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I'm doing some research into long distance walking (>10 miles/day) and the use of insoles and walking shoes in relation to injuries. Unfortunately there's not much literature at this moment specifically for long distance walking.

In short:
Long distance walking alters gait; heel loading inceases and toe-function decreases, indicating a pattern with less roll-off (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20404764). Also de foot posture wil change, foot flattens. These changes maybe caused by fatigue. The hight of the shaft from a walking shoe and stiffness also influences the gait, especially in sagital plane (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17886013). On the other hand changes in plantar pressure distribution maybe associated with overloading the foot and injuries.

So if we know all this, what is the best way to treat a long distance walker (walking on plane ground)? What do we advise for shoes flexibel or stiff, high or low shaft? What kind of insole's, material, hight, correction?

I'ld like to hear your thoughts in these.

Best regards,

Ingrid Janssen