Tips for walking on various surfaces

Walking is a great way to casually work out that’s both simple and fun. But, where you decide to walk can have an impact on your overall experience. Read on, to find out what you can do to get the most out of walking on several different kinds of surfaces.

Pavement

While walking doesn’t create an extreme amount of impact, the stress it does cause can lead to aches and pain over time. To minimize this, wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes any time you plan to spend a lot of time walking on roads, sidewalks or other paved surfaces. You might also consider cushioned insoles (for your shoes) or padded running socks to better protect your feet and legs from shock.

Indoors

Much like streets and sidewalks, the floor at your gym, work or school is very likely a hard surface. Comfortable gym shoes allow you to get a good grip on hard floors, as well as keep your feet from getting sore after a long walk. 

If you plan on doing laps in a room, or walking up and down a given hallway, find out how long your route is and keep track of how many times you walk past a certain mark on a wall or floor. This way, you can easily figure out how far you’ve walked and encourage yourself to go further next time.

Dirt Roads

Taking a walk on a dirt road allows you to enjoy the scenery of nearby rural areas, while still walking on relatively easy terrain. In this case, it may be best to trade in your shoes for comfortable hiking boots in the event you encounter mud or puddles. 

Be sure to stay over to the side of the road when you walk, especially as you approach hilly terrain. Cars coming from the other direction may not see you in time, especially if they're traveling at a high speed.

Nature Trails

Trails make for a fun, diverse hike that affords many breathtaking views. Before setting out on your hike, take some time to familiarize yourself with your route, either by using trail maps or a popular map app. 

Hiking boots are almost a necessity on untamed trails, and you may want to bring an extra pair of socks in case yours get wet. If your hike takes you far from civilization, make sure you pack a cell or satellite phone for use in case of an emergency. And, it may be a good idea to bring a GPS in case you stray from your planned route.

Snow/Ice

Snow and ice often turn a walk across any terrain into a hassle. Always pay attention to where you are about to step when walking in the winter. If an area seems icy, test it by tapping it with your foot before you cross. 

If a section of sidewalk is exceptionally icy, it may be worth it to step around it and into the snow. Another word of caution. Built-up snow drifts can muffle the sound of approaching cars, so always be extra mindful of traffic.  

No matter where you decide to hike, taking breaks to rest your feet and legs saves you a lot of discomforts when the hike is over. Even if you’re walking out in the woods, take the opportunity to rest every now and then. That way, you can focus more on walking and less on your possibly aching muscles.

Up next you'll find five mobile apps that you might want to use to track progress, keep you safe, connect with others and more.