What are the best shoes to wear for fitness/nordic walking?

A shoe suitable for fitness/nordic walking must be light and flexible so that it can mimic the range of movement from the foot

·        Low cut, cushioned heel

Prevents cutting into the Achilles tendon

·        Lightweight

Don’t carry any more weight than you need to

·        Flexible

Allowing a full range of movement

·        Roomy toe box

Give your toes plenty of room to spread and allow room for the push off – at least a 2 finger width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe

·        Cushioning

Protects your foot, especially in the heel and under the ball of the foot

·        Arch support

There should be good arch support and insole

·        Low heel

A note regarding hiking boots:  The very features that make hiking boots ideal for walking great distances over rough terrain – a rigid sole and a firmly supported ankle – will cause problems to your feet when fitness walking.  Only wear them when the ground is very wet/muddy

Karen Dawkins, Personal Trainer, Winchester