and I have to watch every bit that goes in my mouth.

Back to the original question, I'd go to the NB store and try to find a different pair there. Then maybe the inserts as suggested.

tina

You say you have old NB's. The old ones are still around many times if you Google the number on them. If not they make the next generation of the shoe and you can find out the new number so that you will be getting the new improved version. A custom orthotic is what I wear and have for over 15 yrs. Many insurance plans cover all/part of the cost for these. If not then the NB insole is the next best way to go.
Here is a link to everything they currently make and you can contact them for info. Good Luck and let me know if I can help ...c

Here is a link that might be useful: NB link

Do you have a new Balance store near you where you could they on or ask them for a recommendation? One just opened up about 5 miles from my house.

Have you ever tried Merrills? I've been wearing them for the past couple of years and have had good success. They are a bit pricey (IMO) but they seem to last well.

I've also had great luck with New Balance. I have several issues with my feet and this is the only athletic shoe brand that works for me.

I'm disappointed they don't list the Last on the shoes like they used to do. I also wish they were a little more stylish. I only wear them to the gym but if I found a cute SL-2 last I'd wear them all the time.

Good luck with your search. As you've already learned, in the store it's so hard to tell if they'll really work!

Jennifer

Dh wears custom orthotics snd I had some made but don't need them. Insurance covered the entire cost.
For lightweight, cute walking shoes, I like Saucony originals. I have several of the colors and styles but prefer the originals with the thicker sole.

there are several runners in my family and for the most part we ( i mostly walk!) are partial to asics... they're great! i love their tennis shoe too.

Tina, my dh tried to deal with the pain, but nothing really worked until he got the inserts. He put them in all his shoes ... slippers, sneakers, steel-toed boots, casual, dress. Hasn't had a bit of pain since.

He also bought Orthofeet from Shoebuy and is using those in a pair of shoes that the NB don't fit.

Apparently hubby's problem is in the work shoes mostly. The doc actually told him to try wearing his athletic shoes as often as possible and I guess with the support in them, he doesn't need the inserts. Same in his other shoes. Hubby's was very inflamed and swollen when we first went to the doc. I pretty much had guessed what it was and he was doing the exercises, etc. but not the ice. Well guess what the first thing the doc said he needed to do (at first) nightly??? ICE IT! She was even concerned that his could be to the point where he might have a spur, but after x-raying, found he didn't. I'm not sure if there is a brand written on the inserts he has - I'll have to look.

Bumble, why did you have orthotics made?

Tina, I was having foot trouble at the time and dh is so enthusiastic/dependent on his orthotics so it seemed like a good idea. The foot pain was just temporary, PF, and it hasn't returned in years. I found that when I tread lightly in the house in order to not make a racket for dad downstairs, I had pf.

However, I found out he likes hearing me move around, it's comforting to know I'm right there.
As I am at home most of the time I usually go barefoot.

I run and I love my asics...I wear the Gel Kayano...expensive, but worth it....they have a lot of stability and cushion. I usually buy them at Dicks Sporting Goods....You can buy a warrenty there based on the price of the shoe. If anything happens to the shoe in 1 year, you call them, they will send you a prepaid slip to send them back. Then they will send you a gift card for the purchase price of the shoes.

Also, they have a great scorecard rewards program...you get points and they send coupons for purchases.

This thread is so helpful. I'm copying and saving it. NB stores are at least 80 miles from here, but I'll set aside a time to go. That SL2 last is supposed to be good for me, too, but the ones that kill my feet are that last. Thanks so much.

Here's the link to the Sauconny shoes, there are so many different types but this is the shoe.
Unfortunately, this thread made me go look at the new colors!

Here is a link that might be useful: pretty colors!

Another Asics lover here. I buy a new pair every six months or so and I've never had a problem. My first pair were the GEL-Nimbus but I saw that Runner's Mag gave the GT-2160 top ratings so I bought them next.

This is the shoe I like to wear for everyday.
I know not glamorous but I have feet problems. I remove the inner sole and put my orthodics in.
If you look at my link, it tells you which last is used. this particular shoe uses SL2 which is what is good for me. If you click next to that it says what is a last and if you click that it shows the differents lasts and how they accomadate your particular needs.

Here is a link that might be useful: Look here

Kitchendetective, I feel your pain! It really is a shame that the nearest New Balance store is 80 miles away but, I'm going to have to add my voice to the "go to a New Balance store" recommendation.

A couple of months ago I was in the same boat you are. My well used NB runners were falling apart and no matter what NB shoes I tried on nothing seemed to give me sufficient cushion. I finally broke down and went to a NB store. They have a machine that stand in (after removing your shoes) which will indicate on a screen just where the pressure points on your feet fall. Helps the NB folks determine exactly what kind of runners you need.

Well, color me shocked. All my adult life I've *known* I have flat feet....except the machine showed that I really don't have flat feet. My wet footprints look that way becasue of the motion my feet go through when I'm walking. I not only needed a shoe with good cushion, I needed one that stabilized my foot.

The guy who was helping me put exactly one shoe on me and it was like nothing else I'd ever had on my feet in my life. Yes, it felt that good. Yes, it was more than double the price that I usually paid for NB at Kohls or Shoe Carnival.....but I'm so glad that I did it! My feet feel "years younger"!

I live in my runners and, as a dog trainer, they get a ton of abuse and use on a lot of different surfaces. When I find a pair I like, I generally buy 2-3 pairs. I didn't do that at the NB store since they were so pricey but, I came home and found exactly the same shoes at Online Shoes and ordered two additional pairs from them at a considerable saving. I suppose I could have returned the ones I bought at the NB store but as far as I was concerned the sales guy worked hard to ensure that I got shoes that worked for me so the extra cost was worth it. For one pair.

I have a pair of Easy Spirit's antigravity getupandgo. They are wonderful. They do give the calves a work out, but once you get used to it they are very comfortable.

I feel as though I'm walking on clouds when I wear them!