A well-designed walking shoe aids vertical stability and minimizes interference with forward bipedal motion. How? Greater stability in the heel gives walkers the contact and thrust they need in striking off the pavement. Other features include shock absorption for hard surface contact and motion control for the side-to-side movement of pronators, or those whose stride turns inward to a certain degree. The best rated walking shoes include indoor walkers, exercise walking footwear and therapeutic models endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
Normal Feet
Normal feet still need support, especially for efficient exercise walking. If you put in the miles outdoors, on the pavement or trail, choose shoes with good traction, with a textured outsole. The APMA best rated shoes with these features for outdoor walking include Rockport Malvid for men and Rockport Prowalker II for women. Other options are New Balance men's and women's 966 waterproof walker and Propét Washable Walker for women.
If you tread miles indoors at work, in a hospital, restaurant or retail environment, you'll need durable, nonslip shoes that meet your comfort level needs. Popular shoes include Reebok Ultimate Walk and ASICS Gel-Foundation Walker for men and women. These feature strategic cushioning and plenty of room in the toe.
Low or High Arches
You'll have to choose shoes with either motion control or added shock absorption if you have low or high arches. These specific forms of support give both kinds of feet the stability they need for long periods of walking. For low arches, or "flat feet," try shoes that restrict sideways motion, such New Balance 811 for men and women. Best rated by the outdoor outfitter Cabela's, the 811 has an internal rollbar and walking strike path on the outsole for effective motion control.
Exercise walking can be challenging for those with high arches. Get the extra cushioning provided by the men's Reebok Outerra, for outdoor walking, or the women's Avia Avi-Lite, for indoor walking or outdoor running. Both models have extra shock absorption in the heel and forefoot to accommodate high arches.
Special Health Needs
People who wear corrective orthotics or who need more room inside their shoes due to bunions or sensitive feet can benefit from good walking shoes. Reebok, Avia, and ASICS all make walking shoes with large toe boxes and removable footbeds.
Diabetics need to choose shoes with motion control that don't chafe areas of the feet. Crocs RX is an APMA best rated line of therapeutic shoes from the popular shoemaker, suitable for women and men with sensitive feet. The Velocity, its lace-up style for exercise walking and everyday footwear, is very lightweight with a soft, springy feel. The men's and women's New Balance 811, listed above, also rates as a diabetic shoe and is eligible for Medicare reimbursement.
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