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Walking shoes: Features and fit that keep you moving
Get the best fit
A good rule of thumb is to look for comfort and fit — not fancy design. The latest technology won't matter if the shoe pinches, pokes or hurts your foot. Here are some tips for selecting walking shoes:
- Wear the same socks you'll wear when walking, or take the socks with you to the store.
- Shop for shoes after you've been walking for a while, and later in the day, when your feet are at their largest.
- Buy shoes at an athletic shoe store with professional fitters or at a store where you have lots of options.
- Ask the salesperson to measure both feet, measure them yourself, or have a friend or family member help you. Measure your feet each time you buy shoes, because your foot size can change gradually over years. Stand up while your foot is measured to get the most accurate measurement.
- If one foot is larger than the other, try on a pair that fits your larger foot.
- Try on both shoes and check the fit. Wiggle your toes. If you don't have at least a half-inch (1.3 centimeters) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe — approximately the width of your finger — try a larger size.
- Be sure the shoe is wide enough. The side-to-side fit of the shoe should be snug, not tight. If you're a woman with wide feet, consider men's or boys' shoes, which are cut a bit larger through the heel and the ball of the foot.
- Walk in the shoes before buying them. They should feel comfortable right away. Make sure your heel fits snugly in each shoe and doesn't slip as you walk.
Replace worn-out shoes to prevent injury
All walking shoes eventually show signs of wear. And even if they still feel comfortable, they might not be providing enough support or shock absorption. Pay attention to the condition of your shoes. If the outsole is worn through, it's time for a new pair.
Make an informed decision
Improperly fitting shoes are the source of many problems. Now that you know what features to look for, you can shop with confidence. Wear walking shoes that are comfortable and properly fitted for a walk that's worry-free.
Previous page(2 of 2)
- Frey C. The shoe in sports. In: Porter DA, et al., eds. Baxter's the Foot and Ankle in Sport. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby/Elsevier; 2008:567.
- Protective gear and sports equipment. In: Prentice WE. Arnheim's Principles of Athletic Training: A Competency-Based Approach. 12th ed. Boston, Mass.: McGraw-Hill; 2006:202.
- Know your sports shoes. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. http://www.aofas.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/cms/review.html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID=199&Time=-1375140764&SessionID=19972f4o0tpcmdqi02234b0854222r3670x82ck61j68mcnya1c3129a5hq1k93c. Accessed Dec. 5, 2008.
- 10 points of proper shoe fit. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. http://www.aofas.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/cms/review.html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID=85&Time=-1546478405&SessionID=1689k8jwd84j9o3y67tzn35b5dwc7qv518b22yewz8v93mhlijs3cu1360o7iab2. Accessed Dec. 5, 2008.
- Selecting an athletic shoe. American Academy of Podiatric Medicine. http://www.aapsm.org/fit_shoes.htm. Accessed Dec. 5, 2008.
- Shoes. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00143. Accessed Dec. 5, 2008.
- How to read your footprints. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. http://www.aofas.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/cms/review.html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID=168&Time=1391999390&SessionID=5076763hj2p4475yh56kx999c1x1ap2d620pdrd103t58hii4z45wttk8h0y2j7y&MenuKey=123. Accessed Dec. 5, 2008.
- Ellman MG (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 8, 2008.
