What To Look For
When searching for the best walking shoe, it is important to find the right fit for the right price. Walking shoes should be replaced, on average, every six months, so it's not always feasible to spend a lot of money. Look for shoes that are made from durable materials, have the proper support for your foot type and, most important, are comfortable. Among the best brands of walking shoes are New Balance, Sketchers and Asics.
Common Pitfalls
A common misconception when purchasing walking shoes is they are the same as running shoes. Walking impacts the ground at half the force of running. Walking also requires a different action in the foot--a rolling action from heel to toe. Because of this, a walking shoe should have more mid-sole support and less padding.
Arch type plays a big role in choosing shoes. High arches need more cushioning to absorb shock, neutral arches need firm midsoles, and low or flat arches need more stability and motion control.
Where To Buy
For the best deals, purchase walking shoes from Amazon.com. Amazon has a wide variety of shoes to fit all budgets, and shipping costs are minimal--from $7.99 to free. Amazon has good customer service and easy return policies. Its shipping is fast, with many options from free ground to express delivery.
Cost
The Asics Gel-motion walking shoes are a good buy at around $60. They have gel-cushioned heels and are constructed with breathable, flexible fabric. This shoe is one of the best buys for price and comfort. The shoe comes in white with blue, black or pink accents for women or with blue, silver or gray accents for men.
Comparison Shopping
For a more expensive shoe with a little more performance, look for the Sketchers Shape-ups. These shoes cost around $80 but have a thicker, curved base that rocks the foot more dramatically to give a workout to the calves and the back to the thighs. The insole offers good comfort and support for high arches.
For walking in rougher terrain, try the New Balance MW645. These shoes are comparable in price to the Asics at around $60, but they have a thicker, more pronounced tread to grip rough surfaces such as rock.
Insider Tips
To find the right shape for your foot, take a look at what your bare footstep looks like. Dip your foot in water, and then stand on a piece of paper or cardboard. The mark left behind will give you an idea of the size of your arch, whether you tend to roll your foot to one side or whether you might need a wider size.
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