Proper footwear for walking serves three main functions: protection, stability, and shock absorption. Key shoe components include the last, toe break, heel cup, and midsole materials, which vary based on foot type. When shopping, consider factors such as fitting at the end of the day, measuring your size regularly, and consulting professionals, especially if you have medical conditions.

1. Proper Footwear for
Walking
Making the right choices for the
right shoe

2. 3 functions of a good shoe
1. Protection against injuries, cuts and general
safety
2. Stability to prevent improper movement in
foot (to avoid problems in ankle, knee, hip,
pelvis)
3. Shock absorption to decrease stress on leg
and soften impact

3. 4 parts to a shoe
1. Last (Shape of the bottom of the shoe):
a. Straight (motion control, stability)
b. Semi-curved (normal arches)
c. Curved (high arches)
2. Toe break (where shoe bends)
3. Heel cup
4. Midsole material (bridge between heel & ball)
a. Slip lasted (seam along length)
b. Board lasted (cardboard along length)
c. Combination (cardboard in rear, seam in front)

4. Examples of the last of the shoe

5. Example of midsole materials
board combination slip

6. Your arches are important!

7. Stability? Shock absorption?
• Flat foot or poor arches: Shoes with stability
(rigid heel cup, firm midsole, straight last,
board lasted construction)
• High arch or rigid foot: Shoes with shock
absorption (softer midsole, curved or semi
curved last, slip or combination lasted)

8. Also, test the flexibility of the shoe
• Twist: Grab and pull. Should twist a little. If it
twists a lot, may not be appropriate for long
walks.
• Bend: Try to bend. Should bend at ball of
foot. If bends completely, better for shorter
walks.
• Poke: Place it on a level surface and poke the
toe. Heel should raise, which reflects a nice
curve to aid walking.

9. Basic advice for shopping for shoes
• Shop at end of day
• Measure your shoe size periodically
• Don’t buy the most expensive shoe, unless it is
the right shoe for you
• Wear the type of socks you will be using when
you walk
• Go to a specialty store and talk with a
professional
• If you have a medical condition (diabetes,
neuropathy), talk with physician

10. Good shoes make for happy
feet!