Are you a fan of walking for exercise?  We sure are!  There are so many amazing, wonderful benefits to taking a simple walk around the block.  Check them out!

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One of the most important part of walking is what’s on your feet!  Here are some great tips for choosing a good walking shoe and why you need it!

What do you really need?

No one wants to spend upwards of $200 on a walking shoe, but is the $25 version sufficient?  According to the American Heart Association: 

Walking shoes should be lightweight and breathable. The cushioning should be thickest in the heel and the shoe should be flexible enough to bend in your hands.

Check your foot health first!

No shoe is going to help if you’re feet aren’t healthy!  The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine recommends that you check in with a podiatrist if you are dealing with corns, callouses, blisters, or bunions.

Find your shape!

Our friends at the Mayo Clinic have a great shoe guide to help with choosing shoes.  They caution:

Feet come in many shapes and sizes. To avoid painful problems, consider the shape and size of your feet when buying a pair of walking shoes. Remember, your shoes should conform to the shape of your feet. Your feet should never be forced to conform to the shape of a pair of shoes.

Once you’ve picked out your favorite walking shoes, get moving!  Get outside and walk!  Here’s a great 6-week walking plan to break in those new kicks!  Enjoy!