Question

-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----thank you for your help.  i meant to mention is that both my shoe heals wear down at the outside corners (like i am walking on the outside of my feet-if that make sense) would this change your answer.  thank you
I am wanting to buy a pair of walking shoes, but am confused when i read the reviews.  I think i have a normal foot but they are wide. i weigh in the region of 160 and am solid.  i tend to walk very heavy and thump as i walk.  My feet and legs always seem to ache and that gets much worse after walking or standing for any length of time. Is it possible i tend to overpronate (i am not sure exactly what this means) could you guide me in the right direction towards shoes that would suit me.  thank you
-----Answer-----
Hi Susan,

It sounds like you have a decreased foot arch and this may be from pronation.  Pronation, in simple terms, is a falling inward of the inside of the foot causing the arch to flatten.  

Thumping of your foot may be from a tight Achilles tendon which may be associated with pronation.  Stretches may help with the Achilles.

If your foot is wide and you need suppport, I would try a New Balance shoe.  They should be comfortable and require no "break in period".   I would avoid Nike as they tend to be uncomfortable if you pronate.

Check my site for shoe fitting:
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com/article_list.cfm?id=68

Good Luck and Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com  

Answer
Hi Susan,

When your foot hits the ground, this is known as heel strike. This occurs on the outside of your heel so there will be more wear on the shoe.  If you stay in heel strike for too long then there may be excessive wear on your shoe.  In any case, New balance is still a good choice and some type of custom orthotic device would be helpful to correct the abnormal forces in the foot.

Good Luck

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com