UNDERSTAND YOUR FOOT TYPE

‘Your body is an amazing, interconnected system. But this means bad footwear can cause aches and pains in your feet, knees, hips, back or even your shoulders,’ says personal trainer Simon Cass. ‘Good walking shoes will provide you with the support you need.’

If you go to a reputable outdoor shop, they should be able to analyse how you walk and help make sure you are wearing the right kind of shoe. Does your foot roll inwards or outwards as you go? A certain amount of roll is normal, but if it’s too much, specialist shoes might help. If you think your foot might have a particularly high or low arch which could affect footwear choice, here is a test you can do at home.

● Wet the sole of your foot.

● Stand on a dark surface, so you can see your footprint.

● Examine which of the images below matches your footprint most closely. If your arches are high or low, it might be worth talking to footwear experts before you increase your activity.