It’s no secret regular exercise and activity are key to boosting your health. The easiest way to kick-start your wellness journey is by putting one foot in front of the other—walking! While it may seem as simple as strolling around the block, not all types of walking footwear are created equal.
Put your foot health first this National Walking Day by prioritizing the shoes you wear while boosting your fitness and going for a walk.
Keep reading to learn more about why you’ll want to celebrate National Walking Day and what shoes are best for supporting your feet along the way.
Why Walking Matters
While humans may not be the fastest-running mammals or have the strongest swimming abilities, one thing we’ve always excelled at is walking. As a bipedal species (meaning we walk upright on two legs), walking has always been crucial to human actions, including hunting, gathering food, and relocating to new places.
Although times have changed, walking still plays a crucial role in our lives. Whether making a pilgrimage, taking a hike, or going for a stroll to your local coffee shop, walking is likely part of your daily routine. Not only is walking a necessity for many, but it also offers a variety of health benefits, including:
- Strengthening your bones
- Improving your cardiovascular fitness
- Increasing muscle endurance and power
- Reducing your risk of developing various conditions, including heart disease and osteoporosis
Another major benefit of regular walking is that it’s a free activity that’s accessible to a wide range of people, helping boost your activity levels regardless of your age, weight, or athletic abilities. Walking is such an easy and practical way to care for your health that the American Heart Association sponsored a day dedicated to this very activity: National Walking Day.
What is National Walking Day?
Oh, and also, when is National Walking Day?
National Walking Day, or National Take a Walk Day, is an annual event celebrated on the first Wednesday of April and dedicated to inspiring people around the country to enjoy this free, fun activity. To celebrate, enjoy a 30-minute walk before, after, or during your work day.
While it only happens once a year, the goal of this celebration is to encourage people to boost their physical activity by incorporating regular walking into their everyday routines. Whether you’re headed into the office, work from home, or are a caregiver or homemaker, you can easily take part in National Walking Day by lacing up your tennis shoes and going for a stroll.
What Shoes Are Best for National Walking Day?
Whether it’s National Walking Day or your average Monday, having the right footwear is key to maximizing the health benefits of your walk while providing your feet and body with the support they need. So, what shoes should you wear when participating in National Walking Day?
Here’s an overview of what you’ll want to keep in mind when looking for a pair of comfortable walking sneakers that support your arches, protect your soles, and inspire you for the miles ahead.
Find a Pair with the Right Cushioning
When you’re shopping for walking shoes, you’ll want to make sure to find a pair that offers adequate shoe cushioning to keep you comfortable, whether you walk on pavement, gravel, or grass.
Walking is a relatively low-impact physical activity, so you can make do with slightly less cushioning than a running shoe. A uniform level of cushioning, as opposed to shoes with a large heel stack (a super elevated heel), may be more comfortable depending on your foot shape.
Look for Shoes with the Stability You Need
Another key factor to consider when searching for the right pair of walking shoes is stability. One way to test the stability of a shoe is by holding it at the toe in one hand and the heel in the other and twisting it. If you feel moderate resistance, meaning it’s not overly stiff nor super malleable, you’ve found a good pair.
You can also try gripping the shoe at its heel and bending the toe upward. Make sure that the shoe bends at the ball of the foot rather than mid-arch or another point in the shoe. This helps ensure it has the stability you need for comfort and support, no matter where the walking path takes you. Sneakers with a thermoplastic heel counter, like the 23Walk Classic Sneaker, offer additional stability and support.
Search for the Right Fit
As you shop for walking shoes, the most important thing to keep in mind is fit. The right fit can prevent blisters, bruised toenails, and more serious foot issues like plantar fasciitis.
So, how should a shoe fit? Well-fitting walking shoes shouldn’t feel particularly tight in any area but should feel snug from toe to heel. Whether you have wide or narrow feet, look for a sneaker that’s available in the correct width, like the Walk Max Lace Up Sneaker or those from the wide shoes for men collection, to further customize the fit.
How to Prepare for National Walking Day
Here are some ways you can put your best foot forward and prepare for National Walking Day:
- Make a game plan – Whether you plan on participating by going for a 30-minute walk before work, participating in a race walk with loved ones, or joining a walking group, make a plan for how you’ll spend the day and encourage your friends, family, or colleagues to join in.
- Stretch before you walk – Other than finding proper footwear, you can ensure you stay comfortable during your walk by stretching beforehand. This can help keep your feet and muscles limber and prevent you from pulling or straining anything, no matter how many miles you have ahead of you.
- Make a playlist – Walking presents the perfect opportunity to listen to a new album or podcast episode. To prepare for National Walk Day, consider making yourself a playlist in advance full of your favorite jams so you’re pumped up for your entire stroll.
No matter how you prepare, participating in National Walking Day can be easy, fun, and accessible regardless of your work schedule or location. Plus, it’s a great initiative to get one step closer to the healthiest version of yourself!
Where to Go for a Walk to Celebrate
When you’re ready to celebrate National Walking Day, there are several places to plan your path around:
- Check out a local park – Whether you have a favorite neighborhood gathering place or you live near a national park, walking can be a fun and easy way to reconnect with nature. This National Walking Day, check out the local scenery by taking a walk in a park. (It’s even more fun if you bring a furry friend—just make sure they’re park-approved and remain on a leash).
- Take one of your usual routes – If you typically drive to your regular Sunday brunch spot or neighborhood coffee shop, consider turning it into a walking opportunity with your friends instead. This can be the perfect way to integrate walking into your routine while still visiting one of your usual hangs.
- Join a race – If you’re looking for extra motivation, consider joining a race or race walk to celebrate National Walking Day with like-minded exercise enthusiasts. This may be especially helpful when you’re trying to increase your step count or challenge yourself to reach new step goals.
The beauty of walking versus other types of exercise is that you don’t need a special area, complicated equipment, or extensive training to start moving. Just put one foot in front of the other!
How to Stay Motivated to Walk Regularly
To turn walking into one of your daily healthy lifestyle habits, it has to be easy and exciting—something you want to do, not something you feel you have to do.
Add It to Your Existing Schedule
Between work, hobbies, and keeping up with your loved ones, it can seem challenging to include regular walks in your already busy schedule. Try “double-dipping” by adding walking to an existing routine or combining a walk with another weekly activity.
What could that look like?
- Walking to work rather than driving, or walking ~20 minutes to a bus or train stop then commuting the rest of the way in
- Taking a stroll around the block during your lunch break or while brainstorming about a project before sitting down to work on it
- Exploring your nearest walking path with your family after mealtimes
- Inviting a friend to catch up on a walk, rather than meeting at a coffee shop, bar, or restaurant
There are plenty of ways to integrate movement into your existing routines to live a healthy life.
Find a Pair of Comfortable Walking Shoes
Dealing with uncomfortable footwear can put a damper on an otherwise enjoyable walk, so it’s crucial to find a pair of comfortable, supportive shoes, like the Walk Strider Sneaker. Staying comfortable can encourage you to take the long route home or veer off the beaten path when exploring your area on foot.
Walk with a Friend or Loved One
There’s no better way to stay motivated and committed to this fun pastime than having a walking partner. Walking with a buddy allows you to stay connected with your friends and family by sharing new experiences and having time to talk and connect.
Friends can also help keep you accountable and ensure you’re supporting your mental and physical health by going for walks regularly. Consider inviting your friends to participate in a step count challenge or to scope out beautiful new walking paths with you.
Celebrate National Walking Day with Vionic
This National Walking Day, give your feet the support they deserve with a pair of shoes from Vionic. Whether you’re on the lookout for walking sneakers with arch support or insoles for women’s shoes to ensure you can go the distance, we’ve got you covered.
Who says you can’t look stylish while enjoying your favorite pastime? At Vionic, you’ll find walking shoes complete with built-in orthotics to keep you comfortable no matter where your feet take you. This National Walking Day, treat your feet with the footwear they deserve.
Sources:
American Heart Association. Walkers Stride to Better Health on National Walking Day. https://easternstates.heart.org/walkers-stride-to-better-health-on-national-walking-day/
Better Health Channel. Walking for Good Health. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/walking-for-good-health
Mental Health Foundation. What impact does physical activity have on well-being? https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-look-after-your-mental-health-using-exercise