After handing in the compliance report, you recline in your seat, soak in the only 10 minutes you’ll have to yourself and picture how calming it will be to get back home.
The only trouble is you have 7 more hours to go. The rest of the day will be a blur. Your boss will tell you many things but your ears will act as a tunnel. Everything will go in one ear and out the other.
Your feet, back, and legs will conspire to torture you. And you’ll be glad when it’s all over. Whether you want to admit it or not, the source of all these problems is your shoes.
If your job entails standing or walking all day, your shoes could either make or break you. Injury, back pain, blisters, and poor posture are all signs of inappropriate shoes. Women are especially prone to these problems because they prioritize form over function.
Apart from work, walking is a great way to exercise. However, with the wrong shoes, walking could do more harm than good. Here are some benefits of wearing comfortable walking shoes:
- Prevents back pain- feet align the spine and hip bones, so bad shoes cause bad alignment and pain. This was proven in the following study.
- Brings peace of mind – you will not be preoccupied with the aching in your feet
- Protects you from injuries like blisters and bunions
- Prevents knee pain
Walking shoes are different from running shoes because of their function and design. Running shoes protect the midsole, which is where most people land when they run. Most have a built-up heel for this purpose. The raised heel implies that the front and back parts land at the same time.
Walking shoes are made for a heel-first stride. They should thus have a heel that’s not too high. The distance between the heel and shoe should not exceed 1”. Further, the shoe should be flexible enough to bend vertically at the ball area.
Following the above facts, here are some products you may consider.
Comfortable walking shoes for women
#5 Sketchers Performance Women’s Go Walk 4 Super Sock Walking Shoe
Reasons to buy them
Sketchers shoes are comfortable even for those with wide feet. Wave those blisters goodbye with this product. It is also gentle on the Achilles’ nerve. They come in a variety of colors, which ladies like you probably love. People slip into and out of them easily.
Reasons not to buy them
Some people with wide toes complain that the model squeezes them. Other people do not like how the shoes look when worn because they pucker outward. A significant number of customers have complained about the fast rate of wear and tear. The soles and insides are often the first to go. If you are in-between sizes, you may find them bigger than usual.
Rating: 8.5/10
#4 New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Cross Trainer
Reasons to buy them
People with bunions have found these shoes ideal for use. They have a sizing tool on the website to minimize disappointments about fit. The insole has adequate padding. They are stylish and light. The toe box has adequate space for toe care. Women with wide feet love these.
Reasons not to buy them
The shoes run small, so people in between sizes should order half a size up. A reasonable number of criticisms are about the sides, which lack firmness. Others complain about their inability to hold their own during extensive walking.
Rating: 8.7/10
#3 Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe
Reasons to buy them
Ryka’s shoes are quite comfortable because of their cushions. They are also large in size to give your toes wiggle room. If you barely have arcs or are flat-footed, these pair would be great. The use of meshing on the upper part of the shoe makes them snugly and stylish.
Reasons not to buy them
They do not have strong arch support. The shoes’ low sides would make a cushion for the arch support ill-fitting. The upper mesh is not suitable for cold weather.
Rating: 9.1/10
#2 TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes
Reasons to buy them
Tiosebon’s shoes have comfortable foams. The product is also lightweight and looks aesthetically pleasing. It can withstand numerous washes. It protects the toes from blisters by its upper meshing.
You can even wear the shoes without socks and they won’t smell. The product is slightly less expensive than others in the market.
Reasons not to buy them
If you have flat feet or wide ones, you might find the footbed rather uncomfortable. However, that feeling is only for the first time before breaking them in. Choose a size up if you are in-between sizes.
Rating: 9.7/10
#1 New Balance Women’s WW411v2 Walking Shoe
Reasons to buy them
The shoe has great support for the arch. You don’t need to buy your own insole support. If one purchases the leather version, you can walk in the rain.
It also absorbs impact and can easily accommodate you if you walk all day. The toe space is adequate without being too roomy.
Reasons not to buy them
It has extremely silky shoelaces which makes them susceptible to opening. The shoe is bulky especially for people with large feet. For some women, style is always a concern. Therefore, these may not do it for you if you in that department.
Rating: 9.8/10
Factors to Consider During Purchase
Arch support
Good walking shoes should provide just the right arch support by cushioning you.
Meshing
This is a matter of preference. Choose meshing for style but leave it if you desire all-weather shoes.
Sturdiness
The shoes should last a long time without wearing out. If a significant number of users complain about it, then you may want to give it a pass.
Fit
The shoes should fit snuggly without squeezing any part. The toe box should be adequate enough to accommodate your toes but not too big to cause a slip.
Style
I listed this last because it should never come before comfort. There is still no reason why you can’t have both.
After prioritizing which of the above factors matter the most go ahead and buy those walking shoes. Before you know it, confidence, peace of mind, a pain-free back and happy feet could be your lot.
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