Some Shoes Were Made For Walkin’

Posted February 19, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Caroline Shannon

Section: Her Fitness, Athletics, Her Gear & Apparel, Her Motivation

If you have ever spent a day – heck, a few hours – walking around in “just any old shoes,” you have probably learned that proper shoes are indeed a very important factor, especially, when walking for exercise.

Just like any pair of sneakers, walking shoes must have proper support and shock absorption in the heels. Even more than a running shoe, a walking shoe must also have a great deal of support, but enough flexibility to allow for natural movement of the foot.

What’s more, a walker must also know her foot type, which may be neutral, overpronator or supinator. One of the best ways to identify your foot type is to take a piece of paper and lay it on the ground. Then, wet the entire sole of your foot and step down on the paper.

According to Runner’s World, here is what the three foot types will look like: Normal Foot

Overpronation

Supination (Underpronation)

So, now that you know your foot type, you are ready to make an educated decision as to what shoe your foot requires. The following descriptions and recommendations will help you better understand your foot type and the types of shoes that you will be looking for during your next shopping trip:

•Neutral feet – Your feet are just that – neutral! You don’t require too much of anything. All you need to worry about is making sure you find a proper and comfortable shoe for your foot, while keeping in mind you still want to ensure your new sneakers have proper features, such as arch support and adequate cushioning. A recommendation includes the New Balance WW575WT.

•Overpronators – As you can see by the picture, your feet have a tendency to roll inward when you walk. According to Runner’s World, this means that “a micro-second after foot strike, your arch collapses inward too much, resulting in excessive foot motion and increasing your risk of injuries.” You need a stability or motion-control shoe, which have stronger support devices built within the shoe. A recommendation includes the New Balance WW843WB.

•Supinators – You are predisposed to walk on the outside of your feet, which is why it looks like a whole section of your arch is missing when you did the wet test. According to Runner’s World, supination can result in “too much shock traveling up your legs, since your arch doesn’t collapse enough to absorb it.” You will need a neutral-cushioned shoe to assure a soft insole that will cause your foot to pronate. A recommendation includes the Nike AS V.

Once you get your new shoes, get out there a get moving! Testing out new shoes is always fun and puts an extra bounce in your step.

In addition to writing for several publications, including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Divorce360.com, long-time journalist Caroline Shannon is a lover of all things related to health and nutrition. She has been a runner for more than ten years and is a certified Pilates instructor. Check out more from Caroline on her her blog, Eat, Pray, Run.