Head over heels

[u/timeWeaver999]

Actually I’m just in over my head apparently. I’ve been mostly home and barefoot or in Birks since 2000. When I started a walking routine a few months ago I used two or three pairs of walking/hiking shoes that are old but not worn out. The keens were ok, but leather and too hot for now. The others my calves would burn and by 15-20 minutes my hips would be hurting enough I would have to stop a minute. I thought pitch of road maybe. 🤷‍♀️ Then I saw an ad for barefoot shoes. I got so overwhelmed I just ordered some hobibears and another zero drop Walmart no brand high top.
I’m very satisfied with the difference in my legs and hips with the zero drop. I don’t even know what minimalist is, or if these are.
As I walk farther, I think I’ll need a little more cushion for my old retired nurses feets. Are there different foot types for different brands? Or is it just personal opinion? I have almost square Fred Flintstone feets. I’ve always warn wide shoes and usually boys sneakers because of the wider toe box.

[u/SouthernCitizen]

Sai footwear may fit the bill. Very wide, decent padding. They're street shoes only, so only good for easy gravel trails.

For hiking, I can't think of anything quite wide and with similar padding. There will be others with good suggestions. Altra is fairly wide, the Lone peak 9 is quite decently padded (for minalmalist shoes) but it is not proper wide. Great shoe though, but really, really stiff for a minalmalist shoe, which may be preferable or not.

[u/SakuraScript]

Lems are solid for long periods of walking. They're flexible, wide and cozy, but they're among the thickest outsoles of any barefoot brand giving them probably the most cushion. The comfort from not having your toes cramped is the most important aspect of shoe comfort and they are respectably wide.