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