The Lighter, the Better
Heavy walking shoes quickly take their toll if your trip requires that you wear them most of the day. You'll get tired much more quickly if your walking shoes are too heavy, so you will enjoy walking less. Buy light shoes but make sure that you are not sacrificing the quality.
Make Sure of the Size
Be sure that your walking shoes are the correct length and width. The shoes should be wide enough to allow you room to move slightly, but narrow enough to give you support. Also, the walking shoes need to be long enough for you to "wiggle your toes." A good rule of thumb is to make sure that the shoes are about 1 inch longer than than your big toe. Part of this decision should be based on the type of socks you intend to wear. For instance, if the weather there is cold, you are likely to wear heavier socks. It's always a good idea to have on the socks that you intend to wear on your trip when trying on walking shoes.
Check the Weather
Weather conditions will affect the walking shoes you buy. For instance, if you expect it to be warm, consider buying walking shoes that can breathe. Rather than buying plastic or leather ones, consider ones that are made of a fabric. And if you expect to walk in the rain, or where it is wet, get shoes with non-skid soles.
Watch Your Mileage
Most good walking shoes are made to last about 400 to 500 miles. By then, there will be wear on the outside of the shoes and the interiors will begin deteriorating on most shoes. Even if this is not the case, there may be problems with the overall support the shoes give you that should be avoided. Keep track of the distance you have walked in them and buy new ones even if they have that "broken in" feeling.
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