What makes good walking shoes

Measure both of your feet, if one is larger than the other, go with the larger size. Your foot type matters. Different types of feet feel better in different shoes.

Determine what type of foot you have. One way to tell is to wet your foot and then step on a piece of cardboard or colored paper. Look at your footprint. If you can see most of your foot, you probably have low arches or flat feet. If you see only the side or very little of your foot, you likely have high arches. You'll be able to see a curved foot if you have neutral arches. Pain's a factor. If you have back, knee, or heel pain , you may be better off with a more supportive shoe with cushioning under the heel.

If you have bunions swollen and enlarged big toe joints or other pain in your big toe joint like arthritis or gout, you should stick with a softer, wider shoe. Also think about environmental needs before you choose shoes. If you live in a very rainy climate, for instance, you'll want to make sure the shoes you buy are waterproof. If you live in a cold climate that gets a lot of snow, having shoes with good traction also is important. And if you're an experienced walker who treks an hour or two five or seven days a week, you'll need a more protective shoe than someone who doesn't walk as much.

Those will cost you more. You're likely to have better luck getting a good-fitting shoe if you go to an athletic shoe store. Ask friends or people in your walking group or health club to recommend a good store and knowledgeable salesperson. With all the athletic shoes on the market today, it's easy to get confused about what to buy. While you can wear a running shoe — which has extra cushioning — for walking, avoid other athletic shoes, like tennis or basketball shoes.

Walking shoes are made for back-to-front movement, while court shoes are designed for side-side-movement and quick stops and pivots. Important things to consider when buying a shoe are comfort and fit. Look for a shoe with a good rigid sole — one that's not super flexible. Visit the AARP state page for information about events, news and resources near you.

You are leaving AARP. Please return to AARP. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also manage your communication preferences by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in.

In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. In addition to straight or semi-curved lasts and moderate rear foot stability, neutral feet are best supported by firm midsoles. I take a dress shoe size 8. Translated to a sneaker or walking shoe, what size should I be looking for? Every shoe company's sizes fit slightly differently, so it's virtually impossible to recommend the right size.

Go to a shoe store and try on a variety of sneakers in different sizes till you find one that feels good. Yes No. Not Helpful 1 Helpful I wear wide shoes and have an instep that you can literally see from one side to the other. I do have orthotics but need a good walking shoe. Any recommendations? Brianna Van Dreel. My feet are the same way. I would recommend Asics Venture 5 shoes, they are wonderful for feet like ours!

Not Helpful 2 Helpful You have to search a doctor. This might be a disease that's called Hemihypertrophy Hemihyperplasia. You can search about it, but of course you have to be careful as it can just be your foot growing a bit more out of range and can grow on the same spot again. Also do not beware if it's not MUCH more bigger. Not Helpful 5 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

These shoes have support and padding for extra impact that you may need in order to be comfortable and avoid unnecessary pain. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Keep track of how many miles you have put on your shoes, and replace them every to miles to km. Related wikiHows How to. How to. More References 8. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: June 6, Categories: Walking for Fitness Walking. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 95, times.

Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. Orthotics are removable shoe inserts that are placed within the walking shoes to remedy these discrepancies. They should enhance shock absorption, weight distribution, and alignment of the feet and body while walking. Some inserts may provide support for a flat arch, while others provide padding for a sore heel.

Store bought orthotics can be relatively inexpensive compared to custom-made orthotics, but are nonspecific for discrepancies between the left and right foot. See Prefabricated Vs. Prescription Foot Orthotics. Other additions to walking shoes include heel and sole lifts. These are added to the heel or sole of the exterior of the shoe. Their purpose is to compensate for leg length inconsistencies.