No matter how cute a pair of shoes are, you’re not going to be tempted to wear them if they hurt your feet. And if you’re someone who is on your feet all day, you know that not all shoes are created equal. While flats look adorable and heels even better, it’s walking shoes that really prevent any and all injuries to your feet. When you walk, your feet roll from the heel to the toe which means that they need all the support they can get. If you’re looking to get a new pair of shoes or just checking if the ones you have are good enough, keep reading…
The importance of picking the right pair of walking shoes
Did you know, on average good walking shoes support your feet for about 965 kilometres. Post that, it is best to invest in a new pair. Here’s why it is important to pick shoes that fit you perfectly…
The way your foot moves is different when you walk and run. While walking, you first place your heel on the ground whereas while running, you strike the ground mid-food. Running shoes have a firmer sole which if worn while walking can lead to you modifying the way you walk, ultimately leading to foot pain.
How to pick the right pair of walking shoes
1. They should fit immediately
Unlike formal ones, walking shoes don’t need to be broken in. If a quick walk around your house isn’t enough for your feet to settle in comfortably, you probably need to swap your pair.
2. Your feet should have the right amount of room
Make sure your toes have enough wiggle room but not too much. Half an inch between your big toe and the front part of your shoe is ideal. If you have wider feet, don’t squeeze them in regular sizes. Try on different types of shoes till you find the right fit.
Best walking shoes for women
Best lightweight walking shoes for women
These will be made of mesh, a material that allows your feet to breathe a lot more than fully closed shoes. Look for options that have just the right amount of bend. For example, if your shoe bends in half then it probably won’t support your feet enough.
New Balance Women's FuelCore NERGIZE Walking Shoes, Rs 4,188
Sketchers Womens Go Walk 5 – Blessed, Rs 5999
Best travel-friendly walking shoes for women
When picking the right pair of walking shoes, you want something that can take you from hike to dinner. There are also other factors to consider like the footbed, heel and arch support and as well as shoes that allow your toes to move freely without causing any blisters. If your feet tend to sweat, look for kicks that are made of breathable materials.
Adidas Stan Smith, Rs 7999
Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy, Rs 3800
Best cushioned walking shoes for women
If you have high arches, you should ideally look for shoes with the most cushioning to pad the area where the force is the greatest upon contact. Check your current pair of kicks and if the cushion in the footbed is worn out, it’s time to get new shoes.
Nike React Miler 2 Running Shoes, Rs 11,495
Asics Gel-Kayano 28, Rs 15,000 approximately
Best walking shoes with arch support for women
If you have higher arches, you may need shoes with a heel counter to stabilize your foot. The heel counter is the part of the shoe that surrounds the heels and prevents them from rotating too much. For added support, look for options that have removable sockliners.
Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0, Rs 5999
Asics Gel-Contend 5 Mid-Top Sports Shoes, Rs 4800 approximately
How to test walking shoes
When you’re picking a pair of walking shoes, try to look for options that have laces. These can be adjusted and will provide your feet with more stability. Place the shoe on the ground and check if the toe is slightly above the ground. That’s a sign of a well-designed shoe.
Conclusion
When it comes to picking the right shoe, you should know your foot type–high arch, low arch, or neutral arch as that affects the way you walk. Once you know that, you’re set! Remember, cute shoes may not always be comfortable but you won’t ever regret picking the latter!
FAQs
How do I find out my foot type?
Dip your foot in water and step on a piece of cardboard. Examine the footprint and you’ll know your arch type. If you have a full print, you have a low arch and if the middle part of your arch is half-filled, you have a normal arch. If you see little of your footprint, you have high arches.
How many years will good walking shoes last?
A good shoe will lash you about 950 to 965 kilometres. If you are walking for about three to four hours a week, you must replace your shoes every six months.
Can I wear walking shoes without socks?
To prevent blisters, it is highly recommended you wear socks while walking. If you’re walking for more than 30 minutes, don’t wear cotton socks. Opt for synthetic socks instead.