Clothing
Dress for walking success! You probably have much of what you need in your closet, but don't hold back if treating yourself to clothes you feel great in will mean venturing out more often!
Shoes
If you invest in nothing else, do your feet a favor and purchase shoes that fit well and are made for walking. Check out our guide to finding the right kind of walking shoe for you.
Socks
A good pair of socks is important in walking. Most socks are made from cotton or a synthetic looping material. You can even wear sweat- or water-wicking socks that pull moisture outward. Don't wear old, thin, holey, or worn-out socks. Good walking socks should be padded around the toes and heal to cushion your feet from impact. Some people even wear two pairs of socks - - a thin pair made of cotton or synthetic material inside a thicker pair to prevent irritation, sores, and blistering.
Shirts and Pants
Walking clothing doesn't have to be very high-tech if you don't want it to be. You can wear anything that you're comfortable in, as long as it is breathable and doesn't restrict your movement. Soft cotton and nylon are good and common choices. Just pull out an old cotton T-shirt and a comfy pair of pants or shorts and you're on your way! If you are looking to pay a little bit more, breathable sweat- and water-wicking fabrics such as Coolmax are also great choices for your walking adventures.
Layers
Layering clothing in respect to the weather is a good idea as well. Wear more layers if it is cooler, and less if it is hotter outside. Wool is a great material to wear for walking to keep warm if it is cold outside. Optimally, wearing multiple thin layers is better than wearing just one heavier layer like a sweatshirt. This way, more warmth is trapped in each layer to keep warm. In addition, you can take more layers off for different temperatures as you warm up. Put the extra clothes in a backpack as you take them off. Wear a jacket if it is windy or wet.
Water and Wind Protection
If you're going to be walking in the rain or snow be sure to keep dry! Wear a breathable water- and wind-proof shell or jacket and pants to let sweat out and keep the weather's precipitation and wind from getting in!
Extras for Cold Weather
A warm winter hat is a must in cold weather. About 40% of your body heat can be lost through your head so it's important to keep it all in with a hat! Gloves or mittens are also important, especially for people with poor circulation whose hands would get colder faster. In order to walk comfortably and with good posture (see our section on walking posture for more info), you should keep your hands and arms at your sides, and not in your pockets, so be sure to keep those fingers warm!
Sun Protection
Wearing a hat with brim and sunglasses with 100% UV ray protection is always a good idea, and will keep you feeling (and looking!) cool in summer and protect your face and eyes year-round.
