Choosing The Best Walking Shoes

Great tips From a Recognized Race Walker

One of the beauties of walking is its minimal equipment demands. Besides pep in your step, all you need is a supportive pair of shoes.

The first couple of spins around the block you might get away with your old knock'abouts from the back of the closet or leftovers from a former aerobics class. But to protect your longevity by avoiding injury and to feel more comfortable striding briskly, you'll want to invest in the best walking shoes.

The biomechanics of walking are different from running, aerobics or other activities, so you need footwear that is designed with those differences in mind. For example, walking is a linear movement, with the impact on the heel and high demands for forefoot flexibility so you can properly roll through the foot. Aerobics, on the other hand, incorporates many lateral moves, with most cushioning needs on the forefoot and little on the heel. Although running is also linear, it demands less of a push from the forefoot in the rear and, therefore, less flexibility in the front of the shoe. Runners also land primarily on the middle or front of their feet and need slightly less stability in the heel than brisk walkers.

What about cross-trainers? Ones made for weight-training and other club activities violate several of walking shoe needs (usually they are too heavy and inflexible). Note, however, that several companies have a new type of hybrid made for both strong walking and light amounts of running. These work just fine since they have the support, cushioning and flexibility demands of both linear activities. Here's what to look for: Best Walking Shoes