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Turns out these products can actually make a huge difference.

Griffin Wynne (they/them) is a Staff Writer for HuffPost cover shopping, trends and digital culture.

If you have foot pain or are interested in making walking more comfortable, you may be tempted to try insoles or other over-the-counter foot gadgets from the drugstore. But Dr. Patrick McEneaney, a podiatrist and CEO of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, said you should chat with your doctor before buying. 

“With so many things on the market, just buying an insert or buying something over the counter, it might not be the type you need,” McEneaney told us.

In addition, McEneaney said, “[I commonly see] people will wear shoes that are wrong for their foot types. Having the appropriate shoe for the activity and for your foot is almost as important. It’s a good idea to get evaluated and see if there are any problems.” 

However, McEneaney and other podiatrists said there are some unlikely non-medical items that can make walking feel better for your feet. 

So, once you’ve met with a specialist and have talked about the best walking shoes for your foot, consult this list of products that we compiled based on our experts’ suggestions. They may help further alleviate any pain you’re having. 

The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

When you come in from a walk, you may automatically head to the shower to wash off the sweat. But even if you don't fully bathe, Castiello recommends giving your feet a foot scrub after every walk.

"After exercise, take off your socks and shoes as soon as possible, [and] wash and dry your feet well, especially between the toes, to avoid fungus," she said. 

This Daily Defense foot wash contains tea tree oil and Epsom salts to help clean and deodorize your feet.

Experts previously spoke to us about the best products for dealing with plantar fasciitis and said that arch support inserts might be worth trying to make walking more comfortable. 

Based on this advice, we chose these highly-rated insoles. This insole design uses a high arch and deep heel cup to offer support and maintain correct foot positioning so that the heel is better protected from impact. The inserts are available in both men's and women's sizing.

Get them from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors and multiple sizes).

These lace-up shoes by Skechers were previously recommended to us by New York City-based podiatrist Dr. Gary Evans, who said the pair was among the best walking shoes for older adults. They have a breathable mesh outer construction, a removable arch-fit insole, and a podiatrist-designed shape for a comfortable fit, even when worn all day. The Skechers Glide-Step feature helps to give you a natural momentum as you take each step. It comes in multiple colors and sizes for both men and women.

Get them from Zappos for $79.70+ (originally $91) in women's sizes 5–11 and $75 (originally $100) in men's sizes 6.5–14.

When it comes to foot care, you want to think about socks almost as much as you think about shoes. "Socks are very important as well," said New York City-based podiatrist Dr. Gary Evans. "Can your foot benefit from a thicker, more cushioned sock? A thinner sock for better shoe fit?"

If you're overwhelmed with sock options (believe me, there are many), Evans suggests trying a moisture-wicking sock, which can help prevent blisters, and "socks that are seamless, which means less pressure into and around the toes," he said. 

Dr. Michelle Castiello, a podiatrist at Scarsdale Medical Group, an affiliate of White Plains Hospital, said that for walking or exercising, you want to avoid cotton. "Choose moisture-wicking socks made from fabrics like merino wool, nylon, and polyester," she said via email. "Cotton socks can trap moisture against your skin." 

We found these unisex seamless polyester blend athletic socks that have a 4.3 rating on Amazon from 3,679 reviews. They come in 12 colors in packs of three and have a pull-on tab for accessibility, as well as a padded instep and a cushioned heel. They're lightweight and moisture-wicking and run from S–XL. Consult the size chart to ensure the best fit.

If you're dealing with foot pain, McEneaney recommends doing regular foot soaks. "I like Epson salts, so when people have muscle joint aches, some warm and salt soaks can be soothing and can help them feel better," he said. "[You want to] avoid products with any perfumes or dyes." 

McEneaney pointed out that some foot pain may be caused by overuse. If you're just starting to go on walks or are trying to go on longer walks, resting and soaking your feet is an important part of getting (and staying) in shape. 

"People’s feet are used to taking a certain amount of pressure over time, and that's something that can buildup over time," he said. "But if you start walking more than usual or you are doing different types of activities — [such as] walking more inclines — [that] can lead to overuse-type injuries." 

This five-pound bag of pure Epsom salt is made in the USA. It has a 4.8-star Amazon rating from over 7,000 5-star reviews.

Get it from Amazon for $16.49 (also available in three other sizes and in two-packs).

You may be used to putting lotion on your feet after a shower or before bed, but Castiello recommends giving your piggies a little product before hitting the streets. 

"Moisturize your feet before a long walk," she said. "Apply creams or ointments to areas that are at risk for blisters, such as bunions and hammertoes." 

Per Castiello, having moisturized feet can help prevent blisters, cracking, corns, and calluses while you work out. 

One possible option that we approve of is O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet foot cream, an unscented and non-greasy lotion intended to keep your feet from cracking or drying out. Castiello recommends applying a thin layer of Vaseline to the backs of your heels to prevent blisters or discomfort. 

Get both from Amazon: the Healthy Feet cream for $8.90 and the Vaseline for $9.99.

Another seam-free sock option we found, based on expert guidance, is these from the popular sock and undergarment brand, Bombas. Lightweight and perfect for everyday wear, these ultra-breathable socks have a seam-free toe that won't irritate or rub awkwardly while you walk. There's also a micro-band around the arch of the foot for a light compressive support, and they are available in three sizes and a number of different colors. 

Get a four-pack from Bombas for $60 (originally $64; also available in a single pair and an eight-pack).

Before you go on a long walk, Castiello recommends giving your nails a little clip. "Trim your toenails straight across the top of the nail, following the natural curve of your toe," she said. "Toenails that are too long can rub against the front of your sneaker, causing pain, bleeding under the nail, and even permanent damage to the toenail."

We searched Amazon and found this Wanmat nail clipper that uses leverage handles to make trimming your toenails a little bit easier. It has a 4.5-star Amazon rating based on over 14,000 5-star reviews.

Though you may do some stretching before you go for a walk, Castiello suggests doing it after as well. "After walking, stretch your feet to improve flexibility, circulation, and prevent/relieve pain," she said. 

One thing that we think might make this easier is a yoga mat. This option measures 74 inches by 24 inches and is half an inch thick. It comes in three colors with a carrying strap.