The Best Ladies' Walking Shoes

The Best Ladies' Walking Shoes
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What To Look For

When looking for the best ladies' walking shoes, consider how the shoe is constructed and what materials it uses. Examine several parts of the shoe: the sole, the upper and the midsole, which supports your arch. The sole should be flexible and allow for maximum movement of your foot, while the sides of the shoe and heel cup should support your foot, cushioning it and hugging it without impeding circulation. The shoe's upper should be made out of a combination of leather and synthetic material, and the best walking shoes will include a breathable material, like mesh, to keep your feet from overheating. Finally, the midsole should provide you with cushioning to support your feet and your natural stride, while preventing stress on your arch.

Common Pitfalls

Make sure that your walking shoe addresses any problems you have with your stride. While many shoes work for neutral runners, the best running shoes will be tailored to the way that you walk. If your feet turn in at the ankle as you walk, called over-pronation, look for a motion-control shoe with a stiffer side to control your movement. On the other hand, if your feet turn out from the ankle as you walk, look for a shoe with a lot of cushioning in the midsole to prevent you from underpronating.

Where To Buy

The best place to buy the best ladies' walking shoes is a specialty running store, which often carry a variety of walking shoes. The staff at these stores are knowledgeable and can help you identify any issues with the way that you walk, such as over- or under-pronating, and find shoes that address this problem. After you have found the best pair of walking shoes for you, ordering online from a retailer like The Walking Company can help you save money on the same brand of shoes you have already tried for several months. However, do not purchase your first pair of walking shoes online; a pair of shoes bought online might not fit properly and eventually end up causing you injury.

Cost

While you can find good walking shoes for between $40 and $100, the best ladies' walking shoes cost between $75 and $150. Expect to pay slightly more if you choose a running shoe instead of one made specifically for walking, as the technology and materials of running shoes often end up costing more money.

References

Article reviewed by Martha Barksdale Last updated on: Dec 8, 2010

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