A brief daily walk is a powerful thing. It can curb cravings, reduce your cancer risk, ease pain, help you lose weight, and give your immune system a boost. Those benefits and more begin when you acquire a high-quality pair of walking shoes that are up to the task.
What is the difference between a run-of-the-mill pair of kicks and a great pair of shoes? Manufacturers design walking shoes with your body’s needs in mind, reducing pain and the potential for injury. The better the shoes, the better they’ll hold up once you begin hitting the streets for a brisk daily stroll.
When you head to the shoe store, will you know what to look for?
We’ve created this guide to help you discover what makes a great pair of walking shoes and why they’re worth the price. Read on to learn the ins and outs of investing in new orthopaedic shoes.
Comfortable Shoes Matter
Stepping into a retail shoe store can be overwhelming, and when you compare an inexpensive pair of sneakers to a premium pair, it can be hard to see the difference. Start by looking at materials and shoe structure.
Materials Make a Difference
Foremost, manufacturers tend to make premium shoes from higher-quality, often natural materials. These materials are more likely to be moisture-wicking and flexible, which reduces stinky fungi and bacteria and makes your shoes less likely to rub. The more pleasant your shoes are to wear, the more likely you are to put them on and get moving.
Start With Structure
The structure of your shoe also makes a difference. Your feet are the foundation of your body, and poor shock absorption can lead to pain in your ankles, legs, hips, and spine. Well-made shoes improve your posture and take pressure off your joints.
All these features are even more critical for individuals with diabetes or nerve damage. A single sore can quickly lead to an entire limb amputation if you aren’t careful, but certain types of shoes can eliminate injuries. If you’re unsure where to start, view these diabetic walking shoes.
Why Walk?
You’re far more likely to get out and move when you like your walking shoe. Here are a few of the health benefits of walking daily.
- Strengthened bones and muscles
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved muscular endurance
- Higher energy
- Easier weight loss
- Improved balance
- Better mood, memory, and cognitive ability
- Lower stress
- Strengthened immune system
The longer the walk, the better the benefits. A daily walk can transform the lives of people with diabetes, too. Doctors recommend a daily walk to manage all sorts of chronic medical conditions.
Walk (Don’t Run) to Grab New Walking Shoes
Even fifteen scant minutes of daily walking have the potential to revolutionize the way you feel. A high-quality pair of supportive walking shoes will ensure that every step is comfortable. If you need some extra motivation, there’s no shame in choosing a flashy, colorful pair that will get you excited to hit the streets!
Before you head out for your walk, take a minute to browse the other health-related content on the blog. You might build a new habit that will transform how you feel in your skin.
