| Before deciding on buying walking shoe you | | | | - Share with the stores the usual distance, |
| must consult an expert who will look at your | | | | speed and frequency of your walking |
| gait, stride, type of walking, weight and | | | | |
| other factors to put you into the right shoe. | | | | - Select walking shoes half size larger than |
| The basic qualities of the walking shoes are | | | | the dress shoes |
| they should be flexible, flat and the heel | | | | |
| not flared. | | | | - The shoe you select should be flexible and |
| | | | when you bend the toe towards heel the shoe |
| When the shoes are flexible you will be able | | | | should flex at the ball of the foot |
| to bend and twist the shoes. When you go | | | | |
| ahead with your walking, your step will flex | | | | - Place the shoe on a flat surface and when |
| as you roll through a step from heel to toe. | | | | you press the toe down see that the heel |
| In other words if the shoe is too stiff, your | | | | rises off the surface |
| foot will fight it with each step you make. | | | | |
| | | | - The heel should not be much higher than |
| It is preferred that the walking shoes should | | | | the sole and it should not be flared |
| have a flat heel. | | | | |
| | | | - Try the shoe with your regular walking |
| Most of the walkers hit with the heel first, | | | | pace. Check for the heel retention and |
| so it is better to use a slightly undercut | | | | observe for over-pronation or other problems |
| heel, that will be good for walking. | | | | |
| | | | - You must replace the shoes every 500 miles |
| Nowadays many marathon walkers in Europe wear | | | | |
| boots for long walking it may be inflexible | | | | The general purpose sporting goods stores do |
| and heavy. | | | | not keep staffs for the shoe department who |
| | | | are experts on shoe fitting. To avail a |
| Tips for selection: | | | | better service, it is always best to go to a |
| | | | special running and walking shoe store in |
| - Select a local store that caters shoes for | | | | your area. |
| walkers and spend time with people to fit | | | | |
| right | | | | The staff will make you walk and watch your |
| | | | style of walk or they will make you walk on a |
| - After the usual walking distance give your | | | | treadmill with different types of shoes |
| feet a chance as they swell when walking | | | | before suggesting you the one which is best |
| | | | for you. |
| - Carry the usual socks you wear for walking | | | | |
| before the selection of the shoe | | | | Make sure that you invest in the right shoes |
| | | | to avoid injury and keep you walking with |
| - Take along with you the present walking | | | | comfort and ease. Never spend too much money |
| shoe you are using so that the vendor can see | | | | on stylish shoes that will not perform well |
| the pattern of wear | | | | with your walking. |
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