Selecting Walking Shoes

When it comes to your health and your feet, walking helps both. At our office, we want to make sure you are proper footwearwearing the right shoes to better protect yourself from injury. To save your feet from complications, it is important to choose the right shoe for you.

What Kind of Shoes Do I Need For Walking?

As a walker, you should look for a good quality, lightweight walking shoe with breathable upper materials, such as leather or nylon mesh. The heel counter should be very firm, as it should have reduced cushioning to position the heel closer to the ground for walking stability. Additionally, the front area of the shoe should have adequate support and flexibility.

Your podiatrist also urges you to make sure the shoe fits your feet correctly. The shoe should be snug, but not too tight over the sock. It should also have plenty of room for the toes to move around. The athletic socks you choose are important as well, as you don’t want your shoe to become too tight with the added padding.

More Shoe Tips

  • Check the shoe width to make sure it is comfortable and accommodates the width of the ball of your foot.
  • Make sure the shoe provides good arch support.
  • See that the top of the heel counter of the shoe is properly cushioned and does not bite into the heel or touch the anklebones.  

Proper footwear is essential in protecting your feet from injury and pain, as well as allowing you to properly walk for exercise. It is important to meet with your podiatrist prior to beginning any exercise or walking routine. During a consultation with your podiatrist, we can help you develop the routine that's right for your feet and help you find the shoes to match!