• Supinators roll their feet to the outside when they walk. Look for greater stability and a shoe whose outsole, insole and midsole are designed for extra shock absorbency. Slip-lasted shoes, with their inside inserts stitched into the bottom of the shoe, are best, as supinators have such rigid feet. Look for a curved shape; when you look at the bottom of the shoe, the top will curve inward. Buy shoes with reinforced material around the ankles and firm heels for maximum ankle and heel support. Extra cushioning under the ball of the foot helps increase comfort.
• Owners of neutral feet -- feet that don't roll too much inward or outward -- can wear just about any shoe and be sure of proper support and comfort. But even if your feet are neutral and you have no problems with injury, don't skimp on the basic walking-shoe features.

Not sure about your foot type? Grab an old pair of walking or everyday wear shoes and place them on a level table. Walk around behind them and crouch down so that the top edges of the soles are at eye level. If the upper part of the shoe caves excessively inward relative to the soles, you're a pronator. If the uppers lean excessively outward in relation to the sole, you're a supinator. If the uppers break only slightly either way, you have neutral feet.