| Walking the golf course has many benefits | | | | fasciitis: You don't want it. |
| compared with riding in a cart. Exercise is the | | | | Plantar fasciitis (PF) occurs when the plantar fascia |
| most obvious, followed by less tangible pluses like | | | | tissue, which runs the length of the bottom of the |
| getting a better feel for the course or avoiding | | | | foot, becomes inflamed, causing pain in the heel. |
| being stuck in a cart with an annoying partner. | | | | Once you've got it, PF can prove difficult to |
| Some golfers believe their scores improve when | | | | overcome given the amount of time most people |
| walking. | | | | spend on their feet. |
| Then again, hauling one's golf bag for 5-7 miles | | | | Walking golfers are certainly susceptible to PF, but |
| does have drawbacks. The possibility of | | | | it's easily prevented. Test any pair of shoes for |
| developing blisters or the painful foot condition | | | | plentiful supportive cushioning in the heel, arch and |
| called plantar fasciitis, for starters. Fatigue is | | | | ball of the foot. This keeps the weight distributed |
| another, especially for those who play in hot | | | | evenly and relieves stress on the plantar fascia. |
| weather or on hilly courses. A properly fitting pair | | | | The dedicated walker's golf shoes should also be |
| of lightweight golf shoes is one solution to these | | | | flexible at the midsole so that the foot rolls |
| issues, but there are others. | | | | naturally from heel to toe, rather than slapping the |
| Let's survey a few ways to combat the potential | | | | ground. Another good way to stave off PF is by |
| negative effects of walking the course. | | | | stretching the feet prior to your round. It's a |
| Golf Shoes that are Roomy Yet Snug | | | | worthwhile way to spend five minutes. |
| Help prevent: Blisters, discomfort | | | | Breathable, Seamless Shoes and Socks |
| This should go without saying, but how often | | | | Help prevent: Blisters |
| have you bought a pair of golf shoes - or any | | | | Blisters are bad enough when you've got a cart |
| shoes - that were a little too loose in the middle, | | | | for carriage. Woe to the golfer who develops a |
| or a bit tight in the toes? | | | | blister while walking 18. |
| Your golf shoes should have ample room in the | | | | The primary causes of blisters are friction, excess |
| toe box. Here's a literal rule of thumb: Make sure | | | | heat and sweaty feet. Friction can be minimized |
| there's about one thumbnail's distance (a half-inch | | | | by choosing shoes that fit snugly enough (but not |
| or so) between the longest toe's tip and the end | | | | too snugly) to prevent rubbing, feature a soft |
| of the shoe. Your heel should remain firmly in | | | | interior surface and few or no raised seams. |
| place as well. | | | | Breathability is also key, so look for shoes with a |
| Golfers require extra mid-foot security for | | | | combination of mesh and leather that allow air to |
| stability in the swing; walking golfers, test to | | | | pass in and out. |
| ensure your shoes are tight enough in the middle | | | | Socks are important, too. Invest in a few pair |
| without squeezing the foot. | | | | made from technical, moisture-wicking fabric, |
| Golf Shoes with Excellent Support | | | | rather than absorbent cotton. Leave the frazzled, |
| Help prevent: Plantar fasciitis | | | | worn-out socks in the drawer, and apply foot or |
| Here's the No. 1 thing to know about plantar | | | | talcum powder to keep the feet dry. |