Walking is a great way of exercising, Mike. I guess you are retired and may have time for it. I would strongly advise getting a pair of decent shoes or boots to cushion the impact and protect you from jolts. I am wearing Sketchers at the mo. Great for urban pavements but not good for anything rougher. I have a pair of good hiking boots for rough terrain and some lighter hiking shoes for anything in between. It is not Emelda Marcos syndrome. Just a great belief in looking after my feet :-)