Other Strategies to Select Good Walking Shoes
Know Your Foot and Arch Type: Podiatrists emphasize the importance of knowing your foot type, whether you overpronate, underpronate or your foot is neutral. It’s also essential to know your arch type, as flat feet and high arches require different levels of stability and support.
“I’ve seen patients develop chronic knee pain just because their shoes didn’t support their arches properly,” says Cunha. “It’s not always about the brand, it’s about how the shoe works with your foot.” A visit with a podiatrist can help you identify your specific foot and arch type, which can be difficult to determine on your own. “This is crucial to identify so you purchase the right shoe for your foot type,” explains Parthasarathy.
Get Professionally Fitted: “One size does not fit all in the shoe world!” says Parthasarathy. “The right shoe for your foot type is key in finding [one] that will reduce your foot pain.” When shoe shopping, try Fuchs’ pro tip: “Feet swell throughout the day—always get fitted in the late afternoon or evening. A thumb’s-width of space between the longest toe and shoe end ensures comfort as feet expand.”
Replace Your Shoes Regularly: “People tend to wait too long to get new shoes,” says Cunha. “Even if they look OK on the outside, the inner support usually breaks down after 300 to 400 miles. That’s about six months for regular walkers.” Once that cushioning is gone, you’re putting more stress on your joints, and that’s when the pain starts creeping in, he says. He also recommends bringing your old pair of walking shoes with you to your doctor to assess the wear and tear on the inside of the shoe and evaluate its impact on your gait.
Our Expert Take
Podiatrists agree the best walking shoe to help reduce joint pain is the Hoka Bondi. Podiatrists love it for its ultra-plush cushioning and meta-rocker technology that promotes a smooth step. They’re also big fans of its enhanced stability that suits a variety of different foot types. It’s such a winner that it’s earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. No matter which shoe you choose for your walking routine, podiatrists recommend visiting a podiatrist to learn your foot and arch type, getting professionally fitted and replacing your walking shoes regularly.
