Walking is the easiest form of exercise for most people, but proper footwear and fit are essential for reaping maximum benefits. Well-constructed shoes can help alleviate or avoid many common foot ailments, including blisters, strains, sprains, heel spurs, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and more.
Many walking shoes have removable insoles that can be replaced with an orthotic for a customized fit. Styles from leading brands feature a generous toe box, such as those from Dansko, Merrell, and KEEN, while Rockport and New Balance sizing ranges from narrow to extra wide.
Thanks to significant improvements in footwear design technology, people can now have walking shoes that look good and feel great.
Basic requirements:
o Out-of-the-box comfort
o Cushioned midsole (e.g. EVA, polyurethane, gel, air)
o Contoured or "anatomical" footbed
o Substantial arch support
o Roomy toe area
o Durable sole with reliable traction and slip resistance
Optional but desirable:
o Extra side support (e.g. medial posts, torsion bars) to control pronation.
o Snug heel counter (providing support and additional cushioning)
o Removable, replaceable insoles
o Lace or Velcro® closure for maximum adjustability
o Toe protection
o Antibacterial properties
o Ventilation or waterproof construction
o American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
TRAVEL
Whether you're going to the shore for the weekend or embarking on a six-week European tour, walking shoes are indispensable. Bring two pairs on longer trips so you can alternate.
Rockport provides athletic-shoe comfort in styles that range from casual to chic-perfect for travel. Consider a sandal from KEEN's water-friendly H2 line for versatility, support and antimicrobial protection. New Balance shoes with ABZORB® lend superior cushioning to standing and walking. Dansko offers comfort and support in styles fashionable enough for upscale environments. For uneven urban terrain, try shoes from KEEN and Merrell with ankle support and a more rigid sole.
FITNESS
For all but the most physically challenged, walking is an effective way to increase overall fitness. (Note: there's no reason not to use a favorite running shoe as your go-to walking shoe. Running shoes offer excellent support in a lightweight package, but designs are often flashier than comparable athletic walking shoes.)
Featuring extraordinary support, Rockport's ProWalker line is their flagship and an APMA favorite. Look for DMX; air-pocket technology that cushions and absorbs energy with every step. Merrell produces a wide array of sport- and season-specific styles, many of which also make excellent walking shoes. Serious walkers love the wide, roomy toe box, adjustable fit and support offered by KEEN's Trailhead line. New Balance is distinguished by features such as Velcro® closures and the range of widths they offer - no excuses about not being able to find a good fit!
CITY
There are two main types of city walkers-people who plan to change into dress shoes upon arriving at their destination, and those who want footwear that's comfortable and style appropriate for an entire day.
New Balance shoes keep you comfortable for four blocks or 40. Sandal or shoe, Dansko offers professional office-worthy styles that don't skimp on comfort and support. Check KEEN's BLVD and Market St. lines to blend into an urban backdrop. Merrell has a wide variety of walk-friendly options to suit the entire family. From casual to dress, Dynamic Suspension-featured in many Rockport styles-uses a cushion of moving air to put a spring in your step, so you can go straight from the office to a night out.
TRAIL
When you head for the hills or go into the woods, always be prepared.
The KEEN Trailhead line offers waterproof or ventilated hikers and sandals in varying heights, weights, and flexibility, all with the KEEN patented toe bumper. Many Merrell styles are equipped with a lug sole and sticky rubber to take on any terrain. Check out New Balance trail-specific shoes and ankle boots for exceptional off-road performance. GORE-TEX® or waterproof leather keep you dry, a Rollbar® adds motion control and an Ndurance® Outsole contributes lightweight, superior midsole support.
EVERYDAY
Errands. Work. School. Shopping at the mall. Leather or synthetic, waterproof or breathable, everyone needs a reliable, by-the-door favorite.
Since 1971, Rockport's specialty has been walking shoes; many styles meet APMA standards. Features like a contoured footbed, superior arch support, rated slip-resistance, APMA-acceptance and a Dri-Lex® lining give Dansko an edge. Merrell shoes with an Air Cushion® midsole, molded heel protection, slip-lasted construction and an In-Board(TM) EVA footframe offer reliable comfort, flexibility and stability. Thanks to their dedication to performance and quality, New Balance is a perennial favorite for everyday wear. KEEN boasts a devoted fan-base who can't get enough of their out-of-the-box comfort and youthful, funky vibe.
