How To Choose Your Next Pair of Walking Shoes
Jul 13th, 2010 by admin
When choosing walking shoes, the best is not always the most popular brand, or the most expensive. The most important thing in choosing walking shoes is to find one that fits you best and is comfortable for your feet. Good walking shoes are designed to give the proper support and cushioning, and should also compensate for stride problems if you have any.
Each person’s feet are different, so what may be a good choice for one may not be for another. However, here are a few tips you can keep in mind when choosing your walking shoes.
- Feet have a tendency to swell so it is advisable to schedule your shoe shopping in the afternoon. You want your shoe to fit properly regardless of when you use it.
- Some people need compensation for their feet type, and if your’e unsure of feet type, check your old shoes for patterns of wear. Generally, low arched and high arched feet need more cushioning to and support than neutral arched feet.
- The thickness of your socks will directly affect the fit of your shoe, so make sure that the socks you are wearing while fitting for your shoes are the same type of socks you plan on wearing during your walks.
- Measure your feet every time you buy shoes. When measuring your feet, it is recommended that you stand up to get the most accurate measurement. If your feet are of different sizes, choose the one that fits your bigger foot better.
- Try on both shoes and walk around the store before buying them. Make sure that your shoes have enough wiggle room (approximately half an inch or about the width of your thumb) for your toes, and wide enough for your feet so that your heels won’t slip when you walk.
- Walking shoes can be bought in any shoe store, but buying shoes at an athletic store will give you more choices. Athletic stores will also have professional fitters who can help you find the best pair of shoes.
- Wear your shoes around the house before you venture outdoors to make sure that your feet won’t develop callouses or blisters. Most shoe stores allow shoe exchanges but not if they’ve been used outside.
If you are looking for your next walking shoes, New Balance offers a variety of high performance walking shoes for all feet shapes and sizes for both men and women.
