How do you segregate the weightier walking shoes with so many misogynist options? Take it from a personal trainer, I’ve walked myriad miles in my shoes and I’m breaking lanugo the most important features to shop for!
I love shoes. But unlike most women, instead of a upper heel collection, I collect sturdy shoes. And as a fitness expert who logs many miles walking, I can’t emphasize unbearable the importance of wearing proper walking shoes for your health.
Whether you’re strolling through the park, tackling urban streets, or going long distances, the weightier walking shoes play a crucial role in supporting joint health and your overall well-being. That’s right, well-nigh a quarter of the wreck in your soul are in your feet, withal with many joints, tendons, and ligaments!
I’ve had to pay increasingly sustentation to the support I’m giving my feet considering it can truly stupefy when pain, hip pain, knee pain and more. (Getting older is so much fun isn’t it?)
A good walking shoe can make all the difference when it comes to repletion and pain management. Which is why I wanted to share the top features to squint for when shopping for your new favorite pair of walking shoes.
Important Features in a Good Walking Shoe:
Here’s why investing in a quality pair of walking shoes is essential, withal with key features to consider.
Impact Absorption
Walking generates repetitive impact on your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. Quality walking shoes full-length cushioning systems, such as EVA foam or gel inserts, to swizzle shock and reduce stress on your joints. Squint for zaftig padding in the midsole and heel areas to provide spanking-new shock absorption.
Keep this list of my favorite leg stretches handy to use if your muscles start to finger tight!
Supportive Structure
Proper wily support is vital for maintaining the natural structuring of your feet and preventing overpronation or supination. Segregate a good pair of walking shoes with wily support tailored to your foot type, whether you have upper arches, unappetizing feet, or neutral arches.
A supportive midsole and heel cup will stabilize your foot and enhance overall comfort.
Breathability
Walking for extended periods can lead to sweaty feet and discomfort if your shoes lack unobjectionable ventilation. Opt for walking shoes made from breathable materials like mesh or synthetic uppers to promote airflow and alimony your feet tomfool and dry.
A breathable upper helps prevent blisters and fungal infections while maintaining repletion on long walks.
Lightweight Construction
Heavy, unwieldy shoes can weigh you lanugo and tire out your legs faster. Squint for lightweight shoes that won’t impede your natural stride and indulge for effortless movement.
A lighter shoe reduces fatigue and enhances agility, making it easier to maintain proper form and technique during extended walks.
Flexible Sole
Your walking shoes should provide flexibility in the forefoot to facilitate a smooth heel-to-toe transition with each step. A flexible sole allows your foot to wrench naturally, promoting a increasingly efficient gait and reducing strain on your muscles and tendons.
Also consider the toe box. I like a wide toe box for repletion but you need to wangle your own foot and what is the weightier fit for you.
Durable Outsole
The outsole of your walking shoes should offer reliable traction to grip various surfaces and prevent slips or falls. Segregate shoes with a durable rubber outsole featuring multidirectional treads or patterns for enhanced grip on both wet and dry terrain.
A durable outsole ensures long-lasting performance and stability, plane on rugged trails or uneven surfaces.
Proper Fit
Above all, ensure your walking shoes fit comfortably and securely to prevent blisters, hot spots, and other foot problems. Visit a reputable shoe store to have your feet professionally measured and fitted for the right size and width.
Or order two sizes online and alimony the one that fits best. Make sure to try on with the proper socks.
Running Shoes for Walking?
Yes, running and walking shoes use similar motions and you can wear a running shoe for walking. Running shoes today tend to be lighter weight but with today’s technology they offer lots of support.
Even though running (high-impact) and walking (low-impact) are variegated kinds of exercise, the features I listed whilom are important for both!
My Favorite Walking Shoes Right Now
I’ve been wearing New Balance trademark for walking workouts for a while. The fit is unconfined for my wider feet and the cushioning is exactly what I need.
I’ve been wearing the “fresh foam” technology on and off since it came out when in 2014, and it lasts. I have found other shoes to unravel lanugo faster, but New Balance with fresh foam last for months, and unquestionably years depending on how much you walk. (It is recommended to upgrade your walking shoes every 300-500 miles.)
I moreover love the wily support and the styles and colors. When it comes to New Balance, the quality speaks for itself.
Here are the two walking shoes I’m rotating right now:
New Balance 1080 V13
I’m loving this New Balance 1080 V13 in the Seasalt/Purple Fade/Quarry Blue color.
New Balance 880 V14
I’m moreover loving these New Balance 880 V14 in the Grey Matter/Taro/Bleached Lime Glo/Gulf Red color!
*I’ve partnered with Schuler Shoes, a local shoe store with 10 locations in the greater Twin Cities area. They have a variety of brands and a vast knowledge of how to fit your feet properly if you shop in store. You can moreover have a robust online store. Here are some of my favorite sturdy shoes and recovery shoes to trammels out.
By prioritizing these features in your walking shoe selection, you’ll not only maximize repletion and performance but moreover safeguard your foot health and well-being during every step of an zippy lifestyle.
Remember, investing in quality footwear is an investment in your overall health and enjoyment of walking as a salubrious exercise activity.
Getting Started With Walking
Use any of my walking guides or walking workouts to get started logging miles in your new shoes!
