There are several types of footwear that are good for walking in.

Remember that all footwear needs to be well designed to absorb shock, as this is what takes the strain out of walking.
This applies whether you are going walking on a treadmill,walking in the park or countryside.

You risk damaging your feet by not wearing the correct footwear.
Check out with your gym to see what they recommend for treadmills.

Trainers
There is no reason why you can't wear good quality trainers to go walking in. They are fine for city walks and if you go walking on maintained paths. However they are usually not waterproof and give limited support and protection.


Walking Trainers or Day hikers

These again are suitable for walks where the ground is even.
They are good for new walkers and anyone who is walking from half a mile to five miles.
Walking trainers have tough protective soles with good grip, often can be waterproof but usually give you no ankle support.


Lightweight Boots

Sometimes these are called three season boots.
These are suitable for walking on uneven ground and when carrying a day sack on longer day walks.

They can be helpful when going up hills as they provide ankle support and excellent grip, They are( but not always) usually waterproof.


Walking Sandals

These are great for walking in warm weather.
They have tough grippy soles but will not protect your feet from thorny growth or rocks. So choose your walks carefully.


Tips on buying your footwear

Whatever you decide to buy - don’t forget to try them on in the afternoon as all our feet swell slightly as the day progresses.

Wear the socks you want to wear with your shoes and if the shop has an incline board - try them on that.

An incline board will let you feel how the shoes will be when going up or down hills.

It is best to have both your feet measured. If you have feet that are different sizes ( and an awful lot of people do) then buy the pair that fits the larger foot.

Make sure you can wriggle both sets of toes.

Remember that different brands of shoes vary in their sizing, so try several pairs on.

When you have them on do they fit snugly? Are your heels held firmly in place?



However comfortable your shoes are please wear them for short walks or around the house before you do a mammoth walking exercise.It will help to stop blisters from developing

I prefer walking trainers for short walks or for use in the gym and a pair of lightweight fabric boots (mine are Gortex because it rains a lot in UK) for walking in the countryside.

For more info on your feet go to ten top tips on footcare

Don’t forget that your feet under normal conditions can sweat about a couple of cupfuls each day!
It is important when you are taking exercise to provide your feet with the best footwear you can afford.

Take the foot awareness quiz, to find out how well you know your feet!

Enjoy your walking!