Guys-
I need a boot recommendation. I am 6'0" weigh 260 and have fallen arches. Which means in short I have a lot of foot pain in the "ball" of my foot. I managed to find Brooks running shoes this summer that fit well and are comfortable for walking. But I can't seem to find a pair of boots that fit well. Looking for hiking or leather style hunting boots and any experiences pluses you can provide recommendations etc I would greatly appreciate it.
Check these out... i went to REI and got fitted with these Keen Hikers and they are incredible in the arch support dept. very comfortable and dry in wet weather too.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/71650?productId=1190610&qs=3016887_mercent_google_pla&attrValue_0=****ake/Brindle&mr:trackingCode=52B11F97-B0F0-E211-A497-90E2BA285E75&mr:referralID= NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mkwid=qMaR1439_dc&pcrid=28597243377 (http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/71650?productId=1190610&qs=3016887_mercent_google_pla&attrValue_0=****ake/Brindle&mr:trackingCode=52B11F97-B0F0-E211-A497-90E2BA285E75&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mkwid=qMaR1439_dc&pcrid=28597243377)
If you looking for a good pair of heavy duty leather boots try Hoffmans. In particular their logger style work boot item number V192. They offer 10", 12", or 16" height.
I having falling arches and some pain. Cabela's Meindl boots have been good for me. I have had good luck with the Perfeckt Hikers. Spent a week in the Rockies in them with very little pain.
I had some Danner duty boots (Acadia's?) that came with orthotics in them. They really helped me when my arches started to fall. Not cheap, but very good boots & very durable.
If you have fallen arches start walking barefoot on uneven ground as often as you can- like grass, sand, gravel, etc. the tiny muscles that create your arch have given up..most people don't realize it's from TOO much support and cushion, not the opposite. Stretch your calves for a few minutes each day, practice picking up objects with your toes, roll your sole back and forth on a tennis ball, practice walking around barefoot on the balls of your feet...all these things help. Shoes destroy our feet! With time and the exercises I mentioned you should see improvement. Try to wear boots with a low heel. Tight calf muscles are often to blame. I've fought low arches my entire life.
I go barefoot all the time. Have for years.
Keen Ericksons have great arch support.
I have a pair of filson highlanders I've had for a few years I can walk for miles no problem very comfortable, bought them on sale cause they are a little pricey last oct. I tore my planter tendon and hunted all season in a boot but as soon as I could put shoes on I was wearing them. Best boots and most comfortable I've ever had
danners
Try U.S.M.C. R.A.T. Boots. I have plantar fascitis, kind of the opposite from you, but these boots were a god send right out of the box. I'm a machinist, and I'm on concrete all day. These boots have great support and comfort without being too soft like most running shoes.
I've had a bunch of foot problems too, some from peripheral neuropathy and some from arch problems.
I started wearing Keen boots and shoes which have low heels and I have gotten relief with them. The toe box is more natural and your heel is not higher than your ball. Feels weird when you go back to a elevated heel like my Chippewa bird boots after wearing the Keens.
Try U.S.M.C. R.A.T. Boots. I have plantar fascitis, kind of the opposite from you, but these boots were a god send right out of the box. I'm a machinist, and I'm on concrete all day. These boots have great support and comfort without being too soft like most running shoes.
I second the danners, I have a pair of pronghorns that I have had probly ten years. They're great boots. I need some new ones!