Though walking and running may seem similar, they place different demands on the body and, therefore, on your shoes. Well-designed walking shoes offer the proper amount of support and flexibility, and opting for a dedicated pair of walking shoes allows you to avoid putting additional miles on your running shoes. Don’t forget to change out your walking shoes every 300-400 miles or when they become visibly worn, whichever comes first!

Walking shoes have to cover a lot of ground—literally and in terms of features. Obviously, they need to keep you comfortable. But they must also support you throughout your entire movement cycle, helping you to walk efficiently and with proper form. So how do you know if you’ve found the right walking shoes for you? Try ’em on! Wear the socks you plan to wear out walking, and be sure to try on both shoes. Your feet should feel secure in the shoes, but your toes should have plenty of breathing room. Your feet swell when you exercise, and neglecting to leave a little extra room can result in painful blisters later on. Don’t be afraid to walk around the store a bit to see if the shoes rub, slide, or generally don’t feel “right” on your feet. Do your heels stay put? Are your arches happy? Do the shoes flex with your feet?

How well do you know your feet? Understanding their size, shape, and unique movement pattern is crucial to outfitting them with proper footwear. Before buying your next pair of walking shoes, figure out if you have a low, neutral, or high arch, which will help you determine your gait pattern: overpronation, neutral pronation, or underpronation. The more you know about your feet, the better equipped you’ll be to keep them happy and healthy with the perfect pair of walking shoes!

Choosing the best walking shoe for your foot doesn’t have to be difficult; once you know your arch height, it’s simple to zero in on the right shoe type for you. If you have a high arch, look for a walking shoe with a curved sole and lots of cushioning. For a neutral arch, you can opt for a straight or semi-curved sole. And for a low arch, choose motion-control shoes with a straight sole.

Don’t settle for an ill-fitting walking shoe or try to force the next size up or down to work for your foot’s unique shape or width. Our catalog features a huge selection of the best walking shoes for your individual feet. We carry wide walking shoes and narrow walking shoes—all in a variety of hard-to-find sizes that will put some pep in your step.