✔️ Prioritize cushioning. “The shoe should have good cushioning to allow for shock absorption, which provides less impact on the joints and keeps one’s knees and ankles aligned,” says Robert Woltman, D.P.M., a podiatrist in New York. “It is important to have increased cushioning, especially if people have knee pain, foot problems, or overweight.” Sharkey also adds that it’s important to look for shoes with “cushioning in the forefoot and in the heel as these are two areas most prone to discomfort due to lack of cushioning in shoes.”
✔️ Opt for a stability shoe. “The shoe should have a good support, and one should not be able to bend or twist the in your hands. This is especially important for people who have flat feet,” Woltman advises. This can also help keep the posture aligned and decreasing back pain, he says. But Sharkey says it’s also important to have enough flexibility in the forefoot where your toes naturally bend with your stride.
✔️ Consider the weight of the shoe. “A lighter shoe generally reduces fatigue and can make walking feel more effortless,” says Dr. Pourziaee. “That said, lighter is not always better. Extremely lightweight shoes sometimes sacrifice stability, durability, or support. The ideal walking shoe strikes a balance between being lightweight enough to reduce fatigue while still providing sufficient structure and
cushioning to protect the foot during prolonged activity.”
✔️ Look for a wide toe box. As you walk, your feet will inevitably swell. If a toe box is too narrow, it can not only cause blisters or bunions but it can exacerbate arch and heel pain, Woltman says. Breathable materials that keep your feet ventilated but allow for a bit of movement are also important.
✔️ Find the right fit and comfort. Sharkey tells us you can tell if a shoe fits by these methods: “The heel should also be well padded and ‘hug’ the heel to provide cushion, comfort and avoid slippage with walking. And the toe box should be wide enough for toes to wiggle around and spread out.” At the end of the day, the shoe should fit comfortably first and foremost. You want your foot to be secure and snug without being too tight.
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