Standing or walking for lengthy periods can be rough on your feet, but when you're doing it on concrete from sunrise to sunset and beyond, your feet need some extra help from your footwear. That's why it's worth it to pick the right shoe. The shoe that fits the best is the shoe that you have the least awareness of when you're walking or running. Mitch Decker, manager at Run On!, a store in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to fitness and running While walking and running have essentially the same motions, more shoe manufacturers are recognizing that each activity needs a shoe that fits your foot as well as the activity, and as a result, the selection of walking shoes has increased in recent years. Many people might automatically jump into their usual running shoes, even when they're about to spend a full day walking on unforgiving concrete. While there are similarities in walking and running motions, there are enough differences to make some shoes better for walking -- including more cushioning and structure.

Running shoes usually need maximum shock absorption as well as more heel control, because the heel hits the ground with the greatest force. Walking shoes, on the other hand, need more evenly distributed cushioning. Shock absorption is not only at the heel, but also at the midsole. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's website notes that walking shoes generally have more rounded soles to help distribute your body weight as it travels from the heel to the midsole and then pushes off the toe. The toe area of a walking shoe also is usually more rounded. Mitch Decker, manager of Run On!, a store in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to fitness and running, says he always considers a variety of factors equally, whether he's fitting a walker or runner. He notes that it's important to look at level of experience, miles the person walks or runs and especially how his foot hits the ground when he's walking or running. "The shoe that fits the best is the shoe that you have the least awareness of when you're walking or running," says Decker, who has more than 40 years experience as a runner and coach.

While walkers can often use running shoes, the reverse is usually not true. Anthony Wall, director of professional education for the American Council on Exercise, says that athletic shoes generally don't provide as much support as walking shoes.nike clearance store shoes "When you're walking or standing, your weight should be distributed more evenly," Wall says. running shoes in salt lake cityWalkers can find comfortable running shoes that provide the right cushioning for them, while runners are unlikely to ever use a walking shoe; discount nike shoes for toddlerstheir structure would be too uncomfortable. running shoe stores east bay

The goal, he notes, is to find a shoe that supports your natural gait. The right shoe for walking on concrete all day? Depends on who you ask and when. buy running shoes malaysiaBut the ultimate judge should be you and your feet. discount golf shoes irelandFor added cushioning, try the Asics Gel-Tech Walker NEO 2, which comes with a bunion window that means better fit and comfort. It has asymmetrical lacing, a gel cushioning system in the heel and forefoot, shock absorbing foam at the midsole and a guidance system to help your stride. Another good choice is the Asics GT-2000, which is great for casual or serious walkers, whether you walk for fitness or speed. It also has the GEL cushioning that. provides comfort and impact guidance. According to "Walk About Magazine," the GT-2000 has an appealing fit, a smooth ride and ranks high for overall performance.

You also might try the Saucony Men’s Echelon LE2, which features midsole ProGrid cushioning that offers comfort and support. It has an 8 millimeter heel-to-toe offset that provides a stable, balanced platform. And the New Balance 928 provides control and maximum stability for those who wear their shoes all day long. It has Walking Strike Path technologies and midfoot cushioning, and is designed for those who need motion control. Finally, while it's not strictly a walking shoe, the Mizuno Wave Rider 16 gained international attention when Texas State Sen. Wendy Davis wore them during her 11-hour filibuster in June 2013. The shoe is lightweight, has a sculpted fit and provides excellent cushioning for the entire foot. It can accommodate casual wear or high mileage. Our test panelists have logged thousands of miles evaluating running, walking, and cross-training shoes. We've tested them on pavement, in gyms, and in our labs, too. We've checked whether the front of the shoe flexed enough to let you push off easily with the ball of your foot.

And we've measured stability (control of ankle motion), shock absorption at the forefoot and heel (where the impact is greatest), and breathability (the ability to dissipate moisture). The lighter the shoe, the better--as long as cushioning and stability don't suffer. Most people buy running and walking shoes at department, discount, specialty-athletic, sporting-goods, and family-footwear stores. You'll probably pay more at a footwear store that caters to serious runners, but you're also more likely to find a seasoned sales clerk who can answer your questions and help you find the right model for your gait and type of workout. A fairly recent offering by shoe manufacturers is a "barefoot" or minimalist shoe. They have much thinner soles, less cushioning, and more flexibility than traditional athletic footwear. They're designed to provide a small amount of protection yet allow the foot to function naturally with an unrestricted motion while walking or running. The following guide addresses traditionally constructed shoes.

Manufacturers offer running and walking shoes for every type of gait. If your feet roll inward alot, or overpronate, a stabilizing or motion-control shoe might ease the problem. And if your feet land mostly on the outside edge, or oversupinate, a cushioning shoe that emphasizes shock absorption might be best. Overpronators typically have a low arch while underpronators a high one. If you have well-worn running shoes, take them with you when you shop. Their wear pattern might help an experienced sales clerk analyze your gait and recommend the right shoe. Get a Good Fit The first rule of shopping for athletic shoes is that fit counts more than anything. A bad fit can cause discomfort and fatigue, or even painful foot and joint problems. And it can make features like motion-control or cushioning less effective. Your feet tend to swell toward the end of the day, so shop late in the afternoon, and wear the kind of socks you would wear while using those shoes. Feel the inside for seams, bumps, and rough spots.

Athletic shoes should feel good right out of the box, without having to break them in. Take a Test Run Buying shoes without trying them out is like buying a car without test-driving it. Jog or walk a little in the store, and ask if you can take the shoes once around the block. Better yet, ask whether you can buy the shoes, walk or run briefly on a treadmill at home or at a gym, and return them if they don't feel right. Think Twice About Orthotics If your feet become sore from running or walking, you might be tempted to try orthotics—custom-made shoe inserts that take the place of insoles. But orthotics can be expensive and might reduce a shoe's cushioning. Consider whether your problem could be solved with new shoes or a different category of shoe (cushioning, neutral, or stability). Types of Athletic Shoes You can move comfortably in just about any shoe that fits correctly, including walking, running or cross-training shoes, all of which provide cushioning and stability.

But different sports make different demands on shoes. The type of athletic shoe for you depends on what you plan to do when you lace up. Below we walk you through your choices. Running and walking shoes might look similar, but there are important differences. Traditional running shoes provide extra cushioning, because landing can generate a force of 1½ to 3 times your body weight. They should also provide easy flexing at the ball of the foot and enough stability. And the outsoles should be durable and provide good traction on pavement or dirt. These are best for people who walk for fitness or who want a casual shoe for everyday walking. They should provide enough cushioning to be comfortable. And their flexible soles, designed for the relatively low impact of walking, allow the foot to roll easily from heel to toe. Cross-trainers are all-purpose shoes that bridge walking shoes and sport-specific shoes like tennis or basketball shoes. They can be a money-saving alternative to several pairs of specialized shoes for people who pursue a variety of activities, but they don't provide the same flexibility or cushioning for running or other high-impact sports.

Some athletic shoes are highly specialized. For example, the higher tops of basketball shoes are designed to provide ankle support to ease the effects of abrupt starts and stops, jumps, and lateral moves while playing. Golf shoes and baseball shoes have cleats for traction on turf. Choosing the right shoes for the job will help you go the distance. The cushioning in an athletic shoe comes from the squishy material in the midsole. Your foot's natural ability to roll inward also provides cushioning and helps to reduce the impact on bones and joints. A shoe that combines cushioning and flexibility, while also providing adequate stability, is a step ahead of shoes that don't. If the shoe is also lightweight, and breathable, so much the better. Here are the features to consider for traditional footwear. Three layers comprise the sole. The bottom layer, or outsole, is generally made of carbon rubber for durability. It's segmented for flexibility and grooved or patterned for traction.

The squishy middle layer, or midsole, provides most of the cushioning. It's usually made of shock-absorbing foam and might incorporate gel or air sacs and plastic torsion supports. The layer directly underfoot, the insole or sock liner, provides some additional shock absorption and arch support. It's removable and washable in many running and walking shoes. This is the body of the shoe, the part above the sole. The toe box—the forward part of the upper—should be roomy enough to let your toes spread and leave a half-inch space ahead of your longest toe. The heel counter at the rear should keep your heel from slipping excessively. These days, the uppers on most running shoes are made of synthetics, though some walking shoes still use leather. The more your feet sweat, the more you'll appreciate the breathability of mesh. But if you plan to be outside in the cold weather, a less porous material will provide a little more protection. Fabric, plastic, or metal speed-lacing loops make tightening easier.