When we are yet to get used to the habit of walking for health, experts say that we should wear shoes for walking. Shoes is an alien concept, in India were we don’t have the tradition of covering the feet completely. Our forefathers used to walk barefoot hundreds of mile for a livelihood ; I used to walk to college in stilettos. So one fine day when someone says that walking shoes are essential for walking, sound irrational!
Read this post to know about the fitness regime of the elderly.I always ignored the advice to wear shoes for walking. Once I brought a canvas shoes, within a few days gave it in charity. There is nothing more comfortable than the lightweight, rubber slippers in which the foot can move freely.
I stuck to my theory for over a decade, until I saw many elderly women wear sports shoes for walk. Whether in sarees or salwar/kameez most of the walkers now walk in sport shoes. Though not fully convinced that there will be any visible change, I decided to go with the trend – I brought an athletic shoe for walking.
The Result!
My viewpoint has changed completely! My life has change for ever! There are atleast five benefits of walking in shoes. Some of the advantages of walking in shoes are as follows:
I used to cover 10 laps in an hour; wearing shoes I can cover 15 lapse. Which means 50% increase in performance.
While walking in a slipper the toes have the additional job of holding the straps in place. This decreases the speed of walking.
Walking shoes are generally designed to be flexible to the ball of the foot; when you walk the weight of the body rolls from the heel, to the ball of foot and finally to the toes. A good walking shoe will help reduce the pressure borne by the foot.
A good shoe helps create natural body posture. Buy shoes that are flexible in the toe so that you can bend and twist the toe part while walking.
In the slippers the feet is covered with dust and they are prone to get injured. A shoe protects the feet from external damage.
Tips for buying a good pair of athletic shoe
Before buying the athletic shoe I surveyed the market by reading articles online, talking to friends and visiting athletic shoe showrooms. Some of the findings are as follows:
- Running shoe is better than walking shoe for walking
- The shoe should be lightweight and flexible.
- There should be enough cushioning under the ball of the foot.
- Ensure that the toes can move freely inside the shoe
- Buy a shoe of good quality; use your instinct rather than the salesman’s opinion. Take a trial, of both the shoe, before buying.
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