FAQs: What Size Walking Shoe Should I Buy?

Choosing the right size walking shoe is crucial for both comfort and performance. A poor fit can lead to discomfort, pain, or even injury. Here's a helpful guide to answer the most common questions about selecting the right size walking shoes.

1. How do I know what size walking shoe I need?

To determine your walking shoe size, it's essential to measure your feet first. Here's how:

• Measure at the end of the day: Your feet tend to swell throughout the day, so measuring in the afternoon or evening gives you a more accurate size.
• Use a Brannock device: This is a standard foot-measuring tool that helps measure your foot length, width, and arch. You can often find one at a shoe store.
• Check online guides: If you're buying shoes online, many brands provide sizing charts that correlate your foot measurements with the appropriate size.
• Consider the type of socks you wear: Thick socks will require a slightly larger shoe size than thin or no-show socks.

2. Should I choose a size based on my regular shoe size?

Not necessarily. Walking shoes often run differently compared to other types of footwear like casual or dress shoes. Many people find that their walking shoe size is slightly larger than their everyday shoe size due to the added room for foot movement and cushioning.

• For wider feet: Look for shoes that offer wide or extra-wide options (like 2E or 4E for men and women). This provides more space across the toes and prevents pinching.
• For narrow feet: Consider shoes with a more fitted design or options specifically made for narrow feet.

3. Should walking shoes feel snug or loose?

Your walking shoes should be snug, but not too tight. Here's what to look for:

• Toe Room: There should be about a thumb's width of space (about half an inch) between your longest toe and the front of the shoe when standing. This allows for foot expansion when walking.
• Heel Fit: Your heel should fit snugly, with no slipping while walking. If the heel slips, the shoe may be too big.
• Arch Support: Make sure the arch support aligns with your foot's natural arch for proper alignment and comfort.

4. What if my feet are different sizes?

It's common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. When buying walking shoes:

• Fit to the larger foot: Always choose a size based on your larger foot. You can use insoles or heel pads to make the smaller shoe fit more comfortably.
• Adjustable features: Look for walking shoes with adjustable closures (like Velcro straps) to customize the fit to each foot.

5. How should my walking shoes feel when I try them on?

When trying on walking shoes, they should feel comfortable right away. Avoid shoes that feel too tight, as they may cause blisters or pinching. The shoes should provide:

• Cushioning: Your shoes should have enough cushioning to protect against impact without feeling too soft or hard.
• Support: The shoes should offer adequate arch and ankle support to keep your feet stable while walking.

6. How do I know if the shoe is too small or too big?

Signs that the shoe is too small:

• Your toes feel cramped or pressed against the front of the shoe.
• You experience pinching on the sides of the shoe.
• The shoes feel tight across the instep.

Signs that the shoe is too big:

• The shoes slip off your heels while walking.
• You experience blisters or friction points due to extra space inside the shoe.
• The shoes feel loose, especially around the arch and heel areas.

7. Should I break in my walking shoes?

While some walking shoes may require a short break-in period, they should feel comfortable from the start. If they are too stiff or uncomfortable after a few hours of wear, they may not be the right fit.

• Start slow: If the shoes are slightly stiff, start by wearing them for short periods to allow the materials to soften and mold to your feet.

8. How do I know if my walking shoes are worn out?

Walking shoes typically last around 300-500 miles depending on the type of walking you do. Here are some signs your walking shoes may need replacing:

• Loss of cushioning: If the shoes feel flat or no longer provide shock absorption.
• Sole wear: Check the tread on the soles. If the patterns are worn down, the shoes may not provide enough grip.
• Decreased comfort: If you start experiencing foot pain, blisters, or aches that weren't an issue when the shoes were new.

9. Should I buy walking shoes in person or online?

While it's convenient to shop online, it's always a good idea to try on shoes in person if you can. This ensures a better fit and comfort assessment.

• If buying online: Make sure the store offers a generous return/exchange policy in case the shoes don't fit as expected.
• Consider customer reviews: Many online stores have detailed reviews that provide insight into how shoes fit and feel.

10. How does cushioning affect shoe size?

Shoes with more cushioning may feel slightly tighter than those with less padding due to the added material inside. If you're trying on cushioned walking shoes, ensure you still have enough toe space to avoid discomfort. Shoes with thicker cushioning may also feel more snug initially but will break in over time for a more customized fit.

Conclusion

Choosing the right size walking shoe is essential for comfort and injury prevention. By considering factors like foot width, toe space, and arch support, you can ensure your walking shoes will serve you well for many miles. Always make sure your walking shoes fit properly from the start, and don't be afraid to exchange them if they don't feel just right.

Are you ready to find your perfect fit? Happy walking!