Good Walking Shoes for Women
What is a Walking Shoe?
Walking shoes are light weighted shoes made for rigorous walking, as part of exercise or as a specific sport. Walking shoes are a relatively new phenomenon. In the earlier days considerable attention was paid to running shoes. But today much research is done in the production of walking shoes as well.
Features of a Walking Shoe
While the runners land flatfooted, the walkers land on their heels. So walking shoes have beveled heels. They are specially designed to accommodate the roll- through motion of the feet while walking. Also they have mid foot support bridge for better support. They have flex grooves cut across the forefoot of the outsole. In case there are no flex grooves the outsole material will be flexible because the walker’s foot flexes more than a runner’s during toe- off. Usually they conbine leather and light weight, breathable, synthetic mesh materials for durability and breathability.
How Women’s Walking Shoes are Different
Women’s walking shoes are comparatively narrower. They are designed with padded ankle collar and thump loop to give support and easy wear. High rebound compounds are used in shoes for cushioning. In addition to synthetic materials, gel cushioning is also common.
Criteria of Selection of Walking Shoes
Selection of walking shoes should be determined on the basis of foot type. There are basically 3 kinds of foot, arched (rigid), low arched (flexible) and neutral.
High Arch
High arched feet are very stiff and stable. But they cannot absorb the impact. Hence this type of foot requires a well cushioned walking shoe. It must have an upper that has lot of volume and space. In case the athlete has tight Achilles Tendons, a shoe with a slight heel is recommended. Regarding the shoe shape, high arch requires a curved last.
Neutral Arch
Neutral foot has normal mobility, shock absorption and stability. A semi- curved last is recommended for ordinary, neutral foot.
Low Arch
Flexible or low arch foot requires lot of stability. Hence shoes with less cushioning, low heels and less space between the lace and soles (volume) are ideal. A shoe with straight last are recommended.
Types of Walking Shoes
Motion Control Walking Shoes
Ideal for overpronation. It controls excessive inward rolling of the feet. Motion control walking shoes are rigid with dual density midsole for stability and additional support. They have beveled toe and deep forefoot grooves.
Stability Walking Shoes
Ideal for underpronation. These kinds of shoes have cushioning in the midsole that gives flexibility and acts as a shock absorbent. They have semi- curved last.
Race Walker Shoes
They are manufactured with a wide toe box and evenly thicker heel. They are designed to provide better flexibility at the forefoot than the middle foot for a natural gait.
Cushioned Walking Shoes
Ideal for mild overpronation. Designs give stability to high arch feet with softer midsole. They provide sufficient support at mid roof and fine cushioning at the middle of the foot as well.
Trail walking Shoes
Trail shoes are designed to suit all terrain. They have rugged sole and provide excellent grip with mid roof support.
Reference: Complete Book of Walking. By Maggie Spilner. Rodale, 2000.