The weather might not be the best this week but walking is always a great way to de-stress and to get rid of negative thoughts so when you travel to work in the morning or on the trip home, put on your new walking shoes and get off that bus, tram or tube one stop early and walk the rest of the way. Clearing your head means you are less likely to spend the first ten minutes of your day moaning at an unsuspecting colleague, or at the first person you see when you get home in the evening.

Time is precious for all of us these days, so why not time your walk. Power walking can be a great way to both improve and say healthy. You will boost both fitness and energy levels and as you get a little quicker, save a bit of time too. The quicker you arrive at your destination the more time you will have to spend there, so whether it’s the pub, (great idea) or work (not such a good idea) that is your destination you can have a little extra time.

By walking just one mile you burn up to 100 calories, and each step you take uses a combination of about 200 muscles (impress your friends with that bit of useless information). You can roughly calculate how many calories you’ve burned walking a mile at slow walking speed (around 2 mph) by multiplying your weight in pounds by 0.49. For brisk walking, multiply it by 0.57.

So why not take a look at the Merrell Men’s Rockbit Walking Shoes which are ideal whether you are pounding the city streets or taking to the hills. Featuring a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane which repels moisture and is designed to enhance the breathability of the shoe so you stay comfortable for longer when you are out walking. They utilise the latest EVA removeable footbed and have a compression moulded EVA midsole for increased stability and comfort. It also has a breathable mesh lining treated with M Select Fresh which reduces shoe odour. The sole has a durable traction design with M Select Grip so you can be sure it grips when and where you need it.

So why not leave the car behind for short journeys, get fitter and save yourself a bit of cash too. Put the money you have saved towards a treat for yourself – another pair of new shoes perhaps? Check out the full range on the website or pop into our Macclesfield store.