Guidelines for Buying
Walking Shoes
by dr. Ted Forcum and dr. Thomas hyde
Three essential factors should be taken into consideration before
purchasing a new pair of walking shoes. These are:
n Stability ~ Test for a balanced and secure feel throughout a normal range
of motion.
n Flexibility ~ Allow for a good degree of give at the base of the toes, allowing
smooth motion.
n Comfort ~ The best walking shoes comprise contours and padding conformed
closely to the foot, providing a snug fit at the heel and mid-foot, with ample
room in the forefoot.
Examine these following four specific areas of any walking shoe:
n Heel counter ~ This area of the shoe holds the back of the heel, just under-
neath the Achilles tendon. Look for it to be snug, but not tight, comfortably
cupping the back of the heel. A good heel counter will help prevent the feet
from over pronation or supination (rolling to the inside or outside edge of
the foot).
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n Midsole ~ Between the tread and cloth or leather upper of the shoe, the
• Be stronger?
midsole is the most important component of footwear. Made of a variety of
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materials, it gives a shoe a greater or lesser degree of cushioning, support
and flexibility.
• Think more clearly?
n Insole ~ Located inside the shoe, on the bottom, where the sole of the foot
• Be thinner?
contacts the shoe, the insole should contour comfortably to the foot. A good
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design reduces shear forces between the foot and the shoe and provides
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some shock absorption.
n Toe box ~ Be sure the area surrounding the toes provides adequate room
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for toes to move freely; wiggling and bending the toes at the joints should
be unrestricted. Conversely, too much space will cause shifting and discom-
Thousands of people fort. There should be approximately one-half to a full thumb’s width between
have achieved this and more
the end of the longest toe and the end of the toe box.
with a NEW natural program:
Here are general guidelines to consider when getting fitted for a
new pair of walking shoes:
n Have the salesperson take dimensions of both feet, as there may be
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differ ences. Take measurements while standing, because feet expand when
bearing weight. Base the current shoe size on these measurements, not on
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a previous shoe size.
healthier & longer
n Measure feet at the end of the day. They tend to swell throughout the
without medication.
course of the day.
n Try on and lace up both left and right shoes while wearing regular socks.
Stand up and walk around to make sure the fit is correct.
Terri Evans
n Never buy walking shoes that immediately feel too tight. Although they will go
DOM, AP, CH, LMT, FS
through a break-in period, if walking shoes initially feel tight, they are too small.
TAE Healthy Aging Center n Finally, keep in mind that arch supports, or orthotics, can supplement the
6722 Lone Oak Blvd.
original shoe to help attain the best fit.
Naples • 34109
Ted Forcum, a doctor of chiropractic in Beaverton, OR, is a contributing author for
(239)592-1900
Spine-Health.com. Thomas Hyde, a doctor of chiropractic in Aventura, FL, is a member
of the medical advisory board for
Spine-Health.com.
www.MagnifyYourHealth.org
FirstLine Therapy is a registered
trademark of Metagenics, Inc.
Collier / Lee Counties
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