If you want to avoid foot injuries, you need to wear the right shoes for the right occasion. We’ve written blogs on how to find the right shoes for a number of different activities, like hiking or for a day at the beach, but today, we’re going to share some tips for finding the best shoes to walk in.
A Guide To Buying Walking Shoes
Whether you’re walking the dog or simply preparing for a long weekend watching your kids play soccer, you’re going to want to find a shoe that can stand up to the challenge. Here are five tips to consider when picking out your next pair of walking shoes.
1. Comfort is King – When picking out a shoe that you’ll be wearing and walking in for hours at a time, the most important factor to consider is comfort. Not style or appearance, comfort is king. If your foot is comfortable, it means that abnormal stress is not being placed on your foot, which helps protect you against injury. This is why we always recommend you try the shoes on in the store before buying, because you never know exactly how they feel until you try them on.
2. Sole Support – Along the same lines of comfort, you’ll also want to make sure your shoes have plenty of support for your sole and arch. Long hours and lots of steps on your feet can lead to sore arches and bruised heels, so make sure they are supported. If your new shoes don’t have a lot of cushioning, consider investing in a custom orthotic insert.
3. Waterproof – Wet feet can cause a lot of foot problems, so try to find a pair of shoes that are waterproof. Breathable shoes are great, but if they can easily allow moisture in, then you’re going to run into problems every time it rains. Wet feet can lead rashes, sores or athlete’s foot, so try to find a shoe that will keep them dry.
4. Price Consideration – When it comes to finding the right walking shoe, you need to strike a balance between the cheapest and most expensive options. The cheapest options won’t last long and won’t provide support, while expensive models leave you paying excessive amounts of money for unnecessary features like “motion controlled design” or “heel stabilization.” Do your research online to see what shoes get good grades from consumers, and find a model that meets your budget. Don’t buy the cheapest model, but also don’t assume that a higher price always means better quality.
5. Good Grip – Your walks may take your over dewy grass or up and down hills, so you want to make sure that your shoes have plenty of grip. Look for shoes that are slip-resistant and have plenty of traction. If your current walking shoes have worn tread, now is a good time to replace them.