Your feet will be fit if you choose shoes that are specially designed for fitness walking. The American Chiropractic Association suggests that you let the terrain and the shape and movement of your feet dictate which special features you look for in a walking shoe.
Since most of us have some abnormality to our feet, fitness walking shoes are built to correct the walking strike path. According to New Balance, a full 25 percent of Americans have flat feet, the most common among irregularities such as high arches and sensitive feet due to diabetes. The best rated manufacturers offer fitness shoes with a range of motion control, cushioning, extra stability and flexibility. Be sure to choose shoes with removable footbeds if you wear therapeutic orthotics. The following models are available for men and women.
Shoes for Overpronators
Flat feet, or low arches, are common enough that walking shoe styles abound to accommodate them. The idea is to get enough motion control to limit lateral movement but allow an efficient fitness walking stride. Some brand models that achieve this include ASICS Gel-Motion, an indoor-outdoor trainer, and New Balance 966, a sturdy waterproof shoe with all-terrain traction. New Balance 811 makes a comfortable indoor work shoe, featuring a medial rollbar.
The best rated ASICS Gel-Foundation Walker is recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for its beneficial motion-control design. The Reebok Pro Road Plus also incorporates extra medial support features made comfortable with memory foam.
Cushioning for High Arches
High arches create more forceful contact with the ground. If you experience foot fatigue due to high arches, choose shoes with extra cushioning for fitness walking. ASICS Gel-Foundation Walker is appropriate for high arches, too, providing gel padding exactly where you need it. Reebok Royal DMX Ride pads the feet with a flexible midsole and DMX foam.
Another best rated Reebok model is the Ultimate Walk, which is the company's most cushioned walking shoe. Be careful to get enough stability in a softer shoe. PUMA Complete Velosis is a running shoe chosen by many walkers with painful high arches.
Best Rated Diabetic Shoes
Diabetics or those who have bunions or are recovering from foot surgery need a very flexible shoe that provides exceptional heel stability. If you have a health risk to your feet, choose shoes made specifically for sensitive feet. The entire line of Crocs RX is intended to prevent chafing and blisters while properly aligning the feet.
For outdoor walking, the Crocs Velocity is a comfortable lace-up style with a secure heel cup. The New Balance 811 is Medicare approved as a diabetic shoe for all types of walking.
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