Toe blisters caused by walking shoes

Does anyone have suggestions as to walking shoes that are best for brisk walking?  I take brisk, three to four mile walks, five or six days a week.  Sometimes, I walk on pavement, and sometimes on mountain trails.  I've walked and hiked for several years, so this problem isn't new. I haven't been blister free for years!  I always choose the right size, I've tried wearing thick socks, and I've tried numerous brands of shoes. The least painful have been New Balance and another that begins with an A - I can't remember the name. All of the shoes have caused painful blisters and callouses between my toes and even on the ends of my toes.  I always wear the foam toe guards, which help a little, but not completely.  I walk in my sandals when my toes become extremely sore, and sandals are comfortable, but not for brisk walks for such long distances.  I have small ankles, so I have to be careful that what gives me toe room is snug around my ankle, or the shoe rubs my ankle raw.  Anyone know of a fairly snug shoe that gives plenty of toe room and good heel and arch support?  If so, please suggest the Brand and the model.  Popular brands that most people wear for casual walking are out for me; I'm miserable within minutes of walking in them.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[star queen]

Are you diabetic?  If you are, then get your doctor to give you a prescription for diabetic shoes.  These shoes are found at stores that sell orthopedic supplies by prescription only.  They have a special insert that is memory foam and it's like walking on air.  They cost the Earth, but most insurance policies will cover them.  Call the store and talk with them.  They can tell you if your insurance company will cover them even if you are not a diabetic before you go to the MD to get the prescription.  Good luck

[adelaide]

No, I'm not a diabetic, but I'd sure be willing to try whatever might work.  I  haven't thought about orthopedic shoes.  A podiatrist suggested making some sort of an insert for my shoe, which would cost more than $800.00 and he couldn't guarantee it would work.  If I made that purchased, I'd be stuck with it and out of the money.  Any idea how much the orthopedic shoes might cost?  They are worth a try.  Thanks.

[star queen]

Diabetic shoes are only avaliable by prescription through an orthopedic supplier.  I have no idea what they cost, but my guess is about 200.00 if you buy them yourself.

[EFDA]

I get some callouses, blisters and corns too, sometimes.  I think It's the way I walk and hold my toes. I'm not miserable though. I racewalk 4-7 miles per day and will walk more soon on Saturday's as I am about to train for a half marathon (walking).  I wear running shoes. I have heard if you go to Famous Footwear they will measure your feet and tell you which shoes you need.  I haven't done it myself but might try it soon.

[willtme]

My suggestion is to go to a specialty running shoe store (not the type in the local mall).  (Look them up in the yellow pages, call a local track coach or running club, or ask someone who is into running marathons for recommendations of where to visit)

The employees of specialty stores have quality staff that know a LOT about shoes.  Take a pair of your old shoes that are worn out and they can determine what type of shoe you need for your walking style.  Keep track of where you tend to get blisters--this will help them further determine what type of shoe you need.  You may need a cushioned shoe or special sizing, but you may also need a stabilized shoe--it all depends.  Also, you should consider investing in high-performance socks.  These types of socks wick the moisture away from your feet and help keep blisters from forming.
Hope the adivce helps.

[AnotherKatie]

I agree with willtme, try a specialty store.  Those cushioned socks are great too. One runner that I love is SPIRA...I had that plantar fascitis (sp?) and it sure helped that.  They are great for walking as well as running.  I think you can go to spira.com  even....

[jifnif]

dont know if i can help you...but i had the same problem and spent a bit of money finding the right shoe...i over pronate and that caused other problems so i started wearing inserts for my arches in addition to a good shoe w/ an arch.  I alternate shoes depending on what i am running on and how long i will be running...it will be trial and error but i had banged up toes for quite awhile til i tried new balance..i forget the style they are ...but they grip my entire foot perfectly so my toes never hit the front of the shoe..i wear these on my 5 to 7mile days and only if i am on pavement or a track.  I have gel asics for light runs or walks cuz they are light on my feet...i have nike prestos for fast pace walking cuz they feel like bare feet w/ a bounce!!!  trial and error is all i can say...and when on trails i definitely suggest a more rugged shoe for gripping.  good luck