All the sports shoes I have tried in the last ten years or so have left me with sore feet and sometimes ankles after long or brisk walks and low back pain. I think this has something to do improper posture may be due to my weak back. So this time when I started looking for trainers I was feeling very unsure about what to buy and how to choose the right shoes for me. I went browsing at shoe stores at the Exchange at Ilford, where we live, and came across this shop that was having a clearance sale for Earth shoes and a few other brands.

These shoes were being sold at a smashing sale price of £10 down from their RRP of £65!! With my usual reservations I tried them on. They didn't have my size (they only had sizes 3 - 4.5), but the shop assistant asked me to try a lower size as, she said, they are designed to be roomier. And yes, a size lower fit me well. I walked around in them and thought they felt a bit uncomfortable on the middle of the soles. But the assistant assured me that you get used to them and this extra support on the curve of your soles is good for your knees and your back.

My husband encouraged me to buy them as they cost only £10, so if I didn't find them comfortable we could give them away. I agreed and we bought a pair in green colour. That was last month.

Since then I have used them on and off on my walks to parks and a few other places when I knew I would be on my feet for long periods. Initially they were uncomfortable, but now that I have become used to them, I find them very good for my back. My feet are quite wide around the toes and this is a problem I have with most shoes as at size 5 most don't provide enough room. But in these shoes my toes feel very roomy, so no more soreness there. The shoes are light and my feet like that as well. I haven't had any back ache after walks in the park and I can feel a spring in my step as I walk in them.

They are easy to clean. Recently on a rainy day I got a patch of black slime on it, but it wiped clean with a damp cloth.

I do still find some discomfort building up on my left sole along the side. I am not sure if this might go away with time as well.

The model I have is called Lazer. The shoes are quite good looking as well. My mother-in-law mentioned this morning that these shoes are still available on sale at this store for £10. The store is on top floor of Ilford Exchange and I think it is called 'Shuropodics' or something like that.