What To Look For
According to the Mayo clinic, you should consider the shape and size of your feet when purchasing walking shoes. Buying shoes too wide or narrow will give you blisters and calluses. Ensure the toe box is high enough. Toes rubbing against the top of the shoe can aggravate bunions and hammer toes. Know the arch of your foot. Shoes with firm mid-soles and moderate rear-foot stability are best for neutral arches. Low-arches or flat feet do better with shoes that have stability and motion control. Cushioning in the shoe's arch area are is best for high arches. Walkers should also ensure that shoes have ventilation and that they are flexible, bending at the ball of the foot for proper heel-to-toe foot movement.
Common Pitfalls
You should not buy running shoes for walking. Walkers use a heel-to-toe movement and runners hit the ball of their foot first, so running shoes do not provide support in the right place for walkers. Do not try on or purchase walking shoes in the morning. Feet swell during the day and you may find that shoes purchased in the morning, will be too tight in the afternoon. Always wear the socks you will wear with the shoes. Wearing the wrong socks can make a difference in how the shoes fit. Not trying shoes on first and walking around in them prevents you from determining the right size, fit, comfort and flexibility.
Where To Buy
Purchase walking shoes only from well-established shoe manufacturers and authorized shoe dealers. The stores have employees trained to fit customers with the right shoe for their feet. Manufacturers such as Asics, Avia, Saucony, Nike, New Balance, Champion and Rockport make several types of walking shoes for men, women and children.
Cost
According to the Consumer Reports magazine, walker shoes range in price from $30 to $135. Cost depends on the manufacturer, style and enhancements such as gel cushioning.
Accessories
According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, "Socks should be designed specific to the shoe, rather than the sport itself." The manufacturer, ThorLos, was the first to design sport-specifics socks made from CoolMax® and Exclusive Thor-LON® Acrylic materials. This synthetic material wicks moisture away from the foot.
Insider Tips
Replace your walkers every 300 to 600 miles. Only wear your walkers for walk to extend the life of the shoes. Rotating walking shoes will also help extend the life of the shoes.
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