Top 10 Trail Shoes
Trail shoes have rugged soles for traction and protection from rocks. They should also provide more stability than road shoes. Today's trail running shoes are flexible enough for walking fast on natural surfaces, so you aren't fighting your shoes with each step. Top 10 Cushioned Shoes
Cushioned shoes are designed for those who have no more than mild overpronation, they do not correct for rotation. Walkers generally have less need for cushioning than runners, since walkers put far less impact force on the foot with each step. These shoes have maximum midsole cushioning with minimum support. Top 7 Motion Control Shoes for Walking
If you overpronate, and especially if you are a heavy person who overpronates, you may need the correction and support these firm and heavy shoes provide. The listed shoes are high-quality shoes with motion control technology. The best technology goes into running shoes rather than walking shoes. No shoe is right for everybody - get fit for the shoe that is best for you. Top 8 Thorlo Socks
Thorlo designs socks for active sports including specific socks for walking, hiking, and running. They also design socks for the special needs of women's feet. They research the padding, protection from shearing forces, and other factors needed for a sock for each activity. Then they make them almost immortal - I'm still wearing Thorlos I bought 16 years ago and have washed a hundred times. Top 10 Walking Socks
The right socks are your first line of defense against blisters. They must fit properly without bunching. Walking socks must wick away moisture to keep your skin from softening and becoming prone to blisters. You may prefer some with padding to cushion shocks. Toss your cotton socks and invest in high quality walking socks. Top 7 Treadmill Accessories
You bought the exercise machine or treadmill - now for a few extras to make using it more pleasurable. Top 9 Quality Home Treadmills
These top quality treadmills for home use are price $3000 and up. Expect solid construction, good warranties and lots of extras. The following were recommended by various sources in my research Top 8 Mid-Range Treadmills
Treadmills for $1500 - $3000 are considered mid-range treadmills, suitable for home use. They should have sturdy construction and may extras to make your workout interesting and enjoyable. The following were recommended by various sources in my research. Top 8 Budget Treadmills
Treadmills for under $1500 are considered budget treadmills. They may lack the fancy electronic features of higher priced treadmills and be of less-sturdy construction. The following were recommended by various sources in my research. Top 5 Walking Gadgets
I am a gadget lover. I want data. I want something to play with while I walk. These gizmos will help you plan or track a better walking workout. Top 10 Gifts for Wandering Grads
New graduates often have some wanderlust and want to see the world on their own two feet. Whether the grad in your life simply enjoys walking and hiking or wants to go off in search of adventure, here are some items to make them happy wanderers. Top 8 Heart Rate Monitors Over $100
In this price range, a heart monitor has many extra features you can use to track your workouts. You must decide which features are the most useful to you and then shop for the monitor that suits you best. Examples of features are personal heart zones with alarms, stopwatch, interval timing, splits, calorie tracking, fitness testing, and computer link. Top 10 Back to School Backpacks and Daypacks
Backpacks and daypacks for going back to school should be as well-designed as those for hiking. Students lug heavy loads with these packs every day. Look for padded shoulder straps, waist belts adn sternum straps to distribute the weight. Reflective trim is a plus for walking safety. Top 8 National Outdoor Book Award Winners
The National Outdoor Book Awards is an independent non-profit program sponsored by the NOBA Foundation, Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education, and Idaho State University. From among their selections, here are books especially of interest to walkers and hikers. Top 10 Women's Shorts for Walking
Stay cool with these shorts. I recommend shorts made of wicking fabric to dry quickly and keep you cooler. Bike-style shorts with lycra can help prevent chafing. If you use arm motion, it is best to select shorts without side pockets so you won't catch your thumbs. Top 7 3-Day Walk Camping Items
The Breast Cancer 3-Day Walks involve long distance walking of 20 miles a day for three days, plus camping for two nights. These items will keep you more comfortable in camp and on the walk. Top 5 Energy Gels
For walking fast on a long distance event, an energy gel gives you needed fuel without fat and without chewing. Breathing hard and chewing means a risk of choking on a bar or other snack. Drink water after using an energy gel to help it absorb. On long walks, use gel after the first hour and then at least hourly. Gels have approximately 100 calories per packet. Top 7 Walking or Hiking Staffs or Sticks
Walking or hiking with a single staff or pole can give you an extra point of stability. Features to look for include grip comfort, weight, adjustable height, folding for storage, camera mount, and options for the tips. Or, you may prefer a classic wooden stick. Top 5 Blister Prevention and Treatment
Protect yourself before and after blistering. I have found the best products to use are those with gel pads which provide moist healing for the blister and keep out the air and germs. These can be used to prevent blister-prone areas from blistering as well as after a blister develops. These are not cheap, but the relief is worth the price. Top 3 Pulse Monitors
A pulse monitor tells you your pulse rate by pressing sensor buttons with one or two fingers. These are alternatives to heart monitors that use chest straps. It is important to test drive the unit to make sure you can take your pulse accurately with it. Top 6 Women's Plus Size Fitness Shorts
Plus size walkers need shorts that will move with them and won't bind or ride up. I prefer body-hugging shorts with Lycra spandex, which wick away sweat, prevent chafing, and move with you. To ease into letting it all hang out, you can layer these under looser shorts or wear a long t-shirt. Top 9 Walking Weights
Wearing weights can increase the calories burned while walking, but it is far safer to just walk further instead. Weights at the ankles, feet, wrists and hands increase the risk of injury to the knees, shoulders, muscles, tendons and repetitive motion injury. A weighted backpack can cause strain if the weight is not distributed across the hips. Only a weighted vest or hip belt is recommended. Top 6 Walking Gear for the Avon Walk Marathon
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer involves long distance walking of a marathon or half-marathon, plus camping for one night. You need the right walking gear for hundreds of training miles, blisters, chafing, sunburn, heat, rain and cramped muscles. You can prevent and treat these with these long distance walking gear items. Top 10 Patagonia Clothing for Walkers
If you want to make style points as well as wear excellent outdoor clothing and gear, layering yourself head to toe with Patagonia outdoor clothing is a great way to go. Once I drove 150 miles out of my way to visit a Patagonia outlet store. Call me crazy, but this is great gear. However, most women's items at Patagonia only go to size large, with men's going to XL and some larger. Top 8 Night Visibility Items
Be safe - be seen. Only your life depends on it. Night walking means taking extra care that cars see you. For the best safety, your entire outline should be reflective and you should carry a light or wear a flasher. | 