What To Look For When Buying Walking Shoes

If you enjoy walking it pays to have a good pair of walking shoes. If you've got a good pair they will stop you getting injured, improve your performance and keep you comfortable.

You'll find that most walking shoes provide good shock absorption in the heels and balls of your feet. They are somewhat stiffer than running shoes but they provide more support and more flexibility in the forefoot to cater for the natural bend in your foot. Slightly angled or bevelled heels permit an easy heel-to-toe roll. This is the basic structure of a good walking shoe but you should also consider your foot type, mileage, speed and surface on which you typically walk.

A good pair of walking shoes will set you back anywhere between $50 and $100, depending on the style, features and brand you choose.

Foot type

If you know what type of foot you have and have a basic understanding of shoe terminology you will find it easier to work out the best shoe for you. There are 3 main foot types:

• Pronator. This is where you have a flat foot and little or no arch. In this case, choose a motion control shoe. Also look for a straight, board-lasted shoe which provides support on the inside of your foot and prevents you from putting pressure on the inside edge of your foot. A reinforced heel counter will provide control and stability. In addition, strong uppers and stability straps can help stop inward roll.
  
  
• Supinator. This is where you have a high arch and if that's the case, look for a shoe that is designed for greater stability and provides additional shock absorbency. The most appropriate is a curved, slip-lasted shoe. For maximum ankle and heel support, choose a shoe with reinforced material around the ankles and firm heel counters. Additional cushioning under the ball of the foot helps increase comfort.
  
  
• Neutral. If you have a neutral foot almost any shoe will provide good support and comfort, but a curved-shape will usually fit best.

Mileage, speed and walking surface

Mileage and walking speed should only influence your buying criteria if you walk more than 30 miles a week and/or like to walk fast. In these cases, choose high-performance lightweight walking shoes that have the following:

• lots of special features to improve stability, cushioning and shock absorption
  
• removable insoles
  
• the flexibility to bend with the natural bend of your foot
  
• strong uppers
  
• a D-ring lacing system.
  

If you walk on trails, sloped or uneven surfaces, choose a hiking shoe or boot that will give you traction and protect your foot. Hiking shoes also feature extra heel and ankle support and stronger soles, treads and uppers.