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Ten Walking Mistakes to Avoid - #2 The Wrong Shoes

By , About.com Guide

Updated December 19, 2005

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New Balance 831 Shoe

A good shoe - New Balance 831 Lightweight Performance Shoe

Not all "walking shoes" are good for walking. If this describes your shoes, you are setting yourself up for plantar fasciitis, muscle pulls and knee problems:
  • Heavy: Walking shoes should be lightweight.
  • Stiff: Soles won't bend, can't twist them. Walking shoes should be flexible so you don't fight them as your foot rolls through the step.
  • Over 1 year old: The cushioning and support in your shoes degrades, you should replace your shoes every 500 miles.
  • Too small: Your feet swell when you take a sustained walk. Your walking shoes should be larger than your dress shoes if you walk for 30 minutes or more for exercise.

The Cure for the Wrong Shoes:

Get fit for the right shoes at a technical running shoe store in your area. The athletic shoe experts will make sure you get the right shoe for overpronation, flexible enough for walking, sized right for the swelling everyone's feet have while walking.
Before You Buy Walking Shoes
Walking Shoe Guide - Get Fit Right

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