Walking as little as 15 extra minutes per day can improve your mood and your physical health, reports the Ohio State University Extension. Good walking shoes help make your walk more comfortable and can prevent injury to your feet, legs and back. Look for proper fitting shoes that won't rub blisters and will provide the support you need. If you live in a wet climate, opt for waterproof shoes. Wear your walking shoes with cotton blend or wool socks to wick moisture away from your feet.
Step 1
Visit a store that specializes in athletic footwear. These stores will offer a wider variety of shoes and should employ trained clerks who can advise you on the proper shoes.
Step 2
Bring your old walking shoes with you. A trained clerk can look at wear patterns on the soles and offer advice on inserts or types of shoes to correct problems such as pronation, when the feet tend to roll inward, and supination, when the feet roll outward. If you wear orthotics, bring these with you to try on your shoes as well.
Step 3
Select several styles and brands of shoes in your size. If you're unsure of your size, ask the clerk to measure your feet. Your shoe size can change over time, and different brands of shoes may be sized slightly differently.
Step 4
Try on the shoes, wearing the socks you normally wear and any orthotics or shoe inserts you customarily wear. Walk around the store wearing both shoes. Note any places where the shoes seem too tight or too loose; these spots could form blisters eventually. Make sure you can move your toes. The Mayo Clinic recommends you have at least half an inch of space between the end of your big toe and the toe of the shoe. If you don't have this much space and can't freely wiggle your toes, try a larger size shoe.
Step 5
Walk on a variety of surfaces in your new shoes. Try some stairs or an incline, if available. Make sure you can move confidently without the shoes slipping on your feet. If the shoes feet too tight, try a wider width. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, walking shoes should be fairly flexible. Squat down or stand on your toes to see if the soles of the shoes bend with you.
Tips and Warnings
- Shop in the afternoon, after you've been walking around a while. Your feet will be at their largest size at this point. If your feet are two different sizes, the Mayo Clinic recommends you buy shoes that fit the larger foot. Consider inserts to help the shoe fit the smaller foot.
Things You'll Need
- Old athletic shoes
- Socks
- Orthotics if you wear them
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