Looking for a good pair of walking shoes.

mstilson153

Hi all,

I have recently started walking a fair bit, and am beggining to think that I am in need of a pair of shoes to dedicate to walking. Could anybody suggest a good pair to look into? Prefferably not something that is too expensive. I am pretty new to this, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

amfmmama

I love, love, vionic shoes.

msnem007

I wear the Nike Zoom Pegasus. I have been wearing them for years and I love them. I even run in them and do my circuit training at the gym. Here is the link.

https://www.nike.com/t/air-zoom-pegasus-34-womens-running-shoe-0oKp2X/880560-105

lorrpb

Congrats on your walking! It's a great way to start, and is an activity you can continue forever. Just like is recommended for running, it is best to be evaluated by a running or walking shoe store. Foot types vary. What works for me might not be the best shoe for you. Within any given brand, there are usually many models for different type feet. Any given store will carry a small subset of what's available. Personally I like Hoka One One Clifton.

Motorsheen

My mother walks daily and wears a Brooks running shoe.

I'm a fan of Mizuno, Asics, Brooks and Saucony.

stanmann571

I like altra lone peaks. They run wide/large in the toe box, which is good for me.

tulips_and_tea

Depending on how much you're walking you want to make sure you get shoes for walking. Running shoes are different. Sure, they can be worn for walking, but if you're going to be walking daily and/or long distances make sure you get the right shoes! It makes a difference. (I'm sure that's what you meant, OP, but I see running shoes referenced in this thread.)

I like Nike, Asics, and Under Armor.

Cherimoose

Try an inexpensive pair of skateboard shoes from a sporting goods store, which is what i walk in. They have a "zero heel", which is what you want in a walking shoe. Almost all shoes have a raised heel, including the ones mentioned above (except Altras). That creates a clunky gait, which can cause orthopedic problems.

If you have arch issues that require extra support, consider using an insole for that (Superfeet, Powerstep, etc) before trying a specialized shoe.

mstilson153

Thanks for the replies and help everyone! I will look into your suggestions.

ZoneFive

Cherimoose wrote: »

Try an inexpensive pair of skateboard shoes from a sporting goods store, which is what i walk in. They have a "zero heel", which is what you want in a walking shoe. Almost all shoes have a raised heel, including the ones mentioned above (except Altras). That creates a clunky gait, which can cause orthopedic problems.

If you have arch issues that require extra support, consider using an insole for that (Superfeet, Powerstep, etc) before trying a specialized shoe.

That "zero heel" gave me a nice case of tendinitis. Took me weeks to get over. They're not for everyone! OP, definitely go to a dedicated runner's store and get fitted -- they should carry walking shoes, too.

concordancia

They aren't cheap, but I recently started wearing Merrell Trail Glove 4. They claim to be barefoot, but they have more padding than Vibram 5 fingers did. I do a lot of my walking on concrete and these have been great.

apullum

Motorsheen wrote: »

My mother walks daily and wears a Brooks running shoe.

I'm a fan of Mizuno, Asics, Brooks and Saucony.

Brooks makes a walking shoe as well. She may prefer it over the running shoe if she isn’t running. I wear both the Brooks walking shoe for everyday wear, and the Brooks Adrenaline for running. They feel *very* different.

koda0071

When I first started walking I used my old pair of Reeboks and knew nothing about importance of foot ware. I would have shin splints pain the first mile and half, hips hurt and back hurt. I talked to some running friends and they said the best investment I could make is get a pair of shoes fitted for me and my goals. Went to specialty store in area paid more than twice what I normally do and have never regretted it. Never have had any pain since changing to better shoe. I liked Brooks and have had three pairs of walkers and recently upgraded to a more cushioned style because I am doing more running now. Try on several types because they feel different, especially across brands. I save mileage on my running pair by walking or elliptical in a different pair. Best money I ever spent on something I would have never thought makes such a huge difference.

dutchandkiwi

Depends on where you want to walk (surface and distance)
If it is just on the streets a good pair of sneakers (asics, new balance) should do the trick Make sure they are comfortable.
However if it is long distance you are seeking and/or hiking I would recommend to go to an outdoor store and have them fitted. It is worth it, though more pricey.

I am a walker too and for in town I have my Adidas Sneakers - get me anywhere. However I also have my Meindl hiking shoes. They are A-cat (lowest) and I use them for any longer type walk (over 5K), even in town at times (in winter beautiful thick soles keeping out the cold). Most certainly for any base hike. I am on my 7th pair now.

mstilson153

dutchandkiwi wrote: »

Depends on where you want to walk (surface and distance)
If it is just on the streets a good pair of sneakers (asics, new balance) should do the trick Make sure they are comfortable.
However if it is long distance you are seeking and/or hiking I would recommend to go to an outdoor store and have them fitted. It is worth it, though more pricey.

I am a walker too and for in town I have my Adidas Sneakers - get me anywhere. However I also have my Meindl hiking shoes. They are A-cat (lowest) and I use them for any longer type walk (over 5K), even in town at times (in winter beautiful thick soles keeping out the cold). Most certainly for any base hike. I am on my 7th pair now.

Thanks for the advice! I primarily am just walking around town with my wife, it seems many people recommend Asics. I will probably look into a pair of those.

Cbean08

I second the vote for Altra. They are inexpensive and by far the comfiest shoe I've ever walked around in.