Fitting shoes The most important thing of course, is a shoe that fits properly. Here are some helpful tips when choosing your footwear.
Be sure your foot has enough room in the toe box. There should be a thumbnails width (or about a half inch) between your toes and the end of the shoe. The shoe should be wide enough in the toe that your toes can move freely. Your heel should not slip, and the shoe should not pinch or bind, especially across the arch or ball of your foot.
Look for a low, supportive heel that rounds (or bevels) in. A thick heel or one that flairs out (like many running shoes) will cause your foot to slap down rather than roll. This slows down forward momentum and increases the occurrence of sore shins.
Look for a shoe that is light weight and breathable.
Go shoe shopping at the end of the day or after your walk when your feet may be slightly swollen. Also be sure to wear the same socks you will be wearing during your walks. This can make a huge difference in how the shoe fits. Try on both shoes. Your feet may not be the same size (really!).
Do not shop when you are in a hurry. Be sure to walk around the store for a few minutes on a hard surface. If the store has an objection to this, find another store. It is worth the effort to find the right shoe for you and it is worth spending a few extra dollars.
Keep track of how many miles you have put on your shoes, and replace them every 300 to 600 miles. To extend the life of your shoes be sure to only wear them only for your walks. Also rotating two pair of shoes will give them time to breathe and "bounce back" between walks.
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