Women’s Walking Shoes: Finding your SOLEmate

When you’re on the go, you may not think that you have time to consider the ins and outs of your perfect walking shoe. You may think, “if they cover my feet and have a little flair, I’m good to go”, and quickly grab a pair in your favorite color without giving it a second thought. While you are doing something great for your health by exercising, you could undo all of that hard work because you didn’t take an extra moment to think about what that cute, convenient pair of shoes you picked up will do to your feet. 

Wearing walking shoes that are comfortable and fit your feet can help prevent blisters and calluses, injuries which have the potential to keep you from doing your favorite activities altogether. There is a perfect walking shoe out there for you- one that will help you stay on your feet longer with comfort and style.

What to look for in your shoe

A good walking shoe should never weigh you down. They should be lightweight and comfortable, while providing support and good shock absorption. Here are some important features to look for that will help you attain these goals:

• Achilles tendon protector: Reduces stress on the Achilles tendon by locking the shoe around the heel.
• Heel collar: Cushions the ankle and ensures proper fit.
• Upper: Holds the shoe on your foot and is usually made of leather, mesh, or synthetic material. Mesh allows better ventilation and is lighter weight.
• Insole: Cushions and supports your foot and arch. Removable insoles can be laundered or taken out to dry between walking sessions.
• Gel, foam, or air midsole: Helps cushion and reduce impact when your foot strikes the ground.
• Outsole: Makes contact with the ground. Grooves and treads can help maintain traction.
• Toe box: Provides space for the toes. A roomy and round toe box helps prevent calluses.

Considering YOUR Feet

It is crucial that you take the shape of your feet into consideration, as every person’s foot shape and foot health are unique. Your shoe should be snug and secure without feeling restrictive, and conform nicely to the shape of your foot. Never have a Cinderella-step-sister moment and try to force your foot into a shoe- no matter how fancy or top of the line it seems. The most important characteristics to consider are:

• Width and length: Shoes that are too narrow or too wide can lead to painful blisters and calluses. And a toe box that is not high enough — and does not provide enough room for your toes — can cause pain in disorders such as bunions and hammertoes.
• Arch type: The intricate alignment of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your feet forms side-to-side (metatarsal) and lengthwise (longitudinal) arches. As you walk, these springy, flexible arches help distribute your body weight evenly across your feet. Your arches play an important role in how you adapt to various surfaces as you walk.

Show some extra love to your arches

It is important to consider your arch type when choosing a perfect pair of walking shoes. Generally, feet fall into one of three categories:

• Neutral-arched feet: Feet with neutral arches are not overly arched nor are they overly flat. If you have neutral arches, look for shoes with firm midsoles, rear-foot stability, and straight to semi curved lasts - a last is the shape of the sole and the footprint around which the shoe is built.
• Low-arched or flat feet: Low arches or flat feet may contribute to muscle stress and joint problems in some individuals, though there is not a direct correlation. If you have significantly flat feet, you may benefit from a walking shoe with a straight last and motion control to help stabilize your feet.
• High-arched feet: High arches may contribute to excessive strain on joints and muscles, as your feet may not absorb shock as well, especially if you perform a lot of impact or jumping activities. Look for shoes with cushioning to help with shock absorption. A curved last also may help in some cases.

To find the best fit for you, you want to consider the dimensions of both of your feet since there may be differences. For the best results, you should have your measurements taken while standing, as feet expand when bearing weight. Base your accurate shoe size on these measurements, not on what you previously wore. Also, there are a few important features to consider when selecting a shoe:

• Stability: the shoes should have a balanced and secure feel throughout a range of motion.
• Flexibility: the shoes should allow for a good degree of give at the base of the toes, providing smooth motion.
• Comfort: walking shoes should comprise contours and padding conformed closely to the feet, providing a snug fit at the heel and midfoot, with ample room in the forefoot.

Parting tips

Now that you have some guidance on choosing your first sole-mate, you’re ready to get walking! Visit Women's Walking Shoes for a wide selection of quality, stylish women’s walking shoes. And remember that while this is your first perfect pair, it should not be your last! They may be your trusty walking companions, but one of the most important things you can do to maintain your foot health is replace your shoes every 300 to 400 miles. According to Ricardo Cook, M.D., orthopedist at The Centers for Advanced Orthopedics in Maryland: 

“There are different signs it may be time for a sneaker refresh based on your foot type and pronation. A person with a flat foot will notice that the outside of the heel wears out faster, whereas a person with a higher arch may notice the outside border of their shoe wears out more quickly.”

With that in mind, remember that this is your journey to find the perfect shoe- every aspect of the process is personal - the goal is to find the perfect fit for you.

 **It is advisable to consult a health-care professional such as a doctor or podiatrist before taking action based on any information found on our website. Our goal is to provide information and educate others on a number of issues relating to foot health, not give medical instruction.

About author:

Derek Roach is a foot health specialist and has worked in the foot health industry for over 10 years. He is knowledgeable in various foot conditions and shoe features to help with those conditions. Also, he has been quoted on CNN, The Penny Hoarder, HuffPost, Dapper Confidential and other popular publications for foot and shoe-related topics.