Walking Footwear: Mens Walking Boots | Running Footwear | Sandals | Walking shoes

By Patricia | August 3, 2010
Footwear For Walking

Walking Footwear

The effectiveness of walking as an exercise is enhanced by wearing the right kind of footwear. The knees, ankles and feet bear the weight of the entire body while walking and hence it is essential to wear good quality walking footwear that is supportive and can prevent injuries from occurring. Walking footwear must fit well and must also be suited for the activity. There are certain points that must be kept in mind when selecting the ideal walking footwear.

Firstly, in order to measure the size of the footwear you require, you can take a piece of paper and trace the outline of your right foot on it. Then draw straight lines connecting the furthest points along the length of the foot outline. Measure this length using a ruler and note down the figures. Measure the width of your foot and note down the figures. This will enable you to determine if you require footwear that is narrow or wide. Repeat the same process with the left foot. Carry these figures along when you go shopping for walking footwear. The flexibility of walking footwear is an important factor. You can determine the flexibility of shoes by twisting them a bit. Flexible shoes are likely to easily bend in your hands. The shoes must also be able to bend around the ball of the foot. Since the feet tend to roll in a forward direction while walking. Shoes that are too stiff may lead to blistering. Also place each shoe flat on the floor and press down the toes. The shoe heels must rise. This indicates the curve required for the rolling of the foot during walking.

Walking shoes must have low heels. The heel should also not extend beyond the shoes edges as wide heels may hamper the rolling gait. It is advisable to go in for undercut heels, which are narrower than the shoe. These improve walking stride. The footwear must also be suitable for the activity. If you also run, then you need to opt for separate running footwear. For racing, very light, flexible shoes are necessary. For hiking, the shoes need to be more rigid as the terrain is very uneven and injuries could easily occur. Rugged shoes are best for this type of activity. In the summer you can opt for walking sandals that will help to keep the feet cool. Men’s walking boots are different from women’s walking boots since women have narrower heels and smaller cartilage areas. These differences must be kept in mind while selecting walking footwear.

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