So..... walking

[Rusty Shackleford]

Originally Posted by Blighter

Bottoms are a bit simpler as you aren't trying to keep any vital organs working
THE most popular walking trouser is the Craghopper's Kiwi Convertible.
The zip off part is great too, as in the very warm conditions you can zip em off into shorts

Not a fan of zip offs myself, for the added weight/bulk I don't see the advantage. Not difficult to decide whether to wear shorts or trousers before heading out. If the weather is marginal shorts are probably the better bet as you don't feel the cold through your legs that badly anyway.

Walking socks do vary a lot but 99% of the time you do get what you pay for. The average price tag of £12 a pair does put some people off, but once you consider that all of mine are still going strong after ~2 years use, it doesn't seem that bad

For the other 1%, among other things, Alpkit do a poly/wool sock £15 for 3 pairs!

The problem with footwear is that all different brands/models come up differently. EVERY persons foot is different.
Go to a shop, try and good few on. When you think you've found a decent one, wear them around the house for an hour to make sure they fit right and don't rub/cause uncomfort.

Sound advice, regardless of size, some brands just won't fit right.

[Blighter]

Never heard of those Alpkit ones before, will check them out.
Saying that though, Blacks do socks that are two pairs for £14 and I find that you can just about feel the stitching, and they do come apart quicker then my other ones, but they still do their job I guess

[Feek]

Some very good info in here, thanks everyone. I suspect I'll have problems getting a lot of those specific clothes to fit me! But I shall try.

[Blighter]

Without knowing what sizes you are...

Craghoppers trousers go from a 28" waist to a 44" and do leg lengths from 29" to 35" so quite a variety.

Helly Hansen tops go from a 34 chest up to a 50.

Footwear normally comes in anything from a 4 up to a 14. (Some being special orders - no extra charge).

This page from Cotswold Outdoor's site is very handy as it shows a lot of brands and their size ranges

[cheets]

Walking or running bores the tears off me, get on a bike, you can double triple walking speed, see so much and feel every inch and its easier on the joints.

[Blighter]

Originally Posted by cheets

Walking or running bores the tears off me, get on a bike, you can double triple walking speed, see so much and feel every inch and its easier on the joints.

Just because it bores you doesn't mean it bores others!

I cycle too, but I prefer walking as I like to sit back and enjoy the sights, rather then race ahead and miss things.

[Mark]

Originally Posted by Blighter

Not only can that be uncomfortable, but can also cause anything from a cold, to death, depending on the situation (obviously light walks will more likely just cause a cold )

Mythbusters! You can't catch the Common Cold from being cold/wet. There is some evidence that being cold/wet may suppress the immune response and thus make you more susceptible to a cold virus, but you won't get the cold just because you're wet. Hypothermia, on the other hand, is very much a problem.

Originally Posted by Blighter

2 - Look at getting a normal walking shoe that has a supportive insole. Out of the brands I've seen Merrell come at number one, shortly followed by The North Face and Salomon.

Or better yet, some decent Orthotic insoles. They're not a substitute for an appointment and fitting with a specialist but they are cheaper and they can help (unlike a lot of insoles which in the long run probably just look pretty).

[lostkat]

Originally Posted by Mark

Or better yet, some decent Orthotic insoles. They're not a substitute for an appointment and fitting with a specialist but they are cheaper and they can help (unlike a lot of insoles which in the long run probably just look pretty).

How do you know you need orthotics without seeing a specialist though? Yes there are some good off-the-shelf orthotics, but you should only wear them if you have a gait/foot/posture etc. problem which means you need orthotics and you can't really self-diagnose that. Why waste your money on something you may not even need?

Anyway Feek, my priority would be the clothing first, because you're not doing marathon distances yet. Get yourself something which you feel comfortable walking in and keeps you dry. Then think about some walking shoes/socks as you start to build your distance up. Oh and think about those stretches, even if it's just whilst your body gets used to regular exercise.

And finally, above all, enjoy yourself!

[Mark]

Originally Posted by lostkat

How do you know you need orthotics without seeing a specialist though? Yes there are some good off-the-shelf orthotics, but you should only wear them if you have a gait/foot/posture etc. problem which means you need orthotics and you can't really self-diagnose that. Why waste your money on something you may not even need?

Perhaps surprisingly, I agree. Sometimes it's very obvious though (was with me). What I was suggesting was that if you know you have a problem then better looking for a decent orthotic than something that comes in a pretty box. Even better seeing a specialist though.

And finally, above all, enjoy yourself!

This. It was the mistake I made and why I fell off the wagon, though my 'won't go away' hayfever means I'm not enjoying much of anything right now.

[Blighter]

Originally Posted by Mark

Or better yet, some decent Orthotic insoles. They're not a substitute for an appointment and fitting with a specialist but they are cheaper and they can help (unlike a lot of insoles which in the long run probably just look pretty).

Most of The North Face, Merrel, and Salomon come with Orthotic insoles