Athletic men's walking shoes are specially designed to withstand the pressure and wear exerted through physical activity. While lighter materials are ideal for the occasional walk, more durable materials are designed to enhance the experience of the avid strolling enthusiast. Knowing what to look for in a man's walking shoe will provide you with the best support and comfort and the best value for your money.
Step 1
Choose a shoe that fits your foot width and length without crowding your toes or feeling too tight. Men's feet are generally wider and longer than women's. For this reason, measure your width and length prior to shopping for athletic shoes. Using older athletic shoes can also help you determine how your new shoes should fit, since their wear patterns can highlight characteristics of your gait and highlight spots where you might want to look for more, or less, space for your particular foot. When you try on new shoes, pay attention to how they feel on your feet when full weight is exerted. Look for any rubbing or tightness, indicating the shoe is not a proper fit.
Step 2
Note the amount of cushioning in your shoe. Men place more pressure on their feet, especially at the heel. Thicker cushioning helps absorb the shock exerted by walking, running and jumping. Opt for shoes that have thicker cushioning at the heel with less at the midsole.
Step 3
Choose a shoe the provides ample arch support for men's naturally higher arches. Since most weight is exerted to the heel, your arches suffer little pressure, causing arch formation to stay the same when you stand upright. Flat soled shoes provide little to no arch support and can promote back pain.
Step 4
Inspect the shoe's materials to ensure that the shoes you purchase are made of a lighter durable material. Men's feet sweat more, on average, than women's feet do. Lighter polymers are best for athletic shoes, while leather only traps the sweat, preventing your feet from breathing. Trapped sweat increases the risk of bacterial and fungal growth.
Step 5
Note the difference in ankle support. Men take longer strides and, because of natural increased strength in the ankle region, require lower cut shoes. Make sure that your shoe opening does not rub against your skin or inhibit walking by being too tight when it's fully laced.
References
- Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Essen: Gender Differences for Running in Athletic Footwear
- "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise"; Gender Differences In Adult Foot Shape: Implications for Shoe Design; R. E. Wunderlich, et al.; April 2001
- Dr. Steven M. Pritbut: Athletic Shoes: A Quick Look
- "The New York Times"; Phys Ed: Do Women Sweat Differently Than Men?; Gretchen Reynolds; Oct. 20, 2010
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