Shoes are essential to your everyday activities. Having the right shoes can make all the difference to your aching feet, legs or back. Both walking and cross-training shoes may ease your pain, but deciding which is best for you depends on a few key factors.
Walking Shoes
Walking shoes are designed specifically for walking and should be used for that purpose alone, not any other sport. As a walker, you will need a low, rounded heel that provides good support. You also want a shoe that weighs little and allows your foot to breathe. You may desire a soft landing in your shoes, but do not overdo the thickness of the sole, as you want it to remain flexible, especially at the toe where your foot bends naturally. Walkers need thinner soles than runners, since their the foot-to-ground impact is not as great as that of runners. These shoes have the most cushioning in the heel of the shoe, where your foot hits while you are walking. Walking shoes tend to be built for even surfaces, not for hiking.
Cross-Training Shoes
Cross-training shoes are made for versatility. These shoes are designed to be able to be worn comfortably for a number of activities. They are breathable, but may be heavier than shoes configured for a specific purpose, due to their multipurpose design. These shoes will tend to have a thicker, heavier sole than walking shoes, which can make it stiffer as well. Cross-trainers typically have more support and a wider base than walking shoes. These shoes are created for a variety of activities, therefore are built to fulfill a number of physical requirements. You may not need or want all the additions a cross-trainer shoe carries in your walking shoe. However, if you plan on trail walking, cross-training shoes are more likely to be built for a multitude of surfaces than walking shoes.
Where to Buy
Stores that sell sport's shoes range from department stores to specialty shoe stores. If you have past buying experience, you can go to any of these stores and may walk out satisfied with your purchase. However, if you are a first-time buyer and feel that you may need additional help, go to a specialty shoe store. You may need a certain type of shoe due to your individual pronation and small specialty shop personnel often have the experience necessary to pair you with the correct shoe.
Shopping
When shopping for your new shoes, bring the right equipment. Bring the socks that you will wear while using the shoes and special inserts if you have any. Note that your feet swell the longer you are on them, so it is best to go shoe shopping at the end of the day, when your feet are at their biggest. Ignore the size, and go with what feels the most comfortable. Depending on the shoe type and brand, you may have to go up or down a half-size or more from your normal shoe size. Lastly, actually perform your desired activity in the shoe while still in the store.
Shoe Selection
When choosing which type of shoe to buy, consider the activity of the shoe. Cross training shoes are more economical than buying a specific shoe to fulfill each activity, but may not be the best fit for your specific workout regime. Find the shoe that maximizes fit and comfort for you during your desired activity. Additionally, if you have any specific orthopedic or other health issues, consult your doctor on which type of shoe would be best for your purposes.
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