What To Look For
The main thing to remember is that walking has a very different dynamic from running. The foot rolls forward from heel to toe when walking, so a walking shoe needs to have a lower heel and a more flexible sole than a running shoe might. New Balance has a large and varied product line of walking shoes that meet these basic requirements, so with them, the big issue is getting a good fit. Shoes of this type should never need to be broken in. No matter how good the shoe is, if it fits poorly at the outset, it is not the right New Balance shoe for you, and you ought to look at a different model in their walking shoe line.
Common Pitfalls
A good fit for a walking shoe ought to have a little give in it. Serious walkers will find that their feet swell up a bit as they put the miles on over the course of their walk, so a snug fit will prove to be too tight for the middle and end stages of the path. For example, there should be about half an inch between your toes and the front end of the shoe.
Where To Buy
Given how important a good fit is, you can only buy a pair of New Balance shoes online if you have already tried them on. That will work out well for a pair of direct replacements to an old pair you already own, but otherwise you will need to go to the store to try them on and find the type of shoes that offer you a comfy fit. Going to that trouble just to go home and order the shoes online can only be justified by the steepest of discounts.
Cost
The cheapest pair of New Balance walking shoes (like a 626 or 760) should be available for about $25, and the most expensive model (such as the 926 or 977) will go for about $150.
Article Written By Edwin Thomas
Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.
