Choosing the Best Walking Shoe for You

A good pair of walking shoes runs you anywhere from $40 to $100. They should have good shock absorption and should be stiffer and more supportive than running shoes, despite having a flexible forefoot. The midsoles are thinner than those of running shoes to accommodate the slower foot roll when you walk. They feature beveled, or slightly angled, heels to allow for a smooth heel-to-toe roll. Knowing your foot type and having a basic understanding of shoe terminology should help you pick the shoe that's best for you. Even before you put the shoe on, you should be able to do a quick inspection and have an idea as to whether it's a good choice or not. Of course, you should always try on any shoe you buy for fit and comfort.

* Pronators should look for a shoe with a motion control device in the midsole. They also should look for a board-lasted, straight shoe, which provides support for the inside of the foot and thus prevents you from overusing the inside edge of your foot. Pronators should also look for a reinforced heel counter for control and stability. Sturdy uppers and stability straps can also help prevent inward roll. Shoes with too much padding can exaggerate pronation, so avoid them.

* Supinators should look for greater stability and a shoe with an outer sole, insole, and midsole designed for extra shock absorbency. Slip-lasted, curved shoes are probably your best bet because supinators have rigid feet. Buy shoes with reinforced material around the ankles and firm heel counters for maximum ankle and heel support. Extra cushioning under the ball of the foot helps increase comfort.

* Owners of neutral feet can wear just about any shoes and be ensured of proper support and comfort, but you may find that shoes that have a curved shape fit best. Even if your feet are neutral and you have no injury issues, don't skimp on the basic walking shoe features.

Taking note of injury patterns

Pay attention to your usual points of injury — even if your walking routine didn't cause them. If you are prone to joint pain in your ankles, knees, hips, or lower back, look for a well - cushioned shoe that allows your foot to move naturally. Definitely make an effort to walk in walking shoes as opposed to dress shoes or running shoes.

Keeping mileage, speed, and walking surface in mind

Walkers who average more than 30 miles a week and/or who walk for speed should look for high-performance walking shoes. Here's what to look for in a high-performance shoe:

* Light weight
* Lots of features to improve stability, cushioning, and shock absorption, like reinforced heel counters, stability straps, and high-tech midsole and insole materials
* Removable insoles with some arch support
* Firm and springy cushioning (just not as wiggly as gelatin)
* Extra cushioning, especially in the heel and ball of the foot
* Flexibility that matches the natural bend of the foot
* Sturdy uppers, made of nylon mesh
* D-ring lacing system that allows for variable lacing patterns, which means that the eyelets are situated at various distances from the center of the shoe.