Walking Shoes

Question
Hello,
I need help choosing walking shoes for the treadmill.  I am 27 years old and average build to slightly overweight.  I walk 2 miles on the treadmill 5-6 days/week, and I am getting tired of buying new shoes.  I buy a new pair of sneakers, and I wear out the heal area (I rip holes in the back of the shoes) from walking.  (I guess that there is friction happening there.  I don't notice it at first, but once the little hole is there in the back and starts to grow bigger, then it rubs me, and I get irritation and blisters.  I often start to see a rip in the material in the back of my sneaker within 3 weeks of wear.  It happens more on my right foot than my left, but after time, both shoes have rips.  It is right about in the middle of the heel on the back-top of the shoe, slightly to the inside but not much.  My father wears out one of his shoes in this way, too, but not nearly as fast or as much as me.  My mother doesn't have this problem.  I have tried the little pads you can stick in the back after ripping out the heel part, but these often rub me and irritate the heel.  Please help.  I want to keep exercising, and I don't think backless shoes would be safe to stay on me on the treadmill.  Thanks for your help!

Answer
I don't know what shoes you have been buying, but the only way you can be sure you have a good fit is to go to a running specialty store with a good reputation. Your symptoms almost sound like you are buying shoes too small for you.

Good quality running shoes should last you 350-500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. And yes, running shoes are fine for walking. Plan on spending over $100 for a high-quality pair.