If the shoe fits …

It’s worth spending the time looking for the right pair of walking/trail shoes for your feet. And the only way to do this is by trying lots of different brands.

For some lucky souls this is a straightforward exercise but for others like me, there are many things you may need to take into account when seeking the ‘perfect’ shoe.

Firstly, if you are prone to getting blisters you may need to look for shoes which allow your toes to spread out. I didn’t think I had wide feet but there are a surprising number of shoes which are made for narrow feet and just don’t allow any toe movement.

Secondly, you may need to avoid shoes which have any uneven joins in the seams ‘cos sure as little green apples (as my mother used to say) the join will rub on your foot and lo and behold, a blister will miraculously appear!

The shoes I’m wearing at the moment are Oboz Sawtooth Hiking shoes, as they are great for wide feet and tick all the boxes for me.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that many walking shoes have quite stiff insoles with rough edges. To avoid this you may want to invest in some gel insoles such as Scholl’s which are cushioned and comfortable and also have soft edges.

Another thing to look out for is to make sure there is a decent tread on your shoe which will provide grip on various surfaces and stop you from slipping.

If you’re walking long distances over many days (on a walk such as the Camino) I would recommend a shoe rather than a boot as when you get tired, boots can feel too heavy on your legs, plus they tend to get too hot.

One thing I love wearing when I take my shoes off at the end of the day are my Oofos Recovery sandals. They are like walking on lovely spongy cushions. They’re not the most attractive sandals you will find but they are so soft and cushioned they immediately make your feet feel better.

Let me know how you get on.