Boots that are good for unstable knees

[Froom2]

Hullo,

I have really rubbish knees. Kneecaps are prone to dislocation and don't track straight in their groove, and on top of that I currently have really tight muscles up the back of my leg (I'm in physio atm to help with it all).

I currently do a lot of cycling, and have always avoided walking because I found it really difficult. However, recently I've started walking short distances and have really enjoyed how you can let your mind wander. I would like to do more, further, and go out to the countryside or off for weekends. And they said a bit more variety would be good for my knees

I am keen to get good boots, I could afford a couple hundred if they were worth it and going to last me a long time. I did a small amount of research, but was overwhelmed by all the different options.

Someone told me I should look for fairly rigid soles, to help stop my foot twisting.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Does it matter much about the sole, or do you think ankle support is more of a thing? Are there any particular brands I should look into more specifically?

 

[Toddy]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I honestly think the best advice I could offer would be to get yourself to one of the outdoor retailers with a specialist fitting department.
Tiso's for instance.

Not only will they understand your issues and probably know how best to advise you on appropriate boots, but they know their stock and what else is potentially available, and good for you, too.

Sometimes it's not so much about spending money on a recommended pair of boots, but simply being absolutely sure that the boots you end up with fit you and do the job required; and surprisingly that might not mean the most expensive option available.

I hope you do find a pair that really suits you

cheers,
Toddy

 

[Macaroon]

Firsty thing to do is ask your physio for advice, and if he/she can't help they'll refer you to a department where they can. Altberg in N. Yorkshire will sit you down and measure your feet extensively and have great experience in all sorts of fitting/remedial footware problems, they really are very good and knowledgable.

The best thing you will ever do to help with walking is learn how to go proprly with a good set of walking poles, I bought a set of Pacer Poles after advice on this forum and from my consultant, learned how to use them properly and it's no exaggeration to say that they changed my life for the better! I hope this is of some help to you.

Oh, and welcome aboard

 

[cranmere]

It's surprisingly common amongst people who do a lot of cycling. No doubt your physio has already told you, but if you have mis-tracking patellas you need to build the quads (muscles in the thigh) to help stabilise everything. Poles are great for all sorts of leg problems, they take a little of hte strain but also help to prevent twisting and slipping which put strain on the knees. What footwear is almost impossible to recommend though because it depends on so many variables. Talk to your physio about it, possibly consult a specialist podiatrist who can analyse your gait in detail. I have arthritis in my knees and the right orthotic inserts in my shoes make a huge difference.

 

[Froom2]

Thanks guys!
Poles are a great idea, I hadn't considered that. I will ask my physio and see if I can get to a good shop. Are GoOutdoors good for that sort of thing? I heard they do measuring things and there is one fairly near me.
Someone told me, women tend to be heavier on our feet so boots for women tend to have more padding... is that true? I know I plod a lot, my physio has said that's partly because of my muscles being all unbalanced.

 

[Lithril]

I've had dodgy knees for quite a while, unfortunately if you're not careful boots that give too much support will push any injury further up your leg to your knees so they're not always the best option. A good physio will have you working on quadriceps strength and flexibility which will give you the support in your knees that you need. I've found that fell running shoes and poles were the best option for me. Tbh though once I'd built my quads up a bit my knee problems went away.

 

[Toddy]

Go outdoors is a retailer of fashion and whatever they can sell at a discount.
Up to yourself, but I wouldn't go there for advice on boots for any health problems.

Another vote for decent poles too though

cheers,
M

 

[cranmere]

Someone told me, women tend to be heavier on our feet so boots for women tend to have more padding... is that true? I know I plod a lot, my physio has said that's partly because of my muscles being all unbalanced.

I don't know. However there is growing evidence that over-padded sports shoes can cause injury because they encourage a hard heel-strike and that might extend to boots. I get on much better with light boots with a flexible sole, something that's too stiff makes me walk awkwardly and that hurts my knees.

 

[Toddy]

I agree with cranmere; boots that I can't bend just kill my knees and hips and leave my feet aching too. I have a pair of North Face ones like that and I really should just throw them away

Walking, just plain simple walking, resets so many muscles and tendons. Don't burden yourself with heavy weights and packs and the 'right' boots, just go for a walk two or three times a day. Doesn't need to be a challenge, just enough to adjust your posture and muscle use until walking 'flows'. It's our default setting after all

atb,
M

 

[bob_the_baker]

I have slightly dodgy knees and an arthritic big toe. Going for a 5 mile walk was paid for in ibuprofen for a couple of days. I then switched to wearing only barefoot shoes and boots about a year ago, since then I can easily walk 5 miles with no ill effects at all. I know they are not for everyone, the boss, for example, gets planar fasciitis just looking at a pair of barefoot shoes, but it may be worth a look.

 

[baggins]

as been mentioned above, go to a reputable retailer (as much as i love Gooutdoors, i wouldn't recommend them for specialist knowledge). i know George Fishers in Keswick offer a comprehensive fitting service and a buy back if they don't work (SWMBO used them last year and i was really impressed).
Also poles are a great option as are good quality boot insoles, most that come with the boots are not very supportive. I use superfeet and they really do help.

 

[Lithril]

If you do want boots just keep in mind that most of the support comes from the heel cusp not the rand.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

 

[subzeer0]

thanks for the advice given...i need it

 

[Froom2]

Wow, thank you everyone this is a lot of really great advice! I think I'll see if I can get to a good outdoor shop as you've suggested, are there any around the Newcastle area that you'd recommend? Otherwise I'll hop on a train somewhere and tie it in with a day out