SOCKS should be acrylic or synthetic, not cotton, and double layered if possible. Acrylic fibers wick away excessive perspiration. Your feet can produce up to 4 to 6 ounces of sweat a day.

FIT IS VERY IMPORTANT. If you can, go to a good shoe or athletic footwear store and have your shoes fitted for length with the socks you’ll be use for walking. (If you’re buying “off the shelf” that’s okay, just follow these guidelines.) Buy the shoes late in the afternoon, since your feet swell enough during the day to affect shoe size by as much as one full size. Make sure the shoe is snug, but not too tight over the sock. The shoe should have plenty of room for the toes to move around, and the toes should never touch the front of the shoe.

Shoe width is also important. The ball of your foot is the widest point, and the shoe should accommodate this section of the forefoot comfortably. Make sure you get good arch support, and see that the top of the heel counter of the shoe is properly cushioned and does not bite into the heel or touch the ankle bones.