Walking hinges on one essential piece of gear: the right shoes. Ill-fitting or unsupportive footwear can lead to immediate injuries, causing discomfort and potentially deterring you from your walking objectives. A great shoe is defined by its fit, not its price tag.
Starting with the Right Fit
Instead of heading to fashionable retail outlets, opt for a specialized running shoe store staffed with expert shoe fitters. Allocate at least 30 minutes for your visit, which will allow the fitter to thoroughly evaluate your standing posture, the way your foot strikes the ground, your walking style, and how your shoes typically wear down. This is also the perfect time to try on various pairs.
Bring along an old pair of sneakers so the shoe fitter can examine their wear pattern. The fitter should also observe your barefoot standing posture to check your arch type—whether low, medium, or high. Observing you walk and even run barefoot helps in tailoring your shoe selection to your specific needs. If this thorough examination isn’t part of the service, consider shopping elsewhere.
Natural foot pronation involves a heel-to-toe roll, starting from the outer heel to the inner toe. Those with flat arches often over-pronate, showing more wear on the inner side of the shoe, and need robust, stabilizing footwear. Conversely, individuals with high arches may notice wear on the outer heel because their feet under-pronate and require more flexible shoes to promote proper pronation.
Another method to determine your arch type is the “wet foot test”. Place some paper on the floor, wet your feet, and step on the paper. A print showing only the outer edge indicates high arches; a full imprint suggests flat arches.
Additional Fitting Tips:
- Choose walking shoes that are at least one size larger than your regular shoes to ensure ample space in the toe box; your toes should never touch the front.
- Perform shoe fittings later in the day when your feet are at their largest.
- Wear the type of socks you plan to use during your walks when trying on new shoes.
- Experiment with several pairs and, if possible, test them outdoors.
- Avoid selecting shoes based solely on recommendations; what suits one person might not suit another.
- Running shoes often double effectively as walking shoes if specific walking shoes are unavailable.
- Opt for a store with a generous return policy, allowing you to try the shoes indoors to ensure they fit well before committing.
- If you’re struggling to find shoes that fit perfectly, ask about alternative lacing techniques to better secure the shoe or accommodate wider feet.
- Gradually break in new shoes with short walks to confirm they’re the right fit before embarking on longer treks.
