The health benefits of regular walking are widely known: weight control, mood improvement, lower blood pressure, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, increased HDL (good cholesterol), increased overall fitness ). It would seem as easy as lacing up your sneakers and walking out the door, or hopping on the nearest treadmill, to kick-start a program.
But walking shoes and shoe technology have come a long way since we all wore our first pair of Keds or Chuck Taylors. We are incessantly bombarded with advertising for shoes that will make walking easier, or less stressful on our joints, or even give us more shapely butts. We’d all like a shoe that’s comfortable and protective when we walk, but are these fancy new shoes worth the high price?
Shaping or toning shoes have a rocker bottom, rather than a flat sole. Manufacturers claim that these shoes will change the way you walk in a way that activates more muscles, allowing you to burn more calories and less stress on your joints. Their advertisements also state that regular use of these shoes will give you a more toned and curvaceous appearance. Unfortunately, hard science doesn’t bear out these claims. A recent biomechanical study by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) showed that although the initial use of these shoes activates some additional and different muscle groups, the body adapts quickly to a change in gait, and no significant increase in calorie expenditure is seen.” In a written statement, its chief scientific officer, Dr. Cedric Bryant, said: “Toning shoes appear to hold the promise of a fitness solution quick and easy, which we know people are always looking for. Unfortunately, these shoes don’t provide the fitness or muscle-toning benefits they claim.”
Shoes with built-in springs that provide additional forward propulsion also do not provide any benefit in joint protection or increased calorie output. On the downside, both types of shoes have been associated with lawsuits in which people have claimed a variety of injuries related to these shoes, including broken ankles, back pain, and even broken hips due to instability and increased of stress on bones and joints. So buyer beware!
What shoes should you wear when you walk for exercise? First, you don’t have to break the bank to get a good shoe. According to a recent consumer rating organization, good walking shoes can be purchased for around $30. Make sure whatever shoe you buy (swingarm, crossbow, or traditional flat sole) fits your foot well and is comfortable. You want your arch and heel to be well supported. Check for seams or other bumps that could cause pressure points. The breathability of the shoe is important. You’ll need more if your feet tend to sweat, less if you’re walking outside in cold weather. If you want to try an alternative sole, go to a walking or running shoe store and try them on first. Walk around the block, up and down a hill, and make sure you have a sure footing. If you feel unsteady or have joint discomfort, these probably aren’t the shoes for you. Happy walking!
Dr. Anne P. McCormack
www.nwhandortho.com
