Consider the shape of your feet

Feet come in many shapes and sizes. To avoid painful problems, consider the shape and size of your feet when buying a pair of walking shoes. Remember, your shoes should conform to the shape of your feet. Your feet should never be forced to conform to the shape of a pair of shoes.

Width and length

Shoes that are too narrow or too wide can lead to painful blisters and calluses. And a toe box that's not high enough — and doesn't provide enough room for your toes — can cause pain in disorders such as bunions and hammertoes.

Arch type

The intricate alignment of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons in your feet forms side-to-side (metatarsal) and lengthwise (longitudinal) arches. As you walk, these springy, flexible arches help distribute your body weight evenly across your feet. Your arches play an important role in how you adapt to various surfaces as you walk.

Choose walking shoes that accommodate your arch type. Generally, feet fall into one of three categories:

• Neutral-arched feet. Feet with neutral arches aren't overly arched nor are they overly flat. If you have neutral arches, look for shoes with firm midsoles, straight to semicurved lasts — last refers to the shape of the sole and the footprint around which the shoe is built — and moderate rear-foot stability.
• Low-arched or flat feet. Low arches or flat feet may contribute to muscle stress and joint problems in some individuals, though there is not a direct correlation. If you have significantly flat feet, you may benefit from a walking shoe with a straight last and motion control to help stabilize your feet.
• High-arched feet. High arches may contribute to excessive strain on joints and muscles, as your feet may not absorb shock as well, especially if you perform a lot of impact or jumping activities. Look for shoes with cushioning to help with shock absorption. A curved last also may help in some cases.

Most important of all, however, is comfort. There is no one "best shoe" for a particular foot type, and comfort and proper fit should be the main criteria you use.