When you first look at walking shoes, you might think they are just like running shoes. But when you look closer you can see they are really different.
The difference lies in the way running and walking place different demands on your feet and the footwear you choose to use.
These demands call for design and styling characteristics that are very different for walking than for running. The reason for this is that the body mechanics involved in each activity call for specific and different body motion and muscle activity. Read more »
The first thing to look for is flexibility. You should be able to twist and bend this shoes the same way your foot will twist and bend the shoe as you go through your walking motion.
Flat Heels
Your walking shoes should have relatively flat heels.
The heels of your walking shoes should not be flared. They should be flat or even undercut because you will be striking with the heel first in your walking stride. Read more »
When you are walking your foot has a natural roll from the heel through the arch to the toes. In the area between the heel and the arch your heel bone can angle inward causing the arch to collapse. This flattens the arch as the foot hits the ground so that the shock can be absorbed when the heel strikes down. This flattening out assists in balancing the stride.
The process of the way your foot stays in line or not is called Pronation.
There are three types of pronation depending on the angle of the heel bone to the arch of the foot: overpronation, neutral pronation and supination/underpronation Read more »
I always order one half size larger than my shoe size. That means I ordered size 11 D.
I also know my left foot is a little longer that my right foot so the extra length works out well for me.
Take in the video above. You’ll find out all the features and technology that go into the shoe.
Technology
The shoes use theImpact Guidance System components that integrate all the technologies of the shoe to give you a comfortable ride in your walking gait.
The upper if the shoe has a Biomorphic Fit™ upper with mesh and reflexive supports that reduce buckling and the potential for foot irritation
P.H.F.® stands for Personal Heel Fit and means the collar of the shoe has a 2 layered memory foam line to mold your heel to the shoe and make it a personalized fit.
The shoe has Solyte®45, a soft composite to give the shoe a soft feel.
The DuoMax® Support System integrates the heel and the fore foot technologies to give the shoe optimum performance through the whole motion of walking.
The proprietary Trusstic System® reduces the weight of the sole unit while maintaining structural integrity. The shoe weighs 10.9 ounces.
The Solyte®45 midsole compound adds to the cushioning and durability of the shoe.
Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL® cushioning reduces the shock during impact on the toe-off phase of the walking gait. It also allows “movement in multiple planes” as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.
This is particularly important for the shoe to adjust to the pronation profile of the user.
Provides greater durability and support not to mention comfort.
And finally the Asymmetrical Lacing design allows for correct lacing and reduces the risk of irritation.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Take in the video above where I show you all the features and technology of these really great walking shoes.
Stay tuned. I am posting my field test of the Asics Gel-Tech Neo 2 Walking Shoe in action. I have a 5 mile circuit I walk and the video of the field test will be up next.
Leave any comments and questions.
And if you found this information helpful, don’t forget to “Like” “tweet”, or “google +1″ the review. Many Thanks.
Facts and tips about shoes and the feet that wear them:
Don’t believe the line about how expensive shoes such as Manolo Blahniks or Jimmy Choos are made with special “engineering” to make their high heels more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. While the leather may be softer, simple physics dictate that high heels and narrow toe boxes will hurt your feet.
First, abandon the notion that you have a shoe size. Instead you have a foot size. Wearing an ill-fitting shoe offsets the benefits of going to a minimalist shoe.
Here is some great information about starting a fitness walking program for good health and solid fitness training. I walk five days a week on a 4.2 mile circuit and keep a good pace. It takes me one hour and 15 minutes and I now really feel great after each session.
Make sure to hydrate. I drink at least 12 ounces of vitamin water with electrolytes.
What Are Walking Shoes
