How to Buy Walking Shoes
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that my walking shoes needed to be replaced. My feet got sore even during short walks and I started having pain in one knee. I’m normally a bargain shopper, but I fought the urge to visit the chain discount shoe store or the big box sporting goods store and instead, headed for Runner’s Roost, our local running specialty store. I needed somebody with expertise who could evaluate my feet and make recommendations for the right shoe.
Before I went shoe shopping, I did a little research. I found a list of the top ten walking shoes and learned about features I should look for in a pair of shoes. I wanted to be able to ask good questions and know that I was buying the right shoes for me.
I wore a pair of walking socks with a pair of knock-around shoes – I was too embarrassed by the condition of my current shoes to wear them. When I got there, I was greeted by a guy – we’ll call him Josh – who first asked if I had been fit there before. I said no, so he asked me to remove my shoes and walk across the store. Then he had me stand on one foot and then the other. He asked what kind of running I was doing, and I told him I would be walking a marathon and a half next summer. He smiled and asked if I was doing the Avon walk. I said yes and we talked about what a great event it is. We agreed that I wouldn’t be doing any serious mileage until spring, but that I would be doing my regular, three-to-six-mile walks through the winter.
Josh told me that I need a shoe with support, especially for my left foot, which has a flatter arch than my right. This wasn’t news to me – my left knee has been giving me trouble in my old shoes. He said we’d start with stability running shoes and showed me how a stability shoe would give me support at the mid-foot but still be flexible enough at the toe for walking. He then asked what size I wear. He recommended trying a half-size larger and disappeared to retrieve some shoes.
He came back with a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8s. 
I tried them on, walked on the treadmill in the store, and pronounced them good. He felt my toes and said he thought the toe box was a little tight. He left again and came back with a pair of Saucony Grid Omnis. These weren’t a fit at all – too tight in the heel. Josh brought out the Mizuno Wave Alchemy, a flashy shoe that felt great on my foot, but not quite as comfortable as the Brooks. While I was walking around the store, he went to the back one more time and returned with the Brooks shoes in a wide width. Ah, perfect.
Once I had decided on the shoes, Josh told me that, before I wear them outside, I should try them on a treadmill to make sure they work for me. If not, I can take them back. He also said that in the spring when I start getting into long distance training, I should come back and they can evaluate the shoe and how it’s working for me. At that point we can decide whether or not I need a different size or style to compensate for the added stress my feet will be taking. He also reminded me that I’ll need two pairs of whichever shoes I pick for the training and walk.
As I paid for the shoes, Josh and I talked about the Avon Walk and what my team is doing to fundraise. He gave me a 15% discount and said they would do the same for the rest of my team or anybody else registered for the walk. With the discount, my cost was less than I would have paid at a sporting goods store or online, and I got help from an expert. And because I had done my homework, I was confident in the information Josh shared and with the assortment of shoes he recommended.
Yesterday I did six miles on the treadmill at the gym – my feet were smiling the whole time. The lesson: Don’t ever be intimidated by going to an expert for help. Your shoes are the most important piece of equipment you’ll buy when you’re doing a walk, whether it’s a 5K or a marathon. Invest the time and money in a good fitting for the right pair of shoes. Your body will thank you.
A few quick tips:
- Do your homework and know what questions to ask before you go shopping.
- Try shoes on at the end of the day when your feet are bigger. Your feet will swell during a walk, and the shoe that’s comfortable in the morning may give you misery late in the afternoon.
- Wear the socks you’ll be wearing with the shoes.
- Investigate running shoes, rather than walking shoes. The technology is better and the selection is much larger.
- The shoes should have a flexible toe, a flat heel, and the support your foot needs, whether you have flat arches or a high instep or under- or over-pronate (roll your foot inside or outside when you walk).
- Remember that you should replace your shoes every 500 miles or so, or whenever you start to notice aches and pains you didn’t have before.
Great article!
I have two pairs of running/walking shoes. One is my regular street shoe size, I hardly ever use them. My comfy pair is 1/2 size larger – I LOVE them – New Balance.
Always ask for discounts when shopping for athletic gear. All the bike and running stores in our area give at least a 10% discount to members of Team in Training.