It’s
hard
to
overstate
the
benefits
of
frequent
walks.
While
this
form
of
exercise
may
not
feel
as
impactful
as
a
high-intensity
workout
or
distance
run,
walking
actually
does
wonders
for
the
body.
“Physically
it
will
improve
cardiovascular
health
by
strengthening
the
heart,
thereby
helping
circulation,
lower
blood
pressure,
helping
in
the
prevention
of
heart
disease
and
stroke,”
Matthew
Nolan,
a
chief
instructor
at
Barry’s
in
New
York
City,
told
HuffPost.
“Mental
health
is
also
a
great
benefit
to
walking.
The
release
of
the
endorphins
while
walking
will
help
boost
mood
and
overall
mental
state,”
he
added.
Sorrasak
Jar
Tinyo
via
Getty
Images
adding
body
weight
exercises
to
traveling
on
hilly
paths,
there
are
plenty
of
ways
to
make
your
walk
more
effective
and
challenging.
What’s
more,
daily
walking
can
help
build
bone
and
muscle
strength
and
improve
joint
health,
said
Nolan.
In
fact,
people
with
chronic
lower
back
pain
and
knee
pain
can
benefit
from
a
regular
walking
regimen,
said
Tyler
Moldoff,
a
physical
therapist
at
the
Hospital
for
Special
Surgery
in
New
York.
“It’s
really
been
exciting
more
recently
seeing
a
lot
of
new
research
coming
out
about
how
something
as
simple
as
walking
can
really
be
an
exceptional
exercise,
when
done
properly,”
he
said.
To
Moldoff,
“done
properly”
means
getting
150
to
300
minutes
of
moderate-intensity
exercise
each
week.
This
equates
to
at
least
30
minutes
of
walking,
five
days
a
week
—
and
you
should
aim
for
5,000
to
10,000
steps
(or
more)
daily.
Once
you
hit
these
requirements,
there
are
additional
ways
to
get
even
more
out
of
your
exercise
regimen.
Below,
experts
share
what
you
can
do
to
challenge
yourself
while
building
up
strength
and
endurance
during
your
walks:
1.
Keep
up
a
quick
walking
speed.
U.S.
government
guidelines
note
that
adults
need
at
least
150
minutes
of
moderate-intensity
exercise
each
week,
which
can
include
brisk
walking
—
but
not
walking
at
a
snail’s
pace.
Moldoff
said
the
intensity
of
aerobic
activity
is
typically
measured
in
relation
to
your
heart
rate.
While
it
can
be
hard
to
know
your
exact
heart
rate
during
a
walk,
a
good
way
to
ensure
you’re
pushing
yourself
is
to
listen
to
a
fast-paced
song
—
starting
at,
say,
100
beats
per
minute
—
and
then
move
to
the
music’s
beat,
Moldoff
added.
“You
can
simply
do
a
Google
search
or
even
on
Spotify
or
Apple
Music,
look
for
different
genres
of
songs
that
may
be
enjoyable
for
individuals
at
100
beats
per
minute,
and
then
trying
to
sync
your
cadence
to
the
beat
of
the
song,”
he
said.
“And
if
you’re
following
along
[to
a]
song
that
is
…
100
beats
per
minute,
you
can
be
sure
that
after
a
few
minutes
you’ll
start
to
work
up
a
little
bit
of
a
breath
and
you’ll
be
hitting
that
moderate
intensity.”
If
that
tempo
feels
too
slow
for
you,
look
up
songs
that
are
110
or
120
beats
per
minute
instead.
And
as
a
bonus,
music
makes
walking
more
enjoyable,
Moldoff
said.
2.
Try
interval
jogging
or
speed
walking.
If
you’re
not
quite
ready
to
maintain
a
fast
walking
pace
for
all
30-plus
minutes
of
your
walk,
consider
incorporating
a
faster
pace
at
select
times
during
your
workout.
Nolan
said
that
in
Barry’s
classes,
instructors
frequently
do
interval-based
training,
which
you
can
try
in
your
walk,
too.
“You
can
do
[this]
at
home
by
incorporating
short
bursts
of
fast
walking
or
even
jogging
to
increase
intensity,”
Nolan
stated.
For
example,
you
might
start
small
with
a
30-second
jog
or
minute-long
speed
walk
and
increase
the
duration
when
your
body
feels
ready.
andreswd
via
Getty
Images
to
music
with
a
fast
tempo
can
make
your
exercise
more
intense
and
help
you
maintain
a
fast
pace.
3.
Add
strength
training
to
your
walk.
“You
could
also
walk
with
light
weights
or
do
some
simple
body
weight
exercises
like
squats,
lunges
or
pushups
during
points
of
the
walk
to
work
different
muscle
groups,”
Nolan
said.
To
start,
simply
plan
your
walk
ahead
of
time
and
pick
some
designated
places,
such
as
your
driveway
or
a
local
park,
to
do
some
body
weight
training.
Writing
out
your
workout
in
advance
can
also
help
you
hold
yourself
accountable.
You
might
do
five
pushups,
15
crunches
and
a
one-minute
plank
repeated
three
times,
or
whatever
combination
makes
sense
for
you.
Just
be
sure
to
switch
up
your
strength
workout
to
target
different
muscles
in
your
exercise
regimen.
You
could
also
try
walking
with
a
weighted
vest
or
a
backpack
filled
with
books
for
an
added
challenge,
Moldoff
said.
“Simply
by
doing
that,
you
can
help
increase
your
metabolic
rate,
which
improves
your
oxygen
consumption,
and
that
relates
to
a
greater
calorie
burn,”
he
stated,
adding
that
this
can
“strengthen
the
muscle
groups
of
the
leg.”
4.
Or
walk
along
a
hilly
path.
Walking
on
a
path
with
hills
is
another
way
to
boost
your
daily
walk,
Moldoff
said.
Walking
downhill
has
been
shown
to
improve
muscle
strength
in
the
lower
extremities
and
reduce
the
stress
that’s
put
on
the
cardiovascular
system,
he
stated.
“So,
interestingly
enough,
it
will
likely
be
less
stressful
on
our
breathing
and
our
heart
rate,”
Moldoff
noted.
“It
will
make
it
more
comfortable,
but
at
the
same
time,
you’re
actually
improving
your
muscle
strength
more
effectively
relative
to
simply
level
walking.”
Meanwhile,
walking
uphill
can
provide
more
of
a
challenge
to
your
cardiovascular
system,
and
some
research
suggests
that
it
can
benefit
people
with
knee
joint
issues.
No
matter
what
you
do
to
up
your
walking
regimen,
it’s
important
to
stay
consistent,
said
Nolan.
“The
benefits
of
walking
are
best
realized
with
regular,
consistent
practice,”
he
said.
“Aim
for
at
least
30
minutes
most
days
of
the
week.”
But
it’s
important
to
take
days
off
when
you
need
them
and
listen
to
your
body
for
any
signs
of
pain
or
discomfort,
Nolan
added.
It
may
take
time
to
build
up
enough
strength
and
endurance
to
incorporate
these
walking
challenges,
and
that’s
OK.
As
you
commit
to
a
regular
walking
regimen,
the
benefits
will
begin
to
emerge.
“Walking
is
a
simple,
accessible
form
of
exercise
that
can
truly
open
the
door
to
a
healthier
lifestyle,”
Nolan
stated.
“By
incorporating
these
tips,
you
can
maximize
the
benefits
and
enjoy
daily
walks
even
more.”
The
original
version
of
this
story
was
published
on
HuffPost
at
an
earlier
date.
Want
to
get
in
some
more
steps?
Try
these
comfortable
walking
shoes
that
reviewers
love.
HuffPost
and
its
publishing
partners
may
receive
a
commission
from
some
purchases
made
via
links
on
this
page.
Every
item
is
independently
curated
by
the
HuffPost
Shopping
team.
Prices
and
availability
are
subject
to
change.
1.
The
Lamincoa
women’s
walking
shoes
HuffPost
readers
can’t
stop
buying
you
weren’t
already
convinced
to
buy
these
by
HuffPost
Shopping
writer
Kristen
Adaway’s
testimonial
that
they’re
the
best
walking
shoes
she’s
ever
worn,
perhaps
the
4,000+
5-star
ratings
on
Amazon
will
do
the
trick.
Reviewers
especially
love
how
comfy
and
flexible
they
are,
and
that
they’re
well-suited
for
people
with
wider
feet.
You
can
snag
these
in
16
different
colors,
in
women’s
sizes
5.5-10.
Promising
review:
“Exactly
what
I
was
hoping
for!
These
fit
so
nicely,
very
true
to
size
and
comfortable.
They
have
lots
of
flexibility
to
them
while
still
hugging
the
foot
in
the
right
places.
Decent
cushion
for
the
foot…
like
walking
on
a
cloud.
I
normally
wear
a
size
8,
occasionally
and
8.5
or
even
9
depending
on
the
brand
and
style
of
shoe.
I
ordered
these
in
an
8
and
the
fit
was
perfect.
My
feet
are
a
smidge
on
the
wider
side
with
my
second
toe
being
longer
than
the
first.
Will
happily
order
another
pair
when
these
wear
out
:)”
—
Emily
2.
A
pair
of
lightweight
Skechers
walking
shoes
with
breathable
mesh
is
a
big-name
brand
among
shoe
shoppers,
and
it’s
not
hard
to
see
why,
when
they
make
durable,
supportive,
and
good-looking
shoes
like
these.
Their
high-rebound
cushioning
and
“Comfort
Pillar”
technology
will
support
your
feet
with
every
step,
while
the
breathable
mesh
and
insole
keep
the
shoes
lightweight.
They’re
available
in
both
regular
and
wide
women’s
sizes
5-13
in
eight
color
combos,
or
men’s
sizes
8-14.
Promising
review:
“This
is
my
second
pair
of
Sketchers
Go
Walk
and
they
are
the
most
comfortable
sneaker.
They
are
soft,
have
good
arch
support
and
a
solid
gripping
sole.
I
walk
2-3
miles
a
day
and
these
out-perform
any
other
walking
shoe.
Fit
is
true
to
size.
I
highly
recommend
to
any
who
walk
or
stand
on
their
feet
for
hours
a
day.”
—
Shirley
Cody
3.
A
convenient
pair
of
slip-on
shoes
with
over
25.000
5-star
ratings
over
25,000
5-star
ratings,
it’s
safe
to
say
these
shoes
are
a
reviewer
favorite.
Their
design
makes
them
oh-so-easy
to
slip
on
and
go,
no
laces
necessary.
Their
arch
support
is
also
ideal
for
those
of
you
who
deal
with
foot
pain
such
as
bunions
or
plantar
fasciitis.
You
can
buy
them
in
women’s
sizes
5.5-10.5,
with
a
choice
of
17
colors.
Promising
review:
“I
very
rarely
ever
leave
reviews…but
this
product
needed
a
review.
I
am
a
nurse
and
am
on
my
feet
all
day.
My
shoes
were
worn
out
and
I
was
in
need
of
a
new
pair.
I
searched
for
a
new
pair
but
hate
that
athletic
shoes
are
so
speedy
especially
since
I
go
through
a
pair
about
once
a
year.
Then
I
found
these.
They
were
only
$33
so
even
if
they
didn’t
last
for
six
months
I
wouldn’t
be
out
that
much
money.
So
I
took
a
chance.
They
arrived
on
time
and
when
I
looked
at
them
I
honestly
wasn’t
sure
if
I
liked
them.
Then
I
lifted
them
up
and
it
felt
like
I
didn’t
have
anything
in
my
hand.
They
are
so
lightweight
I
couldn’t
believe
it.
I
put
them
on
and
they
felt
awesome.
I
have
a
very
wide
foot
and
sometimes
have
trouble
finding
a
ahoe
that
fits
my
foot.
These
are
wide
enough
for
me
and
I
even
could
have
probably
gone
down
a
size.
They
are
so
comfortable
to
wear
and
easy
to
slip
on.
My
foot
pain
is
gone
since
I
started
wearing
these
shoes
two
weeks
ago.
I
get
so
many
compliments
from
my
patients
wondering
where
I
got
these
shoes
from.
They
look
great
with
scrubs
as
well
as
jeans.
All
in
all,
I
tried
to
hate
them,
but
I
can’t
cuz
they
are
just
awesome!”
—
KATHY
FEIST
4.
A
set
of
non-slip
men’s
walking
shoes
with
a
supportive
insole
they
still
have
laces
for
decoration,
these
bad
boys
slip
right
on
without
the
hassle
of
tying
your
shoes.
They’re
called
a
“fashion
sneaker,”
but
don’t
think
style
is
the
only
thing
they’re
good
for
—
the
anti-skid
grooves
on
the
outsole
will
keep
you
from
slipping
as
you
walk,
and
they’re
suitable
for
a
variety
of
life
activities,
from
traveling
to
working
out.
They
come
in
12
colors
in
men’s
sizes
7.5-12.
Promising
review:
“I
bought
these
shoes
for
work,
and
honestly
they’ve
just
become
my
every
day
shoe.
They’re
comfortable
and
feel
great
on
my
feet.
They
support
really
well
and
my
feet
don’t
slide
around
inside
the
shoe.
The
sole
of
the
shoe
are
super
comfortable
and
haven’t
torn
easily
like
my
other
pairs.
Easy
to
put
on
and
great
for
a
rushed
morning.
Highly
recommend
for
a
nice,
well
fitting
shoe
for
a
great
price.”
—
George
Bean
5.
A
set
of
men’s
sneakers
that
resemble
dress
shoes
had
to
do
a
double
take
when
I
first
saw
these,
because
I
thought
there
was
no
way
comfortable
walking
shoes
could
fit
so
well
with
a
business
casual
dress
code
—
and
for
such
a
low
price
tag.
Reviewers
can
vouch
for
how
these
versatile
men’s
shoes,
designed
with
breathable
mesh
and
a
memory
foam
insole,
can
come
in
handy
both
inside
the
office
and
out
of
it.
They
come
in
12
colors
in
men’s
sizes
8-14.
Promising
review:
“I
got
these
for
my
husband
as
a
Christmas
gift
and
he
has
already
asked
for
a
second
pair.
I
originally
got
him
the
grey
and
they
looked
so
sharp
for
work.
He
said
they
are
very
comfortable
as
well
and
he
walks
majority
of
the
day
at
work
and
on
his
feet.
We
got
him
another
pair
in
dark
blue.
You
can
definitely
dress
them
up
or
wear
with
jeans.
My
husband
was
really
impressed
with
them
for
how
good
the
price
was!”
—
Spencer
Hudak
6.
A
cute
pair
of
stretchy
walking
shoes
with
a
moisture-wicking
insole
might
be
my
favorite
on
the
list
just
because
of
how
cute
they
are;
the
14
color
options
create
so
many
possibilities
for
styling
these
with
your
wardrobe.
Of
course,
they’re
practical,
too:
The
insole
wicks
away
moisture
and
reduces
odor,
while
the
midsole
and
outsole
are
equipped
with
Energycloud
cushioning
to
keep
your
feet
cool
and
comfortable.
You
can
buy
them
in
women’s
sizes
6-10.
Promising
review:
“I
have
had
these
for
SEVERAL
months
and
absolutely
love
them.
They
are
easy
to
slip
off
and
on
and
are
so
so
comfortable.
They
wash
and
dry
nicely
in
the
washer/
dryer
and
still
fit
just
as
comfortably
as
before.
The
have
endured
a
lot
of
wear
but
have
not
torn
or
popped
a
hole
after
it
all
so
I’ve
been
very
impressed.
I
wear
them
to
workout,
all
day
cleaning
at
our
church
(concrete
slab
floors),
and
chasing
our
kids
all
around.
Will
be
ordering
again
when
needed”
—
Momma
Tina
7.
A
sporty
and
stylish
pair
of
Reebok
tennis
shoes
may
not
look
high-tech,
but
these
shoes
feature
Reebok’s
“DMX”
foam,
cushioning
technology
that
moves
air
back
and
forth
beneath
your
feet
as
you
walk.
That
support,
along
with
these
shoes’
price
compared
to
other
walking
shoes,
have
reviewers
falling
in
love
with
them.
They
come
in
five
colors
in
women’s
sizes
5-12.
Promising
review:
“I
needed
a
new
pair
of,
what
I
call,
tennis
shoes
for
a
while.
I
haven’t
bought
a
pair
of
Reeboks
in
ages.
But
when
I
saw
these
I
really
liked
the
design.
The
reviews
were
good
so
I
decided
to
give
them
a
try.
I
have
really
high
arches
so
I
try
to
find
shoes
that
can
support
my
feet.
I
was
worried
that
the
size
8
I
ordered
might
not
be
a
true
size
8.
I’ve
ordered
shoes
before
that
were
not
true
to
size,
but
I
can
honestly
say
these
shoes
are
true
to
size.
With
the
cushion
inserts
the
shoes
have
I
don’t
have
any
issues
with
my
feet
hurting
because
of
my
high
arches.
I
could
literally
walk
in
this
shoes
for
hours
without
any
discomfort.
They
are
extremely
lightweight.
I’m
really
glad
I
decided
to
buy
these,
and
the
best
part
is
it
didn’t
cost
me
an
arm
and
leg
to
get
them.”
—
Linda
Wroblewski
8.
A
set
of
sleek
Bruno
Marc
men’s
walking
shoes
that
can
be
dressed
up
or
down
9,000
Amazon
customers
gave
these
shoes
a
5-star
stamp
of
approval,
so
you
know
they’re
good.
Not
only
do
they
look
sleek
and
fashionable,
able
to
be
worn
with
just
about
any
outfit,
but
they
slip
on
easily,
weigh
less
than
8
ounces,
and
have
the
classic
breathable
knitted
upper
you
expect
from
a
walking
shoe.
They’re
available
in
11
colors
in
men’s
sizes
6.5-14.
Promising
review:
“I
spend
a
lot
of
time
shooting
pool
in
some
local
venues.
Spending
all
weekend
playing
a
tournament
and
on
my
feet.
It’s
gotten
rough
the
older
I
get.
I
ordered
these
just
hoping
for
something
comfortable.
But
they
seriously
exceeded
my
expectations.
They
are
designed
to
slide
on
and
off.
I
see
in
other
reviews
where
people
reversed
the
shoe
laces
and
tied
them
up.
My
opinion
is
you
don’t
have
to
do
it.
They
are
light
weight,
comfortable
and
have
a
very
soft
insole.
Great
job
to
the
designers
of
this
shoe.”
—
Chris
Cooper
9.
A
comfy
and
trendy
set
of
women’s
slip-on
sock
sneakers
might
associate
sock
sneakers
with
high-end
designers
like
Balenciaga,
but
you
can
get
them
for
cheaper
—
and
considering
how
the
knit
uppers
and
elastic
cuff
can
provide
some
much-needed
comfort,
you
shouldn’t
waste
that
chance.
This
option
from
DOUSSPRT,
which
has
an
air
cushion
design
for
extra
support,
is
an
absolute
steal
under
$30,
and
is
available
in
18
colors
in
women’s
sizes
5.5-11.
Promising
review:
“These
shoes
are
great!
Didn’t
expect
to
use
them
for
hiking
–
but
they
worked
perfectly.
Kept
my
feet
safe
and
comfortable
after
wearing
them
all
day,
walking
up
and
down
very
steep
hills
and
inclines.
Provided
great
support,
along
with
the
compression
socks
I
wore
with
them.
Love
the
glove-like
way
they
enclose
your
feet
–
easy
on
and
easy
off
yet
secure
once
on.
Extremely
good
buy.
Performed
well
beyond
expectation.”
—
AuggieO
10.
A
casual
pair
of
Skechers
that’s
an
Amazon
bestseller
the
hunt
for
a
walking
shoe
that
doesn’t
look
so…
sneaker-ish?
Look
no
further.
These
slip-on
Skechers
have
a
sleeker
look,
but
retain
the
breathable
mesh
and
high-rebound
cushioning
of
some
of
their
more
athletic-looking
shoes.
It
comes
in
a
whopping
25
colors,
in
women’s
5-13
with
narrow
and
wide
sizes
available,
too.
Promising
review:
“I
have
wide
feet
and
have
suffered
with
corns
and
rubbing
on
my
toes
no
matter
the
shoe.
This
has
hampered
my
enjoyment
of
places
that
require
much
walking,
even
walking
around
my
neighborhood
for
exercise.
I
tried
this
on
as
soon
as
I
received
them,
and
they
were
so
comfortable!
I
walked
around
in
them
and
never
once
were
my
feet
uncomfortable.
There’s
plenty
of
room
in
the
toe
box
and
the
soles
are
kind
of
a
spongy,
springy
material
that
make
walking
fun.
And
this
shoe
can
be
machine
washed
which
is
a
plus!”
—
Kris
L.
Cullinan
11.
A
durable
and
breathable
pair
of
lightweight
mesh
sneakers
a
sock-like
fit
and
shock-absorbing
rubber
outsole,
these
shoes
are
a
bargain
at
less
than
$27.
They’re
also
super
lightweight,
according
to
reviewers,
making
them
perfect
for
days
of
walking
at
the
airport
or
grocery
shopping.
You
can
pick
between
14
colors
and
women’s
sizes
5.5-10.
Promising
review:
“I
love
these
shoes
and
it’s
true
to
size
when
ordering.
I
wear
these
out
when
I’m
grocery
shopping,
working
out,
or
even
when
I’m
wanting
an
athleisure
day!
Definitely
ordering
a
2nd
pair.
Super
comfortable
to
run,
walk,
dance,
and
doing
heavy
lifting.”
—
Xtyxo