What To Look For
Purchasing the right shoe when preparing for and participating in a marathon is crucial to the health of your feet. When preparing to join a road-race marathon, look for a running shoe that offers flexibility and moderate support. The best walking shoe is one that provides the appropriate arch support, cushioning, fits you well, provides enough room for your toes to feel comfortable and helps compensate for problems you may have with your stride, such as overpronation. The shoe you choose should also be appropriate for the long walking distance, the type of surface you will be walking on and your weight.
Common Pitfalls
Although they may be tempting to purchase, the nicest-looking shoe may not be the best one for you. The Walking Site recommends avoiding heavy walking shoes that have thick heels and stiff soles, and are not made of breathable materials. Long-distance walkers should avoid walking boots, which some walkers wear on trails in Europe. These are often heavy and are not made of lightweight, breathable materials. Additionally, don't buy ill-fitting walking shoes thinking you'll be able to break them in. Make sure you purchase walking shoes that fit you right away in the store to avoid injuries.
Where To Buy
Online runner's resource Run the Planet suggests purchasing walking shoes at a technical shoe store. These stores sometimes provide services such as foot and walking analysis that can tell you about your stride, foot composition and what walking shoes are best for you. If the technical shoe store does not have the equipment necessary to analyze your feet, tell the sales associate your needs and specifics about your feet, such as low arches. Then, try on several different shoes and walk around in them in the store to find one that feels just right.
Cost
The price of walking shoes in August 2010 ranged from $50 to $350, according to online buyer's guide Galt. The price of walking shoes depends on the brand, the materials from which they are made and the training surface for which the shoe is most appropriate. Accessories that you can add into a walking shoe, such as an MP3 sports kit that plays music and tells you your distance via Bluetooth, can also influence the price of a walking shoe.
Insider Tips
The Walking Site recommends you do not shop for shoes in the morning or early afternoon. Instead, shop for them at the end of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen. This will help ensure a better fit.
Member Comments