I am a heavy set and flat foot person and have started a walking program. My problem is that I am experiencing arch pain. My pain causes me stop before I am ready. I have tried New Balance and various other expensive shoes, but, nothing has helped. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Thanks.

When you say you have tried various expensive shoes, have you had your gait analysed? Running shops will do this and get you the correct shoes for your style.

You might need a referral to a podiatrist (do they call them that in the states?? A foot specialist) who will conduct a gait analysis, and then prescribe orthotics that you put in your shoes.

The other point could be that your feet are just not used to the walking program and will settle down. I had arch pain when I switched from walking to running (and that was with shoes that had been professionally fitted) and it was just a matter of listening to the pain and running a little further each time until it settled down.

Not arch pain but shin splints. I'm not sure if this is adviseable but ... I'm gonna say it anyway. Since I knew the problem was probably because I was fat and in poor shape, I took the odd ibuprophen and just kept at it. I had a pretty good idea that I wasn't doing any damage ... I was just uncomfortable.
After a bit ... it didn't happen any more and now I can't remember the last time I had any trouble like that.

I second the recommendation to get your feet analyzed at a specialty shop. I'm sure that most running shops would probably carry walking shoes as well.

Here's a U.S./Canadian listing:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/...1048-0,00.html

Also, you may want to try a few stretches before you set out on a long walk. I have plantar fascitis which causes arch pain for me and stretching before a workout has helped. I do the calf and heel stretches. Just make sure you do a small warm-up before you stretch.

http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/Handout...iitis.html.htm