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Whatever your reasons for walking — to stay fit, shed unwanted pounds, or simply recover from a tough workout — a good pair of sneakers is essential. Things to look for, according to experts: a comfortable footbed with arch support, a shock-absorbent outsole to lessen impact, and a model that provides protective support and durability.
The flex point of the shoe — or the point at which it bends while walking — is also key. "For optimal comfort, the flex point of the shoe should match the bending point of your foot," podiatrist Miguel Cunha, DPM, founder of Gotham Footcare, told POPSUGAR. If the two don't align, you might experience arch pain or plantar fasciitis. "You can check the flex point of the shoe by holding it by the heel and pressing the toe of the shoe onto the ground — the point where the shoe bends and creases is the flex point," Dr. Cunha continued.
To help you get started, we've rounded up 10 of the best walking shoes on the market. Whatever you choose, plan to swap out your sneakers after roughly 400 to 500 miles, which translates to about 10 months if you only wear them to exercise. "It doesn't matter if they still look new," Dr. Cunha said. "If the support has been worn out, you're at a much higher risk of injury." Mark it in your calendar!