Shoes or boots?
Marathon walkers in Europe often wear hiking boots for long distance walks. This may have evolved out of the military traditions of their longer walking events. For walking overland on trails, lightweight boots may be a good choice. But for roadrace marathons, a flexible running shoe with moderate support is the best choice for most people.
The best bet is to find the local athletic shoe dealer that caters to serious runners and walkers. Tell the clerk about your marathon goals and mileage plans. Get a good fit.
Most serious runners and walkers recommend having two different models of shoes in which to train and trading them off each training day, never wearing the same shoes twice in a row. The advantage to this is that the muscles and joints get a variety in their workouts rather than falling into one pattern. A day off also allows the shoes to fully air out between sessions.
The Walking Shoe Guideleads you step by step through finding the best shoes for your walking feet.
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Training Courses by Email
19-Week Marathon Training Course16-Week Half-Marathon Training Course
Marathon Walking Lessons
- Marathon History
- Why is a Mrathon so Tough?
- Marathon Walk Training
- Shoes for the Marathon
- Walking Form
- Base Mileage
- Marathon Mileage-Building Schedule
- Half-Marathon Training Schedule
- Marathon Coaching
- Charity Marathon Walking Programs
- Strategy for Walking a Marathon
- Nutrition for Marathon Training
- Fluids - What to Drink When Training and on the Marathon
- Energy Snacks
- Clothing for the Marathon
- Blisters and Chafing
- Marathon Race Day
- Pacing
- Nature Calls
- The Finish
- Choosing a Marathon Event
- Marathon Calendars
- Marathon Reviews
- Reader Tips
- Submit a Tip
- Marathon Cards
- Marathon Clip Art
Related Resources
- Before You Register for a Walking Marathon
- Book: "The Complete Guide to Marathon Walking"
