How to Buy Walking Shoes

Walking shoes are designed differently than other athletic shoes. If you walk a lot for exercise or for work, you should invest in a good pair of walking shoes. By following a few simple steps, you can find and buy the ideal walking shoe for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Shop in the late part of the day because your feet swell throughout the day. Wear the socks that you will be wearing when walking.
2. Go to an athletic shoe store, and get measured by a professional. Pick a store in your area that specializes in running and walking shoes. If the person knows what they are doing, they should be able to tell you particulars about your walking gait and how your foot strikes the ground when you walk.
3. Look at the bottom of your old walking or running shoes to find out if you are an over-pronator. If you have excessive wear on the inner part of your shoes, then that means your foot tends to roll too far inward when you strike the ground, instead of just pushing off. If you under-pronator (also called supinator), there is excess wear on the outside edge of the sole of your shoe.
4. Ask the salesman to recommend walking shoes that are best for your particular gait and arch. Walking shoes should have a flexible sole that permits your foot to flex as you walk. The heel of a good walking shoe should not be flared out and be relatively low.
5. Pick a walking shoe that is comfortable. Walk around the store for several minutes before deciding on a shoe. If the shoe is tight at all, don't think it will stretch out and be fine. Just don't buy it.
6. Buy a pair of walking shoes that you like the look and style. If you like how your shoes look, you'll wear them more often.
7. Ask the store about their return policy. If you find out the shoes don't fit properly once you are home, you don't want a hassle returning the shoes.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit a podiatrist if you have a lot of pain when walking or running.