The best walking shoes are the ones that fit you best for your style of walking.

Difficulty Level: moderate      Time Required: 15 minutes

1. Find a local store that caters to serious runners and walkers and takes the time to fit people right.
2. Go out and walk your usual distance, to give your feet a chance to swell as they will when walking.
3. Wear a pair of the socks you will be wearing with the shoes.
4. Wear or bring along your present pair of walking shoes so the clerk can see how they have worn.
5. Tell the clerk your usual distance, speed, and frequency of walking.
6. Ask for shoes that are a size to a size and a half larger than your dress shoes.
7. Twist the shoe.  It should be flexible rather than rigid.
8. Bend the toe towards the heel - the shoe should flex at the ball of the foot, not the middle of the foot.
9. Place the shoe on a flat surface.  When you poke the toe down, the heel should rise off the surface.
10. The heel should not be much higher than the sole at the front of the foot.
11. The heel should not be flared.
12. Have the clerk assist you in lacing it for the best fit and heel retention.
13. Walk with the shoe at your regular walking pace.  See how it feels, ask the clerk to observe for overpronation or other problems.
14. Your foot should feel uncramped with adequate room in the toe and no irritating ridges.
15. Do not buy an uncomfortable shoe expecting it to get broken in.
    

1. Replace your shoes every 500 miles.
2. Buy a new pair of shoes after 300 miles and rotate it with your older shoe so you can recognize when the older pair has lost its cushioning and support.
3. Alternate brands and styles of shoes to keep your feet and muscles from adjusting to one style, setting yourself up for injury.
   

Related Features:

• Walking Shoe Guide
• The Right Shoes
• Lacing and Staying Tied
• Racewalking Shoe Guide
• Walk a Mile in my Socks