Good Walking Shoes - To Provide Stability and Balance To The Body
If you are planning to start a regular walking program, one of the first things you need is a pair of good walking shoes. Walking requires your feet to be extremely comfortable. Ill-fighting or tight walking shoes can cause calluses, bunions, hammertoes and blisters. They may be so painful that they might take the joy out of walking, and even cause you to abandon your walking program altogether.
Not only will good walking shoes be comfortable, they will provide proper stability and balance to the body.
Tips for buying: Here are a few tips to help you buy good walking shoes.
First of all, replace your walking shoes as and when necessary.
Walking shoes wear out quite fast, and even though they may not show signs of external wear and tear. Walking shoes after a certain period become too worn out to provide the necessary shock absorption or support.
Look for comfort and a good fit rather than a fancy design. Each person has feet of a different shape, and a different style of walking. Even your left foot may have a slightly different shape and size from your right one. It would be advisable to take the advice of a professional shoe-fitter to find out your exact needs. Whether you have a low instep, or a high or a medium instep, getting the proper support for it is essential to prevent injuries. The shoes should not be too tight or too loose. There should be enough space in the toe box for your toes to move freely, and not get pinched.
The material of the shoes is also important. Lightweight, breathable materials are better than heavy chunky leather. The heels and soles of the shoes are equally important. A walker usually uses a heel-to-toe rolling movement. This requires low, supportive heels and a flexible sole. Good walking shoes would also have gel pads and roll pads to provide greater cushioning balance and stability. Lace-ups generally provide a better fit.
It is better to schedule your shoe shopping for the later part of the day, when your feet have swollen up slightly due to walking around. Take along the pair of socks you generally wear for walking, since this may could the fitting. Do not be in a hurry while shopping for good walking shoes. Try on both shoes, and walk around the store and test it for comfort and fit. If the store does not allow you to do so, find another store which does. "Break" the shoes in for a few days, by wearing them indoors before you venture out on your regular walk in them. This helps your feet to get accustomed to them.
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