Dog-Walkin' Shoes

I've kvetched a lot lately about my poor feet and knees and hips and ... you name it.  I blame it on all the dog-walking, but I've never been a "good" walker or runner. My body does not seem to be built for those activities. I'm more a hiking-over-uneven-terrain-or-up-hills kind of person. The down part of the climbing hills equation hurts like crazy, too, so I should probably hike up and roll or slide or take the tram down, I suppose.  I can use the elliptical machine at the gym without any problem, and I can jump rope with the right footwear, I can do aerobics and lift weights and do squats like nobody's business, but ask me to use the treadmill?  It hurrrrrrrrrrts.

So I was out shopping yesterday and happened upon a shoe store with all "comfort" shoes. Of course as we know, one person's "these are so COMFORTABLE" or "I looooooove my Berkenstocks" is my "there is no arch support," "those are too wide and flat," or "these kill my feet or give me blisters." 

I tried on a pair of MBT shoes:

Yowsa!  Life-changing!  Really!  I knew these had to come home with me.  Expensive as all hell, but hopefully worth it.  I figure if I walk Mr. Jefferies three times a day for the next three years pain-free, or even with substantially less pain, these things are downright CHEAP. Free, even.  They're paying ME to buy them. 

Or maybe I'm just cracked.

 

Comments

[sandy]

I see shopping has been successful! Try them out, let me know how they feel! (They should be serving you dinner at those prices or at least helping out with the dishes! But that's just me! :) )

[Mary]

When your "dogs" (pun intended) and other assorted body parts hurt, there is no price you won't pay to find shoes so comfortable you don't even notice you're wearing. THAT is the meaning of a good pair of shoes!

[Luise]

You can also check out MBTs on eBay. You may well luck into a real bargain. Good shoes (individually defined) are critical, that's for sure.

[margene]

You can never have too many good shoes.

[gayle]

But how do they feel for just standing?
I'm on my feet all day, walking and standing. Would these help, or make me crazy?

[Joansie]

Norma, tell me the goods on this shoe besides where the link takes me. I currently have a stress fracture in my foot/toe and going for a bone scan on Monday. I'll pay the price to buy shoes that will protect my feet (thought I did that already). Where did you buy? How much?

[britt]

I actually think skechers just came out with some shoes that work on a similar concept w/ the sole being archy like that. I think they are called shape ups or something similar. If you need to buy another pair see if you can try the skechers on at least, they might be cheaper. If they don't work you are right, the MBT are totally worth the money.

[Patty]

I'd like to see a demo of you two on Youtube.

[MaryB in Richmond]

My brother manages a Dick's Sporting Goods and they sell something similar (maybe exactly the same; I wasn't really paying attention to the details) and he had good stuff to say about them!

Dick's sells sandals, too, and he said they're popular with folks playing sports who change out of cleats after they're done playing.

Do keep us informed! I'm a runner, but the idea of working all those muscles walking around Wal-Mart on a Saturday morning is pretty enticing -- kind of the same theory as sitting on a ball at your desk instead of a chair, right?

Cool!

[Kelly]

I hesitate to ask since it's a tad rude, but I'm just curious: have you ever tried barefoot walking? I've never been a good runner (problems with my knees, hips, feet... basically everything required to "run") and when my husband surprised me with a treadmill for Mother's day last year (he wasn't suggesting anything, truly) I had some trepidation. I tried to run and the same aches and pains plagued me. Then I read an article about barefoot walking and running and figured I'd give it a go. Amazing! I can run. Granted I can't do it outside yet but it's a start.

Perhaps moccasins would help and cost less if your super shoes don't last?

[AnnaMarie]

Good for you! I can't stand shoe shopping so I look forward to hearing how these work for you in a week or two.

[marianne]

WoW. well... you know me well enough I'm all for a good shoe, keep us posted. and yes, if they maintain their integrity for 3 years.. totally worth the bucks, and yeah, those are big bucks :^)

[Vicki]

I hope they are worth it and perform!! I'm a big believer in a good shoe... Happy dog-walking!!!

[Angie]

Good luck with comfortable walking! Please give a review of your experience with them sometime; I've read about them but never took the time to try them on.

[Cheryl S.]

I saw those a few years ago... they're very interesting. I never tried them, though. At the time, there was no place around here I could get them in person and try them on. Maybe now, though. But I've never liked shoes with negative heels, so I don't know if they'd be right for me anyway.

[Cookie]

I hope they do the trick. You and Mr. J need to keep up with the walking. Please let us know what you think of the shoes.

[claudia]

Interesting. Along the lines of the barefoot comment, I recently tried on a pair of Nike Frees and was intrigued....haven't bought them yet, but might.

[Seanna Lea]

I live in my running shoes most of the time. They aren't perfect, but they are still the most comfortable shoes I own (though my pair were from April 2008, so I'm due for a new pair).

Unfortunately, running shoes are only supposed to be good for an approximate distance or time. I push mine way past that, because the idea of buying new $100+ sneakers every 4-6 months makes me sad!

[Elizabeth]

I just got a discontinued style of MBTs on Amazon.com for a much lower price than they originally went for. They are orange and only available in limited sizes, but this is about comfort, not style.

[elizabeth a airhart]

i these work for you

[Sharlene]

I have been really curious about those shoes, and haven't tried them because they always look like wedgie sneakers to me. Like sneakers with height! I was afraid I would fall off the shoes sideways. I can't wait to hear a report on them though!

[Steph]

My significant other and I have worn MBT shoes for the last 2 1/2 years. We have loved them and Rich has sent two of his pairs in for repairs. Hope they work as well for you! Steph

[Felicia]

I'll be interested in your review. I've been curious, but like others, no one around here had them for me to try. If they do the job, the price is worthwhile.

[DK]

Welcome to the MBT club. I love my MBT's and I can't walk without them. That's why I own three pairs. Check out the causal styles for everyday wear.

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[marianne]

wtf? b*stm**t?

[lisa]

So I'm a bit of a shoe snob, as in I want comfortable shoes for my feet, and decent looking is a real boon. For me it's mostly danskos, but I know, a shoe I love you might not. Have you tried Merrel's Q form shoes? Chacos? I am always kicking off my sneakers at the gym and working out barefoot. I figured it was 25+ years of martial arts, but I think there's something to the barefoot thing. They make these non shoe barefoot shoes, with toes and everything. Expensive and mostly out of stock, but folks who have them really like them. Oh, and butt ugly too. As I've thought the MBTs, at least the ones they have here (and then there's the difficulty justifying the $200 shoes when the $100 shoes keep me happy). Let us know how you like them as you keep wearing them!

[Sarah]

Please keep us updated on your experience with these shoes. I am quite curious about them.

[Marisa]

I hate to ask about your private business on a public forum, but why is Mr. Jeffries living with you now? Did I miss something?

[Jennifer]

I just got my first pair of MBTs this past month and I love them. I got the Mary Jane's and I wear them everywhere. It only took my about 10 days to get used to them. My body already feels so much better. I hope you love 'em just as much.