If you want to give a gift to a friend who is a fitness walker, these are items to avoid. They may seem like a good idea at first, but there are reasons why they may be bad for fitness walkers, or even insulting.
1. Shirts with Running Slogans
Wendy Bumgardner ©
Walkers are not wannabee runners. We walk. It's different. Many of us are perfectly happy walking and have no desire to run. Don't give us shirts that talk about running. Go the extra mile and find an item that celebrates walking instead. Companies such as OneMoreMile have styles with fun sayings that don't spell out running, or are specific for walkers.
2. A Freebie Pedometer
Photo © Wendy Bumgardner
If you got a free pedometer at work or at a fitness fair, chances are it is worth what you paid for it. The giveaway pedometers use a mechanism that can quickly become inaccurate. They may also already have an aging battery that will go dead soon after use. If your walking friend needs a pedometer, spend the $20-$35 to get a good, accurate pedometer. A good pedometer, such as the Omron HJ-112 pictured, will encourage them to walk more. A bad one is just headed for a landfill.
3. "Walking" Shoes
Wendy Bumgardner (c) 2005
The right shoes are a very individual thing. Even if the giver knows the walker's shoe size and width, they may still give a gift of shoes that are too stiff, too clunky, and don't have the right motion control elements (or not) to suit the recipient's gait. Many of the shoes labeled as walking shoes aren't well-suited for fitness walking. They may be great for standing around in, but then again they may not fit right and require a second or third trip for exchanges. It is far better to give a gift certificate for the best running shoe store in your area, or for one of the online running shoe specialists.
4. A Pedicure Before Their Marathon or Half Marathon
Courtesy of Pricegrabber
Walkers have to toughen their feet to get through a long distance event without blisters. They need a certain amount of calluses. A day at the spa is a wonderful gift, but save the pedicure and callus removal for after their long distance walk. Instead, you can give them a foot pampering kit that includes a deep moisturizer to keep the calluses pliable, and a foot spa for soaking the feet after a long training day. Epsom salts in the foot bath can help refresh the feet and reduce hot spots and blisters.
5. Cotton Socks
Wendy Bumgardner ©
Great walking socks are great stocking stuffers. But old-school padded cotton tube socks are a bad idea for walkers. They soak up sweat and don't fit in the right places, setting up the walker for foot blisters. Walkers need socks made of sweat-wicking fibers and anatomically fitted to the shape of their feet. Gift givers can find these at serious running shoe stores or online. Don't be tempted by 10 pairs for $10 of the cotton socks. Look for brands such as Smartwool, Thorlo, WrightSock. Shop for great socks with fun designs (but not ones that say Running, please!)
6. Infomercial Insoles
© Wendy Bumgardner
You still can't decide what to give your walker. Your TV is on in the wee hours and you catch an infomercial touting the wondrous benefits of some insoles. They can alleviate heel pain! Cure the lame! End back pain! Aha, you think, my walking friend could use these to walk further, faster, and with less fatigue! How wonderful that this magical cure is available at such a low cost! Think again. First, insoles are a pretty boring stocking stuffer even if they do work well. Second, "your mileage may vary." It is unlikely that they will feel the benefits of the most glowing testimonials given. Save your money for a gift that will be more appreciated.
