Walking

• Yes! Walking for exercise does require a specific shoe for maximum comfort, support and efficiency.

• A good walking shoe has cushioning under the ball of your foot (rather than the heel like a running shoe) and is much stiffer than a regular shoe. Look for a low, supportive heel that rounds in.

• Pick up a walking shoe and twist it from heel to toe. You should feel some resistance. You can also try to bend the heel upward. You should feel the shoe bend under the ball of the foot.

• A walking shoe should fit “snug everywhere and tight nowhere” with enough room to wiggle your toes.

• Look for a shoe that is light weight and breathable. A hot sweaty foot trapped in a shoe with no air circulation doesn’t work for anyone.

• Keep track of how many miles you have put on your shoes, and replace them every 300 to 600 miles.