Shoes for walking?

[doctordonna]

Hi all, 

I started walking for exercise on 1/1.  Before that I hadn't legitimately exercised in, like, 6 years.  I didn't want to spend a whole lot of money on walking shoes in case I couldn't stick with the exercising.  I just got some random walking shoes from Payless.  Nothing fancy.  
Lo and behold, I was able to stick with it and I've been walking for about an hour 4 or 5 times a week since then.  

I have a feeling that the Payless shoes aren't going to last forever, so I was wondering if anyone here has any recommendations for other walking shoes. 

Thanks!

[texassmith]

I'd go to your local running store (not Academy, Sports Authority, Dick's, etc) and get fitted. A good fit for walking shoes is just as important as for running.

ETA: Nice job sticking with the routine!

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[Deleted]

Great job keeping up the walking!

Definitely go to a running store to get fitted. It sounds like overkill but you want to figure out how your feet and legs move in order to support it properly.

They will hook you up!

[sadlebred]

Great job with sticking to the walking! I love to walk and do so quite a bit in the winter!

I agree. Go to your LRS (local running store). They will watch your gait, analyze your feet, and recommend shoes. They will let you try them on and walk around the store to make sure they will work for you. These days walking and running shoes are interchangeable. Shoes that fit you and your gait properly will help prevent injuries like stress fractures, tendon problems, and foot problems.

Just like with running, shoes for walking don't last forever and need to be replaced periodically depending on your mileage. The LRS can offer advice on that.

[foodie2012]

I agree with everyone else! Until I went to my LRS and got fitted for proper shoes, I'd always get shin splints and ankle pain. :-( It's a bit of a splurge, but it's worth it!