Making sure you’ve got the right kit is crucial to staying injury free and safe
With over 60 years of intensive scientific research, the ASICS walking range is designed to help walkers get the most out of every step.
The walking range has been specifically designed to optimise the walking experience in terms of comfort and performance and ensure walkers get the most benefit from every step they take. By choosing ASICS for your walking routine you are ensuring that you are safely selecting the single most important piece of walking kit.
Although walking shoes are similar to running shoes in many respects, there are some major differences.
As walking is a slower movement than running, you spend more time on your toes, therefore ASICS has developed a special wider walking last (the shape of the shoe), which allows more space for your toes to spread out under the load of your body weight. This increases comfort and reduces the risk of injuries or toe problems.
A walking specific midsole has also been developed. When walking there are different points of contact than there are during running, so ASICS has moved it’s GEL Cushioning system to absorb the impact where it gives optimum effect, which is further back and more centralised than in the running range. The Walking Specific DuoMax, again positioned differently, gives better stability on heel strike, again reducing the chance of injury.
Once you have sorted out your shoes, the rest of the walking kit must follow.
Socks
A pair of comfortable, breathable well padded socks is essential to reduce the risk of blisters and enhance comfort.
Clothing
Layers are essential when you are walking so you can add or subtract items of clothing as you go and ensure you maintain a comfortable temperature for walking whatever the conditions.
On cold mornings consider leggings or shorts under track bottoms, a base layer then T-shirt and loose fitting top or lightweight jacket. Gloves are good to keep the extremities warm whilst a good thermal hat ensures you keep a lid on the 30% of your body heat that is dissipated through your head.
On warmer days, it is still a good idea to take out a jacket or jumper with you in case you get cold or for whilst resting.
Water
Whatever the weather you need to ensure you are properly hydrated throughout your walk for maximum comfort and performance. Always have a bottle of water handy.
Backpack
If you’re walking to work or just have lots of personal items with you ditch the handbag or briefcase in favour of an ergonomic backpack designed to effortlessly hold the things you need with you such as mobile phone and excess layers.
