A look at the helpful features that make walking shoes comfortable -- and supportive.

With summer here, people's thoughts turn to the outdoors -- mine included. Taking walks with my son is one of the things I love to do during the summer. Walking is enjoyable, I get to stop and visit with my neighbors and it is good exercise. Indeed, for those first starting an exercise program, walking is considered a good way to start.

But walking can get old pretty fast without the right shoes. Regular walking puts stress on the foot and on your other joints, and it can result in blisters and calluses. The proper shoes, though, can solve most of these problems. When considering your walking shoes, think about these parts of the shoe, and what they do:

Achilles notch. This is a sort of dip at the top of the back of the shoe. It is designed to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon, creating increased comfort, and allowing you to do more walking.

Ankle collar. Around the top of the back part of the shoe is a line of cushioning known as the ankle collar. This supports the ankle, and it helps stabilize you as you walk. It also contributes to a proper fit.

Upper. Look for an upper (the part of the shoe that goes over your foot) made with mesh on the inside. This helps ventilate your foot and keep it from getting sweaty as you walk. New technology makes the upper more breathable, while still being sturdy and protecting.

Toe box. This is the area that houses the toes. Look for one that is roomy, and that has a round shape. Make sure that your toes aren't squished together. A comfortable toe box can prevent blisters and chafing.

Soles. The soles are general divided into outsole and midsole. The outsole is the part you see on the bottom of your shoe. This provides traction and is usually made of sturdy materials with a slight give. The midsole is the part between the outsole and where your foot rests in the shoe. Often, there is a gel pad to further cushion your foot and reduce impact with the ground. You can also get removable insoles that provide further shock protection and cushioning.

Roll bar. This is part of the walking shoe that stabilizes the foot. It keeps the ankle and foot from rolling to the outside or inside, and plays a part in preventing injury.