The Purpose of Walking Shoes

Walking shoes are special shoes that you wear light usage. They can be easily distinguished from athletic shoes that work for sportier activities, such as running shoes. The various protective features walking shoes come with are, on average, less cushioning and less supportive than those featured in sportier shoes. However, walking shoes can still provide the cushioning and support needed in less strenuous activity.

  1. Special Features

    • Regardless of the brand, walking shoes come with special features to support feet and stave off injury when used for walking. An Achilles notch or a cut or depression in the rear of the shoe reduces stress on the Achilles tendon of the foot. An ankle collar inside the shoe holds the ankle in place to ensure proper fit and reduce the chance of slippage while walking. A special outsole and insole, which you can remove to facilitate cleaning, help cushion and support the feet and arches. A spacious toe box gives toes room to move, thus preventing calluses and nail injuries. A roll bar can help stabilize walkers' feet if they tend to roll when they strike the ground. Lastly, a special rubber outsole, similar to outsoles that see service in running shoes, features treads and grooves to help maintain good traction.

    Light Exercise

    • Walking shoes work well for light exercise involving walking, as opposed to running shoes, which you use in more strenuous running sessions. Exercise walking can involve moving at a slow or moderate rate and can take place on either paved roads or easily navigated off-road areas such as fields. The cushioning and supportive features of walking shoes can help walkers avoid injury while still being able to enjoy the benefits of a slightly increased pace.

    Long-Distance Travel

    • Wear walking shoes for longer-distance activities that you do involve exercise, such as for use during travel and tours for sightseeing and other such purposes. As this activity can often require travelers to be on their feet and/or to be walking for hours on end, the cushioning and support provided by walking shoes can help these travelers stay comfortable, stave off fatigue and prevent injuries.

    Casual Use

    • You can use walking shoes for casual or everyday purposes like shopping or visiting the mall, which may rarely, if ever, involve continuous walking without significant rest breaks. However, the comfort walking shoes afford make them the shoe of choice for many people who prize comfort and flexibility.

    Treatment Aids

    • Walking shoes can help treat people suffering from various injuries of the foot or legs. A study conducted at the McKinly Lab of the University of Delaware determined the effectiveness of neutral and laterally wedged orthoses and walking shoes in treating medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis. The group that wore walking shoes equipped with these orthoses demonstrated significant improvements in their condition after researchers tested them both one month and one year after treatment had begun.