Packer Shoes x PRO-Keds Backyard BBQ with | Neutral walking shoes

Have you ever tried on a walking shoe and immediately thought that something felt off? Like there’s a structure at the arch area that doesn’t feel right, or the sole unit was so stiff that your feet aren’t moving naturally. If the answer to these questions is a resounding yes, there’s a good chance that you tried on a Vans Era "UV Ink" sneakers Bianco or a motion control walking shoe.

‘What’s that?’, you ask? The short explanation is, people with high arches tend to put their weight on the lateral side of the foot during the heel-to-toe transition while those with flat or low arches tend to roll their feet inwards during the walking gait cycle. Like people’s feet, shoes aren’t created equal, and some have structures that prevent this excessive inward or outward rolling of the foot to correct a person’s gait and relieve pressure in some parts of the foot.

But not everyone needs specialized footwear because these components could cause discomfort for the user. People with average arches will feel more comfortable using neutral walking shoes - trainers with no or very minimal arch support and no motion control components at the sole unit.

Neutral walking shoes are very easy to find since they are the most commonly produced walking gear by shoe manufacturers. Go to a shoe store, pick up any shoe, and there’s a high probability that you’ve picked up a neutral shoe.

Finding the right neutral walking shoes

Though neutral walking shoes are relatively common, not every single pair will fit your foot the same way. Some pairs will fit snugly while others may feel too spacious.  It’s easy to pick a footwear when you’re choosing one from a physical store, but these days, it’s more convenient to shop online. So, how do you find the right pair of neutral walking shoes without trying one on? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back.

Measure your feet

If you were a US size 7 a year ago, there’s a possibility that it has changed. Contrary to popular belief, a person’s foot doesn’t stop changing when they hit adulthood. Various factors could affect a person’s shoe size such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, daily activities, foot injuries, and so on.

The best way is to get measured by a professional using a Brannock device since that can measure the length, width, and some tools can also measure the arch. But if you’re shopping online, you may have to resort to measuring your foot by yourself. To do this, you need paper big enough to fit your foot without it going over the edges of the paper; a pencil, a pen, or a marker to outline your foot; a measuring tape or ruler; and possibly a friend help you outline your foot.

If you plan on wearing a sock with your neutral walking shoes, it would be best to put them on while you measure your foot. Stand up and step on the paper, this way your weight is evenly distributed. Now, this is the tricky part, it’s hard to outline your foot while standing up, so you need to bend down to do it. If that’s a bit difficult to do, for some reason or another, then call a friend for help. Once the outline is obtained, measure from the longest part of the toe to the end of the heel. Then compare this measurement to the shoe size chart.

Remember

• Measure your feet at the end of the day or later in the day, when your feet have expanded to the fullest.
• When outlining the foot, make sure the pen is upright, and the point of the pen or marker doesn’t go under the foot to ensure accurate measurement.
• Measure both feet as the length may have a slight variance; consider the foot with the longer measurement when comparing it against the shoe size chart.
• Shoe sizes may vary from one brand to another, so if you have a brand in mind, compare your foot measurement to their chart to get an accurate fit.

Know what you want

Neutral walking shoes come in different styles. Laces, straps, slip-ons - these are just some factors to consider, especially if you have mobility issues, or you find laces and straps to be too cumbersome to deal with.

There is also the various thickness of soles to consider. Some people prefer thick soles especially at the heel for maximum impact absorption while others like thinner soles because they want to feel the ground when they walk. Then there are those who are more happy with the in-between type, the sole unit is not so thin and not so thick.

Having a brand or a few brands in mind will also help in narrowing down your choice. Some manufacturers offer a wide range to choose from while others will only have a few styles available. By providing yourself with options, there’s a more significant chance of being able to get a neutral walking shoe that fits your foot, your style, and your budget.

Packer Shoes x PRO-Keds Backyard BBQ with | Know the retailer’s rules

Since you’ll be shopping online, it would be wise to check the retailer’s return and exchange policies. Most online retailers will only facilitate a return, an exchange, or a refund if there are no signs that the footwear has been worn outside. Some won’t accept it if the tags have already been removed, while others are lax with policy. You will also be provided with other information such as if you will be the one shouldering the cost of the shipment or not. If you are unsure of your size, or your foot length falls in between sizes, then you can order two sizes and return the other one that doesn’t fit properly.

Frequently asked questions about neutral walking shoes

How much do neutral walking shoes cost?

On average, they cost about $50 to $120, depending on the brand, style, and construction.  But here at EdiconnectShops, we scour the interwebs to get you the best price. You could get neutral walking shoes for as low as $35.

Are neutral walking shoes suitable for people with diabetes?

Yes. Some of the models are ready to accommodate such conditions. You need to look for shoes with the HCPCS code = A5500 which means that this footwear was designed for the unique needs of people with diabetes and is eligible for Medicare reimbursement.

Are all neutral walking shoes cushioned?

zapatillas de running ASICS tope amortiguación constitución fuerte pie cavo talla 45 rosas the Vibram Furoshiki, barely have a sole unit in them. This type of footwear caters to people who like to feel more ground contact when they are walking. There is a belief that walking barefoot strengthens the foot and leg muscles, and could help relieve some foot issues. But most neutral walking shoes have moderate or thick platforms. Some models have thicker cushioning unit at the heel since that’s the part of the foot that receives most of the impact and because people strike with their heel first when their foot lands. So, having ample impact absorption at the back is vital to keep the foot protected and comfortable, especially when you’re traveling by foot for long distances.

Packer Shoes x PRO-Keds Backyard BBQ with | How do I clean my neutral walking shoes?

Neutral walking shoes could be made from various materials, especially the upper. Some trainers use mesh, while others have leather or suede. So, cleaning them largely depends on what the footgear is made of.

• Leather: A simple brushing would suffice as that would take care of most surface dirt. If there is any caked-in dirt, wiping with a damp cloth or using a toothbrush dipped in a warm soapy solution will do. Make sure to follow that with a wipe down using a clean damp cloth. If the unit gets soaked, remove insoles and laces if possible then clean and dry them separately. As for the shoe itself, let it air dry for 10 hours or overnight. A special solution can be applied to the upper to give it water-, oil-, and stain-repelling properties.
• Suede: Use a suede brush to remove dirt and fluff the fibers to keep it looking new. If it gets thoroughly wet, follow the same instructions as stated in the leather section. After drying, use the suede brush to fluff the upper material.
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Remember:

• Do NOT throw it in the washing machine unless the manufacturer stated that the pair of neutral walking shoes is safe to machine wash.
• Do NOT use a heat source to dry the trainers as that could compromise the build of the footwear.

Are there brands that offer customization for their neutral walking shoes?

Unfortunately, brands that do offer customization, such as Reebok, do not have this service in their walking shoe line. If you want to spice up your trainer’s look, the simplest way is to get a pair of new laces and follow one of these lacing techniques to update the style of your kicks. Aside from changing the look a bit, the lacing patterns also help in making the upper fit better.

Can you use neutral walking shoes to run or cross-train?

Though some people think all shoes are the same and can be used for pretty much anything, neutral walking shoes are designed to deliver comfort during extended periods of walking and standing. Most of these trainers lack the proper plushness as the midsole to support and cushion high-impact movements such as running and plyometrics. They also lack structural support at the upper to keep the foot steady during dynamic motions. If you are planning on training for a marathon, it would be best to invest in Victoria Beckham Destiny 90mm leather sandals Blue. zapatillas de running Salewa mujer talla 42 CrossFit or other high-intensity workout sessions, then buying footwear designed for CrossFit or a workout shoe Favourites Rocket Dog Blue Jazzin 8A Canvas Shoes Inactive.

Did you know…

… that even if you have a neutral pronation your foot still rolls inwards when you walk? People with neutral pronation roll their foot by about 15%. This slight inward movement properly distributes the weight of the person as the foot moves from the heel to the toes. It helps in keeping the ankles and legs properly aligned during the walking gait cycle.