Walking can provide many health advantages, so it’s vital that you select appropriate shoes to ensure that your feet remain happy and healthy during exercise.
Shop for shoes that offer even cushioning and have a low heel-to-toe drop to ensure an effective stride and avoid overpronation. This will promote natural stride patterns while helping you prevent overpronation.
Support
Shoes should provide enough cushion to protect feet and heels against shock when walking on hard surfaces, without needing a break-in period or being made from materials that allow sweat to dissipate easily during hot weather walks. The perfect pair should fit without needing break-in time, as well as being constructed of breathable materials to minimize sweat production during walks.
Go for shoes with low heels to support the natural rolling motion of your foot and reduce injury risk. Shoes with higher heels may impede this natural rolling action, leading to pain and discomfort for you.
Check for a snug, but comfortable fit, with just enough wiggle room. A thumb’s width gap should exist between your longest toe and the front of the shoe; some walking shoes even allow custom orthotics or removable insoles for increased support and stability.
Cushioning
Cushioning helps absorb the shock that your feet and body experience during walking, protecting your knees, hips and back from injury.
Choose shoes with enough cushioning for your foot type and walking style; too little cushion can lead to discomfort while too much may make your feet feel heavy and cumbersome.
Additionally, other essential features to look out for include a wide toe box and heel cup that fit your feet properly, breathability, as well as stack height or thickness of midsole to determine how much cushioning is necessary.
Finally, be sure to inspect your shoes regularly for visible wear. If the soles exhibit significant deterioration, it may be time to consider replacing them.
Breathability
Walking creates repetitive impact to your feet and legs, so quality footwear helps cushion against shock. Breathable fabrics like cotton allow airflow through your shoe for cooling comfort on long walks.
Breathable walking shoes maintain their cushioning to provide maximum comfort and support on each walk. To find comfortable options, look for shoes with low heel-to-toe drop numbers – this indicates evenly distributed cushioning.
If you’re shopping for breathable shoes, make sure that you try them on with socks you wear when walking – this ensures they fit properly, leaving plenty of wiggle room for your toes and the possibility for adjustment during walks. Also keep in mind that your feet swell during the day and night; therefore it may be beneficial to shop later in the day to ensure proper fitting. Opt for breathable shoes to enhance comfort and reduce moisture, which can help accommodate any swelling and keep your feet dry throughout the day. Breathable shoes, made from materials like mesh or knit fabrics, allow for better air circulation, reducing the risk of blisters and odors. Investing in breathable shoes can make a significant difference in overall foot health, especially during long periods of activity.
Grip
Your feet naturally flex and bend to absorb impact as you walk forward before pushing off from the ball of the foot and toes, and good walking shoes should dovetail this movement to help avoid injury and discomfort.
When selecting walking shoes, look for low heels that won’t inhibit the natural rolling motion of your foot and prevent you from tripping over. Also search for large toe boxes with enough room for your toes to wiggle about freely.
Many running stores cater to walkers by stocking shoes that provide support, cushioning and a sturdy sole that are tailored specifically for longer walks. But you should find shoes that best meet your feet and your needs rather than relying solely on recommendations from running stores.
Durability
Walking shoes take a beating on hard surfaces, so look for ones with durable outsoles to provide stability and prevent slipping.
Durable soles make your shoes last longer, relieving stress from feet and joints. Choose comfortable fits that seamlessly conform to your foot while supporting ankle stability, with an equal heel-to-toe drop to avoid fatigue in feet.
An expert is an ideal way to find an exceptional pair of walking shoes, as he or she will help you select shoes with support and cushioning tailored to meet your unique needs.
If you’re looking for comfortable sneakers that support your feet and improve your health, check out shoe stores near you in GTA.
