What To Look For
Whether you are a novice or advanced race walker, the most important thing to consider when buying walking shoes is the fit. To avoid blisters, black toenails and injuries, the best walking shoe will be neither too tight nor too loose and will be very flexible, allowing your foot to roll easily from heel to toe as you walk. Another important characteristic of a great race walking shoe is lightweight and breathable material.
Common Pitfalls
Fit your race walking shoes to your larger foot. Tight shoes will not stretch over time, as many people believe, and you can always fill in any gap between your toes and the front of the shoe on the smaller foot. Also, try not to make your purchase decision based on fashion. While it is tempting to choose walking shoes that are your favorite color or match your walking outfit, it really is the fit of the shoe that is most important.
Where To Buy
As noted on walkinghealthy.com, your best bet is to hit a specialty store rather than a chain. You are more likely to find a salesperson who can properly measure your foot and who can guide you in choosing the right race walking shoe for you. Although not impossible, it is harder to find a salesperson who is an expert in walking shoes for racing at a chain retailer. Once you find the best shoe for you, you can buy your shoes from any retailer you wish.
Cost
Spending roughly $55 to $85 should get you the best walking shoe for racing, according to Acewalker.com. Less than $55 generally means the materials and construction are not adequate to support your foot, and spending much more than $85 probably means you are paying beyond what you need to in order to get the best fitting shoe for you. Flashy designs are eye-catching, but they do not increase the shoe's performance.
Accessories
The socks you wear with your walking shoes are also very important to consider. Look for athletic socks that are not made of cotton, as many socks are, but are made of materials meant to absorb moisture. This will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters when race walking.
Insider Tips
Shopping for race walking shoes at the end of the day or after a workout will help you find the best fitting shoe since your feet will be somewhat swollen. Wearing the socks you use for walking will also aid you in finding the best shoe for you. Be sure to take advantage of reduced prices when manufacturers discontinue a shoe you like. This does not mean that the shoes are defective or inferior; it usually means there will be a new design or color in that particular shoe.
Member Comments