Find the right Walking Shoes for your feet

On a long trek, there’s nothing worse than irritation and discomfort caused by poorly fitting or inappropriate footwear, so it’s a must to choose the right walking shoes or boots.

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So, which is the right walking shoe for you? Different types of walking shoes and boots work better for different people, so we’ve focused on the key features to look for when choosing the perfect walking shoe.

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What walking shoes are best for flat feet?

The arch acts as the foot’s natural shock absorber, allowing the foot to absorb impact before it reaches the ankles, knees, hips and beyond. Flat arches often compromise the foot’s ability to absorb shock, and force the foot into an inward rolling position, preventing the foot from evenly distributing weight and forcing the ankle to compensate to stabilise the body. This can lead to aches and pains, and even injury, particularly to the arches, ankles and knees, making longer distance treks challenging for those with flat arches – especially factoring in heavy backpacks and increased pressures from uneven terrain.

Walkers with flat arches should look for a shoe which replaces the support lost through collapsed arches. These include shoes with inbuilt arch support such as Salomon’s Ellipse Aero. Look for walking shoes with inbuilt midfoot shanks which allow natural foot movement, but also provide additional rigidity to support the arch, and help prevent excessive inward rolling. A heel cup will also help to stabilise the ankle and prevent it rotating and twisting. Structured cushioning systems, along with higher density EVA inserts on the inside of the shoe and wide straight lasts, can also help stabilise the foot. Investing in medial arch supports such as SofSole’s Low Arch insole is also a good option.

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What walking shoes are best for high arches

A high, stiff arch doesn’t collapse enough during the gait cycle to absorb shock. This results in increased weight bearing and pressures on the heel and balls of the foot, and shock is transmitted to the ankle, knees, hips and lower back. People with high arches are prone to pain in these areas and are also at risk of developing conditions such as plantar fasciitis.

Walkers with high arches should look for walking shoes with good arch support to help relieve excessive pressure, and help distribute weight and impact more evenly. Good cushioning is also essential to help absorb shock. Look for walking shoes and boots with cushioned EVA footbeds and added cushioning systems such as the Merrell Moab which has added air cushioning. It is also thought a softer, cushioned midsole may also help to encourage pronation, and the foot’s natural means of shock absorption.

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What walking shoes are best for wide feet

If you have wide feet, it can be difficult to find correctly fitting walking boots and shoes. Too-narrow footwear can cause rubbing, blistering, exacerbate conditions such as bunions and destabilise the foot. Some brands such as New Balance make boots in wider fittings, whereas others including Hi-Tec walking boots tend to be built on slightly more generous lasts.

Women should look for wider D widths, and can also consider trying men’s sizes which are built on a wider last. Men should look for 2E (wide) and 4E (extra wide widths). Stability shoes built on wide and straight (as opposed to curved) lasts can also be helpful. Finally, you can also consider different lacing techniques which will help secure the foot without constricting it.

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What walking shoes are best for narrow feet

Some shoe brands are narrower than others, for example Teva and Merrell are both on the narrower side. The adidas Terrex is also a good option for narrow feet, built on a narrower, more performance based last and with a supportive upper which helps to secure and stabilise the foot. Trail running shoes are always an option worth considering for outdoor treks, again being built on narrower lasts for performance. You can also look at different lacing techniques and cushioned insoles such as SofSole’s Airr insole to help provide a more snug fit.

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