What To Look For
Ladies' walking shoes should provide support and comfort for both long and short walks. Look for shoes that offer excellent arch support and plenty of cushioning in the heel. Make sure the walking shoes you choose have ankle support, traction and flexibility. Another important feature is a wide toe box. Shoes with roomy toe boxes offer extra space for toes and prevent blisters. Because walking shoes come in many different colors and styles, you have the option of choosing shoes that are not only comfortable but stylish as well. According to Mostcomfortableshoes.com, the best women's walking shoe is the Mephisto AllRounder Niro. This shoe has excellent traction and shock absorbency. The removable sole provides the shock absorbency. Also recommended by Mostcomfortableshoes.com is the Merrell Siren Sport. This is the perfect shoe for day-to-day walking, hiking and trail walking. "Good Housekeeping" magazine's website recommends the Brooks Sports Defyance and the Rykä Moira for overall comfort and support.
Common Pitfalls
Some walking shoes do not come with a removable insole. Make sure to choose shoes with this feature. Removable insoles allow for extra room inside shoes. They also give you the option of inserting orthotics. Walking in shoes designed for running or regular day-to-day wear will not give you the specific support you need for walking. If you walk and run, then it is a good idea to have separate shoes for walking and running. Purchasing a cheap brand of walking shoe is also not recommended as the more expensive brands of shoes offer more comfort and support. If you have questions about fit or the best shoes for your feet, consult with your doctor or knowledgeable sales staff at an athletic shoe store.
Where To Buy
The best place to find women's walking shoes is at athletic shoe stores or sporting goods stores. Both of these kinds of stores offer a wide selection of brands, sizes and styles to match your personal needs. Sports Authority, REI, Foot Locker and Foot Action are all excellent stores for finding the perfect walking shoes. Ask a staff member for a shoe fitting to find the perfect fit and style of shoes for your feet.
Cost
High-quality walking shoes usually cost about the same as high-quality running shoes. Expect to pay between $70 and $150 for a good pair of walking shoes. It is not recommended to purchase a shoe that costs less than $50, as most cheaper shoes do not have the support necessary for walking. The Mephisto AllRounder Niro shoe costs about $165, the Merrell Siren Sport shoe costs around $90, the Brooks Sports Defyance costs $90 and the Rykä Moira costs about $70.
Comparison Shopping
There are several different types of walking shoes, each geared for specific types of walking. In addition to regular track-walking shoes, there are also trail-walking shoes designed for use on trails and uneven terrain, such as the Keen Voyageur Low and the Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo. Shaping footwear is another form of walking shoe. Manufacturers claim these types of shoes, where the toes are positioned higher than the heel, increase muscle usage, especially in the calves, during walks. Some well-known shaping brands include Skechers Shape-ups and Reebok EasyTone Reeinspire. Always choose the shoe designed for the type of walking you will engage in.
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