Walking shoes are those that you wear for many hours every day, so it is important for you to pick the right shoes that will keep you moving. You want the shoes to be comfortable and fit your feet well in order to prevent any injuries. This may seem simple enough, but not all walking …
Walking shoes are those that you wear for many hours every day, so it is important for you to pick the right shoes that will keep you moving. You want the shoes to be comfortable and fit your feet well in order to prevent any injuries. This may seem simple enough, but not all walking shoes are created equal. Read on to learn more about how to find the right walking shoes for you.
Every shoe has certain fixed features that vary by the purpose that the shoes serve. Understanding the fundamental components of a walking shoe can help you navigate the wide variety of styles and brands available. The key features of a walking shoe are listed below:
Heel Collar: Walking shoes are designed with a beveled heel because a thick heel in a shoe may lead to tendonitis, shin splints, or pose a tripping hazard. The heel collar provides cushioning for the ankle and ensures a proper fit.
Achilles tendon protector: By locking the shoe around the hell, this alleviates strain on the Achilles tendon, which is a key muscle in the leg that is known to be associated with walking-related injuries.
Upper: This part holds the shoe on your foot and is generally made of leather, mesh or synthetic material. While leather and plastic may seem appealing, they don’t always offer the best breathability. Thinner materials allow air to flow in and out of the shoe, keeping your feet cool and comfy.
Toe box: This is the space provided for your toe. In order for you to walk around in comfort, your toes need enough room to breathe. This provides stability and facilitates movement.
Insole: This provides cushioning for the foot and supports the arch. This is a very important piece of the shoe, but you can also often replace these with shoe inserts for additional comfort and fit.
Gel, foam or air midsole: While walking, each step results in one and a half times your body weight of pressure through your feet. The midsole is the one which absorbs this shock and also provides cushioning.
Outsole: This is the part of the shoe which goes through the most wear and tear as it comes in direct contact with the ground as you walk. Good quality walking shoes will prevent slipping or loss of balance as you walk around on different types of terrain. The shoe should have grooves or treads that provide traction and help you maintain stability while walking.
To find walking shoes that fit you right and enable you to walk comfortably, the shape of your feet also needs to be taken into account. After you have inspected the major components of your shoe, try shoes out to confirm their suitability.
Your chosen footwear should always provide a little, but not too much, extra space. Otherwise, increased blood flow during walking will cause your feet to swell. Avoid shoes which are too congested while also avoiding shoes which are so spacious that they shift around your foot as you walk. In particular, a toe box which is not airy enough might result in bunions and hammertoes.
The complex arrangement of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your feet creates both side-to-side (metatarsal) and lengthwise (longitudinal) arches. Generally when you walk, the heel of your foot touches the ground before the foot rolls toward the ball of the foot and toes. Depending on your arch type, your feet could either roll too far inward or too far outward. Hence, it is essential to understand what type of arch you have to pick out the right walking shoes. The three categories of feet are listed below.
Neutral-arched feet: This is the most common type of feet. For this category, walking involves a slight inward rolling of the feet and ankles. Walking shoes which come with a spacious toe box and strong midfoot support are ideal for people with neutral-arched feet. Additionally, they must also include a rigid heel counter (a built-in cup in the shoe’s heel that prevents slipping).
Low-arched or flat feet: Individuals with flat feet often exhibit excessive inward rolling while walking or running, which can result in instability and an uneven distribution of forces. Those with flat feet should be on the lookout for walking shoes which offer sufficient stability and motion control.
High-arched feet: Individuals with high arches may experience problems like ankle instability, stress fractures, and foot pain due to the rigid foot structure which is unable to absorb shock properly. The solution can be walking shoes which provide better cushioning and higher stability.
You might have to do a bit of research to determine which are the perfect walking shoes for your feet. You can also ask the salesperson at most shoe stores what kind of feet you have, and they will probably be able to help you.
Choosing a shoe that fits well is key to ensuring comfort and preventing bruised toenails, heel blisters, and other foot issues. Tips for finding the walking shoes that fit you well are provided below.
Sometimes, even if your walking shoes look fine and robust, it will start to lose its capability to absorb shock after you reach 300 to 400 miles of walking. You might feel comfortable in them, but there will be a risk of injury if walking shoes are not replaced after a certain period of time or if the outsole shows signs of wear.
Now that you have the checklist for buying the perfect walking shoes for you and are aware of the risks related with wearing poorly fitted shoes, you are well-equipped to purchase your next pair of walking shoes!
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