The Best Walking Shoes For 2013

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What are the best walking shoes for 2013? I know you are looking for a list and I'll give that to you in just a few sentences. So please bear with me for just a minute longer!

But first and most importantly, you need to know what type of shoe your feet need.

Did you know that wearing the wrong type of shoe can lead to injuries and pain in your feet, knees, shins and hips? It is very important to wear a sneaker that provides the right type of flexibility and cushioning that your feet need.

So first, before looking at a list of the best walking shoes, please take a quick minute to read this guide on how to determine which type of shoe your feet really need. Then, have a look at the lists I created to help you choose the perfect pair for your feet.

The best rated walking shoes by pros and walkers alike are Saucony, New Balance, Asics and Brooks. In this article you’ll find helpful tips to find the pair that is just perfect for your feet.

You can find out what type of shoe you need in two easy steps. You’ll need to know what kind of arch your feet have (normal, flat or high) and what level of pronation you have (normal, under or over). With this information, you can select a shoe that will provide maximum comfort and minimize or eliminate injury.

Step 1: Determine Your Arch Type

All you’ll need is a piece of colored paper, a brown paper bag or cardboard. Get one foot wet and stand on the paper. Take a look at the imprint your foot leaves.

Here is a handy guide with pictures of the different foot types.

Determine which category your foot falls into:

Normal – Your imprint will show most of your foot and you’ll notice a large band on the outside of your foot imprint, connecting the ball of your foot to your heel.

You have a normal size arch and the most common foot type. Also known as a normal pronator, which means your foot collapses inward slightly to help absorb shock.

You can wear almost any shoe, but one with some stability is recommended to give you some arch support.

Shoe recommendation: Stability shoe, moderate flexibility.

Flat – If you can see nearly the entire imprint of your foot, it means you a low arch, or flat feet. This is common for those weighing over 165 pounds. Also known as an overpronator, your feet roll excessively inward when they land, which can cause pain in your knees and shins.

You’ll need a shoe that offers stability and support.

Shoe recommendation: Stability or Motion Control shoes, depending on the severity of overpronation.

High Arched Feet – If your imprint shows a thin band on the outside of your foot connecting your ball to your heel, you have high arches, the least common foot type.

Most likely, you’re an underpronator or supinator, meaning your feet tend to roll outward as they land and you can develop problems with your knees if you don't wear the right shoes to help with this issue.

Shoe recommendation: Neutral-cushioned shoe, maximum flexibility

Step 2: Determine Your Level Of Pronation

The Shoe Test

Take a look at the shoes you’ve been walking in. Turn them over and examine the wear pattern.

It’s normal for the outside border of the heel to have some wear.

If the inside area of the heel is more worn than the outside of the heel, you are an overpronator (your feet tend to roll inward too much as you walk).

Shoe recommendation: Stability or Motion Control shoes, depending on the severity of overpronation.

If the outside of the heel is more worn than the inside, you are an underpronator or supinator (your feel roll outward as you walk.)

Shoe recommendation: Neutral-cushioned shoe, maximum flexibility.

If the wear on the heel is about the same, you probably are a normal pronator.

Shoe recommendation: Stability shoe, moderate flexibility.

Step 3: Select the Best Walking Shoes for Your Feet

Now that you know what type of shoe you need, you can select the best walking shoes for your feet.

The best rated walking shoes list is an all-inclusive list of the very best walking shoes for 2013.
Looking for a woman's walking shoe? This list of the best women's walking shoes includes the best picks for 2013 based on comfort and durability.
Looking for men's walking shoes? This list of men's walking shoes has the very best shoes for 2013, including some time honored favorites as well as some new styles.
Do you have wide feet? I've created a list of the best wide walking shoes for men and women.
Need narrow walking shoes? Here's a list of the best narrow walking shoes.
Did you know it's best to shop for shoes later in the day? I've put together my best tips for shoe shopping in my guide on how to choose comfortable walking shoes.
And after you buy your new shoes, don't forget to buy a pair of walking socks. Believe it or not, athletic socks, made of synthetic material, help to keep your fit dry when exercising, which helps prevent blisters. They also fit your feet better than cotton socks that tend to bunch up and rub against your shoes.

If you'd like to learn more about the features that make up a shoe, have a look at this article on the best shoes for walking so that you can choose a pair with the right qualities for comfort and durability.
Have you heard the buzz about MBT's? Find out if they really are a wonder shoe in my review of MBT Walking Shoes.
If you are Diabetic, selecting a good walking shoe is a very important decision for foot pain management and prevention. This helpful article on walking shoes for Diabetics will help you select the most comfortable pair of shoes that will prevent future foot problems and alleviate current foot pain.

If you live in San Diego, I've compiled a list of best walking shoes stores in San Diego. These quick and easy tips will help you select the best walking shoes for your feet.
If you'd like to explore the options available to you in each brand of shoe, I've done the research to help you determine which is the best walking shoe for you. For more information, visit Nike Walking Shoes, New Balance walking shoes, or Asics Walking Shoes.

You can find many great recommendations that I've given to fans of this site on the best walking shoe. Find recommendations for those with high arches, plantar fasciitis and more on my list of Best Walking Shoe FAQs.

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SBI!