Did you know that a brisk walk every day can keep you healthy and happy in the long run? If you don’t already, you should consider adding this low-impact physical activity to your routine. And if you are someone who loves to go out on walks, you are already on the path to a healthier life. Now, a common misconception among people is that you need specific types of shoes for men while playing a particular sport. Or you only need to buy the coolest pair of kicks for a casual party. Many people don’t know that you should ideally not go for your everyday walks wearing flip-flops or sneakers. Wondering why?
While wearing any footwear may be convenient, it does not promote proper foot biomechanics. This is especially true if you go for walks every day or walk long distances. In fact, it may be surprising, but not even your tennis shoes or running shoes can replace walking shoes for men. Curious to understand how you can make your strolls more comfortable? Read on to find out everything about walking shoes.
Why Do You Need a Pair of Walking Shoes for Men?
Your foot biomechanics vary to a vast degree depending on the activity you are involved in. The same reason why we have different sports shoes for basketball, football, running, cross-training, etc. For example, when you walk, your foot usually strikes the ground at your heel. In contrast, when you run, your foot strikes the ground almost near your midfoot. Since the movements are different, there is a dedicated category of shoes made for this purpose – walking shoes for men.
Some differences between walking and running shoes may not considerably affect walking. For instance, running shoes are more lightweight and offer extensive motion control compared to walking shoes. However, a few differences can play a huge factor in making you choose dedicated shoes for this activity. Running shoes have a firm sole and built-up heel, impacting the way your foot strikes the ground if you wear them while walking. This may cause your feet and leg pain, especially when done for prolonged periods of time.
Having the right pair of walking shoes for men will also prevent you from injuries and developing foot conditions such as Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis. You should not compromise on comfort and foot health whenever buying any footwear.
4 Factors to Consider When Buying Walking Shoes for Men
Now that you understand why you can’t walk in just any shoes, let’s see what factors are crucial when you buy men’s walking shoes:
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Fit
No matter how obvious it sounds, we still need to highlight how important the fit of your footwear is. Not style, not reviews, not trend, but the fit! Your waking shoes should fit perfectly (not too loose or too tight) the moment you try them on for purchase. There is no need to give them time to break in a little. The snug fit of shoes for men will keep your feet from bruised toenails, heel blisters, and other foot problems.
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Flexibility
Your walking shoes should be flexible in the right places. Make sure they are bendy at the point where your foot rolls outward, and you lift yourself off your back foot. You can try flexing the sole to see where it bends. Do not buy shoes for men that appear too stiff. But you also don’t need a pair that bends in half because it will not give you adequate support.
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Cushioning
Typically, you can categorise running shoes into different cushioning levels, namely, barefoot, minimal, moderate, and maximum. Depending on your foot type, pronation, personal preference, and if you have a foot condition, you may need a specific type of cushioning. Walking is a comparatively low-stress activity, so you will ideally not need heavy cushioning. If you walk on trails or uneven surfaces, you may require moderate or sometimes heavy cushioning. It is best to have cushioning on the heel and the ball of the foot. Consider shoes that have insoles with gel, foam, or air cushioning, which enable your walking movement.
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Stability
The shoes you buy should provide you with a minimum level of stability. You should hold the heel of the shoe and bend its toe upward to see if it bends at the ball of the foot. Then, grasp its toe and heel to twist it to see if there is moderate resistance. A good pair of walking shoes for men should meet both these criteria to offer you adequate stability.
Conclusion
What footwear you wear during any physical activity impacts your foot health in the long run. It is nearly impossible for anyone not to spend some part of their day walking, be it grocery shopping, taking a stroll in the park, or walking their dog around the block. As simple as it may seem, even walking requires shoes that enable better movement and protect your feet from injuries or foot conditions. So, wear a solid pair of walking shoes for men when stepping out for a walk, especially for long distances. Check their fit, flexibility, cushioning, and stability before making a final decision. If you are going to include this healthy habit into your routine, make sure you do it right!
