First, I’d like to point out that I’m 6 foot tall and over 400 lbs. I like to think I know what I’m talking about when it comes to life as a big man. I definitely know the problems we have when it comes to tired legs and feet.
Around 5 years ago, I learned that there’s a solution to that problem. Better shoes with a better fit can change your life. The wrong shoes can make you miserable.
Life with the Wrong Shoes
I spent years picking out my shoes with no real knowledge about how to choose them. I would usually go to a department store, or sporting goods store, to look through the running shoes. I would focus on shoes that looked good and try to pick a brand with a good reputation.
When I would try them on, I would find a size that didn’t slide up and down on my heel and wasn’t tight on the end of my toes. As long as they felt ok after a few paces in the store, I figured they were good enough.
If you’re a normal sized guy, that could probably work for you. It worked for me when I was young and athletic, and before I gained all my extra weight. When you’re average sized, you have a lot of choices when picking out shoes, and it doesn’t matter as much if you get it wrong.
As a big man, it’s vital to pick the right shoe, and make sure they fit. For a big guy, choosing the wrong shoes, as I did for most of my life, can lead to a life of discomfort.
As a big man, it’s vital to pick the right shoe, and make sure they fit!
For years, I never wanted to go anywhere that would require me to be on my feet for long periods of time. I hated going sightseeing. I dreaded when my wife wanted me to go shopping. Even days that were supposed to be fun, like a day at the zoo, or an amusement park, seemed unbearable. The right shoes made all the difference.
Choosing the Right Shoe
I personally like to wear running shoes for my everyday shoe. Walking shoes can be just as good or at times even better, but it’s just my personal choice. With that in mind, my story of finding the right shoes began at a specialty running shoe store. I can guarantee I’m not the size or shape of their normal customer, but I needed help and they came highly recommended.
As soon as I walked in, someone offered to help me. We talked about my purpose for the shoes and my past experiences with aches and pains in my feet and legs. I asked if there were recommendations for heavier people like myself. He said sure, but he wanted to check a few things first.
He started by checking my shoe size. He measured the length, width, and then over the top of my foot. I immediately noticed this was going to be more involved than I was expecting. After that he had me walk across a digital board that showed a video representation of my gate from two directions. He showed me where the weight landed as I walked and discussed things like foot shape and movement path.
I had been wearing the wrong size shoe for years!
He determined I needed a neutral, 11.5 Wide. I thought I wore a size 12 and had been for years. It turns out that I was only wearing size 12 because I needed the larger size to fit the width of my foot and size over the top of my foot. I had been wearing the wrong size shoe for years! Changing to the shorter, but wider shoe immediately made a difference I could feel. The arch support actually fit into my arch and I could snug up my laces and still have enough left to tie them easily.
Now that I found the correct size shoe, he brought some out for me to try on. A pair of Hokas. I had never even heard of them, but I’ll tell you, they were like walking on sponges. I can only imagine I could stand in them all day. I actually decided they were too spongy. They felt a little unstable so I asked to try some different ones.
The next two pairs were winners. The first pair were New Balance 1080 “Fresh Foam” and the next were Brooks Glycerin. I found out later that these are the most cushioned sole of these respective brands. The New Balance shoes were super nice and comfortable, but when I tried on the Brooks (a brand I had never worn), they were like a cloud. Not only the soles, though. Everything about this shoe felt like it was built for comfort.
Living Life in Better Shoes
I’ve worn one version or the other of both these shoes for my every day shoe for the past few years. I also started paying for and getting fitted for better dress and casual shoes. My personal favorites are Johnston & Murphy. I normally have to spend a little more than I had in years past, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny.
I can finally walk all day and enjoy it. Sure, I get tired, but my feet used to hurt so bad I would try to find any way to get off of them during a long day. Now, even at my weight, my feet seem to last longer than the rest of my body.
Don’t wait as long as I did to take good advice. Go to an expert, get fitted, and find the right shoes. Life is so much better.
