I had been asked about shoes again and here was an article that looked fairly inclusive. Personally if you read this and go into a store, try on all the shoes they have for walking. That's what I did and am enjoying the brand I picked. They are very comfortable. Also I have not tried one of the athletic stores where they actually have a machine to measure how you walk (It sounds good, but also expensive). But if you live close to one, try it and see what they say.
Keep walkin,
Ron
New Balance 825
Wendy Bumgardner © 2007
Walking shoes are your most important item of gear. Our walking shoe gear guide will help you decide which to buy, where to buy, and reader reviews of shoes.
The Best Shoe
There is no one best shoe. The best shoe for you is the the one that fits you best, the one that gives you the proper support, flexibility, cushioning, and compensates for any stride problems you may have, such as overpronation. Each person's feet are different. Take all advice with a grain of salt and find a shoe fitting expert to help you find the shoe that is best for your walking distance, speed, style, and surface as well as your weight and stride.
Walking or Running Shoes?
Shoe manufacturers are putting the best design and technology into running shoe styles, while walking shoe styles are being designed primarily for market appeal rather than performance. Follow the tips on the upcoming pages to see whether that walking shoe you are interested really meets your needs, or if you should go with a running shoe design.
Essential Walking Shoe Qualities:
- Flexible: You must be able to bend and twist the shoes. When you take a walking step, your foot will flex as you roll through a step from heel to toe. If the shoe is too stiff, your foot will fight it with each step.
- Flat: Walking shoes should have a relatively flat heel.
- Heel Not Flared: Since walkers strike with the heel first, you do not want a big flared heel. In fact, a slightly undercut heel is preferred.
For more information go to the website:
http://walking.about.com/cs/shoes/a/shoeguide.htm
