Walking is one of the best and safest forms of exercise for physical and mental health as we get older. It’s low-impact, which means it’s easy on our joints and can be done almost anywhere, any time. It’s one of my go to exercises now that I’m over forty. I try to walk daily at work and I take longer walks on the weekends. The one thing I’m learning is the importance of walking in the right shoes. Oftentimes when I’m taking a walk at work, I walk in my flats. They’re comfortable and I don’t have to worry about carrying a second pair of shoes. But I’ve noticed walking in my flats is causing them to wear faster and I believe they’re the reason for the pain I sometimes experience in my feet and legs.
Since walking is my favorite form of exercise, now that I’m a woman of a certain age, I’ve decided to stop walking in my work shoes and get a proper walking shoe. Because I’m not a shoe expert, I did a little research to determine the best type of walking shoe. The first thing I learned is that choosing the right pair of walking shoes is essential for avoiding discomfort, reducing injury risk, and making walks more enjoyable. This is very important since the whole point of choosing walking as my exercise of choice is to prevent injury and avoid any unnecessary discomfort.
To find the shoes that best fit my needs: support, cushioning and style; I went to Amazon because I knew once I found the shoes I liked, I could get them within a day or two.
From my research I learned that it’s important to select shoes that offer the proper arch support. This prevents foot fatigue and provides stability to help us power through those long, early morning speed walks in the park. Another concern is cushioning. Proper cushioning helps to reduce the impact on joints and lessens pressure on our aging knees and back. And last but not least, select the right fit and style. A well-fitted shoe prevents blisters and accommodates any specific needs, such as bunions or plantar fasciitis.
I did a search for the top walking shoes for older women and here’s what I’ve found:
Top Walking Shoes for Older Women
1. New Balance 877 Walking Shoe
– Features: Lightweight construction, ample cushioning, and wide toe box.
– Benefits: Ideal for all-day comfort and support during longer walks.
2. Skechers Go Walk Joy
– Features: Breathable mesh upper, responsive 5Gen cushioning, and slip-on design.
– Benefits: Perfect for casual walkers who want a shoe that’s easy to wear and versatile. Affordable, great for work break walks.
– Affiliate Link: [Shop Skechers Go Walk Joy]
3. Hoka Bondi 8
– Features: Maximum cushioning with a rocker sole for smooth transitions.
– Benefits: Great for women with joint pain or those who want added support for extended walks.
– Affiliate Link: [Shop Hoka Bondi 8]
All of these shoes can be found on Amazon.com. My pick is the Hoka Bondi 8. I used to despise these shoes based on looks alone, but now that I’m older, I’m starting to appreciate shoes and other products for the way they function and the benefits they can offer as opposed to their appearance.
So, if you are like me and you enjoy walking whether at work or elsewhere, but are a little too lazy to walk in the proper shoes, I hope you consider joining me in acquiring shoes that will make our walks more enjoyable and reduce our risk of injury and pain. Here are some tips for selecting the best shoe for you.
Tips for Selecting the Best Shoes
Assess Your Foot Type: Flat feet, high arches, or neutral? Choose shoes designed for your specific needs. It may be advantageous to visit a podiatrist or a shoe store that specializes in shoes for people with foot issues.
Prioritize Fit: Look for shoes that provide a snug fit without pinching or slipping. Pay attention to toe room, ensuring there is about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the shoe’s tip. Also, ensure the proper width. Your feet shouldn’t feel squished or slide inside the shoe. You also want to make sure the heel is snug, without slipping when you walk.
Test Durability: Opt for shoes made with high-quality materials for long-lasting wear. Examine the material in the upper, outsole and insole. Test the flexibility of the shoe. Hold the hell and toe, and try to bend the shoe. A durable shoe will bend only at the ball of the foot and not in the midsole or heel. You can also perform the Twist Test. You do this by holding the heel and toe and try to twist the shoe. It should resist excessive twisting. Any resistance indicates good structural integrity. Also, before purchasing your new shoes, read customer reviews, particularly about longevity and wear patterns.
The shoes mentioned above have been known to be durable but please do your own research and find the shoes that are best for you and your budget.
Replace Regularly: Update your walking shoes every 300-500 miles to ensure proper support. You can track walking miles a few ways. You can use a Smartphone App, a Fitness Tracker or Smartwatch or a Pedometer. A Smartphone App is often free and easy to set up. It also provides additional data like calories burned and walking pace. A fitness tracking device, like Garmin or Apple Watch can accurately track your steps, distance and more. It can continuously track and often sync with apps for long-term data storage. A pedometer, the most simple and affordable in my opinion, counts your steps and calculates miles based on your stride length. With a pedometer, there’s no need for a smartphone or advanced technology. Very simple. These can be perfect for the less tech savvy among us. Manual calculation also works.
How to Maintain Your Walking Shoes
– Cleaning your walking shoes is essential to maintain their durability, performance and appearance. Clean regularly to keep them fresh and free of odor. Regular cleaning removes dirt, sweat and bacteria, which can degrade materials over time and cause unpleasant odors.
– Rotate between multiple pairs if you walk daily. This is a good idea so that your shoes aren’t worn down quickly from miles of walking.
– Store in a cool, dry place to prevent material degradation. If you walk at work, like I do, and plan on keeping a pair at work, they should be safe if kept in a temperature controlled office.
The right pair of walking shoes can transform your walking experience, offering unparalleled support, comfort, and confidence. Whether you’re an avid walker or just starting, investing in quality footwear is the first step to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Leave a comment below and let me know which type of shoe you purchased or favorite type of walking shoe.
**Affiliate Disclosure:** Some links in this post are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links.
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