What are the right shoes for walking? Think FIT…FLAT…FLEX
Fit
- Athletic shoes tend to run short. If your shoes are too short, you will get blisters and aggravate bunions. Your athletic shoe size may run 1 to 1 1/2 sizes bigger than your dress shoe.
- Feet swell during the day. In the morning there should be a thumbnail’s width between end of longest toe and shoe. In the afternoon or after walking, it should be 1/2 a thumbnail.
- Tightly-laced shoes can aggravate foot problems as your feet expand during walking.
Flat
- The flatter the heel, the better.
- Rather than a flared heel, choose a plain heel or one that is cut in at the back to allow you to roll when you strike with your heel and roll through the step.
- If you have a high arch, buy insoles with arch support for your shoes to prevent injury.
Flex
- Many “walking” shoes are too stiff and lack motion control features found in running shoes that prevent overpronation and foot injuries. Therefore, look for a quality running shoe to wear for walking.
- Ask an athletic shoe expert about the curvature of your shoes. If you overpronate, you will want shoes with no inward curvature.
The Life of a Shoe
- You should wear different shoes for walking, aerobics, and work.
- Shoes in general have a 500-mile lifespan.
- If possible, alternate wearing 2 different shoe models to reduce injury risk.
