Menu
In terms of design characteristics, walking shoes are very similar to running, hiking, or other fitness-based shoes that are currently on the market; the only real difference is the more casual styling of a walking shoe. This means you do not have to necessarily purchase shoes specifically for walking if you can’t find a pair that suits your needs. For example, running shoes are an excellent alternative choice due to their being well-padded, lightweight, and breathable. However, if you’re just looking for a good pair of walking shoes to take on vacation or to use on your afternoon walks, then a shoe designed specifically for walking is exactly what you are looking for to keep your feet comfortable and happy.
Contents
When you are in need of a good pair of walking shoes, make sure you keep the following things in mind while you’re shopping:
Your Walking Style
When shopping for walking shoes, you’ll want to consider both your style of walking and where you will be doing most of your walking. If your pace is more casual, then your options are wide open, so it’s important to pick shoes that match the terrain. For example, if you’ll be doing most of your walking on pavement, you might want to choose a running or multisport show. If you’re on dirt or natural paths, you’ll want to select a hiking shoe or a trail runner.
Support and Flexibility
How do you know a shoe is appropriately flexible and supportive for walking? While shopping, pick it up and perform the following tests:
Cushioning
Because walking is a lower-impact exercise than running, you don’t need as much cushioning in the heel of the shoe. However, you will need more cushioning under the ball of the foot, so make sure your shoe provides the proper amount of cushioning.
Waterproofing
Will you be going out walking in bad weather? Does your walking path take you near puddles or other areas where water pools? You might look at a trail running shoe, since they feature waterproof uppers, sturdy soles, and ample support. If you’re in a hotter or drier climate, you might be more interested in shoes without waterproofing, since excluding it makes the shoes lighter and helps them breathe better and dry out faster.
Shoe Weight
If you are walking to lose weight, you might invest in running shoes. They’re much lighter than other shoes, plus they feature better support and cushioning. Just remember that running shoes are designed for linear motion on a surface or treadmill; they aren’t the best shoes if you’re making abrupt side-to-side motions or lateral cuts.
There’s nothing worse than buying a new pair of shoes, then not wearing them because they cause bruises, blisters or foot pain. In general, the best fitting shoes allow your feet to fit snugly with a little room for them to wiggle. Once you think you’ve chosen the best shoes for your needs, you’ll want to make sure they’re comfortable. To ensure the shoes are the right fit for you, try these tips:
Walk Down an Incline
While you’re walking down the incline, make sure to stomp and scuff your feet. This will allow you to attempt to get your toes to touch the front inside of the shoe. Your feet may move slightly, but they shouldn’t be allowed to touch the front insides of brand-new shoes; if they do, you need to try a smaller size. Remember that shoes will stretch and loosen up slightly the more you wear them, so you’ll want to take that into account as well when trying on shoes.
Walk Up Stairs
If the shoes pass the incline test, try walking up a flight of stairs while wearing them, taking two stairs at a time. As you ascend, pay attention to how much your heels lift; if they’re lifting more than 1/8 of an inch off the insoles of the shoes, you run the risk of getting painful blisters. If you aren’t sure about the amount of heel lift, try wearing extra-thick socks or padding the heel area with an aftermarket insole. Remember that the average person takes approximately 10,000 steps per day, so all that rubbing coupled with an ill-fitting shoe can cause severe blisters.
Though we have selected our top 5 walking shoes for men and women up above, we want to share our thoughts on our favorite three models for men and women. Below, you’ll find some mini reviews on our top picks for good walking shoes for women and men.
Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 4 Slip-On walking shoes are deluxe women’s sport shoes in the popular quality and style of the acclaimed Skechers brand. These extraordinary walkers allow their wearer to walk at her intended pace in total comfort as she pursues her desired regimen. Designed with long-distance walking in mind, these attractive, comfy pieces of footwear are meant to enhance a woman’s fitness time while walking the track or even exercising in her neighborhood.
Outstanding arch support and carefully designed soles with treds make the wearer ready for a vigorous, refreshing power walk. Try the exceptional Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk Slip-On walkers for exceptional quality and value to enrich your exercise experience today! Wear these beautiful, well-designed shoes with pride as they help you meet your exercise goals and allow you the pleasure of feeling good in your own skin! Plus, they look great with jeans, making them a good casual walking shoe for women.
View on Amazon
These Sketcher Performance Men’s Go Walk 4 Slip-On Walking Shoes are easy to put on and remain comfortable for the entire day. These lightweight slip on walking shoes have rubber soles that grips the surface you walk on. They go well with jeans, shorts, and casual pants. The mesh material is comfortable and let’s your feet breathe. They come in a variety of basic colors. Walking is extra comfortable with the memory foam cushioned heel. A cushioned foot bed keeps your feet comfortable all day long. These mesh shoes can be worn with or without socks. A wonderful walking shoe for men the warmer months, on the beach, vacation, and for every day causal wear.
Enjoy the way the New Balance Women’s WW577 Walking Shoe makes your power walk feel more productive. From the acclaimed feel of New Balance footwear to the satisfying feeling that only a seasoned walker realizes when she is hitting her stride, these New Balance shoes will make you glad you walk for your exercise!
Precision made for safety as well as comfort, these exceptional shoes are intended to allow walkers to walk confidently and steadily on their paths. Find these excellent walking shoes today to ensure a safe, comfortable exercise session, whether you are an early-morning walker or one who takes her shoes to work and walks at lunch!
View on Amazon
If you’ve been looking for a long time for the best walking shoes for men, then New Balance’s Men’s MW577 Walking Shoe may be the most comfortable shoe you’ll ever own. It has a padded tongue and collar for a snug fit and a roomy toebox for added comfort. With a footbed engineered for the specific action of walking, an ABZORB impact-cushioning comfort midsole, and a walking strike path outsole to guide the foot through the gait cycle, you won’t break stride in this intelligently designed shoe. The monochromatic MW577 comes in black or white, with an all-leather upper and embroidered logo. Reflective accents improve visibility in low-light conditions. The MW577 comes in a variety of widths and is proudly made in the U.S.A.
The Ryka Women’s Sky Walking Shoe is made of leather and synthetic material for extra comfort. It comes in several colors with mesh and leather overlay for a stylish design. Its rubber outsole provides traction on indoor and outdoor walking surfaces. It is a stylish walking shoe for women for a causal work environments, school, or fitness walking. The memory foam latex lining provides great support to the feet all day. Women will enjoy outdoor walks all year round with the rubber sole designed for traction and durability.
The Rockport Men’s Eureka model is designed for optimal comfort and casual wear. These casual walking shoes for men come in several basic colors and are made of leather. A removable latex foam foot bed provides comfort and cushioning to the feet and the outsoles support the natural walking movement. This durable outsole is designed to be worn on a variety of surfaces outdoors and indoors. The padded tongue and collar provides extra support and comfort. These Rockport Men’s Eureka walking shoes can be worn to work, school or for casual wear. Overall, these are a great pair of shoes for men that are on their feet at work all day or want a comfortable walking shoe for travel or just every day wear.
