Walking Shoes Aren't Just For Old Ladies. They're For Smart Ones.

I'd like to think that I'm a fairly in shape kind of girl.

I'm pretty sure my body wouldn't agree with me. Particularly after a 3-hour stint walking through the zoo.

With two kids, one of whom loves to nurse all night long, the prospect of exercise other than picking up toys and walking up and down stairs with a 22-lb baby is more like a myth.

I know it will make me more alert. I know it's good for me.

But damn if I can't get myself motivated to get off my butt and get moving.

Then I moved. And unpacked all my single-digit clothes. My adorable, sexy, awesome clothes that I would love to fit into again.

And that was it. And while I'm still eating one too many bites of ice cream, I'm thinking that just getting my butt in gear will help to drop a good five. Particularly since my neighbor, who I'm going to start walking with, walks the entire neighborhood pushing her 15-month old twins up the gigantic hill by my house.

So, there we'll be, pushing our kiddos, working our butts off.

Except the shin splints. I FEAR THEM.

See. I like to buy running shoes. I used to run, actually, and I just think they look better. Let's face it. Walking shoes are notoriously ugly. White. Old. Crusty. I mean they practically scream retiree.

But then Ryka decided to send me their walking shoes. And if you don't know Ryka you should. It's a company that's made its name by making athletic clothing and shoes for women. But the difference is that it was started by women.

So they know what they're doing!

Anyway, they sent me their new MC2 walkers. Apparently walking shoes are made differently than running shoes. So take note:

If you walk, you should wear walking shoes. There is a difference.

And believe me. I felt it.

Now, I walked with two children through the entire Atlanta Zoo, and I had only worn the shoes once before. I was shocked at how easily they broke in. No blisters and they felt better and better as I kept walking and walking.

I am a pretty traditional size 10 M and they fit me perfectly. Even though I'm pretty sure my feet have grown a bit since having kids.

And I love the way they look. I hate to say it, but I would suffer through the shin splints or start running before I wore some crappy looking walking shoes. I have sacrificed a lot for motherhood, but not my shoes, damnit.

Now, I will say that I have very bad shin splints, so my shins were still a bit sore when I wore these sneakers. However, they were not nearly as bad as they have been. AND, I noticed an instant difference when I put on my sandals the next day and walked around. It was amazing to feel how truly supportive the Ryka shoes were.

I have to say as I get older, I'm way pickier about my shoes. They have to fit, they have to feel good, and they have to look good.

And Ryka meets all those criteria. If you are a walker or do a lot of walking, get these shoes. Seriously.

If you'd like a pair, visit their site starting today through October 5 and you can be entered to win a free pair. They're giving away 50 pairs a day. 50!

Comments

[ktjrdn]

Yes, but do you have to enter every day?

[VDog]

Awesome! I swear by walking shoes myself; HATE to walk in running shoes.

I'm a 10M too, but, sadly, only 5'5". Heh.

[nyjlm]

I won a pair thanks to your post! I'm an avowed non-exerciser, but they have gotten me out of the house two nights this week on a neighborhood walk.
Thanks Kristen and thanks Ryka!

[Luella]

Why not I too have recently purchased walking shoes from CouponAlbum site (http://www.couponalbum.com). And I am so satisfied.

[Eryn]

Dude, I just got an email.. I won a pair of shoes from them too!! Thanks so much for posting this! :)

[JessicaB]

Thanks for posting this. I won a tee.

[Foot Care Specialist]

You can get arch support with any shoes by using orthotic insoles to prevent over-pronation.

Shin Splints is a painful condition in the shin involving inflammation that occurs either in the front or inside section of the shin bone. In many cases shin splints can result from intense physical activity such as running or jumping, and is a condition that can often take a long time to heal.

The symptoms for shin splints include tightness and/or tenderness around the shin, especially after running or walking for long distances. Shin splints are generally caused by excessive stretching of muscles and tendons along the shin bones (tibia and fibula). Overuse of these muscles by athletes and runners is the most common factor.

Excessive pronation of the feet can also be a major contributing factor. Over-pronation leads to internal tibial rotation and increases the tractional forces upon the muscles and ligaments in the lower leg.

In the short term, rest is required to help alleviate shin pain; running and other strenuous activities should be avoided until the condition is minimized. Shin Splints can frequently be prevented by warming up before intense physical activity.

Using appropriate footwear is also a good way to prevent and reduce the effect of shin splints, especially for runners who strike heavily with the heel. Running shoes with proper rear foot stability are important. Orthotic insoles are useful in that they help prevent over-pronation and provide heel cushioning to reduce impact while providing heel stability.