I've had both knees replaced. I was wearing a Clarks sandal a few yrs ago when I went in for an appt with my orthopedist. He bawled me out for not wearing more of a tennis shoe type shoe with good support. I ended up with Asics after trying some other types. I credit a gal at Finish Line for taking a LONG time with me, fitting me, etc. I can't say it would be the same for you. Just giving you my experience.

I hope you get fully well soon.

An orthopedic surgeon recommended New Balance or another brand (I don't remember the name) to me about 25 years ago. I've been wearing them ever since. I've had a few pairs of Saucony, they are very good, too, but I always go back to NB. For my foot problems, I prefer a running shoe, I find they have more support than a walker does. You'll just have to try the different styles to find what is right for you. DO NOT order your first pair online! You really need to try them on to get a good fit. Once you find a style and fit you like that works for you, then online ordering is okay, providing you order from a trustworthy vendor. There are those who are not above selling knock-offs and/or seconds as original.

Good luck, and hope you are all healed up soon!

Rusty

Not stylish but when MIL had knee issues, we got her SAS and they really helped her. They have a deep area for supporting the heel which helps keep the leg straight putting less strain on the knee.

Thank you all of you for your suggestions and advice. I've noted all of the brands mentioned in your posts and I think next week I'll go shopping, get fitted and try on shoes. I'll make a point to look at runners - hadn't thought that they might offer more support, but that makes total sense to me.

Also, thank you for the well wishes. It's so much better than it was a few weeks ago, but it's slow going. When I feel discouraged, I think back to where I was compared to where I am now.

Sorry to hear about your injury. How is the smoke? Has it dissipated at all? Is the fire under control?

Thank you, Fun2BHere!

It was better in town today; we were actually able to see the sun for a short period, but up where my house is the smoke is still very bad, so we're going to stay put for a few more days. I believe our home is no longer in danger at this point. Hopefully, the air will clear soon and they'll be able to get the tankers in here, attack it from the air and knock the darn thing down. It won't surprise me if it burns for the rest of the summer until the fall rains start though. That has happened before when a fire gets away in it's first few hours.

Thanks for asking!

Your injuries will heal when they heal and at that time, your concern will be the aches and pains of getting back into shape. The shoes that served you pre-injury will probably be suitable again.

I actually did better by going barefoot as much as possible. I'm sure the doctor said to be sure to go up steps by putting the good knee up first and follow with the bad. Reverse for going down. This puts the weight and flex on the good knee and doesn't stress the bad.

You might still call the doctor's office and still get a suggestion for where to get fitted. My feet were hurting when I walked. It was suggested I go to an athletic shoe place where they watch you walk and they suggest shoes based on that. I ended up with Saucony and Mizuno brand athletic shoes. They aren't something I would have tried otherwise because I was not familiar with the brands. It was also recommended I go up a full size. My feet quit hurting after that.

Elmer, I'm already experiencing the aches and pains of getting back in shape. My question isn't about whether or not the shoes I have now will serve me in the future. It is about getting recommendations for shoes that will serve me now by easing some of the discomfort of walking on hard surfaces.

Sherry, I have found that to be true of bare feet around home as well. Carpeted surfaces, flooring and surfaces that have a little give don't bother it at all. Definitely a big YES about taking the stairs as you've described!

Adela be Della, I'll give them a call and see what they say. Will also look into the brands you've mentioned. Thank you.

As a runner I can tell you that the fit of some of the brands you mention will totally depend on the structure of your foot. I cannot wear New Balance for example because my foot is just too narrow in the heel. Asics is my 'go to' shoe. I need a stability shoe and a certain type within their brand is 'my' shoe for my purpose. Your results could vary greatly.

Many running some specialty stores also recognize that many people start out walking, so you might start out there. Many of these stores have fit specialists who will ask questions about your goals and habits, and most have a treadmill with cameras that do a gait analysis. This is most helpful in narrowing down the brand of shoe and type that will fit best for you. You may also be surprised that an athletic shoe size will be a whole size larger than your normal shoe size. Also, most reliable running shoe stores (Fleet Feet is the one I shop with) guarantees the shoes they sell, so if you have a problem a week or two later, you can return the shoe.

I also have bouts of plantar fasciitis, so I cannot wear a negative heel shoe and have to be careful there is plenty of heel support. I also wear Super Feet inserts.

As people have noted, everyone's fit is a little different. I have top of the line running shoes for support and comfort (have not been able to run for years) Asics Gel Kayano, and the PA I just saw a few weeks ago (that aspirated my knee and gave a cortisone shot,) also recommended to put in a basic orthotic foot support because even that was better than the liner that comes with the shoe. Also, going down stairs backwards (hold rail firmly) is much easier for me than going forward, regardless of which knee leads. YMMV. Good luck!

I have a very narrow foot, so something else to keep in mind while shoe shopping. Really does sound like the best approach would be to go and get fitted.

Might have to try the backwards stair technique too,

Dawn, my foot is rather narrow also, and especially in the heel. Plus I have a very high instep. Makes it fun to shoe shop.

HB, the Asics Gel Kayano is the one I wear! Great stability shoe.

Outside! I love that shoe, although at best was a very slow jogger. Those days are past, but the shoe ain't broke so I'm not fixing it and love the new colors that come out each season.

My feet are wide but I can say I never have foot or leg pain wearing crocs. I can go 12 Hours at WDW on cement with no issue whatsoever. It's the only thing I could wear comfortably when I had plantar fasciitis. Can't say that about sneakers.

When I started walking I went into a shoe store for runners (Fleet Feet) and they looked at how I walk and suggested a shoe. I am on my second pair of these shoes and will buy as many as I can. I walk from 3-5 miles about 5-6 days a week. They are Nike Zoom Vomero 10. I paid about $150.00 for them at the store and bought my second pair on Amazon for around $89. I love them!

You may want to look at the Merril brand of shoes. They are a bit pricey but are much better at providing support and comfort. Another brand I've been happy with is Altra. My feet are wider in width, the Altra's shoes have a box toe that are so comfortable. I wear them daily without any problems.

I've tried almost "all" the brands listed in this thread. Right now I'm stuck on Nike Air Max Moto 9's. Photo I'm still hiking in Merrells. My Asics Venture 5's are OK. I've found it's NOT the brand but the individual shoe. I own several old pairs of New Balance or Nikes, but prefer the ones I mentioned.

(I've ripped the backs of both knees twice and experience occasional meniscus tears. Also have arthritis.)

You guys are a wealth of information. I'm so glad I asked my question here as you've all given me so many things to consider in my quest for a good pair of shoes. Thank you, thank you!

Nicole, I know how active you are ad you seem so nonchalant about your knee injuries which encourages me that my knee will heal eventually. Whenever I get discouraged, I remind myself of how bad it was a few weeks ago when I couldn't bend my knee at all. Now I can easily bend it at a 90 degree and beyond angle. It's just these darn hard surfaces, but I guess that will come too - just need a little patience and some decent shoes to wear during the healing process.

Dawn....:0) DH has a friend that trains Olympians in Judo & Archery. He tells me, Oh yeah...he's had THAT injury...hands me a knee brace...says it'll be awhile and you'll be fine. I have a collection of knee braces & wraps. I take regular asprin when it's a new injury.

I broke my knee quite a few years ago and I can't wear anything flat. The best feel good shoes or sandals for me are Birkenstocks. They have some really nice styles now for women. My cousin is a Podiatrist in the US, he sent me some insoles called DRx insoles that fit in any shoe where the insole that is inside that shoe can be removed, they have them for dress shoes as well. I found using them took pressure off my knee.

I thought I'd post an update. I went shopping and looked at pretty much all of the brands mentioned in this thread. After trying on a pair of Sketchers, I knew they were the ones. The thick foam in the bottom of the shoes brought instant relief when walking on the hard tile floor of the shoe and they are feather light so it didn't feel like I was wearing weights on my ankles.

I bought two pairs, one in black and one in gray and wore the black ones out of the store. I was able to walk the length of the mall and back without any pain and just minor stiffness. Since then, I have gone grocery shopping twice, walked to the post office twice and taken two short walks around the block. It would have been impossible to do any of those things without the shoes.

The side benefit has been that my knee isn't sore and aching at the end of the day and I think it is healing faster because of that. Being unable to walk except for short distances has really given me an appreciation for what people with permanent disabilities must have to deal with on a daily basis and I am so very grateful to be able to be out and about again.

Dawn, I am so glad you have found 'the' shoe for you and you are getting some relief from pain! Thank you for posting an update.

Rusty

Dawn, I'm glad you have found 'your' shoe and more importantly, found comfort! Thanks for the update.