Want to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle but don’t have time to hit the gym? Don’t worry, you still have one option, ie., walking.
Walking is the simplest exercise that can benefit you in numerous ways like reducing excessive body fat, strengthening your bones and improving your heart’s health.
Moreover, you can do it anywhere – all you need is a perfect pair of walking shoes. Whether you take a stroll in your garden or for a long-distance hike, having the right pair of sneakers is necessary.
If your current pair of shoes makes you uncomfortable and takes the fun out of your morning walk, it’s time to change them.
Here are five tips to help you find the perfect pair of walking shoes.
• Know Your Size
The first step in finding the best pair of shoes is knowing your shoe size. While shopping from stores you can try on different pairs to decide which one fits you the best, you can’t do the same when shopping online.
Thus, you must know your feet size. Now, if you’re thinking of buying the same size you bought a few months ago, it could be a mistake.
You may not realize it, but your feet’ shape and sizes can change over time due to various factors like pregnancy, aging or weight gain.
Wearing tight or loose sneakers can cause blisters or toe injuries, which is why, pay attention to the size while buying a pair.
• Trial Walk
While buying sneakers, do not forget to take a trial walk because that’s all you’re gonna do after purchasing them.
To ensure that the sneakers fit you perfectly, you must try both pieces of the pair and walk around the store. While buying online you may get an option of a “soft” trial run, in which you can try the shoes on and walk indoors to see if they fit you well or not.
After trying different options, if you still feel like you are not comfortable in any footwear or if you have ankle problems, you can choose orthotic shoes, which can be designed according to your doctor’s prescription.
• Try Them With Socks
When you do the trial walk, do not forget to put your socks on. The reason behind this is that the thickness of socks can affect the size of your sneakers. The pair that might feel loose to you can fit perfectly after you wear socks.
So, think about what kind of socks you wear before finalizing a pair of sneakers. If you wear thick socks for comfort and warmth, select a size with extra room.
• Give Your Toes Room
You can invite bruises or blisters if you don’t give your toes ample room. Your toes need room to move and breathe while walking.
Thus, it is important to check if your foot has enough wiggle space.
The easiest way to decide the right area for the toe room is to see if there’s a gap for a finger between your shoe front and toe.
This way you will buy a pair of sneakers that will fit you even if your feet swell due to exertion or during summers.
• Cushioning
Last but not least, the cushioning of your shoes determines how comfortably you can walk in that footwear.
You can choose from different levels of cushioning: minimal, moderate or maximum, according to your preference or look for orthopedic shoes that can support your foot’s structure.
However, avoid sneakers that are extra soft or lack support, as they may not provide the stability you need for longer walks.
Conclusion
Finding a new pair of walking shoes should be fun, but at the same time, you must consider crucial factors to ensure you don’t end up paying for sneakers that will make you hate walking.
By following the above tips, you can make it easier for you to select a pair that will be comfortable and long-lasting. Make sure you invest in something worth your money.
