• Fitness basics (23)

• Boot camp workout: Is it right for you?
• Overuse injury: How to prevent training injuries
• Fitness: Tips for staying motivated
• see all in Fitness basics

• Stretching and flexibility (3)

• Stretching: Focus on flexibility
• Hamstring injury
• How fit are you? See how you measure up

• Aerobic exercise (12)

• Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health
• Rev up your workout with interval training
• Walking: How to start a walking group
• see all in Aerobic exercise

• Strength training (9)

• Strength training: Get stronger, leaner, healthier
• Weight training: Do's and don'ts of proper technique
• Weight training: Improve your muscular fitness
• see all in Strength training

• Sports nutrition (3)

• Performance-enhancing drugs: Know the risks
• Eating and exercise: 5 tips to maximize your workouts
• Water: How much should you drink every day?

• RSS Feeds

continued:

Walking shoes: Features and fit that keep you moving

Get the best fit

The best designed shoes in the world will not do their job if they do not fit properly. Here are some tips for finding the best fit in a pair of walking shoes:

• Wear the same socks you'll wear when walking, or take the socks with you to the store.
• Shop for shoes after you've been walking for a while, and later in the day, when your feet are at their largest.
• Buy shoes at an athletic shoe store with professional fitters or at a store where you have lots of options.
• Ask the salesperson to measure both feet, measure them yourself, or have a friend or family member help you. Measure your feet each time you buy shoes, because your foot size can change gradually over years. Stand while your foot is measured to get the most accurate measurement.
• If one foot is larger than the other, try on a pair that fits your larger foot.
• Try on both shoes and check the fit. Wiggle your toes. If you don't have at least a half-inch (1.3 centimeters) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe — approximately the width of your finger — try a larger size.
• Be sure the shoe is wide enough. The side-to-side fit of the shoe should be snug, not tight. If you're a woman with wide feet, consider men's or boys' shoes, which are cut a bit larger through the heel and the ball of the foot.
• Walk in the shoes before buying them. They should feel comfortable right away. Make sure your heel fits snugly in each shoe and doesn't slip as you walk.

Replace worn-out shoes to prevent injury

All walking shoes eventually show signs of wear. And even if they still feel comfortable, they might not be providing enough support or shock absorption. Pay attention to the condition of your shoes. If the outsole is worn through, it's time for a new pair.

Make an informed decision

Improperly fitting shoes are the source of many problems. Now that you know what features to look for, you can shop with confidence. Wear walking shoes that are comfortable and properly fitted for a walk that's worry-free.

Previous page
(2 of 2)

• See Also

Hand Scheduled
Section Focus
• Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health
• Rev up your workout with interval training
• Walking: How to start a walking group
• Exercise intensity: Why it matters, how it's measured
• Aerobic exercise: How to warm up and cool down
• Walking for fitness? Make it count with a pedometer
• Aerobic exercise: Top 10 reasons to get physical
• Kids and exercise: How much activity do they need?
• Get walking with this 12-week walking schedule
• Ankle weights for fitness walkers: Good idea?
• Walking poles: Good for brisk walking?
• Barefoot running shoes: Better than traditional running shoes?
• Weighted hula hoops: Hoopla or good exercise?
• Elliptical machines: Better than treadmills?
• Air pollution and exercise: Is outdoor exercise risky?
• Whole body vibration: An effective workout?
• 5K run: 7-week training schedule for beginners
• Exercise: How much do I need every day?
• What is Zumba?
• Aerobic exercise: What's the best frequency for workouts?
• Slide show: Aquatic exercise how to's
• Taming rheumatoid arthritis pain
• Healthy heart for life: Avoiding heart disease
• Exercise for weight loss: Calories burned in 1 hour

Related Links

Mayo Clinic Store

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.

• Try Mayo Clinic Health Letter FREE!
• The best arthritis treatments for a more comfortable and active life
• Practical answers to live stronger, longer and healthier at any age
• Mayo Clinic Five Steps to Controlling High Blood Pressure

The Mayo Clinic Diet — Eat well. Enjoy life. Lose weight.