Ultimate Guide to Choosing Walking Shoes
Updated on December 26, 2024
Shop the best walking shoes
Walking is one of the simplest and most beneficial forms of exercise, but foot discomfort can make it a challenge. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, or flat feet, as well as the need for additional support, can turn an otherwise enjoyable activity into a source of frustration. Wearing the wrong footwear often exacerbates these issues, leading to further discomfort and potential complications.
Without proper support, foot problems can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. Poor arch alignment, insufficient cushioning, or lack of stability can make walking harder and less enjoyable over time. Addressing these concerns with the right shoes is essential for staying active and maintaining foot health.
At KURU, we know how vital supportive footwear is for comfort and long-term health. In this guide, we’ll explore common causes of foot pain, essential features to look for in walking shoes, and practical tips to help you find the right pair for your needs.
What are Walking Shoes?
Walking shoes are designed to complement your natural walking movement, offering the support and flexibility needed for comfortable strides.
Distinct from running shoes, walking shoes prioritize features like a wide toe box for better circulation, consistent cushioning across the entire foot, contoured arch support, and flexibility for natural movement. While running shoes are built for high-impact activities, they may not provide the balanced support walkers need, making them less suitable for all-day walking.
When choosing walking shoes, consider your individual preferences, foot shape, and specific needs. By focusing on key features and benefits, you can make an informed decision to ensure comfort, support, and long-term foot health during your walking routines.
Understanding Foot Pain and Its Causes
Foot pain can be debilitating and can significantly impact your everyday life, especially if you enjoy walking or engaging in physical activities. To find the perfect walking shoes for foot pain relief, it is crucial to understand the causes of foot pain. There are various factors that can contribute to foot pain, including:
Foot Care and Pain Relief Measures
While finding the perfect walking shoes is crucial for foot pain relief, there are additional measures you can take to complement their effectiveness. Here are some recommendations:
Walking Shoes Care Tips
Proper care for your walking shoes not only keeps them in great condition but also helps prevent foot pain and ensures they continue to perform well. Follow these simple steps to extend the life of your footwear:
- Protect from Moisture: Shield your shoes from wet conditions with a water-repellent spray like KURU SHIELD. This protective layer works on all KURU shoe materials, preventing water damage and safeguarding against wear caused by the elements.
- Clean Regularly: Keep your shoes looking and feeling fresh with a cleaning kit. Use an all-material shoe cleaner, a brush, and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and stains, preserving the integrity of the materials. Regular cleaning also helps prevent buildup that can lead to odor or reduced durability.
- Air Dry: Allow your shoes to dry naturally between uses in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Excess heat can weaken materials and reduce their lifespan. Proper drying helps maintain freshness and prevents moisture-related damage like mold or odors.
- Wear Socks: Always pair your walking shoes with socks to reduce friction, prevent blisters, and create a barrier against sweat and bacteria. This practice not only protects your feet but also extends the life of your shoes by minimizing odor and material degradation.
- Rotate Shoes: Alternate between two pairs of walking shoes if you walk frequently. This gives each pair time to dry and recover between uses, reducing wear and tear and ensuring longer-lasting performance.
- Replace When Needed: Even with proper care, walking shoes will eventually wear out. Replace them after 300–500 miles of use or if you notice diminished support, worn soles, or reduced comfort.
FAQs
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Is it okay to wear running shoes for walking?
You can wear running shoes for walking but they may not offer the level of support and comfort you need for all day wear. Running shoes offer a concentrated amount of cushion in the heel and forefoot and can offer more heel height and cushion than necessary. This can lead to discomfort over time while walking.
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How often should I replace my walking shoes?
Podiatrists recommend replacing walking shoes every 300–500 miles or every six months to a year. The rubber and support starts to wear down over time, which can lead to an increased risk for injury.
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What are the benefits of walking shoes?
There are many benefits to wearing high-quality supportive walking shoes! Walking shoes deliver shock-absorbing cushion, superior arch support, and flexibility to help protect your feet, relieve pain, and give you a better chance at lasting all day.
High-quality shoes for standing and walking can also help shield your bones, joints, and ligaments from the stress of hard surfaces. KURU offers some of the best walking shoes with arch support and best shoes for walking on concrete with our triple-layer technology built into every pair.
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Can I wear orthotic inserts in any walking shoes?
Orthotic inserts can be used in many walking shoes, but it's important to ensure that the shoes have enough room to accommodate the inserts without causing discomfort or altering the fit.
These are just a few frequently asked questions about walking shoes and foot pain relief. If you have specific concerns or questions, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or specialist.
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Can walking shoes cure foot pain?
While walking shoes can provide relief and alleviate foot pain, they may not necessarily cure underlying foot conditions. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Foot pain significantly impacts daily activities and independence, diminishing physical function, mobility, and overall quality of life, thus limiting routine tasks such as walking, standing, and exercising and increasing dependence on others.
In fact, 66% of study respondents reported foot pain impacting their ability to walk.
Resources
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45 Songs You Need On Your Walking Playlist -
The Top 10 Reasons You Should Be Walking Daily
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26 Ways to Actually Get 10,000 Steps a Day
Key Features to Look for in Walking Shoes
Finding the right walking shoes can transform your daily walks, ensuring optimal comfort, support, and long-term foot health. When shopping, focus on the following key features to make the best choice for your needs:
Types of Walking Shoes
Choosing the right walking shoes depends on your activities and specific needs. From casual outings to rugged adventures, each type of walking shoe is designed with features tailored for optimal comfort and performance. Here’s an overview of the most common types:
Three Layers of Support
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
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KURUSOLE
...Show LessOur patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps protect and preserve the heel’s fat pad and guide your body to a more natural alignment.
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps protect and preserve the heel’s fat pad and guide your body to a more natural alignment.
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KURUCLOUD
...Show LessWhen you want to stand and walk with less pain, shock absorption is a must. Our KURUCLOUD base layer features lightweight EVA foam that helps absorb impact to your joints, ligaments, and bones, even when you put plenty of mileage in.
When you want to stand and walk with less pain, shock absorption is a must. Our KURUCLOUD base layer features lightweight EVA foam that helps absorb impact to your joints, ligaments, and bones, even when you put plenty of mileage in.
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ULTIMATE INSOLE
...Show LessThe top layer in KURU’s technology trio, our ULTIMATE INSOLES feature premium arch support and cushion for the entire sole of your foot. Made of 5mm of durable polyurethane foam, these insoles form to your feet to support your plantar fascia and your arch.
The top layer in KURU’s technology trio, our ULTIMATE INSOLES feature premium arch support and cushion for the entire sole of your foot. Made of 5mm of durable polyurethane foam, these insoles form to your feet to support your plantar fascia and your arch.
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps protect and preserve the heel’s fat pad and guide your body to a more natural alignment.
Our Secret
Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
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