Walking Shoes

Do you have FLAT FEET due to genetics or wearing shoes for many years that did not provide enough arch support? Are you looking for some comfortable and supportive walking shoes?

Another term used for flat feet is Fallen Arches, due to hyperpronation. If you have this condition you already feel the pain, and may have other related problems such as ankle, knee, hip or lower back pain.

I have had foot problems since I was born. I had surgery due to deformity as a young child (no fun for someone who wanted to go play!) and have had to wear expensive orthotic insoles and shoes for years.

As I grew older the foot problems caused additional pain and chronic conditions with my knees, hips and back. It is rare for me to have a day without irritating back pain because I have a desk job. And yet, I have managed to find the best walking shoes for myself, and am an avid walker.

I have finished several breast cancer events – including the Susan G. Komen 3-day (60 miles in three days-two marathons of 26 miles and a “short last day”) and five half marathons including the Maui and Chicago half marathons, in under 15 minute miles.

Trust me, I know how important it is to purchase the best walking shoes for your feet. Here are some tips to get the right WALKING SHOE if you have flat feet:

1. The right shoe for you may not be called a “walking shoe.” It may be a running shoe, trail shoe, casual, or orthopedic shoe. You may also want to look at some uniquely designed shoes at i-roc.
2. Find a shoe with a stable arch support, shock absorption in the heel and ball of the foot. You can search the internet for shoes which address specific problems like pronation.
3. Go to a specialty store, such as Nike Town, or a New Balance store late in the day to be measured – both sitting down and standing. Hopefully you will get a knowledgeable sales person to recommend which models would be best for you. Bring your orthotic insoles and socks so you can be fitted correctly.
4. Don’t buy shoes on you first visit because you need to do some homework. Go to the internet and look for reviews on the shoes which were recommended to you. See what other people are saying about that brand and model. You might find a better price online too.
5. Walking shoes should be comfortable immediately – - there should not be much of a break in period.
6. If you are going to wear an arch support or gel insole, be sure to purchase shoes which are at least one-half size larger. I purchase my shoes one whole size larger because feet swell when walking long distances, and I have an orthopedic insole. Socks are also a consideration – if I wear thinner socks, my shoes feel a little different than with a thicker athletic sock.
7. Remember that shoes last for approximately 400-500 miles before the materials begin to break down and you will need to replace your walking shoes as they get older. You will know they are too old when your feet and legs feel hurt and tired after a walk.

If you have flat feet or fallen arches, you have many options for buying walking shoes; however, you may want to visit an Orthopedic Foot Doctor to obtain special insoles to help your condition. Do not get caught up on labels – the right shoe for you may not be called a walker. Shop late in the day when your feet are a little larger so you can be measured accurately.

Take your information from the store and scour the web for reviews and perhaps a better price (I rarely purchase my shoes at a brick and mortar store now-I like Http://www.zapos.com). Last but not least – use your new walking shoes until it’s time to retire them.

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Dorothy Sterrenberg is an avid walker and has raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer research. In addition she is a finisher of more than five half marathons, including the prestigious Chicago Half Marathon and Maui Half Marathon. She is currently training for two half marathons.