Selecting Walking Shoes

When it comes to your health and your feet, walking helps both. Gary Evans, DPM, James Korponay, DPM, and Caren Schumer, DPM, podiatrists in New York and Whitestone, want to make sure you ar wearing the right shoes to better protect yourself from injury. To protect your feet from complications, it is important to choose the right shoe for your feet.

As a walker, you should look for a good quality, lightweight walking shoe with breathable upper materials, such as leather or nylon mesh. The heel counter should be very firm, as it should have reduced cushioning to position the heel closer to the ground for walking stability. Additionally, the front area of the shoe should have adequate support and flexibility.

Your podiatrist in New York, Gary Evans, DPM, James Korponay, DPM, and Caren Schumer, DPM, also urge you to make sure the shoe fits your feet accordingly. The shoe should be snug, but not too tight over the sock. It should also have plenty of room for the toes to move around. What athletic shoes you choose are important as well because you don’t want your shoe to become too tight when wearing socks.

More shoe tips offered by your New York and Whitestone podiatrists include:

  • Check the shoe width to make sure it is comfortable and accommodates the width of the ball of your foot.
  • Make sure the shoe provides good arch support.
  • See that the top of the heel counter of the shoe is properly cushioned and does not bite into the heel or touch the anklebones.

Proper footwear is essential in protecting your feet from injury and pain, as well as allowing you to properly walk for exercise. Initially, it is important to meet with your podiatrist in New York prior to beginning any exercise or walking routine. With the consultation of your podiatrists in New York and Whitestone, a proper walking regimen can be created to ensure appropriate exercise.