Sara Coughlin

Just in time for the weather to turn balmy, we’ve noticed a trend of walking shoe sales at some of our favorite retailers. Whether you’re a daily walk advocate or looking to start up a new routine, walking is a great way to ease aches and pains, boost your mood, and, right now, embrace the springtime weather and the increasingly longer days.  And with so many options available, you’re sure to find a pair of walking shoes that suit your preferences. From maximum-cushion Hokas and sturdy hiking boots to lightweight slip-ons from Nike and Asics, these shoes will help you get your steps in and these deals will help you save money at the same time.Top walking shoe deals to shop right nowIf you’re in a hurry, here are some of our top picks, including sneakers and hiking shoes from retailers like Zappos, REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and more.Hoka Clifton 8 Running Shoes—originally $140, now $112Allbirds Tree Flyers—originally $160, now $119New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v2—originally $85, now $69The North Face VECTIV Enduris II Trail-Running Shoes—originally $139, now $97Columbia Crestwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot—originally $90, now $70Now, if you’re in the mood to browse, keep reading for the best walking shoe deals we’ve found just in time for the spring. (And if the weather near you is less than pleasant but you’re still craving a stroll, might we suggest  a walking treadmill instead?)Like just about any other shopping category on Amazon, the footwear options are deep and varied, but there are quite a few reliable favorites available at delightfully low prices. That includes highly rated pairs from New Balance, Saucony, and Adidas, as well as SELF Sneaker Award–winners from Skechers.AmazonNew Balance Women’s Dynasoft Nergize V3 Cross TrainerAmazonSkechers Go Run Maxroad 5AmazonAdidas Women’s Eq21 Running ShoeAmazonSaucony Women’s Ride 14 Running ShoeNordstrom is one of our go-to places for deals on everything from clothing to beauty. Right now the department store has a wonderful walking shoe selection that runs the style gamut. There are lots of Nikes for both the streetwear stroller and the walker who also runs. There are also some enticing picks from outdoor brand Sorel—including waterproof suede booties—that promise function and form in equal measure thanks to their cool designs, which afford plenty of traction for slippery sidewalks and rocky paths. NordstromNike React Infinity Flyknit Running ShoeWe can always trust Dick’s Sporting Goods to have special offers on our favorite workout leggings, adjustable dumbbells, and other home gym essentials. That also includes sneakers that’ll feel great whether you’re running errands or just running, period. You’ll find bestsellers from fan-favorite brands like Hoka, Brooks, Asics, and Nike that you can simply pull on before hitting the road.Dick’sNike Women’s React Phantom Run Flyknit 2 Running ShoesDick’sBrooks Women’s Glycerin 20 Running ShoesDick’sBrooks Women’s Glycerin 20 Running ShoesDick’sAsics Women’s Gel-Contend 7 Running ShoesAs much as we love trail running shoes for, well, trail running, they also make excellent lightweight hiking shoes. If you’re planning to spend more time in the great outdoors this season, you should also check REI’s clearance section for deals on hiking must-haves like backpacks, trekking poles, and versatile trail runners from Merrell and The North Face. R.E.I.Merrell Moab Flight Trail-Running ShoesR.E.I.The North Face Vectiv Enduris II Trail-Running ShoesZappos is the place to find footwear ranging from slippers and sneakers to comfy-casual shoes, so it’s hardly a surprise that it has a deep catalog of discounts on walking shoes as well. Standouts include a super-cushioned pair from New Balance, time-tested Reeboks, and Adidas lace-up hiking sneaker hybrids made with waterproof Gore-Tex (in case it gets rainy). ZapposReebok Walk Ultra 7 DMX MaxZapposAdidas Outdoor Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTXZapposNew Balance Fresh Foam Roav v2Allbirds’ wear-them-anywhere sneakers are made with Merino wool and eucalyptus fibers for odor and moisture control—a major plus when the weather’s getting warmer or if your feet tend to sweat. Right now, you can snag a pair for up to 40% off, no coupon required.AllbirdsAllbirds Women’s Wool Runner-up MizzlesTarget really is a one-stop shop—there’s a reason that the running joke is you go in to buy a birthday card and walk out having spent $200. For all the impulse purchases the retailer offers, you can expect to save as much as 54% on major brands like Asics and Reebok, with the option to pick your shoes up in stores, depending on your location.TargetReebok Walkawhile Women’s SneakersTargetAsics Women’s Quantum Lyte Slip-On Sportstyle ShoesNew arrivals to Nike’s sale page roll in on a regular basis, so if you don’t see something you like today, check back again soon. But before you peruse the brand’s leggings, running shorts, sports bras, and joggers, head straight for the shoes, where you’ll find several SELF Certified pairs (including the Waffle One and Pegasus 39, featured below) that are great for logging steps.NikeNike React Infinity 3NikeNike Waffle One SEThough Backcountry’s current Winter Clearance sale event puts the spotlight on snowsports gear, don’t overlook its equally tempting deals on walking and hiking shoes. Whether you’re looking to breeze down the trail or navigate slippery rocks, you can find a capable shoe at a comfortable price at Backcountry.BackcountryColumbia Crestwood Mid Waterproof Hiking BootRelated:

I wore my Revives (which I got in the charcoal and black speckle colorway) on several dog walks and gym visits, in order to get a feel for them outdoors and indoors. The first thing I noticed was how cold my feet felt—I mean, these shoes are riddled with holes, so that should have been expected. This made my walks a little uncomfortable, as it was the middle of winter in New York, but it also got me excited to wear them out and about in warmer weather. They were so easy to slip on and definitely kept my feet cool, so they’re sure to be my go-to summer shoe when I just need to pull something on and head out the door.When I wore them around the gym in between and after my workouts, the Revive’s cooling effect was extremely welcome. My feet normally sweat a fair amount, and that only gets worse when they’re in a pair of rubber climbing shoes for an extended period of time. The Revives felt super breathable and helped my toes relax and unclench after my sessions, and they have a nice amount of cushioning. They’re made from a Brazilian sugarcane-derived EVA foam (branded as RestoreFoam), which felt dense underfoot and blessedly didn’t cause any blisters around my heel and ankle. I didn’t think I’d notice or appreciate the noded footbed in any real way, but it turned out to be my favorite part of the shoe: It has a very subtle, pleasantly kneading effect that engages my feet more than a standard insole so that they feel more “awake” and less fatigued. Climbers actually spend a lot of their time at the gym sitting around, taking long pauses in between trying routes at their maximum effort, and normally I just pull my climbing shoes off and walk around barefoot while I’m resting, but it was really nice to have a pair of comfy shoes that I could wear during those breaks to refill my water bottle, say hi to friends, or just sit and scroll on my phone. I was letting my body recover, and it felt like I was doing something truly helpful to get my feet to do the same. Although this isn’t what they’re marketed for, I also wore the Revives for a few quick pre- and post-climb workouts, during which I did some dumbbell, kettlebell, and bodyweight exercises on a pull-up bar and a mat, as well as some hangboarding. I probably wouldn’t have worn them if I was strictly weightlifting, as a training-specific shoe is better suited for that activity, but since I spent the majority of these workouts either sitting, laying down, or hanging with my feet off the floor, I figured I could fudge the post-workout rule a little. Frankly, I just didn’t want to switch back to a pair of sweaty sneakers after slipping these babies on. I can’t credit these shoes with improving my athletic performance in any substantial way, but they took my mind off my feet and let me focus on resting, which is just as helpful, if you ask me. And the longer I wore them, the better my feet felt—it was a true delight to slip them on after putting my feet to work.How they fitIn my experience, the Revive runs pretty big. Kane actually provided me with another pair in one size down from my regular shoe size to find a good, secure fit, which could partly be because I have very narrow feet (Kane recommends that people with narrower feet size down and people with wider feet size up if they wear half sizes or are in between sizes). You can wear it with or without socks, but I vastly preferred wearing it without—it felt better from a breathability standpoint, and it seemed to fit better and slip less when I wasn’t wearing socks. In addition to being narrow, my feet are extremely flat, so I can’t speak firsthand to how the shoe would support high arches. Should you buy them?If you’re looking for a shoe that’s lighter and more casual than a sneaker but fits more securely than a clog or a slipper, the Kane Revive shoe is a great option. Not only do I think it’s fantastic to have on hand after workouts, but I believe it fills that all-important wardrobe gap of a shoe that you can wear to grab the mail, pick up takeout, catch a flight, or window shop around town.  And, if you deal with angsty feet like I do and want a shoe that can alleviate some of those aches and pains, I would say the Revive is an excellent option. No shoe on this planet will make my feet look less gnarly, but the Kane Revives can certainly make them feel several shades better.Related:

If your current bed is creaky rather than cozy, or stiff instead of snuggly, might we suggest swapping in a comfy new memory foam mattress? Known and loved for their pressure-relieving, contouring materials, memory foam mattresses are often a great option for people who wake up feeling achy or sore—or anyone who wants their bed to feel like a warm hug, really.What are the benefits of sleeping on a memory foam mattress?Memory foam mattresses tend to be softer and less bouncy than hybrid mattresses or traditional innerspring mattresses, and they’re often described as having a squishy or sinking feel after you lie down on one. That’s a result of its materials, Glenn Russo, MD, a spine specialist with the Hartford HealthCare Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute, tells SELF. The thick layers of foam respond to body heat and pressure by getting softer, so when you lie down on one you’ll feel the bed conforming to your shape. That contouring effect can distribute your bodyweight more evenly on the bed and possibly help prevent the development of pressure points and back pain, Dr. Russo explains. It can also help limit motion transfer, which comes in handy if you share your bed with a restless partner (or if you’re the tosser and turner, for that matter).Who should try a memory foam mattress?Because they adapt to the body’s shape and weight, memory foam mattresses may be especially appealing to side sleepers, Kavita Trivedi, DO, a spine rehab expert at UT Southwestern’s O’Donnell Brain Institute in Dallas, tells SELF. Sleeping in this position places additional weight on your shoulders, hips, and knees, and a mattress with a little more give usually does a better job at preventing that pressure from building and getting uncomfortable or even painful, Naimish Baxi, MD, a physiatrist at Hospital for Special Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey, previously told SELF. For some side-sleeping people, a memory foam mattress has just the right amount of sinkage to provide them with the pressure relief they need.That said, others may find that sinking feeling unpleasant: Memory foam can make it hard to roll from side to side and it might not provide the level of support that some people need for their preferred sleep position, Kirkham Wood, MD, a board-certified spine surgeon and professor of orthopaedic surgery at Stanford Medicine in California, tells SELF. Experts typically recommend that back sleepers and stomach sleepers lie on a firmer, more responsive mattress than most foam beds tend to be. There are definitely memory foam mattresses that lean closer to firm than soft or medium-firm, but they generally aren’t as supportive as hybrid or spring mattresses (you want to feel like you’re sleeping on—not in—the mattress). Latex mattresses are another great choice if you want something more supportive.One more thing to bear in mind: Dr. Russo says that memory foam mattresses can trap heat, which can lead to a sweaty wake-up call. If you’re a hot sleeper who’s curious about memory foam beds all the same, look for newer models that contain gel-infused foam and copper layers, as these are often included to help keep you cool throughout the night.The best memory foam mattressesIf you think a memory foam bed might be a good fit for you and your sleep style, it’s relatively easy to give one a try: In addition to convenient bed-in-a-box-style deliveries, many mattress brands offer generous sleep trial periods, during which time you can test out your new mattress and return it for free if it doesn’t meet your needs. Below we’ve highlighted some of the best memory foam mattresses available right now, including popular and SELF Certified mattress models from top-rated retailers like Nectar, Bear Mattress, Leesa, and Casper.

Giving your bedroom setup the upgrade it deserves might just be the motivation you need to stick to your sleep schedule. After all, bedtime is something you should look forward to, not agonize over while knowing that you’ll be tossing and turning all night on a mattress that doesn’t support you.  Luckily, a range of major mattress companies (including Casper, Saatva, and Helix) are running some serious sales right now. Whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, a new mattress can help reduce back pain and improve your sleep quality—especially if it’s been years since you’ve replaced your current bed. And the mattress sales underway at the moment have a bed for just about every type of sleeper, no matter your preferred firmness level, sleep position, or material. Best mattress sales going on right nowBetween the slew of retailers that have extended their Presidents Day sales and ones that are kicking off springtime savings events, there are so many mattress deals to consider. While mattress shopping will come down to your personal bedding preferences, we’ve spotted a number of SELF Certified mattress brands (meaning their models have been tested by SELF editors and received a highly positive review) to help you get started, listed below.DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress—originally $2298; now $1274Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress—originally $2374; now $1899Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress—originally $1874; now $1406Nectar Premier Mattress—originally $1499; now $999Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress—originally $1595; now $1356Those are just a few of the items on sale, so if you’re ready to make your next mattress purchase, check out the rest of the best mattress deals below.There are always savings to be found at Amazon, and right now those include some significant markdowns on beds that’ll fit many budgets. The fact that these mattresses have racked up thousands of five-star ratings between the two of them certainly doesn’t hurt, either. Where reviewers liked the Zinus Green Tea Essential Memory Foam Mattress for how much it limits motion transfer, they noted that the Vibe Gel Memory Foam Mattress was surprisingly cooling.AmazonZINUS Green Tea Essential Memory Foam Bed-in-a-Box (Queen Size)AmazonVibe Gel Memory Foam Mattress (Queen Size)The March Madness Markdown event at Nectar is your chance to save 33% off mattresses sitewide. That includes the SELF Certified Nectar Premier Mattress, which Sarah Madaus, SELF commerce writer, described as “the closest to perfect I’ve found,” pointing to its combination of “support, comfort, and temperature regulation” as an especially noteworthy feature. AmazonNectar Memory Foam Mattress (Queen Size)Take 25% off everything on DreamCloud’s site right now and snag $599 worth of free accessories (including sheets, pillows, and a mattress protector) with your purchase. Among the brand’s high-quality beds is the Premier Mattress, a SELF Certified hybrid mattress with a responsive, cooling feel that’s plush yet firm, according to our tester, associate wellness director Cathryne Keller.DreamCloudDreamcloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress (Queen Size)In addition to a clearance section that’s filled with bedding and accessory deals, Casper is also offering 10% off  a complete bed set, which includes the SELF Certified Element Pro Mattress, a percale sheet set, and one pillow. CasperCasper Element Pro Mattress (Queen Size)CasperCasper Silk Pillowcase + Sleep Mask SetDuring Helix’s Spring Sale, you can save 20% on your mattress purchase and pick up two free Dream Pillows too. We highly recommend the Midnight Luxe Mattress and the Plus Mattress, both of which are SELF Certified. The former is a great pick for side sleepers who are looking for a true medium level of firmness, while the latter is made for tall people or those with larger bodies. Remember to use the code SPRINGSALE20 at checkout.Ring in the new season at Birch’s Spring Sale and save 20% on the SELF Certified Luxe Natural Mattress. You’ll love this bed if you’re looking for a firm mattress that doesn’t feel stiff, and you’ll also get two free Eco-Rest pillows with your order.The best deals at Purple right now are in the brand’s bedding section, where you’ll find best-selling pillows and ultrasoft sheet sets for 20% off.PurplePurple Harmony Pillow (Standard Size)PurplePurple SoftStretch Sheet SetIf you catch the End of Winter Sale at Brooklyn Bedding before it’s gone, you can take up to 50% off select mattresses and enjoy 25% off the entire site. We’re particular fans of the Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress, which earned its SELF Certified seal of approval from Cheryl Carlin, SELF senior manager of analytics, for its contouring, breathable design.Saatva is offering several tiers of savings for St. Patrick’s Day this month, ranging from $315 to $500 off purchases at various price points. Your options range from innerspring to all-foam mattresses, so you’re sure to find your ideal level of cushioning right here. SaatvaSaatva Classic Mattress (Queen Size)Bear isn’t just taking 50% off mattress and accessories closeouts and 25% off sitewide—it’s also sending you free pillows with any mattress purchase as part of its Spring Into Savings event. Both of its beds featured here have a medium-firm feel, but the Hybrid Mattress is better for hot sleepers and the Original is a better choice for people prioritizing pressure relief.  BearBear Original Mattress (Queen Size)BearBear Hybrid Mattress (Queen Size)Leesa’s March Mattress Sale has markdowns as big as $700 off its range of best-selling beds. You’ll also get two free pillows with your purchase, and, if you need to complete your new mattress’s setup, select bedding is also on sale for 20% off.LeesaLeesa Original Mattress (Queen Size)LeesaLeesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress (Queen Size)Whether you prefer an all-foam mattress or a hybrid model, Layla has a bed—and a friendly discount—to suit your style. If you opt for the memory foam mattress, you’ll get two free pillows with your purchase. If you choose the hybrid mattress, you’ll also get free pillows and a free comforter and sheet set. Layla SleepLayla Sleep Memory Foam Mattress (Queen Size)LaylaLayla Hybrid Mattress (Queen Size)Use the code SLEEP at checkout to take up to $300 off select models from Avocado’s dreamy organic mattresses, including the best-selling Green Mattress, which is made with supportive latex and cozy wool.Your savings can amount to over $1,350—which includes $750 off a mattress and a free Luxury Sleep Bundle—with the code SAVE1350 on Puffy right now. The brand’s original mattress is a memory foam model that’s earned thousands of glowing reviews for its comfort, motion isolation, and surprisingly cool feel.PuffyPuffy Mattress (Queen Size)Tuft & Needle is ringing in Sleep Awareness Week (which is March 12 to 18) by taking as much as $470 off a new mattress. The brand’s Mint Mattress is a wonderful (and SELF Certified) option if you’re a combination sleeper who likes a responsive, supportive bed.Tuft & NeedleTuft & Needle Legacy T&N Original Mattress (Queen Size)For a limited time, you can take home a new Nolah mattress, two free pillows (while supplies last), and other optional accessories like an adjustable base or bed frame for up to $700 less. With foam, hybrid, and latex options available, Nolah’s range of mattresses are designed to please people with a variety of sleeping styles.NolahNolah Signature Mattress (Queen Size)NolahNolah Natural 11” Mattress (Queen Size)Cocoon claims to offer the quality you expect in a mattress from Sealy with the convenience of a newer bed-in-a-box brand. The Chill Mattress is available in all-foam and hybrid versions, and it’s 35% off right now. Your purchase will also come with a free bedding bundle of sheets and pillows.The Spring Savings Event at Beautyrest means you can take up to $300 off select mattresses, including hybrids, pillow-top models, and luxuriously firm beds.BeautyrestBeautyrest Harmony Lux Diamond Mattress (Queen Size)You can take hundreds of dollars off a new mattress from several of Serta’s top-selling bed collections right now, including the supportive iComfort, contouring Perfect Sleeper, and cooling Arctic. SertaSerta Arctic Mattress (Queen Size)Related:

Getting a good night’s sleep is already a challenge sometimes, but if streetlights stream into your bedroom at odd hours or the sun wakes you up at the crack of dawn, it can start to feel impossible. Enter blackout curtains, which can make your bedroom so dark and cozy that you might want to add them to every room in your home (you know, for napping purposes).According to experts, light-blocking window treatments and drapery are a simple addition to your bedroom that can lead to major improvements in your sleep.What are the sleep benefits of blackout curtains?You want your room to be as dark as possible before you go to bed, Daniel A. Barone, MD, associate medical director of the Weill Cornell Center for Sleep Medicine in New York City, tells SELF. “A little bit of ambient light, whether it be from a streetlight or the sun, can be enough to cause somebody to wake up,” he says.In fact, being exposed to as little as 10 lux (which is roughly the amount of light you see during twilight hours) before bedtime can have a negative impact on your sleep, Kathryn Jean Reid, PhD, a research professor of neurology (sleep medicine) at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, tells SELF. It’s for that same reason that experts discourage screen use right before bed—TVs, tablets, and phones generate bright, blue light that can make it hard to doze off or snooze soundly through the night. Sure, a few episodes of your comfort Netflix show might lull you into a state of relaxation, but any kind of light exposure before you drift off is going to mess with your sleep.That’s because the darkness is also helpful when it comes to winding down and getting high-quality rest. Dr. Barone explains that darkness prompts your body to produce melatonin, a hormone your brain naturally produces that helps regulate the timing of your sleep-wake cycle. “When you have blackout curtains, what you’re doing is helping promote that [process],” he says.Blackout curtains will help block light from seeping into your bedroom, so your body’s melatonin production can run its course smoothly and you can get to sleep more easily. Both Dr. Barone and Dr. Reid say that they’re worth a try for just about anyone who wants a dimmer bedroom, with a few caveats. For one, they shouldn’t make your space so cavelike that it’s unsafe for you to get up in the middle of the night (say, to use the bathroom). They also shouldn’t stay closed for too long after you wake up—getting a dose of bright daylight in the morning is just as important for your sleep-wake cycle as keeping things nice and dark at night, Dr. Reid says. Finally, no blackout curtains will be a cure-all for sleep disorders like insomnia, but a set of light-blocking shades can play a valuable supporting role in an intentional presleep routine.How to shop for blackout curtainsThe blackout curtains you choose will mainly depend on how much light you want to block. Some curtains are designed to create almost total darkness, while others will simply reduce the amount of light that reaches your room (these are often marketed as “room-darkening curtains”).Certain blackout curtains also offer additional benefits like outside noise reduction and temperature regulation, which will have varying degrees of effectiveness but can be a nice boost if you live on a busy street or want to be mindful of energy efficiency, especially in the hotter months. Perhaps most importantly, don’t forget to shop with your home’s style in mind; not only are these shades available in a slew of different sizes, but you can find blackout curtains in a variety of colors and prints too.With all that in mind, here are the best blackout curtains you can try right now, from major retailers and highly-rated drapery brands like Amazon, West Elm, Deconovo, and more.

If you’re dealing with a big fat zit and wish you could just zap it away with your mind, consider covering it with an acne patch (a.k.a. a pimple patch) instead.Some pimple patches are presented as a means to protect the skin while it heals, while others come with exciting claims that they can flatten breakouts overnight. In theory, these handy little stickers should be the acne treatment we rightly deserve, but you should temper your expectations if you’re looking for a blemish silver bullet. While acne patches are a great tool to add to your skin care routine, here’s what dermatologists want you to know before giving them a try.How do acne patches work?As SELF previously reported, pimple patches are basically hydrocolloid bandages cut into zit-size stickers. Also used in blister dressings, hydrocolloid bandages are great for any wounds or lesions that leak fluid while they heal. They absorb that excess moisture and protect the area from outside contamination—say, from dirt or bacteria—and both of these effects can be helpful when you have a fresh pimple.What are the benefits of using an acne patch?Applying an acne patch to your skin forms a protective barrier around your breakout, Rebecca Marcus, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Dallas and the founder of Maei MD, tells SELF. This essentially creates a seal that keeps the area clean while it heals. Plus, the physical barrier may help prevent you from picking at the pimple, which is important if you want it to go away ASAP. “Picking leads to further damage to the skin barrier and increased healing time,” Dr. Marcus says, adding that it also increases your risk of acne scars and hyperpigmentation or dark spots. And if you use your bare hands to pick at—or even pop—a zit, you’re increasing your risk of a potential infection, Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York, tells SELF.The absorbency of an acne patch can also come in handy if you’re dealing with swollen, inflamed breakouts, Dr. Penzi says. By drawing excess oil and moisture away from your skin, it can help reduce the puffiness of your pimple overall. For that reason, she recommends only using a patch after your pimple has a visible head (rather than putting it on a closed comedone).Dr. Penzi points out that some pimple patches also contain acne-fighting ingredients like pore-clearing salicylic acid and antimicrobial tea tree oil, though it’s unclear how much of a difference these additional active ingredients actually make when used in this form.What’s the most effective way to use acne patches?You should always apply an acne patch to clean, dry skin. Again, they create a seal that slows (or totally blocks) airflow to that area and traps whatever’s on the surface of your skin at the time of application, including dirt, dead skin, and oil that can exacerbate existing acne (or trigger new breakouts).

My dry skin gets exponentially worse during the wintertime, which warrants a seasonal audit of my standby hand lotions. This year, the Beekman 1802 Pure Goat Milk Hand Cream is a clear standout product. In fact, it is the only new hand cream I tried that didn’t make the already dry skin on my hands burst into red, itchy patches that felt drier than before.It isn’t just that my skin is dry, sensitive, and highly susceptible to the effects of cold weather. I’m also a frequent hand-washer and rock climber, and all that scrubbing and chalking up does a number on my skin, especially along my knuckles, the backs of my hands, and my wrists. By the end of a regular winter day, my hands are bright red, raw, and cracked. For all these reasons, I’m very picky when it comes to hand cream—and Beekman’s goat-milk-based moisturizer passed my selective wish list with flying colors.After trying dozens of options (from drugstore bestsellers to culty internet favorites to boutique-y botanical creams) over the years, I’ve found that I need a dye- and fragrance-free cream to appease my sensitive skin, a nongreasy texture that won’t make my palms feel oily, and a moisturizing—yet lightweight—formula that’ll absorb quickly. Finally, it needs to pass a skin patch test. I’ll try a small amount of a new product on the inside of my wrist or, if I feel like living dangerously, the outside (which is more prone to irritation). In a befuddling turn of events, several of the creams I relied on during previous winters failed the patch test this year. So, I decided to try Beekman’s hand cream, having received it once as a gift from a loved one and vaguely recalling that it didn’t make my skin worse. Lo and behold, it was just what I’d been looking for. How it feelsDespite being labeled as a hand cream, I’d say it’s more accurate to think of this as a lotion, given its thinner consistency and that it comes in a tube rather than a jar. It is super lightweight and soaks into the skin in a matter of moments, but it still provides the rapid relief I’d expect from a heavier cream. Right after rubbing it in, my skin feels more supple and looks less red and cracked. If I have to clean my hands soon after applying the cream, it doesn’t feel like I’m pointlessly washing it off before it’s had a chance to provide hydration. It’s already sunk in and my hands feel smooth even after rinsing and drying them. In addition to its lovely feel and lineup of nourishing ingredients, including glycerin, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil, this hand cream is truly odorless, much to my easily irritated skin’s delight. (For those who like scented skin care products, however, it also comes in a range of fragrances including Fresh Air, Fig Leaf, Honeyed Grapefruit, Honey and Orange Blossom, Ylang Ylang and Tuberose, and Vanilla Absolute.)How I used itFirst, I always dab a little on when I get back from the climbing gym, focusing the cream on my calluses and cuticles. It also helps the crack-prone skin around my wrists feel supple and flexible, so I also put some cream there before a chaturanga-heavy yoga session. On especially cold and windy days, I use it just about every time I come inside from a walk. But it comes in handy the most after I make dinner and my hands are extra dry from repeated hand-washings in between handling fresh veggies, raw meat, and other ingredients. I look forward to the instant relief from the cream almost as much as my meal. This might sound like a lot of lotioning throughout the day, but the light formula makes it easy for me to apply it around the clock, without having to worry that it’ll make my hands too sticky to use. 

As anyone who’s made a daily (hot girl) walk a part of their fitness routine knows, taking a stroll can really boost your day—and shopping the best treadmills for walking, like slim under-desk models and machines with challenging incline ranges, is an excellent solution to those days when you just can’t (or don’t want to) go outside but want to stretch your legs all the same.The benefits of using a walking treadmillWherever you do it, walking is a wonderful form of exercise. As SELF has previously reported, it can aid in active recovery, ease aches and pains, and boost your mood. All walking requires is a good pair of walking shoes and a surface to get your steps in. That’s where a walking treadmill can come in handy. Factors like inclement weather, a lack of sidewalks or safe walkways, and limited time can make it difficult to take your stroll outside, but a walking treadmill brings your walk into the comfort of your own home. A high-quality home treadmill can provide you with the same workout you’d get outside—or an even more challenging one, depending on its range of settings. Plus, using a walking treadmill is a shining opportunity to call and chat with friends, break up a monotonous workday, or catch up on your favorite Netflix show without distractions.What to look for when buying a walking treadmillIf you already have a standard treadmill as part of your home gym, that will work just fine as a treadmill for walking. However, if you’re shopping for your very first treadmill and only plan to use it for walking, you don’t necessarily need one that’s as heavy-duty as a running treadmill, Kami Blease, CPT, a personal trainer on Fyt, tells SELF. “If all you are going to do is walk on the treadmill, you don’t need to prioritize ones that have higher speeds or more support because their buildout is intentionally designed for someone who plans on running,” she explains. Although you might not need as many bells and whistles on a walking treadmill, there are still a few key elements to consider before making your purchase.Size and storageWalking-only treadmills tend to be smaller than running treadmills, due to the differences in the stride and pace used when walking versus running, Raphael Konforti, MS, senior director of fitness, at YouFit Gyms, tells SELF. In addition to their smaller overall footprint, a lot of walking treadmills are foldable, which is a major asset if you have limited space for workout equipment at home. Some folding treadmills can be stored vertically, while others are thin enough to stow under your bed or desk—just keep in mind what your living space can accommodate.Price pointFitness machines like treadmills can cost a pretty penny, so it’s smart to have a budget in mind while you shop. It’s totally possible to find a relatively affordable walking treadmill, but you can spend more if you want extra features or a particularly durable model. If you’re on the fence about how much to spend, think about how often you plan to use the treadmill: If it’s going to be part of your everyday routine, you may want to invest more in a higher-quality model up front in the name of longevity. If you think you’ll use it less frequently, you probably don’t need to splurge on a pricey workhorse treadmill.

In the years since Lululemon first branched out from yoga apparel into the wider world of activewear, we’ve come to have our pick of the best Lululemon leggings for a range of workouts. There are full-length compression tights, cozy fleece-lined pairs, and comfy cropped workout leggings—just to give you an idea of the options that abound from this high-end (and frequent SELF Activewear Award-winning) brand.Lululemon is admittedly on the pricier end of the spectrum, but the quality of its leggings often helps justify its cost. SELF testers and editors along with online reviewers report fantastic returns on their investments: Lululemon leggings don’t tend to pill, chafe, sag, or get sopping wet. Instead, they garner glowing reviews for their ultrasoft four-way stretch fabrics that wick away sweat and moisture, and, in some cases, stay cool and dry to the touch throughout a workout. And when it comes to fit, the reliably high-rise wide waistbands and fitted legs feel supportive and like a second skin. Even better still? Some pairs of Lululemon leggings feature an all-important drawstring at the waist to customize fit, and a set of side pockets for storage.Whether you’re strength training, running errands (or just plain running), or doing yoga (which, as you can tell from its top-rated mats and yoga accessories, is still the brand’s bread and butter), there’s a Lulu legging that’ll feel great and keep up with you. Here, we’ve highlighted the very best Lululemon leggings to try now, for all types of activities.All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

From wintertime trekkers to warm-weather trail runners, all outdoors people deserve the best hiking socks for their feet and preferred activities. Much like the right pair of hiking boots, the right pair of socks can make a world of difference during long thru-hiking and backpacking trips, day hikes that turn chilly, and rainy, and sweaty runs. In the same way that there are myriad ways you can recreate in nature, there’s a wide range of socks to choose from for hiking. Luckily, there are a few key design elements to consider (and help you narrow the field) when shopping for a hiking sock that’s a cut above the rest.For those who prioritize comfort, there are full cushion socks with plush footbeds. For hikers who want to avoid sweaty feet at all costs, there are plenty of socks made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that’ll dry quickly and keep odors at bay. There’s a range of lengths and weights to choose from, depending on one’s preferred level of coverage, compression, and warmth. Amid all this variety, it’s important to keep one thing in mind: your comfort. A good pair of hiking socks will make it easy to enjoy the great outdoors—without having to reach down and adjust them every five minutes.Here, we’ve selected 12 highly rated hiking socks from top outdoor brands. From durable Darn Tough socks that’ll wick moisture and absorb impact to Injinji liner sets that’ll spare your soles from hot spots, these are the best hiking socks for you and your feet.All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.