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FAQ: New Walking Shoes
I get questions all the time from my readers and clients and I will start posting those along with my answers. Here is a question from Robert about new walking shoes and my answer.Question
Dear Bonnie,
I am a 29 year old male, 5'9", 260lbs, and I used to work out. I would like to start working out again, and I understand I need to ease into it. I got a lot of benefit before by walking, and ultimately jogging, on the treadmill at the gym. I would like to start doing that again.
However, I am in need of a new pair of shoes. My current pair is in pretty bad shape. Do you have any suggestions on how I should choose my next pair of shoes? I don't plan to run a marathon or anything, just some light jogging and walking on the treadmill.
Thank you,
Robert
Answer
Dear Robert.
I always recommend running shoes to my clients because of how they are built. Since you are as heavy as you are you need a lot of support. You need to go to a store that specializes in athletic shoes...i.e. Foot Locker and ask to be fitted for running or walking. Don't let them talk you into a walking shoe because they are just not built sturdy enough.
Make sure that you can take the shoe that you are interested in and actually bend it easily at the fore foot. You don't want a STIFF shoe. Make sure you have at least a thumbs distance between your longest toe and the end of your shoe. Notice how the heel fits--is it sloppy? You don't want the shoe to slip up and down on your heel and cause blisters.
If you are going to be working out consistently at least 3-5 times a week you will want to replace your shoes every 6-9 months. The shoes will still look almost new on the outside, but the inside (where it counts) will be broken down and you may experience pain in your shins when that happens!! I hope this helps.
My favorite brands are New Balance and Asics. Since you are male, Adidas might be a good fit, also. You just have to try them on and then walk in them for a while and experience the shoe. Make sure that the laces aren't too tight across the instep....this can cause your foot to go to sleep!
If you go to Road Runner Sports they'll tell you how to find out if you have a flat foot, a high arch, or a med arch and which shoes will fit which type of foot. If you look at your old pair of shoes and see if they are worn more on the inside then you will know you are a supinator and if they are worn more on the outside then you are more of a pronator. If it is even, you are neutral.
To explain further, foot types are generally classified into one of three categories: pronator, neutral, or supinator. The pronator type of foot rolls far inward during the weight-bearing phase of the stride. This foot type is characterized by a very low or flat arch. Heavier people often have feet in this category.
The supinator type of foot restricts the impact of the stride largely to the outer edges of the foot. This is often due to a very high, rigid arch.
The neutral type of foot is between the pronator and supinator types. It is the most common foot type. Runners with a neutral type of foot lands on the heel and rolls forward during the gait cycle until the impact is distributed evenly across the forefoot.
If you have any other questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact me.
In Health,
Bonnie
