✔️ Look for soft, supportive cushioning. The best shoes for walking are those that provide support and cushioning, which provide proper shock absorption and “allow for efficient movement with reduced strain on the joints of the feet, ankle and knees,” says Sharkey.
✔️ Find shoes with good arch support. Proper arch support helps promote foot alignment while reducing strain on the foot, leading to improved comfort, less fatigue, and reduced foot pain, says Sharkey.
✔️ Choose shoes with a firm heel counter. Parthasarathy recommends shoes with a firm, supportive heel counter, which can help keep the heel steady and minimize stretching of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
✔️ Check for a roomy toe box. Experts say that shoes with a spacious and wide toe box are ideal, as they can help prevent pressure, squeezing, and discomfort in the toe area of your foot.
✔️ Opt for a removable insole. Ideally, you should look for shoes with a removable insole, says Parthasarathy. This will allow you to fit in your own custom or over-the-counter orthotic for personalized comfort, especially if you have conditions like plantar fasciitis.
✔️ Find the right shoe for your foot type. “It’s important to know your foot type which would be pronated, neutral, or supinated so you are buying the correct shoe for you,” says Parthasarathy. “A visit with your podiatrist will narrow down your choices. This is crucial to identify so you purchase the right shoe for your foot type.”
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