| Comfortable walking shoes are essential for | | | | A shoe that fits fine in the morning can become |
| fitness walking. They'll help prevent painful blisters | | | | tight by the afternoon. |
| and skin injuries. They can also help prevent pain | | | | 4. Test out the fit. Try on both of the shoes |
| in your feet and knees. | | | | instead of just one. Walk around the store. Make |
| There isn't one shoe that is the most comfortable | | | | sure there is enough room to wiggle and spread |
| shoe for everyone. Comfort is determined by | | | | out your toes. Walkers need a nice roomy toe |
| finding a shoe that best fits the needs of your | | | | box to spread the toes during the push off of |
| fitness style and your feet. | | | | each step. Ensure that your heel fits well into the |
| There are shoes designed for every level of | | | | heel of the shoe and doesn't slip out while you |
| walker and for every type of foot. Here are five | | | | walk. Check for any rubbing or squeezing. Do not |
| tips to help you find the best walking shoes for | | | | buy the shoes if they are uncomfortable in any |
| your feet. | | | | way in the store. Comfortable walking shoes do |
| 1. Visit an athletic shoe store. Many of these | | | | not need to be broken in. |
| stores offer a treadmill walking assessment. A | | | | 5. Find a good exchange/return policy. Buy your |
| knowledgeable staff member will videotape your | | | | shoes from a store that offers a return or |
| feet while you walk on a treadmill. This will help | | | | exchange policy. A pair that feels great in the |
| them gather information about how your feet | | | | store may give you trouble when you walk under |
| move, including pronation (how much your feet roll | | | | your normal conditions. I recently bought a great |
| inward when striking the ground). The staff will | | | | pair that was extremely comfortable while walking |
| also determine what arch-type your feet have, | | | | around the store. Yet my arches began to ache |
| which is essential for finding the right shoe. This | | | | after a day of two of walking in them around my |
| information will help the staff offer you a selection | | | | neighborhood. I was able to exchange them for a |
| of shoes designed to offer the proper amount of | | | | new pair with more arch support and I am now |
| support, flexibility and cushioning. | | | | walking pain free. |
| 2. Have your feet measured. You've probably | | | | These tips will help you find the most comfortable |
| known your shoe size for years and years. Yet | | | | walking shoes for your feet and your fitness |
| one of the main causes of foot pain is wearing a | | | | walking needs. You'll avoid blisters and bunions as |
| shoe that is too small. Your shoe size can change | | | | well as pain to your feet and legs. |
| as you age. Have your feet measured by a | | | | You can find a great selection of walking shoes |
| professional to determine your current size. | | | | for $100 or less. For such a small investment, |
| 3. Try shoes on later in the day. Your feet can | | | | you'll keep your feet happy and healthy. They will |
| swell as you stand on them throughout the day. | | | | thank you for it! |