You are here Wellness Exercise. Guidelines for Buying Walking Shoes share pin it Newsletters. Peer Reviewed. Stability - the shoes should have a balanced and secure feel throughout range of motion.
Flexibility - the shoes should allow for a good degree of give at the base of the toes, providing smooth motion. Comfort - walking shoes should comprise contours and padding conformed closely to the feet, providing a snug fit at the heel and midfoot, with ample room in the forefoot.
When trying on shoes for exercise walking, it is advisable to examine the following four particular areas of walking shoes: Spinal Causes of Foot Pain Video. Editor's Top Picks. Health Information Sponsored.
This means that many walking shoes are made of a combination of fabric and mesh or leather and mesh to help improve ventilation. Additional protection is often given to the toe area and a stiffened heel cup helps to keep the foot in place. Getting the best fitting shoes is vital to avoid sore, blistered feet. Here are our tips to choosing the right pair:. Try before you buy. Visit a retailer with in-store specialists who will be able to guide and advise you. Go up a size. Try on shoes that are one size bigger than your normal shoe size and try them on in the afternoon when your feet have expanded.
Take along socks. Try shoes on with a decent pair of walking socks. Not too tight. Make sure the shoes are snug but not tight. Choose a store with a testing ramp that will allow you to see how the shoes feel when walking up and down a slope. Some stores also have surfaces of different terrains so you can check out the grip, too.
Get it right first time. The fit should be right before you leave the shop. It's a common question among new walkers in particular and, in an ideal world, you would own both boots and shoes so you can choose those best suited to your walk.
However, if your budget can only stretch to one pair, the answer will depend on personal preference as much as the walking conditions. Here are some things to consider when making your decision between shoes and boots:. Think about the type of weather conditions and trails you are most likely encounter. This will help determine how important it is that the shoes or boots are water resistant.
Many walking shoes are made without a waterproof lining, which makes them more breathable than many waterproof boots, helping to keep your feet cooler. They are better suited for walking in drier, sunnier conditions. Walking shoes with a waterproof lining are available, too. These can have the same breathability problems as boots, and can make your feet sweaty. However, this isn't always the case, and it's possible to strike a balance between water resistance and breathability.
Be aware that because of their lower cut, even the best water-resistant shoes will be more prone to letting in water at ankle level when walking through mud, puddles and streams. As you walk, these springy, flexible arches help distribute your body weight evenly across your feet.
Your arches play an important role in how you adapt to various surfaces as you walk. Choose walking shoes that accommodate your arch type. Generally, feet fall into one of three categories:. Most important of all, however, is comfort. There is no one "best shoe" for a particular foot type, and comfort and proper fit should be the main criteria you use. The best-designed shoes in the world won't do their job if they don't fit properly.
Here are some tips for finding the best fit in a pair of walking shoes:. All walking shoes eventually show signs of wear. And even if they still feel comfortable and don't show much outer wear, they might not be providing enough support or shock absorption. Even if a shoe looks good, most lose their impact protection after around to miles. Put a mark on the calendar when you've reached your shoes' maximum mileage to remind yourself to replace them, and to track how long it typically takes you to put in to miles.
Improperly fitting shoes are the source of many problems. Now that you know what features to look for, you can shop with confidence. Wear walking shoes that are comfortable and properly fitted for a walk that's worry-free. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
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See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Fitness. Products and services. Walking shoes: Features and fit that keep you moving Walking shoes have some features other shoes don't. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
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