From Wendy Bumgardner,
Your Guide to Walking.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

What do you need to go walking? If you aren't sure of what you should be wearing or taking along, see the 10 Essentials for Walkers.

Walking Shoes

• Walking Shoe Guide: How to shop for the right shoes for your walking style. What kind of shoes are right for you? Which style fits you best?
• Top Picks for Fitness Walking Shoes: Lightweight Performance Shoes | Motion Control Shoes | Stability Shoes | Cushioned Shoes | Racewalking Shoes | Trail Walking Shoes
• Walking Sandals
• Comfort Shoes

Walking Equipment

• Before You Buy a Treadmill: Get rid of weather excuses with what studies say is the best piece of workout equipment for burning fat and calories. Find out how to choose the best treadmill for your budget.
• Before You Buy a Pedometer: Step counters and pedometers are great motivators to add more movement to your day.
• Walking Gadgets: If you want the fancy stuff, here are fun walking speedometers and workout trackers.
• Walking Poles, Trekking Poles, or Hiking Sticks?: What kind of walking poles do you need for your type of walking? Are you looking to add stability on the trail with trekking poles or a hiking stick? Or do you want to boost your walking workout by nordic walking or exerstriding?
• Heart Rate Monitors: Know your workout level, or get a fancy model with stopwatch, timer, calorie counter.
• Single Water Bottle Carrying Packs and Larger Capacity Hydration Packs: Stay hydrated during your walk and carry your stuff comfortably.

Walking Clothing

• What to Wear on Top: Women's Summer Walking Shirts | Plus Size Walking Shirts | Cold Weather Walking Shirts | Plus Size Winter Walking Tops
• What to Wear on Your Legs: Walking Pants | Plus Size Walking Pants | Walking Shorts | Plus Size Walking Shorts
• Before You Buy Walking Socks: Your socks are the most important item next to your shoes for walking comfort and for preventing blisters.
• What to Wear for Cold Weather Walks: Don't let the cold stop you - dress in layers and stay active.
• Hot Weather Walking Gear: It's important not to overheat. These walking items will help you keep your cool.
• Waterproof Jackets: You won't melt in the rain - wear these to stay dry, or take along an umbrella.
• Reflective Gear: Safety essentials for walkers.

Gift Ideas for Walkers

• Gifts for Walking Women
• Gifts for Walking Men
• Gifts for Wandering Grads
• Gifts for Active Kids

Books, Videos, Tapes

• Walking Bookstore
• Top Picks for Audiotapes and CDS for Walkers: Eliminate boredom and perk up your pace.
• Top Picks for Walking Workout Videos

Walking Products I Don't Recommend: Some products are marketed to walkers but I cannot recommend them, for one of two reasons. First, the product may make claims that have not been supported by properly designed studies. Second, they may be products that increase the risk of injury or strain if used by fitness walkers to walk for 30 minutes or more.