Cross Training Questions

What is the best kind of "athletic" shoe for everyday walking and errands?

I don't do formal exercise beyond walking. I spend my day chasing after my young children, run errands, and the like. I need a lightweight, comfortable shoe that comes in a narrow width (I wear a AA), offers adequate support and stability, and looks good with jeans. I'm only 30, so I want something that looks fairly young and hip. :-) I've looked at New Balance shoes but haven't a clue whether I need a cross-trainer, a walking shoe, or what. Help!

Public Comments

1. Nikes are great and filas are good to.Id get a cross trainer theyre more comfortable.
2. New balance/walking shoe
3. New Balance 991 or 992. They are very comfortable and light.
4. Python Boots
5. I'd go with the fashionable Adidas striped sneakers. Comfy, sporty, stylish, and the go will with jeans.
6. New Balance makes wonderful shoes; I wear mine a lot. But the truth is that you do NOT need high-tech shoes for normal errands. Running shoes are built to keep your foot pointed forward. Basketball and tennis shoes are the opposite--they are designed to make rapid back-and-forth cuts easier. They are the opposite of running shoe design. And yes, cross-trainers try to compromise on both points of view. But the bottom line is that for your purposes, if it feels good, it IS good. You don't need the high tech, and there is no particular reason to pay for it. Just find something that looks and feels okay, and if it is on sale, so much the better. The one shoe I do not recommend for most people is a walking shoe. Walking shoes are designed for cushioning, which is fine so far as it goes. But if you need cushioned shoes, as I do with my sensitive feet, a cushioned running shoe gives much more cushioning than a walking shoe will. (Running shoes come in two basic types--cushioning and support. Some people need one more than the other.) But in your case, without a specific exercise in mind, even walking shoes are okay. Good luck!!
7. It really depends on your foot type and walking patern. If you are flat-footed, get a shoe that has the most support and stability (look for Brooks or Asics {sp?}), if you have a normal standard foot, any quality brand will work, and if you have high arches, go with a cushioned sole like best found in the New Balance or Nike. The best way to tell your foot type is to step in water and then onto dry concrete. If the instep arch is missing, youre flat-footed or an over-pronater. If it goes in less than half of the width of the foot, you are pretty much normal. If it goes past the half way point, you tend to carry a high arch. The best rule of thumb is fit. If it feels good, then it can probably work out fine, but if it takes adjustment in your normal stepping pattern, put it back-no matter how cute they are! Peace.
8. I bought a pair of New Balance 991s. They're very comfortable. Great arch support. I would do my sporatic exercising in them. But I mostly wore them for the look and to be comfortable running around the mall and what not. Although, the 991s have been discontinued, the predecessor is the 992s. I haven't had a chance to use them, but I have tried them on and seem just as comfortable as the 991s. According to the New Balanace website, the AA W992 [women's] come in 5-11,12,13 sizes and the AA M992 [men's] come in 8-13,14,15,16 sizes. Good luck on finding a great shoe!
9. You want an Adult Orthopedic shoe, the best one out there are called Rockports. They cost as much as Nike and reebok, but don't focus on fashion, they focus on Orthopedic support. I think this would help your feet the most
10. I hear New Balance is a good shoe
11. Nike or shocks
12. MC shox in nordstroms
13. I go with a Nike a cross trainer that would be a good bet. Like the saying goes you pay for quality. Since shoes are something that you use often then don't be cheap. Nike has walking, jogging shoes as well and you with be able to find something young and hip to run errands, run after the kids.
14. pumas are hott but they are on the expensive side