Reviews: Stiff rocker-style shoes that come in women's extra wide

[C clearly]

I would never recommend a shoe for another person. Really the only thing that matters is how comfortable the footwear is for that person, and the only way to find out is to wear it for a few hundred km. With that disclaimer, I'll comment on some shoes I have tried for my very specific needs.

Let's keep this thread on the specific topic of the subject line. If you want to recommend random other types of shoes that you wore for thousands of km with nary a blister, there are many other threads!

Based on my personal experience and discussions with my podiatrist, I now limit my search to shoes that are very stiff, cushioned, and have a rocker sole configuration. My feet are wide (but not long enough for men's shoes), with high arches and very mobile metatarsals. After my last Camino, I knew I had to find different shoes or I would not be able to walk a Camino again.

If you don't need this type of support, you might shake your head at these stiff clunky shoes. I would, if I didn't have the feet I have. If regular shoes work for you, go with them!

I have learned that there are variations even within a particular model name/number and it can be difficult to learn the differences just by reading standard runners' shoe reviews or chatting with the sales clerks. They may be knowledgeable, but cannot know everything about every model and the changes that are continuously introduced.

Here are some shoes that I've tried with success...

New Balance More v4 - I happily used about 5 pairs of these comfy cushioned rocker shoes, until my last Camino when it became obvious that I needed something even "more" (pun intended). They only lasted me about 400 km, and now, even a new pair doesn't quite meet my needs.

Hoka Bondi 8 - These provided a bit more stiffness to support my metatarsals, and seemed to help my feet heal. However, even the Wide size was a bit narrow for me. I went another 1/2 size larger, but obviously the shoe cut was not perfect for my foot. I have later learned that there is a very different wider-cut Bondi SR ("Slip Resistant") version designed for people in the service industry - nurses, etc. - who are on their feet all day. The Bondi 8 and the Bondi SR fit completely differently, which is annoyingly confusing.

NB X840 SR - The X840 is different from the older 840. It comes in a running shoe version, but there is also a Slip Resistant black or white leather walker for the service-industry people. This leather walker is much stiffer than the non-leather runner - both in the upper and the sole. The NB X840 comes in both D/Wide and EE/Extra-wide. This shoe (SR version) has, I hope, rescued my Camino future. It is clunky and orthopedic-looking, but allows me to walk 20 km again without pain.

Finally, I have a promising new shoe...

Brooks Ghost Max - This is quite different from the old Ghost, which I wore happily when my feet were younger. It is virtually as stiff as the NB X840 SR, with the rocker sole, yet comes in a non-leather, much lighter upper. It is available in D/Wide and EE/Extra-wide. I have just bought a pair of these, and am optimistic about them.

Even if I decide to keep the clunky NB X840 leathers as my main Camino shoes, I will probably take the Ghost Max as my second pair. I can use the non-leather ones as my evening shoes or for wet days, or just alternate.

I hope this helps someone!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I see that you have two pairs of New Balance brand shoes above and you are talking about extra wide shoes. I believe that even New Balance themselves don't have these for sale because of an exclusive sales agreement with Hitchcock Shoes to sell women's extra wides. I may be wrong about this but if you can't find a NB (or other brand) wide enough for you try Hitchcock at https://wideshoes.com

Wide Shoes | Wideshoes.com | Hitchcock Wide Shoes

Wide Shoes available at Wideshoes.com. Shop for extra wide shoes, orthopedic shoes, wide width shoes and mens wide shoes

wideshoes.com

 

[Anamiri]

I would never recommend a shoe for another person. Really the only thing that matters is how comfortable the footwear is for that person, and the only way to find out is to wear it for a few hundred km. With that disclaimer, I'll comment on some shoes I have tried for my very specific needs.

Let's keep this thread on the specific topic of the subject line. If you want to recommend random other types of shoes that you wore for thousands of km with nary a blister, there are many other threads!

Based on my personal experience and discussions with my podiatrist, I now limit my search to shoes that are very stiff, cushioned, and have a rocker sole configuration. My feet are wide (but not long enough for men's shoes), with high arches and very mobile metatarsals. After my last Camino, I knew I had to find different shoes or I would not be able to walk a Camino again.

If you don't need this type of support, you might shake your head at these stiff clunky shoes. I would, if I didn't have the feet I have. If regular shoes work for you, go with them!

I have learned that there are variations even within a particular model name/number and it can be difficult to learn the differences just by reading standard runners' shoe reviews or chatting with the sales clerks. They may be knowledgeable, but cannot know everything about every model and the changes that are continuously introduced.

Here are some shoes that I've tried with success...

New Balance More v4 - I happily used about 5 pairs of these comfy cushioned rocker shoes, until my last Camino when it became obvious that I needed something even "more" (pun intended). They only lasted me about 400 km, and now, even a new pair doesn't quite meet my needs.

Hoka Bondi 8 - These provided a bit more stiffness to support my metatarsals, and seemed to help my feet heal. However, even the Wide size was a bit narrow for me. I went another 1/2 size larger, but obviously the shoe cut was not perfect for my foot. I have later learned that there is a very different wider-cut Bondi SR ("Slip Resistant") version designed for people in the service industry - nurses, etc. - who are on their feet all day. The Bondi 8 and the Bondi SR fit completely differently, which is annoyingly confusing.

NB X840 SR - The X840 is different from the older 840. It comes in a running shoe version, but there is also a Slip Resistant black or white leather walker for the service-industry people. This leather walker is much stiffer than the non-leather runner - both in the upper and the sole. The NB X840 comes in both D/Wide and EE/Extra-wide. This shoe (SR version) has, I hope, rescued my Camino future. It is clunky and orthopedic-looking, but allows me to walk 20 km again without pain.

Finally, I have a promising new shoe...

Brooks Ghost Max - This is quite different from the old Ghost, which I wore happily when my feet were younger. It is virtually as stiff as the NB X840 SR, with the rocker sole, yet comes in a non-leather, much lighter upper. It is available in D/Wide and EE/Extra-wide. I have just bought a pair of these, and am optimistic about them.

Even if I decide to keep the clunky NB X840 leathers as my main Camino shoes, I will probably take the Ghost Max as my second pair. I can use the non-leather ones as my evening shoes or for wet days, or just alternate.

I hope this helps someone!

Thanks, I've just sent an email off to the specialist shoe place I use to see if they can access the Brooks. I used to love my Brooks, until the style suddenly became too narrow. I later found out they had moved manufacture to a different country, so maybe that was the issue.

 

[Kiwi-family]

With the exception of the metatarsal bit, you just described my feet exactly! You also described the type of shoe my physio has suggested I try to find. My problem is finding something wide enough in NZ - it is very uncommon to come across anything non-standard. A few D widths (but not with the rocker sole in my search so far). I have currently settled on a Topo Ultraventure which is wonderful width, but not so stiff. So thanks for suggestions to help me further my search.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Do you know about other Hoka styles? Speedgoat, Challenger ATR7, Arahi 7, Mach 6, Clifton 9. Do they not meet one of your criteria? (They happen to be the shoes that are available in a D width in a local store, so I might try them, unless they don't meet the critieria you stated.)

 

[C clearly]

Do you know about other Hoka styles? Speedgoat, Challenger ATR7, Arahi 7, Mach 6, Clifton 9. Do they not meet one of your criteria?

I haven't tried all of them, but I have been led to believe that the Bondi was the closest thing to my need for stiffness and width. The Bondi SR which I tried later was a surprise - much different wider fit that the Bondi 8, but it didn't feel quite as good as the NB and Brooks Ghost.

 

[dreaming]

I wear 4 E mens extra wide New Balance running shoes for the camino as a female. On my recent camino I made the mistake of buying New Balance with vibram soles thinking they would be the same size but they were much narrower. I subsequently lost a little toenail. I wore Alegria shoes for nursing for years. These are the best shoes I have ever worn. They have rocker bottoms.

 

[Theresa Brandon]

Would a stiff insole help? It might open up some possibilities for shoes that aren't quite stiff enough right out of the box. https://tegadesign.com/collections/insole

 

[C clearly]

Would a stiff insole help? I

I already have custom orthotics. I asked my podiatrist this question and he said no, I wouldn't be able to walk properly. Just to check, at the New Balance store, I tried the rigid carbon fibre inner sole that is sometimes recommended if you are recovering from a stress facture. It was instantly obvious that it would stop me in my tracks!

 

[Anamiri]

I haven't tried all of them, but I have been led to believe that the Bondi was the closest thing to my need for stiffness and width. The Bondi SR which I tried later was a surprise - much different wider fit that the Bondi 8, but it didn't feel quite as good as the NB and Brooks Ghost.

Ive just heard back that the next Ghost shipment for NZ is March, so I might be lucky.

 

[C clearly]

Would a stiff insole help?

I tried the rigid carbon fibre inner sole that is

On looking at your link again, I see that there are 2 stiffnesses - rigid and semi-rigid. I am not sure which one I tried, but it was quite impossible to walk normally.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Let's keep this thread on the specific topic of the subject line.

Just reading that subject line before the content of your post, I was scratching my head why you might want some of these :

 

[C clearly]

I was scratching my head why you might want some of these :

But they need to come in Women's Wide

 

[Suzanne H]

Excellent— my feet are becoming quite sensitive and your description of your feet rings true to me. Thank you for sharing

 

[JillGat]

I would never recommend a shoe for another person. Really the only thing that matters is how comfortable the footwear is for that person, and the only way to find out is to wear it for a few hundred km. With that disclaimer, I'll comment on some shoes I have tried for my very specific needs.

Let's keep this thread on the specific topic of the subject line. If you want to recommend random other types of shoes that you wore for thousands of km with nary a blister, there are many other threads!

Based on my personal experience and discussions with my podiatrist, I now limit my search to shoes that are very stiff, cushioned, and have a rocker sole configuration. My feet are wide (but not long enough for men's shoes), with high arches and very mobile metatarsals. After my last Camino, I knew I had to find different shoes or I would not be able to walk a Camino again.

If you don't need this type of support, you might shake your head at these stiff clunky shoes. I would, if I didn't have the feet I have. If regular shoes work for you, go with them!

I have learned that there are variations even within a particular model name/number and it can be difficult to learn the differences just by reading standard runners' shoe reviews or chatting with the sales clerks. They may be knowledgeable, but cannot know everything about every model and the changes that are continuously introduced.

Here are some shoes that I've tried with success...

New Balance More v4 - I happily used about 5 pairs of these comfy cushioned rocker shoes, until my last Camino when it became obvious that I needed something even "more" (pun intended). They only lasted me about 400 km, and now, even a new pair doesn't quite meet my needs.

Hoka Bondi 8 - These provided a bit more stiffness to support my metatarsals, and seemed to help my feet heal. However, even the Wide size was a bit narrow for me. I went another 1/2 size larger, but obviously the shoe cut was not perfect for my foot. I have later learned that there is a very different wider-cut Bondi SR ("Slip Resistant") version designed for people in the service industry - nurses, etc. - who are on their feet all day. The Bondi 8 and the Bondi SR fit completely differently, which is annoyingly confusing.

NB X840 SR - The X840 is different from the older 840. It comes in a running shoe version, but there is also a Slip Resistant black or white leather walker for the service-industry people. This leather walker is much stiffer than the non-leather runner - both in the upper and the sole. The NB X840 comes in both D/Wide and EE/Extra-wide. This shoe (SR version) has, I hope, rescued my Camino future. It is clunky and orthopedic-looking, but allows me to walk 20 km again without pain.

Finally, I have a promising new shoe...

Brooks Ghost Max - This is quite different from the old Ghost, which I wore happily when my feet were younger. It is virtually as stiff as the NB X840 SR, with the rocker sole, yet comes in a non-leather, much lighter upper. It is available in D/Wide and EE/Extra-wide. I have just bought a pair of these, and am optimistic about them.

Even if I decide to keep the clunky NB X840 leathers as my main Camino shoes, I will probably take the Ghost Max as my second pair. I can use the non-leather ones as my evening shoes or for wet days, or just alternate.

I hope this helps someone!

Do you suffer from metatarsalgia? That is my main limiting factor walking long distances.

 

[C clearly]

Do you suffer from metatarsalgia? That is my main limiting factor walking long distances.

Yes, sometimes the tops of the joints, sometimes the ball of my foot. I seem to have very mobile metatarsals, so the old joints squish around. I can't go barefoot without discomfort, but the stiff rocker sole and my orthotics keep things in place!

 

[OzAnnie]

Brooks Ghost Max - This is quite different from the old Ghost,

I hope this helps someone!

Hi C clearly
I note that you don’t recommend as such but Thankyou for putting this version out there …. I’ve had a look at the Max locally and wouldn’t have even known to ask for availability had you not posted that there was this version. I have also loved the Brook Ghost versions (not max ) before and have found them excellent. This Max was at the local shop but wasn’t noticeable in the display (being only in black here and not the greatest looking shoe )..
I’m taking the Max as my camino walking shoe for next camino. (Hopefully soon if my right knee says yes ).

Thankyou. - I like the way you don’t say it’s the best ever shoe ….. you just say it felt right for your feet at this stage.
That’s all we can say.

Annie.

 

[Maartje1]

I would never recommend a shoe for another person. Really the only thing that matters is how comfortable the footwear is for that person, and the only way to find out is to wear it for a few hundred km. With that disclaimer, I'll comment on some shoes I have tried for my very specific needs.

Let's keep this thread on the specific topic of the subject line. If you want to recommend random other types of shoes that you wore for thousands of km with nary a blister, there are many other threads!

Based on my personal experience and discussions with my podiatrist, I now limit my search to shoes that are very stiff, cushioned, and have a rocker sole configuration. My feet are wide (but not long enough for men's shoes), with high arches and very mobile metatarsals. After my last Camino, I knew I had to find different shoes or I would not be able to walk a Camino again.

If you don't need this type of support, you might shake your head at these stiff clunky shoes. I would, if I didn't have the feet I have. If regular shoes work for you, go with them!

I have learned that there are variations even within a particular model name/number and it can be difficult to learn the differences just by reading standard runners' shoe reviews or chatting with the sales clerks. They may be knowledgeable, but cannot know everything about every model and the changes that are continuously introduced.

Here are some shoes that I've tried with success...

New Balance More v4 - I happily used about 5 pairs of these comfy cushioned rocker shoes, until my last Camino when it became obvious that I needed something even "more" (pun intended). They only lasted me about 400 km, and now, even a new pair doesn't quite meet my needs.

Hoka Bondi 8 - These provided a bit more stiffness to support my metatarsals, and seemed to help my feet heal. However, even the Wide size was a bit narrow for me. I went another 1/2 size larger, but obviously the shoe cut was not perfect for my foot. I have later learned that there is a very different wider-cut Bondi SR ("Slip Resistant") version designed for people in the service industry - nurses, etc. - who are on their feet all day. The Bondi 8 and the Bondi SR fit completely differently, which is annoyingly confusing.

NB X840 SR - The X840 is different from the older 840. It comes in a running shoe version, but there is also a Slip Resistant black or white leather walker for the service-industry people. This leather walker is much stiffer than the non-leather runner - both in the upper and the sole. The NB X840 comes in both D/Wide and EE/Extra-wide. This shoe (SR version) has, I hope, rescued my Camino future. It is clunky and orthopedic-looking, but allows me to walk 20 km again without pain.

Finally, I have a promising new shoe...

Brooks Ghost Max - This is quite different from the old Ghost, which I wore happily when my feet were younger. It is virtually as stiff as the NB X840 SR, with the rocker sole, yet comes in a non-leather, much lighter upper. It is available in D/Wide and EE/Extra-wide. I have just bought a pair of these, and am optimistic about them.

Even if I decide to keep the clunky NB X840 leathers as my main Camino shoes, I will probably take the Ghost Max as my second pair. I can use the non-leather ones as my evening shoes or for wet days, or just alternate.

I hope this helps someone!

Hi!
Great info, thanks. Sounds like my feet also (with a neuroma in each foot thrown in for good measure). Have you tried the brooks max yet? I tried them on today, and they were rather comfortable (even in standard width).
But I doubt whether they are rugged enough (upper and sole) for an April/May Madrid/Salvador/Primitivo camino. What do you reckon? Curious to hear your thoughts about it

 

[C clearly]

Have you tried the brooks max yet?

Yes, but I haven't used them enough to know how long they will last. On my April camino, I am taking two pairs -

• New Balance X840 SR - The clunky black leather "walking" version. This provides the most stiffness and support and they seem to be more durable (in terms of cushioning and stiffness) than the New Balance Mores were. I have now used a pair for about 500 km, and they still seem good. I'll take a new pair with me.
• Ghost Max - These are lighter weight and will dry quickly. The EE is wider than the New Balance EE, so I could possibly use a D, but I don't want to risk than! On the camino, I'll use them for evenings, stream crossings, wet days, and possible back up if the New Balance lose their effectiveness at 500 km or so. The Max seem very good, but I have only used them for about 40 km. As you say, they don't seem "rugged" but my concern is not the upper, but the sole cushioning and stiffness.

I found, last time, that I wanted walking shoes in the evenings - for comfort, stability, balance - and didn't use my slip-on sandals if I was going more than 100 m. So, this year I'll take 2 pairs of shoes and no sandals or crocs.

 

[JillGat]

Yes, but I haven't used them enough to know how long they will last. On my April camino, I am taking two pairs -

• New Balance X840 SR - The clunky black leather "walking" version. This provides the most stiffness and support and they seem to be more durable (in terms of cushioning and stiffness) than the New Balance Mores were. I have now used a pair for about 500 km, and they still seem good. I'll take a new pair with me.
• Ghost Max - These are lighter weight and will dry quickly. The EE is wider than the New Balance EE, so I could possibly use a D, but I don't want to risk than! On the camino, I'll use them for evenings, stream crossings, wet days, and possible back up if the New Balance lose their effectiveness at 500 km or so. The Max seem very good, but I have only used them for about 40 km. As you say, they don't seem "rugged" but my concern is not the upper, but the sole cushioning and stiffness.

I found, last time, that I wanted walking shoes in the evenings - for comfort, stability, balance - and didn't use my slip-on sandals if I was going more than 100 m. So, this year I'll take 2 pairs of shoes and no sandals or crocs.

Since I also have metatarsalgia, I'm interested in this stiff/rocker idea. I already have shoes I love (Topos) and have my orthotics in them, which probably need to be replaced. I'm wondering if I should consider getting a stiffer orthotic? I'm seeing a podiatrist soon and will ask him

 

[C clearly]

I'm wondering if I should consider getting a stiffer orthotic? I'm seeing a podiatrist soon and will ask him

I asked about a stiffer orthotic but my podiatrist said no. I'm not sure why or how the mechanics work for the orthotic vs stiff rocker sole.

 

[JillGat]

I am encouraged that you are able to walk such distances when you have this issue. I could walk all day if not for the foot pain. It comes on just before 20 K and is almost debilitating, so I need to do stages at or below that distance.

 

[C clearly]

I am encouraged that you are able to walk such distances when you have this issue.

Don't be too encouraged! I have not tested beyond 20 km since my Camino last year, after which I couldn't walk more than about 4km for about 6 months. (I wonder if I had a stress fracture.) I am now walking 50-60 km/week - I get tired but no pain. I don't know how my feet will respond to day-after-day of 20-25 km. I am not going to tempt fate to find out before I get to Spain next month.

I think "metatarsalgia" is a rather unspecific description, and could be caused in various ways and to various degrees. I haven't had severe pain, but then I haven't tried to walk beyond the mild-moderate pain.

 

[JillGat]

Don't be too encouraged! I have not tested beyond 20 km since my Camino last year, after which I couldn't walk more than about 4km for about 6 months. (I wonder if I had a stress fracture.) I am now walking 50-60 km/week - I get tired but no pain. I don't know how my feet will respond to day-after-day of 20-25 km. I am not going to tempt fate to find out before I get to Spain next month.

I think "metatarsalgia" is a rather unspecific description, and could be caused in various ways and to various degrees. I haven't had severe pain, but then I haven't tried to walk beyond the mild-moderate pain.

Where are you headed next month?

 

[C clearly]

Where are you headed next month?

Vía Serrana!

 

[JillGat]

Vía Serrana!

Wow, can't wait to hear about it! Will you continue on VdLP?

 

[C clearly]

Wow, can't wait to hear about it! Will you continue on VdLP?

Probably take the train from Seville to Ponferrada for the Invierno.