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Thinking of taking up walking as a hobby? Good choice—walking is great for your health and burns a surprising number of calories!
That said, walking isn’t as simple an activity as it may appear. If you want it to be comfortable over long stretches, you’ll need the right walking shoes. That may be an added expense, but it will always pay off.
Not sure how to choose the best walking shoes for you? Read the following three tips to make your decision easier!
Look for Key Features
The first thing to consider when choosing walking shoes is heel support. A shoe’s heel counter must comfortably cup the back of your heel. When the fit is correct, you won’t deal with any pronation or supination.
Next, make sure your shoe has a roomy toe box. While you’re walking, your toes need to be able to bend and wiggle freely. Of course, too much space can cause discomfort, so opt for a nice middle ground.
You’ll also want your shoes to have outsoles with good traction. Most walking shoes achieve this by using grooves to increase friction. Before you purchase walking shoes, always inspect the grooves on their outsoles.
If you’re walking for weight loss, it’s best to opt for shoes with a breathable membrane. The longer you walk, the more your feet will sweat. Shoes that trap that moisture can cause blisters.
Try the Shoes On
Once you find shoes you like, it’s time to try them on. For best results, do that at the end of the day, which is when your feet are in their worst shape. Shoes that feel comfortable in the evening will always be a good fit.
Also, it’s best to measure your feet before you go shopping. The size of our feet changes as we get older, so it’s worth checking to be sure. Find a shoe sizer in the store and measure your feet while standing up.
When you put the shoes on, walk around the store in them. That’s what you’re buying them for, so it’s important to test how they feel on the move. While you’re at it, do the wiggle test to ensure there’s enough toe space.
Find the Right Fit
The last thing to do before you buy walking shoes is to confirm the fit. Wearing a shoe that’s too wide or narrow will lead to blisters and calluses. A shoe that’s too short will crowd your toes.
If you have flatter feet, look for shoes with good motion control. That will help stabilize your feet and lower the chances of muscle and joint stress. Also, opt for shoes that come with a straight last.
If you have high arches, your priority is to find shoes with solid cushioning. Doing so will improve your feet’s shock absorption. Hoka shoes would be a good choice—click here for more information.
Choosing Ideal Walking Shoes
The more research you do before buying walking shoes, the easier it is to find the right pair for you. The above tips are a good starting point. All that’s left is to try on as many shoes as possible to get a feel for the varying fits!
Interested in our best walking tips? Keep checking out our health-related content!
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