What To Look For
Just as you would winterize the tires on your car, you need to purchase a good pair of Nordic walking shoes to protect your feet while walking in the winter. Look for shoes that are, first and foremost, waterproof in both the upper and lower areas of the shoes.
The sole of the shoe needs to be rubber based with good traction control. Look for extra insulation inside the shoe to keep your feet warm during below-freezing days.
Common Pitfalls
Shopping for Nordic walking shoes can be tough because you aren't going to find a shoe that is called the Nordic Walking Shoe. Nordic walking is a walking style used with Nordic ski poles that gives more of your muscles a workout than walking alone; there are shoes made to complement this workout, Nordic walking shoes, that come in many different brands.
Where To Buy
Rather than starting at a normal shoe store, try shopping at a local sports warehouse such as Academy, Dick's Sporting Goods, Sun and Ski Sports and Sports Authority. These types of stores offer shoes for many different kinds of sports and are more likely to have a large inventory of Nordic walking shoes.
Cost
A good pair of Nordic walking shoes will range in the upper $100's from most sports warehouse stores. Searching online for a good used pair may save you a bit of money, but make sure the seller offers you a money-back guarantee in case they do not fit or did not arrive as they were described.
Comparison Shopping
Springboost's B-Walk Nordic shoes, priced at around $150 as of September 2010, were created using a dorsiflexion position where the heel is placed lower than the ball of the shoe, which helps you walk with proper posture. The rubber outsole and waterproof lining, mixed with the two layers of EVA midsole will keep your feet warm and dry during your winter walk.
Priced at around $170 as of September 2010, the Ecco Receptor features the Gore-Tex waterproof technology to ensure your feet won't get wet during your walk. These shoes have a three-pronged forefoot plate built in to drive you through even the harshest winter weather.
Accessories
To keep your feet extra warm and dry during your walk, purchase a pair of socks with a high wool content. You can also purchase a pair of long pajamas to wear under your clothes that will give you all-around body warmth.
Insider Tips
Always have a partner when doing any kind of exercise.
When sharing the road with motor vehicles, always walk facing the oncoming vehicles.
Wear reflective clothing, especially after dark so as to be seen by approaching traffic.
Always stretch your muscles before walking, so as to lessen the chances of injuries.
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