If you’re training for the Atlanta 2-Day Walk in the same shoes you use to kick around town, it’s time to look for a new pair for training. Proper shoes keep you healthier and more comfortable. Plus who doesn’t want a good excuse to go shoe shopping? Before you do, take our tips to heart heel.
Running Shoes Are Not the Same as Walking Shoes
Running and walking are two different motions – I know you know it, but here’s how it breaks down and how the shoes differ. Walking strikes the ground at half the impact of running. Unlike running, your foot makes a clear rolling motion from heel to toe, maintaining contact with the ground the whole way through.
What’s this mean for a shoe? You want less padding (which can make your foot less stable and more prone to a twist) and more mid-sole support.
Your Footprint Can Help You Choose
This is simple, get a piece of paper and put it on the floor in your bathroom. Next dip your feet into water, shake off excess water and then stand on the paper. Move back, now look at the print. The amount of arch you can see in the print shows if you have high arches (no arch imprint), neutral arches (some arch print) or low arches, also called flat feet (you see the whole foot on the paper).
What’s this mean for a shoe? If you have high arches, you’ll need more cushioning to take some of the shock from the ground. If you have neutral arches, you need firmer midsoles. And if you’ve got low arches, you need a shoe with structure to give you stability and motion control.
Fit Matters More than (Gasp!) Fashion
Even Tim Gunn agrees with me on this one. Shoes should fit well from the first time you put them on. Proper fitting shoes don’t need to be ‘broken in’ and if any salesperson gives you this line, walk on out of the store. Your shoes should be comfortable in width and length – you can try alternative lacing if, say, you have a narrow heel or want more room over the arch. Because feet tend to swell in distance events, be sure the toe box has enough room. If it doesn’t, go up half a size.
What’s this mean for your shoe? Your shoe should fit well from the first step.
How Much to Spend
Good walking shoes average $60 a pair. So just think, for one pair of Christian Leboutin’s you could own 15 pairs of running shoes. Not bad. Don’t skimp on walking shoes, you’ll be covering a lot of distance in your training and in the event and you need shoes that support your feet. You can shop at local stores like Fleet Feet which can help you get the best fit, but you can also order walking shoes online. Zappos.com has free shipping and returns and Amazon offers up very good deals as well.
What’s this mean for your shoe? Invest the money for a good pair of shoes, but don’t go over the top buying doo-dads you don’t need.
How Long Do Walking Shoes Last
Walking shoes tend to last about 6 months, or about 250-300 miles. There are some variables such as your weight, the type of terrain you’re training on, if they get wet over and over, etc. but the average is 6 months. It’s another reason to not spend a heap of cash on a fancy pair.
What’s this mean for your shoe? If you’re training in gym shoes from the era of the last election, it’s time to go get a new pair.
Here’s the bottom line: buy shoes that are durable, support your foot and fit right and feel good from the first step.
Share a bit – what shoes do you like to train in?
