Walking is a great way to improve your health and maintain your vitality. Selecting the proper walking shoe is the key to walking comfortably and avoiding injury. Poor fitting shoes are more than uncomfortable. They can not only injure your feet, but can also lead to shin splints, knee pain and even problems with your knees and hips.
The following tips can help you select the best walking shoe:
Look for a shoe that has a comfortable soft upper, good shock absorption, smooth tread, and a flexible toe and rocker sole that encourage the natural roll of your foot during walking. The shoe should flex easily in the middle. We can recommend New Balance 991 without hesitation.
Look for a shoe that is lightweight and breathable. Mesh uppers and removeable insoles are desirable features.
Do your shopping or foot measurement after you have been walking around for a while or at the end of the day when your feet will be their largest. Measure your foot with the same kind of socks that you will wear while walking.
Put on both shoes. Stand up and place all your weight on your feet. You should be able to wiggle your toes easiliy in the toe box and there should be between three-eighths and one-half inch between your big toe and the end of each shoe.
The shoes should be comfortable as soon as you try them on. There is no such thing as break-in period. Do not buy a shoe that feels too tight. You can cut out an outline of your foot and place it against the sole of the shoe. If any paper sticks out the side of the bottom the shoes are too tight.
Your heel should fit firmly and comfortably in the shoe and not slip as you walk. If you have low arches go with the lowest heels.
Walk in the shoes for a few minutes to make sure they feel comfortable after some normal foot movement.