- a great way to improve or maintain one’s overall health.
- a physical activity which does not have to be vigorous or done for a long time in order to improve your health.
- low impact, requiring minimal equipment, which be done at any time of day at your own pace
- not limited to strolling by yourself around local neighbourhood streets.

- weight-bearing exercise
- increased heart and lung fitness
- reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
- improved management of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint and muscular pain or stiffness, and diabetes
- stronger bones and improved balance
- increased muscle strength and endurance
- reduced body fat
- Take the stairs instead of the lift for at least part of the way
- Get off public transport one stop earlier and walk to work or home.
- Walk, don’t drive, to the local shops – with a back pack and a trolley
- Walk a dog yours or the neighbours
The story at Happy Feet Pedorthics so often is “I want to walk but ….” my feet hurt, my feet are so sore, my toes, I get blisters, my arches are so painful!
At Happy Feet Pedorthics we get into the features of “good for walking: shoes:
- Enclosed shoe – velcro or lace which need to be not too loose and not too tight – just right like in the Three Bears story! The aim is to wear, not carry your shoes.
- Stable base and a firm heel counter
- A match with shoe shape and foot shape – giving your toes some wriggle room
- Get the length correct – going uphill and down dale! Avoid your toes bruising!
- Consider an arch support, met dome and cushioning. Give your feet a chance with an off the shelf product or custom made orthotic.
- Often times a shoes with a walking heel and good role off from behind the met heads provides considerable comfort when walking!


- varying where you walk
- walking the dog
- walking with friends
- joining a walking club
- walking at different times of the day
- exploring what’s going on around you – the sky, the people, the sounds
- looking for the self-guided nature walks that have been set up in many parks.
Clare Nelson CPed CM AU