Choosing the right Walking Shoe
It can be a struggle to find comfortable walking shoes and boots, especially if you need a little bit more from your footwear due to wearing orthotic insoles or suffer from other painful foot problems. In general terms, when choosing the right walking shoes, you should consider the following:
Laces: These should be easy to adjust and stay fastened. There is nothing more annoying than a lace that keeps coming un-done. They should also be long enough to adjust as the day goes on, especially if your feet have a tendancy to swell.
Outer Soles: These should be hard wearing, have a good deep tread and be just flexible enough to adjust to different terrains, whilst being sturdy enough to protect your feet.
Mid Sole: Look for a walking shoe that packs plenty of cushioning between the outer sole and the inner sole (what your feet sit on). This is important as a good supportive and cushioned mid sole will help to protect your joints from the everyday impact of walking on different surfaces.
Waterproof Lining: This goes without saying during the Winter (and Summer months) in the UK. A waterproof membrane will help protect your feet from the elements. NOTE though, that these membranes can sometimes make the fit a little snug. Therefore, look for a range that comes in whole and half sizes as you may need to go up by half a size to get the right fit for you.
Interior: Look for plenty of wiggle room as without it you may soon get pins and needles while you walk. A great benefit is a walking shoe or boot which has removable insoles. This can help to create more room for your feet or to insert your own custom orthotic.
Waldlaufer Holly Tex Walking Shoes
Here at Cheerful Soles we have the perfect answer, the Waldlaufer Holly range of ladies comfortable walking shoes.
The Waldlaufer Holly Tex Walking boots shown above are a perfect example of what to look for in a walking shoe or boot. They have plenty of wiggle room in the toe box, they are a wider than average fit - E-EE, they also have removable insoles. This means that you are able to creat even more room inside the boots for your own orthotic, or just if you need a little more width. The sole has a great tread and is flexible enough to combat different terrains, whilst being sturdy enough to give you stability while you walk. The lacing system is easy to adjust and won't come undone as you walk.
The Holly Tex is also available as a lightweight ladies walking shoe. With the same features as the Holly Tex walking boot, these are ideal if you prefer a shoe over a boot. Both the Holly Tex Shoe and Boots have a waterproof membrane, the Waldlaufer version of Goretex. This added protection from the elements makes them a perfect choice for a comfortable walking shoe - whichever style your prefer. They both have air cushioning in the mid sole which also helps to alleviate the shock to your joints while you walk.
