TIME AND DISTANCE: HOW FAR AND HOW FAST SHOULD I WALK?

How Long Does it Take to Walk a Mile?

How long it will take you to walk a mile varies by person, but a rough estimate is that it takes between 15 and 22 minutes to walk a mile. The average walking pace is between 2.5mph and 4mph, depending on your fitness, size and various other factors. If you're just getting into walking, it is likely it will take you around 20 minutes to walk a mile, but as you walk more and become fitter, that time will reduce, and you will also feel able to walk further.

How Long Does it Take to Walk 10,000 Steps?

You will often see that a target of 10,000 steps per day is a great way to improve and maintain your fitness, but the length of time and distance it will take to achieve that can vary dependant on stride length, speed and size. The average stride length is between 2.1 feet and 2.5 feet and, with those measurements in mind, 10,000 steps is around 5 miles of walking. As we have earlier established, a mile can take between 15 and 22 minutes to walk, so it is a likely a beginner will take an hour and 40 minutes to walk 10,000 steps and a more experienced walker could finish 10,000 steps in around an hour and 15 minutes.

How Many Miles Should you Walk a Day?

There are various different suggestions for how many miles you should walk a day to stay fit, but the most common is around 5 miles and that's why you often see people attempting to get to the rough step equivalent – 10,000 steps. According to data, the average adult walks between 1.5 miles and 2 miles per day, so the jump up to 5 miles a day can be quite daunting. We recommend building up your walking in increments until you find walking 5 miles or 10,000 steps relatively easy.

What is the Average Walking Speed?

The average walking speed is between 2.5mph and 4mph, dependant on your stride length, weight and level of fitness. This can vary between men and women, but the fitter and lighter you are, the faster your average walking pace is likely to be. Walking beginners are likely to be walking at between 2.5mph and 3mph, but that speed will increase as you walk more often and further.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT WALKING SHOES OR BOOTS FOR ME

Which Are The Best Walking Shoes For Me?

There's no definitive answer as everybody's needs are different. That being said, generally the best walking shoes are walking shoes that offer high levels of support and cushioning, as they help to reduce the chance of injuries to the feet, ankles and lower legs. Cushioning is essential as it lessens impact on your feet, while high support will help keep your foot in the right place and at the right angle, so you don't suffer with injuries. Put simply, the biggest thing to look for when choosing your walking shoes or boots is comfort. Browse our extensive outdoor footwear range to find the ideal walking footwear for your needs.

Are Walking Shoes Or Walking Boots Better?

On long hikes, walking boots will provide more protection and more support, which your feet and ankles will need over a long distance and any tough terrain. Walking boots hold your feet and ankles in place more securely, but they are heavier than walking shoes. Walking shoes are best for walking on easier trails and footpaths. The reduced weight will allow you to walk faster. For a wide selection of both walking boots and walking shoes, check out our outdoor footwear range.

Are Walking Shoes Better Than Trainers?

For walking and hiking, walking shoes provide extra support, cushioning and grip. Walking shoes protect your feet from injury and keep them feeling comfortable for much longer. Trainers are adequate for everyday walking and sports training, but if you are planning to do a lot of walking and hiking, you will need a proper pair of walking shoes or boots – lots of which can be found here.

Are Walking Boots Waterproof?

Some walking boots, and shoes, are waterproof, some are not. If you are going to be trekking through streams and in wet weather, waterproof walking boots are an absolute must. Always check the product description when buying your walking boots to ensure they are waterproof and will keep your feet dry. For expert waterproof walking boots, look no further than our extensive collection.

So, What Features Should I Consider?

What you need from a pair of walking boots depends on what type of walking you are planning to do. For instance, if you're planning on trekking across rocky terrain then you need some heavier walking boots with the most support and protection available. If you're not put off by wet weather, you certainly need some waterproof walking boots. Generally though, the number one thing to consider when choosing walking boots is comfort.

How Often Should I Replace My Walking Boots?

Although the condition and lifespan of walking boots is very dependent on factors including terrain, weather conditions, walking speed and distance, there are a number of signs to look out for that will tell you when to replace your walking boots or walking shoes. Make note if you start to experience pain during or after wearing your boots (aches, blisters, lower leg pain, back pain) - this may be a sign that your footwear is worn and are no longer giving you the support, stability and comfort they once were. You can also notice aesthetic changes that suggest your boots are worn, or you may even realise you're getting wet feet.

How Should Walking Boots Fit?

As a simple rule of thumb, your walking boots should fit snuggly around your heel and the mid-section of your foot, but with a little room around your toes. We recommend leaving about a finger's width of space between your toes and the end of the boot – enough so that they can move around freely. It's really important to ensure your walking boots are not too tight around any part of the foot, but equally you don't want any room around the heel counter. Don't forget you could add an insole to get a slightly snugger fit or improve the underfoot cushioning of your walking boots.

HIKING CHECKLIST

Wondering what to pack to go out walking or what to wear whilst hiking? Fear not, we have put together this hiking checklist to cover all the hiking gear you need. To check out the extensive collection of outdoor clothing, footwear and accessories you need, shop our collection here.

Autumn and winter hiking clothing

• Waterproof jacket
• Walking trousers
• A top/t-shirt and any other base layers you may want to take
• Thermals and a fleece
• Accessories like socks and a hat

Spring and summer hiking clothing

• Packable jacket
• Walking shorts
• A lightweight top/t-shirt
• Walking socks
• A sun hat/cap

Hiking equipment

• Backpack
• Trekking poles
• Navigation system/compass or GPS
• First aid kit
• Suncream
• Torch
• Snacks and plenty of water/liquids
• Water bottle

Hiking footwear

Walking shoes, boots or sandals are appropriate for walking and many come with lots of beneficial features to help protect your feet and keep you comfortable.