Walk About Shoe Review

2005
SHOE
REVIEW

By Dave Harkin

They come in every shape and size just like you do. They are big and small, flashy and reserved, and most of all, they are versatile and diverse. These are the shoes of the walking world. When you think of walking shoes, many of you see leather, white, and clunky. If you enjoy leisurely strolls along the mall promenade, then clunky, bulky, stiff shoes are for you. However, if you cringe at the thought of another step in these “walking” shoes, read on and let us show you a wonderful new world of athletic, supportive, performance-oriented, and oftentimes stylish walking shoes.

The diversity of walking shoes is vast. Walking has many different definitions so it is important to categorize yourself before you buy your next shoe. Recreation walkers should consider fit, feel, and function, but may also want a particular color, or some weather protection. Speed or endurance walkers, those of you who have some time goals or who are preparing for an event such as a marathon, half marathon, or other endeavor, should focus on fit and performance. No more leather uppers. You need flexibility, breathability, and most of all, stability.

Your style of walking, coupled with your specific set of foot characteristics, biomechanics, and injury history produce a concise plan for finding the perfect shoe for you. A good walking store is also a good running store. A running store stocks the most flexible, broadest range of product as well as employs a knowledgeable staff. The staff will watch you walk, ask about previous injuries, and provide you with valuable feedback.

Now for the shoes! A note will follow each shoe with a midsole height description.

Medium Midsole: Versatile and cushioned. Designed to protect feet form injury and are suited for recreational to endurance walking. They are supportive and stable.

Med-Low: Designed to accommodate recreational walking but have a light, low base to promote transition from heel to toe and to be responsive. The only drawback is that these shoes tend to feel firm.

Low Profile: These are the gems of the walking world because they are light and flexible. If you have a clean injury history, or you are working on speed or racewalking form, low-profile shoes are not only a departure from what you may be used to, they may be the key to improving form and speed.

Dave Harkin, a two-time Newport Marathon champion, has worked in specialty running retail for over nine years. He is co-owner of Portland Running & Walking Company that has two locations on 11355 SW Scholls Ferry Rd. in Beaverton, 503-524-7570; and on the corner of SE Grand and SE Morrison in Portland, 503-232-8077.

Foot Health Information
By Dr. Ray McClanahan
Did you know the most important part of caring for you feet is choosing the right shoes for your feet? Most foot problems are caused by shoes. Shoes that are appropriate for length and width by today’s standards often cause deformity within the feet and ankles. Most foot problems are preventable if the causes are understood and addressed early in a person’s life.To that end we would encourage you to begin learning about shoes and how to achieve a correct fit as a preventive measure against needing the services of a podiatric surgeon or an orthopedic surgeon.

In the next few issues Dr. McClanahan addresses common foot ailments. For more info logon to www.nwfootankle.com

Asics DS-Trainer XI $100 With a “biomorphic” fit, and strategic gel cushioning in both the heel and the forefoot, the DS-Trainer has long since established itself as a great platform for everything from recreational walking to racewalking. This is the best version in several years, so those of you who abandoned your original DS-Trainer, it is definitely worth revisiting (midsole: med-low).	Asics Gel Evolution $110 Available in widths. Smooth landing pad, a broad base, the patented Biomorphic fit, gel in the heel and forefoot, and a slightly low overall midsole, the Evolution is a motion control shoe fit for the walking world. A broad base, supportive arch piece, flexible forefoot all combine to make the Evolution a must-see, especially if you are prone to injury or have experienced numbness in your forefoot (midsole: medium).	Asics DS-Racer $85 Built for speed or racewalking, the DS-Racer is lightweight, flexible, and made for fluid transition from heel to forefoot. This is a great race day shoe or perfect for shorter, higher intensity exercise. It is not intended as an everyday choice (midsole: low).
Saucony Hurricane 7 $120 Forefoot cushioning and a stable arch make the Hurricane ideal for both support and any off-road walking. Although not specifically designed for trail, the patented Triangle Lug outsole pattern, the Grid Cartridge for cushioning, and a great fit make the Hurricane suited for a variety of applications (midsole: medium).	Brooks Addiction 6 $85 For a stable, safe, comfortable option, see the Addiction 6. A broad base, reinforced arch, and light mesh upper give the Addiction an edge over its bulkier, less agreeable counterparts. This is a motion control shoe for those of you just beginning a walking program or for those of you using your walking shoe as a gym or everyday choice (midsole: medium).	Mizuno Wave Rider 8 $90 What’s responsive and stable, yet lightweight and cushioned? You guessed it, the Wave Rider is a great choice for making a transition from recreation to time or speed focused goals. Its Wave Plate Technology gives the Rider a smooth feel, and yet provides ample protection for your foot (midsole: medium/low).
Nike Zoom Elite $90 Zoom Air and a supportive arch piece allow the Elite to live up to its name. This is a performance shoe with flexibility in the upper and a soft yet responsive midsole. It has a durable outsole. If you are in a motion control shoe and you seek a lighter alternative, the Zoom Elite is definitely worth checking out (midsole: medium/low).	Adidas Supernova Classic $85 If you have a narrow foot, especially in the heel, and yet have width across your toes (sound like any of you?), then the Supernova Classic is well suited for your foot. Tried and true, the Classic has a broad forefoot base offering support and a well-cushioned ride. The heel and rear foot are narrow to produce a great heel fit and to reduce weight. Good for both recreation as well as speed (midsole: medium).	New Balance 766 $85 Absorbz cushioning technology and a supportive upper and midsole provide the 766 a versatility not seen in every shoe. If you are likely to wear your walking shoes to coffee afterwards or to pick up the kids, the 766 provides durability and comfort (midsole: medium).