The Washington State Podiatric Medical Association (WSPMA) estimates that "the average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day." With all those steps, it is important to protect your feet with good shoes. Good walking shoes protect your feet from injury and help prevent foot and back pain. When shopping for walking shoes, expect to try on several different pairs before you find the ones that fit your feet correctly. By following a few guidelines when shoe shopping, you can get the right shoes to keep your feet healthy.
Step 1
Shop for shoes late in the day when your feet are the most swollen to ensure that you choose walking shoes that will fit appropriately.
Step 2
Choose walking shoes that have the proper arch support for your feet. A curved, cushioned arched, stability control shoe is good for high arches; a slightly curved arched shoe is good for normal arches; a straight arched, motion control shoe is good for flat feet. Ask the shoe salesperson for assistance if you do not know which shoes offer stability control or motion control.
Step 3
Look for walking shoes made with breathable upper materials, which will help keep your feet dry. The Columbia Association of Podiatrists recommends walking shoes with upper materials made out of "leather or nylon mesh." Canvas is another good breathable material for walking shoe uppers.
Step 4
Search for a pair of walking shoes that are light in weight. Pick up the shoes. If they feel heavy in your hands, they will feel heavy on your feet and tire you out as you walk.
Step 5
Have the shoe salesperson measure the size of your feet. If one foot is larger than the other, choose a shoe size according to the larger foot.
Step 6
Wear the socks you plan to normally wear with your walking shoes when trying on new shoes for fit.
Step 7
Insert your foot orthotics in the shoes before trying them on, if applicable.
Step 8
Try on the shoes. You should be able to wiggle your toes freely without your toes touching the tips of the shoes. The shoes should fit your feet snugly, not tightly, and should feel comfortable.
Step 9
Walk in the shoes. The shoes should feel comfortable while you walk without any part of your foot feeling pinched. Your toes should not push against the tips of your shoes and the shoes should not slide up and down over your heels. The upper parts of the shoes should sit under your anklebone.
Things You'll Need
- Socks
- Orthotics
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