| Do you have FLAT FEET due to genetics or | | | | specific problems like pronation. |
| wearing shoes for many years that did not | | | | 3. Go to a specialty store, such as Nike Town, or |
| provide enough arch support? Are you looking for | | | | a New Balance store late in the day to be |
| some comfortable and supportive walking shoes? | | | | measured - both sitting down and standing. |
| Another term used for flat feet is Fallen Arches, | | | | Hopefully you will get a knowledgeable sales |
| due to hyperpronation. If you have this condition | | | | person to recommend which models would be |
| you already feel the pain, and may have other | | | | best for you. Bring your orthotic insoles and socks |
| related problems such as ankle, knee, hip or lower | | | | so you can be fitted correctly. |
| back pain. | | | | 4. Don't buy shoes on you first visit because you |
| I have had foot problems since I was born. I had | | | | need to do some homework. Go to the internet |
| surgery due to deformity as a young child (no fun | | | | and look for reviews on the shoes which were |
| for someone who wanted to go play!) and have | | | | recommended to you. See what other people are |
| had to wear expensive orthotic insoles and shoes | | | | saying about that brand and model. You might find |
| for years. | | | | a better price online too. |
| As I grew older the foot problems caused | | | | 5. Walking shoes should be comfortable |
| additional pain and chronic conditions with my | | | | immediately - - there should not be much of a |
| knees, hips and back. It is rare for me to have a | | | | break in period. |
| day without irritating back pain because I have a | | | | 6. If you are going to wear an arch support or gel |
| desk job. And yet, I have managed to find the | | | | insole, be sure to purchase shoes which are at |
| best walking shoes for myself, and am an avid | | | | least one-half size larger. I purchase my shoes |
| walker. | | | | one whole size larger because feet swell when |
| I have finished several breast cancer events - | | | | walking long distances, and I have an orthopedic |
| including the Susan G. Komen 3-day (60 miles in | | | | insole. Socks are also a consideration - if I wear |
| three days-two marathons of 26 miles and a | | | | thinner socks, my shoes feel a little different than |
| "short last day") and five half marathons including | | | | with a thicker athletic sock. |
| the Maui and Chicago half marathons, in under 15 | | | | 7. Remember that shoes last for approximately |
| minute miles. | | | | 400-500 miles before the materials begin to break |
| Trust me, I know how important it is to purchase | | | | down and you will need to replace your walking |
| the best walking shoes for your feet. Here are | | | | shoes as they get older. You will know they are |
| some tips to get the right WALKING SHOE if you | | | | too old when your feet and legs feel hurt and |
| have flat feet: | | | | tired after a walk. |
| | | | If you have flat feet or fallen arches, you have |
| 1. The right shoe for you may not be called a | | | | many options for buying walking shoes; however, |
| "walking shoe." It may be a running shoe, trail | | | | you may want to visit an Orthopedic Foot Doctor |
| shoe, casual, or orthopedic shoe. You may also | | | | to obtain special insoles to help your condition. Do |
| want to look at some uniquely designed shoes at | | | | not get caught up on labels - the right shoe for |
| i-roc. | | | | you may not be called a walker. Shop late in the |
| 2. Find a shoe with a stable arch support, shock | | | | day when your feet are a little larger so you can |
| absorption in the heel and ball of the foot. You | | | | be measured accurately. |
| can search the internet for shoes which address | | | | |