Shoe Help: Allbirds v. Skechers Glide Step or other options?

[amberlyrose]

My mom's birthday is coming up and she is also going back into the classroom next week. In August, she broke her knee in a tripping accident, so she's still getting used to walking more than a few times a day and needs some light weight but supportive shoes that she can wear to work.  

The Today Show had these two on their 10 best sneakers segment this morning, but I'm wondering if they'd be supportive enough for 4-6 hours a day. The Allbirds look cute enough to wear with her work pants without looking like athletic shoes. The Skechers seem more supportive, though. 

Does anyone have thoughts on these or another option I should consider?

[NewGirlNic]

I have a pair of Allbirds and they are very comfortable. However, whenever I wear them to walk the dog longer than a mile or so, I regret not putting my athletic sneakers on. They don't have a ton of support, IMO. But, mine are also about 4 years old, so it's probably time for a new pair. 

[Susie]

I have Allbird Mizzles, which may have a thicker sole than some of the other styles. I like them and am comfortable wearing them when I'm on my feet for long days or a lot of walking. They don't have a lot of arch support, but they are well cushioned.

[rikki]

I have worn Allbirds to walk around major cities doing sightseeing for full days and have always found them to be extremely comfortable. I have completely flat feet so I do not know if someone with higher arches would feel the same, but I love them.

[wildrice]

Mar 31, 2021 13:09:29 GMT -5 rikki said:

I have worn Allbirds to walk around major cities doing sightseeing for full days and have always found them to be extremely comfortable. I have completely flat feet so I do not know if someone with higher arches would feel the same, but I love them.

I was going to say basically the same. We went to Italy shortly before COVID, and I bought Allbirds right before we went. I've never had such good luck with shoes walking that much - my feet were obviously tired after walking all day, but no blisters or arch pain or other problems I've had with other shoes. I think they are great and will definitely buy them again when my pair wears out.

[rubytue]

What kind of support are you looking for? Arch? Full surround on the foot?

FWiW, I find my Taos sneakers are the best for cute (IMHO) sneakers that I find very supportive (mostly arch). I have to add orthotics to Sorels, and pretty much anything that isn’t Taos or Vionic

I have a coworker who swears by sketchers. All day every day. And she doesn’t even bother to get some that look office appropriate 😂
taosfootwear.com/products/star

I also have these taosfootwear.com/products/starsky?color=Navy%20Distressed

[gummy]

I like Allbirds but I don't find them very supportive for long hours but I guess it depends on the support you need. I have PF in my right foot so Vionics with great arch support is better for me.

[tealblue]

I just bought some Allbird tree dashers a few weeks ago and love them! I don’t know if I have flat or arched feet but think they are plenty padded.

My friends have various allbirds and have no complaints.

www.allbirds.com/products/womens-tree-dashers-geyser

[rubytue]

Mar 31, 2021 13:24:34 GMT -5 tealblue said:

I just bought some Allbird tree dashers a few weeks ago and love them! I don’t know if I have flat or arched feet but think they are plenty padded.

My friends have various allbirds and have no complaints.

www.allbirds.com/products/womens-tree-dashers-geyser

That’s why I asked for clarity about support. Most people who need “supportive” shoes do not need padding. You’d think a hard orthotic would be annoying, but actually, the hard is what gives it the support. The padding just allows stuff to move around, arches to fall, etc.

[expectantsteelerfan]

My dh pretty much only wears Allbirds now, but he's never had foot problems.

I have arch issues and pf, so I mostly wear Vionics. But if I'm walking long distance or exercising, I wear Brooks with custom insoles. I tried Sketchers before going that route, but that was several years ago and I did see a commercial recently where they promoted their newest, most supportive line and I feel like those would be worth a try.

[wildrice]

Mar 31, 2021 13:20:00 GMT -5 rubytue said:

What kind of support are you looking for? Arch? Full surround on the foot?

FWiW, I find my Taos sneakers are the best for cute (IMHO) sneakers that I find very supportive (mostly arch). I have to add orthotics to Sorels, and pretty much anything that isn’t Taos or Vionic

I have a coworker who swears by sketchers. All day every day. And she doesn’t even bother to get some that look office appropriate 😂
taosfootwear.com/products/star

I also have these taosfootwear.com/products/starsky?color=Navy%20Distressed

This is actually where I should say that I think footwear is so specific to feet that it's hard to buy for someone else! My last sneakers before my Allbirds were Taos, I think based on recommendations here, and they kill my feet. I think the arch support is too much, maybe? They make my arches painful. I can't wear them for much walking at all.

On the same trip to Italy I mentioned, my H wore Sketchers. We had to take many breaks for him to sit because his feet were killing him, while my feet in my Allbirds were fine.

So... I'd check return policies on whatever you get! 

[rubytue]

Mar 31, 2021 13:29:57 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Mar 31, 2021 13:20:00 GMT -5 rubytue said:

What kind of support are you looking for? Arch? Full surround on the foot?

FWiW, I find my Taos sneakers are the best for cute (IMHO) sneakers that I find very supportive (mostly arch). I have to add orthotics to Sorels, and pretty much anything that isn’t Taos or Vionic

I have a coworker who swears by sketchers. All day every day. And she doesn’t even bother to get some that look office appropriate 😂
taosfootwear.com/products/star

I also have these taosfootwear.com/products/starsky?color=Navy%20Distressed

This is actually where I should say that I think footwear is so specific to feet that it's hard to buy for someone else! My last sneakers before my Allbirds were Taos, I think based on recommendations here, and they kill my feet. I think the arch support is too much, maybe? They make my arches painful. I can't wear them for much walking at all.

On the same trip to Italy I mentioned, my H wore Sketchers. We had to take many breaks for him to sit because his feet were killing him, while my feet in my Allbirds were fine.

So... I'd check return policies on whatever you get! 

Totally agree! What’s great and supportive for me may not be for someone else who wants padding. 

[amberlyrose]

Mar 31, 2021 13:20:00 GMT -5 rubytue said:

What kind of support are you looking for? Arch? Full surround on the foot?

FWiW, I find my Taos sneakers are the best for cute (IMHO) sneakers that I find very supportive (mostly arch). I have to add orthotics to Sorels, and pretty much anything that isn’t Taos or Vionic

I have a coworker who swears by sketchers. All day every day. And she doesn’t even bother to get some that look office appropriate 😂
taosfootwear.com/products/star

I also have these taosfootwear.com/products/starsky?color=Navy%20Distressed

She switches her shoes out a lot, based on what she needs, so.. all of the above? haha. Full surround would probably be best. I'll look into the Taos ones you rec'd. 

[thelurkylulu]

Mar 31, 2021 13:20:00 GMT -5 rubytue said:

What kind of support are you looking for? Arch? Full surround on the foot?

FWiW, I find my Taos sneakers are the best for cute (IMHO) sneakers that I find very supportive (mostly arch). I have to add orthotics to Sorels, and pretty much anything that isn’t Taos or Vionic

I have a coworker who swears by sketchers. All day every day. And she doesn’t even bother to get some that look office appropriate 😂
taosfootwear.com/products/star

I also have these taosfootwear.com/products/starsky?color=Navy%20Distressed

I’ve never heard of Taos. Are these sold in stores anywhere? They have some super cute shoes. I’m always in between sizes and need to try on. 🙄

[amberlyrose]

Mar 31, 2021 13:29:57 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Mar 31, 2021 13:20:00 GMT -5 rubytue said:

What kind of support are you looking for? Arch? Full surround on the foot?

FWiW, I find my Taos sneakers are the best for cute (IMHO) sneakers that I find very supportive (mostly arch). I have to add orthotics to Sorels, and pretty much anything that isn’t Taos or Vionic

I have a coworker who swears by sketchers. All day every day. And she doesn’t even bother to get some that look office appropriate 😂
taosfootwear.com/products/star

I also have these taosfootwear.com/products/starsky?color=Navy%20Distressed

This is actually where I should say that I think footwear is so specific to feet that it's hard to buy for someone else! My last sneakers before my Allbirds were Taos, I think based on recommendations here, and they kill my feet. I think the arch support is too much, maybe? They make my arches painful. I can't wear them for much walking at all.

On the same trip to Italy I mentioned, my H wore Sketchers. We had to take many breaks for him to sit because his feet were killing him, while my feet in my Allbirds were fine.

So... I'd check return policies on whatever you get! 

My mom has the WORST feet and I think I've inherited them  
When we travel, 90% of her luggage is different types of athletic shoes. She will switch them out 2-3x a day. Walking on cobbled streets in London and Edinburgh with her was rough. Now with the knee issue plus going back to class after sitting on zoom for a year. Oof! 

[rubytue]

Mar 31, 2021 14:08:33 GMT -5 thelurkylulu said:

Mar 31, 2021 13:20:00 GMT -5 rubytue said:

What kind of support are you looking for? Arch? Full surround on the foot?

FWiW, I find my Taos sneakers are the best for cute (IMHO) sneakers that I find very supportive (mostly arch). I have to add orthotics to Sorels, and pretty much anything that isn’t Taos or Vionic

I have a coworker who swears by sketchers. All day every day. And she doesn’t even bother to get some that look office appropriate 😂
taosfootwear.com/products/star

I also have these taosfootwear.com/products/starsky?color=Navy%20Distressed

I’ve never heard of Taos. Are these sold in stores anywhere? They have some super cute shoes. I’m always in between sizes and need to try on. 🙄

Yes, I’ve seen the, in stores, but I don’t recall which ones. Like a smaller mall store type place. Not the anchors. Probably The Walking Company. I know I have seen them somewhere, because I was getting FB ads for the sneakers, and then, I happened to pass by a store with them and I was able to go inspect them and see if the footbed was as good as I expected. I have a couple pair of their heels that I love, so I was hoping the sneaker would be as good and it did nit disappoint 

[rikki]

Mar 31, 2021 13:17:39 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Mar 31, 2021 13:09:29 GMT -5 rikki said:

I have worn Allbirds to walk around major cities doing sightseeing for full days and have always found them to be extremely comfortable. I have completely flat feet so I do not know if someone with higher arches would feel the same, but I love them.

I was going to say basically the same. We went to Italy shortly before COVID, and I bought Allbirds right before we went. I've never had such good luck with shoes walking that much - my feet were obviously tired after walking all day, but no blisters or arch pain or other problems I've had with other shoes. I think they are great and will definitely buy them again when my pair wears out.

Thanks to this post I am the new soon to be owner of an additional pair.  I had no intention of buying shoes anytime soon.  I have so many but I realized that these are the only athletic pair I really like so I got some in a tan color. 

I did see they have a try and return for 30 day policy if you want to get some for your mom to try out.

[joy]

Allbirds are THE BEST.

[origami]

Of the 2, Allbirds. Mine are super comfy, but like the PPs I don’t have high arches.

[cleo29]

I have had skechers slip on shoes and sneakers, both have been very comfortable and held up to a lot of walking.

[Rainyday]

on Cloud 2.0
I got these for my mom after her knee replacement. They are very lightweight and slip on. My mom had a hard time bending her knee to tie her shoes.
I also saw that segment on the Today Show, interesting suggestions.

[goldengirlz]

Mar 31, 2021 13:24:34 GMT -5 tealblue said:

I just bought some Allbird tree dashers a few weeks ago and love them! I don’t know if I have flat or arched feet but think they are plenty padded.

My friends have various allbirds and have no complaints.

www.allbirds.com/products/womens-tree-dashers-geyser

Yes, I was going to say that the level of support varies between the different Allbirds styles. These are designed to compete head to head with running shoes. The older models are comfortable in a slipper-type way but don’t have the same support as the Dashers do.

[definitelyO]

I returned my allbirds as they slipped off my heel - all the time. they fit in size (length), but not sure what the other problem was...

[tacocat]

I have high arches and have had good luck with Ecco. They have a bunch of different styles as well. I've gotten them at Nordstrom which has a good return policy

[VillainV]

I really like my Allbirds, but I’m not sure if they’d be a good all-day/every-day type of shoe. I have the tree runners. They’re very soft and cushy, but don’t have a ton of structure or support.

[longtimenopost]

All the rage among my mom and her retired/world traveler friends are Arcopedicos www.zappos.com/arcopedico-shoes

[katfco]

They're not sneakers, but I love Vionics for teaching. I get them from DSW and it's all I wear for teaching now.

[MixedBerryJam]

I have three diff styles of Allbirds and while they are very comfortable they’re not super supportive. I only just bought my first pair of sketchers and I really really like them. For someone still getting over a knee injury I’d probably go with sketchers. Which feels funny to say because I love my allbirds.

[starlily]

I've worn the Allbirds ballet flats for full days of walking and it didn't aggravate my plantar faciitis at all.

[stemmie]

Light is easy.

Supportive is a matter of definition. I have a little arthritis, plantar fasciitis and a replaced knee.

IME, if you are needing arch support, that's a very individual thing- lots of folks love Vionics but the support doesn't hit my foot in the right place and feels awful. Sketchers are better, Merrells, Ryka and New Balance hit the sweet spot. I have some residual arthritis in my feet, so a lace up shoe feels supportive. Can you take her out to try them?

I have a pair of Allbird Wool Runners and I wear them a lot. They are fine for running errands or standing. If I were going on a longer walk/hike I would wear a substantial athletic shoe.

If you are looking for cushy, I have a pair of Ryka Devotions that are like walking on freaking pillows that I favored right after getting my TKR and was rehabbing. They may be the ugliest shoes I personally own, but they felt better than anything when my knee was still healing.

www.macys.com/shop/product/ryka-womens-devotion-plus-2-walking-shoes?ID=11150034&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&cm_mmc=MSN_Bing_Womens_Shoes_PLA-_-Bing_PLA_Womens_Shoes_Shoes_Bing_PLA_Womens_Shoes_Shoes_Ryka-_-816388112058[e-mail]_401378312_1306220067189866_81638811205879_pla-4585238370369812_748149892796USA__c_KID_&trackingid=456x1052023076&m_sc=sem&m_sb=Bing&m_tp=PLA&m_ac=MSN_Bing_Womens_Shoes_PLA&m_ag=Bing_PLA_WomensShoes_Shoes_Ryka&m_cn=Bing_PLA_Womens_Shoes_Shoes&m_pi=bi_cmp-401378312_adg-1306220067189866_ad-81638811205879_pla-4585238370369812_dev-c_ext-_prd-748149892796USA&msclkid=2fd2a818c82d14ceb56fc995d551ebbb