What To Look For
Walking is an excellent way to ease into exercise. Not only is it low impact, it also requires very little equipment to get started. If you're overweight and new to walking, your choice of shoe will be an important decision. A properly fitted pair of walking shoes will help you enjoy exercising more and also help prevent discomfort and injury.
Unlike running shoes, walking shoes are flatter and designed with a low profile, beveled heel. This feature supports the heel-to-toe motion of your natural stride. Because walking doesn't create the same amount of impact that running does, some walking shoes have very little cushioning. Be wary of these styles, which may appear flatter and more comfortable, but will not support your body weight properly. An overweight walker needs to be on the lookout for shoes that have more cushioning, particularly in the heel where your foot will strike the pavement first. If you're severely overweight, a running shoe may be the best option for you because the cushioning will help protect your joints from too much pressure as you walk.
Common Pitfalls
These days, you can buy a new pair of shoes online with your cell phone while sitting in traffic or waiting in line for a cup of coffee. While time-saving and convenient, walking shoes require more homework, patience and trial and error than other types of shoes. According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, the ideal walking shoe should be stable from side to side and well-cushioned, and enable you to walk smoothly---characteristics that will be hard to determine while shopping online . Resist the urge to cut corners and recognize that walking will only improve your health and lower your weight if done safely and with the right equipment.
Where To Buy
A specialty athletic shoe store is your best bet for trying on a wide range of brands and models. Get measured by a trained salesperson, even if you always wear the same size. Wear the socks you plan to walk in, try on both shoes, walk around the store in them and visit the store late in the day when your feet are the most swollen. Once you identify a specific pair in which your feet feel stable and comfortable, you can try comparison shopping online to see if you can find a better price for the same shoe elsewhere.
Cost
Walking shoes range from $50 to $150. What's the difference between the low end and the high end? Weight is a definite factor. You may assume that a leather shoe is more costly than a synthetic one, but many of the new synthetic uppers are more expensive because they're lighter, more breathable and easier to clean than leather. Some high-end shoes also have built-in orthotics that help alleviate pressure on the arches. The more you shop around and try on various models, the more you'll learn which features make for a good fit. You may find that a less expensive shoe is perfectly comfortable to get started with.
Insider Tips
Runners and walkers should replace their shoes after 300 to 500 miles of activity in them, so remember to keep track of how much you walk. Also keep in mind that overweight walkers tend to wear out the soles of their shoes more quickly due to friction, so leave some room in your budget to factor in a replacement pair so you can keep on walking safely.
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