 |
|
| Home | Products | Foot Advice | About FootGuru | Contact |
|
Plantar Fasciitis Biomechanics Common Conditions Health & Prevention |
Choosing a Walking Shoe The ideal walking shoe is a low-heeled, lace-up shoe. Look for soles that are stable under the arch, flexible under the ball of the foot, that provide shock absorption when the heel contacts the ground. For urban areas, a running shoe or the newer walking shoes are recommended for the best combination of cushioning, support and protection against hard surfaces. For hiking on soft or uneven surfaces, a stiff-soled shoe or boot is appropriate. Several athletic shoe manufacturers make lightweight stable walking and hiking shoes. You can expect to pay $70-100 for well made walking shoes. The fit of the shoe is extremely important. When standing, the toes should have at least 1/2” space from the end of the toe box, permitting toe movement. Since most of these shoes have a removable sock liner, remove it to check how your foot fits on the liner. The lacing of the shoes should allow a snug fit in the arch and the heel cup area should provide firm but comfortable support. Shoe materials and construction are also important in shoe selection.
Look for “uppers” which are breathable or that have
design features (vents or mesh design) to prevent build-up of moisture.
Be sure to inspect the “upper” material for seams, which
could be a source of friction. When you take the new shoes out of
the box, make sure that they are a matched pair and that the heel
sits vertical to the supporting surface. |
