What To Look For
Walking sneakers should provide support around the ankle and in the arch area. Proper arch support is essential for comfort during walks. Look for shoes that offer deep cushion insoles as well as arch support and room around the toes for comfort. Look for shoes that offer breathability, so that the feet do not overheat. Shoes with flexibility and shock absorbency also provide higher comfort during walks.
Consumer Reports found the New Balance model 791 one of the most comfortable and overall best walking shoes for all body types. These shoes are flexible, comfortable and provide excellent support. Health Med.com recommends the Brooks Beast Motion Control walking shoes for overweight women. This shoe provides a high level of comfort and shock absorption. The Fitness Walking Guide.com recommends the Asics GEL-Kayano Walker 7 for women's walking sneakers.
Common Pitfalls
One pitfall that many people fall into when purchasing walking shoes is to under-buy on support and comfort. Just because the shoe is used for walking does not mean it can lack support or comfort. Walking can take almost as much toll on the feet as running, and the feet need just as much support when walking. Plan to pay as much for quality walking shoes as you do for quality running shoes. Do not use walking shoes for running, however, as this can damage the shoe or the foot.
Where To Buy
Quality walking shoes are available from many different retailers. Look for quality walking shoes by testing the cushion, arch support and flexibility of the shoe. Two well-known stores that offer a large selection of quality walking shoes are REI and Foot Locker. Both of these companies will work with you to find the best walking shoe for you particular needs. Both stores have online and offline stores for convenience. Look for brands such as Nike, New Balance, Asics, Adidas, Reebok, Sketchers and more at these retailers.
Cost
Expect to pay between $30 and $100 for a quality walking shoe. Less expensive shoes will generally provide less support and comfort than the more expensive models. The New Balance model 791 shoes cost about $75. The Asics GEL-Kayano Walker 7 shoes cost around $100, depending on the retailer. Generally, it is not necessary to spend more than $100 for walking shoes unless you have a specialized foot problem or weight issue. The Brooks Beast Motion Control walking shoes cost about $130.
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