How to Choose Walking Shoes

Most people need at least one good pair of walking shoes in their closet to prevent injury. Some shoes like stilettos and flip-flops are not made for long walks and hiking. If you don’t wear a good walking shoe, you could have problems with pulled muscles and plantar fasciitis. Understand the best features for walking shoes.

1. Know the different parts of a walking shoe. The way a shoe is made will make a difference in the fit and function. Features are gel pads, ankle collar and Achilles notch. Gel pads will provide maximum confort and support. An ankle collar provides support for the ankle and prevents a person from tripping. Achilles notch prevents irritation and protects the tendons. Every shoe will not have the same features; they vary from shoe to shoe. Find a shoe that provides cushioning and stability.

2. Look at the shape of your foot. Feet are different sizes and shapes. To find the right walking shoe and to avoid pain, you want to find a shoe that will conform to your feet. It is important not to buy your shoes too small or narrow. Shoes that don’t fit may cause painful calluses and blisters. Your toes need enough room in the shoe's toe box to avoid hammertoes and bunions from developing.

3. Determine your arch type by filling a bucket with water and dipping your feet in it. Step on a piece of cardboard, and examine it. If you can see the majority of your footprint, then you have low arches. If you can see a small amount of your footprint, then you probably have high arches.

3. Select a shoe to fit your arch type. The three different arch types are neutral-arched feet, high-arched feet and low-arched feet.