2011 Shoe Review

SEE ALL SHOES REVIEWED BELOW

By Dave Harkin

Imagine your very first steps. Those unstable, oftentimes monumental movements that took you across the room, across the front lawn, and eventually carried you through a journey of movement. You may have had no idea that those first steps were to be a foundation for what you are doing today. In fact, many of us remember the pride and the sense of accomplishment when we first rose to the top of the table or when we walked from that table to the wall or to the outstretched arms of a supportive parent.

When you make your next move, consider these steps: Your first steps. Your first steps outside. Your first steps in kindergarten. You may not remember these early benchmarks, but you can relate to their significance. Your first steps in high school. Your first steps in your new dorm at college. Your first steps at a “real” job.

Now imagine that every step you take from now on is that significant. Know that you will take great care to prepare yourself for each step, like it’s your first step. Wide-eyed as you approach the walking shoe world, you might stumble, but you might also be surprised to find out just how much help is waiting for you should you need it. When you are shopping for walking shoes, like the outstretched arms of a mom encouraging her nine-month-old as he begins his walking journey, we are here for you.

Marketing and money drive most business categories, and footwear is no different. Unlike refrigerators and cars which have uniform, objective qualities that are either good for you or not good for you, shoes are much more complex. Selecting the proper shoes depends on your ability to profile yourself. You have to know where you are going literally (roads, trails, two miles, 26.2 miles), and you have to know where you are going figuratively (fad, fitness kick, or lifestyle change; casual, dedicated, or somewhere in between).

Dave Harkin is co-owner of Portland Running Company, and has more than 13 years of specialty walking and running retail and product research experience. He competes in local events and coaches hundreds of athletes each year to complete the Portland Marathon. Contact Harkin at dave@portlandrunningcompany.com for more information.

Here a few easy tools to prepare you for the world of walking shoes:

1. Have a gait evaluation. You have to know if you overpronate. Most running shoe stores offer this service. When you walk in, declare your walking status, and ask to have someone watch you walk to determine your stability needs.

2. Be prepared to purchase your walking shoe from a “running” category shoe. If you are moving forward, the running category will have your desired support, fit, and feel.

3. Be ready to change shoe sizes. Your feet will swell when you exercise, and the shoe sizes themselves are slightly shorter than a normal dress shoe. You could move up as much as two full sizes. Remember that a good fit will be secure in the heel but will leave you some wiggle room across your toe box and at the end of the toes.

4. Determine your walking style. We have divided the shoes into categories based on weight, performance, feel, and stability needs. Just have an idea as to whether you are a casual walker, a fitness walker, a competitive walker, or a race walker.

Shoes are listed in performance and weight order with a focus on increased stability features and increased durability. Weights are based on a women’s size 7. Technical specifications are provided by the various manufactures. Visit the manufactures’ websites for more information.