Walk Your Way To Fitness with ASICS
Published: 03 April, 2009
The ASICS, Gel-Kayano is not a "gym shoe", a "running shoe" or a "trainer". It is a "walker" designed "to make walking easier".
These walking shoes have an "Impact Guidance System (IGS)". No, it is not a GPS that will take you where you want to go (wouldn't that be a selling point!?). ASICS don't say IGS is science, they claim it is nothing less than philosophy, "...a philosophy designed to enhance your natural walking motion". The shoes also have DuoMax for pronation control that is the balancing of your body weight bit). They also have gel cushioning for shock absorption.
In passing, I should mention that ASICS say the shoe is for "serious walkers". Is that opposed to "lighthearted" or even, like me "flippant" walkers (does this disqualify me from the road test?)
ASICS are promoting their women's running shoes with the help of body-to-die-for Nell McAndrew, who is famous for running to raise money for breast cancer charities. Walking is no longer simply to get you from A to B, we are advised to walk briskly for at least 30 minutes, three times a week to "maintain our cardiovascular system" (you see how easy it is to lapse into technobabble), what the health nannies mean is "to keep fit" or more realistically "to stay alive".
We are told that getting fit through walking is as good as some medications in helping to keep blood pressure levels down. Physical activity helps reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) in the blood, which can cause plaque build-up along the artery walls - a major cause of heart attacks. The list goes on and on: a daily brisk walk can also lower stress levels, relieve arthritis and back pain, strengthen muscles, bones, and joints, improve sleep, elevate overall mood and sense of well-being....
This is an ideal pair of shoes in which to put your heart through its paces. It is difficult to wax lyrical about a walking shoe, but I recently wore the ASICS Gel-Kayno Walker on my favourite ramble across the North Downs and found them to be very comfortable. After five miles my feet still felt great, no blisters!
A feature that I really like on this shoe is the "Personal Heel Fit". They make it sound as if the shoe is custom made, it is not, but this feature aims to reduce blisters. "Serious walkers", of which there are increasing numbers taking part in competitive walking, know the agony of blisters and the disappointment that succumbing to painful blisters means if you have to give up late in a race. If this feature goes halfway to reducing blisters these shoes are, as we sisters say: "One small step for woman and a giant leap for womankind".
Details
ASICS new walking footwear range is designed specifically for women. The collection has been developed to get the most out of each and every step, providing the ultimate in comfort, protection and performance.
The collection features three shoes, GEL Kayano Walker, GEL-Nebraska and GEL Blackhawk. Each style features unique qualities for the wearer - whether she is fast paced and on a mission, a park stroller or a weekend walker.
Information: To find out more about the benefits of walking and for more tips and info from Nell McAndrew check out ASICS website
