Every day walking is great for your health and fitness. It's the best non-stress exercise as it's low impact. Just 30-60 minutes of walking every day not only burns stored fat but also speeds up your metabolism and builds muscle. Walking is a weight bearing exercise it can also help to prevent osteoporosis in women. So whether you walk just for exercise, walk around all day in your job or love to go hiking, you'll need to ensure that you have best walking shoes to keep your feet happy.
Best-Walking-shoes-for-men-Reviews-&-guides-2017
Having a good pair of best walking shoes for men and women can have lasting effect on your health. Spending long hours on your feet doesn’t have to hurt. You will need shoes that will help with spine balance and joint alignment. Your walking shoes should be breathable, provide enough cushioning and support, stylish and above all comfortable for long wear.
What Are The Best Walking Shoes?
If you spend any amount of time walking you need shoes that can handle the repetitive heel to toe rolling motion. When you walk your foot steps heel first and rolls gradually heel to toe. The best walking shoes should bend at the ball of the foot when you bend the toe up while holding the heel. Also when you twist the shoe sideways from heel to toe you want to feel light to moderate resistance.
We've done a lot of research and read hundreds of reviews to help narrow our choice down to 16 of the top walking shoes for men and women available on the market today. Here's what you need to look for.
Top Walking shoes for men & Women on The current Market
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So let's look at our top choices for the best walking shoes foe men & Women
ASICS Men's GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe
Do you suffer from heel pain or plantar fasciitis? Then these walking shoes would be ideal for you because of their Gel cushioning system in the heel area.
Color and size
Available in 9 colors and sizes ranging from 7D to 15 4E
Benifits
The Gel Cushioning system provides extra comfort to the heel area which reduces shock and is especially useful if you suffer from heel pain or plantar fascistic. The outsole is made from high abrasion rubber which is extremely durable. The sole also has lugs inbuilt which are great for traction on all types of terrain. The sock liner is removable so that the shoes can accommodate your orthodics if you need them. The mesh upper provides excellent breath ability and means that the shoes will dry very quickly if you happen to get them wet.
Features
Pros
Cons
These walking shoes would be ideal if you need extra heel cushioning and want a lightweight shoe with excellent breath-ability.
ASICS Women's GEL-Venture 5 Running
The ASICS GEL Venture five has been rated is one of the best walking shoes for women 2016. It’s a shoe that will impress any male walker. ASICS GEL Venture Five is any everyday shoe that is affordable, stylish and breathable making it a comfortable shoe for everyday use. Let’s take a look at what makes this shoe so good.
Weight
ASICS GEL Venture 5 is a very lightweight shoe weighing a total of 1.9 pounds. This lightness can be attributed to the fact that the shoes are made of resalyte materials and memory foam. It has a top mesh design that promotes ventilation and reducing odour making an ideal shoe for walks due to its light weight and breath-ability providing comfort while walking.
Comfort
ASICS GEL Venture 5 uses Rearfoot GEL cushioning system which absorbs shock giving the shoe extra comfort. Its AHAR outsole rubber sole ensures more stability on wet or rugged terrains and at the same time giving the shoe durability. The GEL-Venture 5 shoe has a great fit and provides everyday comfort. With a rugged outsole, it’s a shoe for any terrains because it has great traction. It is a stylish and affordable shoe worthy investing in
Stability
Stability is very important for any walking shoe and ASICS GEL Venture 5 offers enough traction. It has great grip due to its outsole being made of a quality rubber sole. ASICS GEL Venture 5 rubber sole makes sure the shoe remains stable wherever you are walking. On wet grounds the shoe holds really well to reduce the possibility of sliding. On concrete the shoe has enough grip to make walking enjoyable and easy.
Final Verdict
Take your next walk or even go hiking wearing The GEL-Venture 5 and your feet and body will thank you for it. The GEL-Venture 5 is a great shoe that offers good support and comfort makes all the difference when taking long walks.
New Balance Men's MW411V2 Walking shoe
Do you need extra wiggle room in the toe area? These New Balance Walking Shoes have ample plus they have excellent cushioning and offer great stability while walking.
Color and size
Available in 5 color and sizes ranging from 7D to 15 4E
Benifits
The foam midsole provides extra cushioning with every step plus the cushioned collar provides added comfort as well. Because there is extra width in the toe box, your toes have extra wiggle room which is especially useful if you suffer from bunions or other toe problems. The Walking Strike Path technology helps to guide and stabilize the foot. This provides good motion control and stability especially if your foot tends to roll inward or outward too easily. The removable insole means that you can fit your orthopedics easily. The perforated upper provides extra air circulation and breathability making for a very comfortable wear.
Features
Pros
Cons
Verdict
These shoes are ideal for people who need a wider fitting shoe due to their wider toe area and their availability in wide widths. They would also be very suitable for anyone who has a low arch due to their excellent cushioning and thick insole.
Watch Video for More Reviews
New Balance Women's WW411WT2 Walking
This is a shoe you can trust when walking anywhere whether a beach, concrete or the pack trail. It’s a shoe designed for comfort and durability, fit for any occasion. The New Balance WW411WT2 offers all these qualities that are why it’s one of our best walking shoes for women.
Comfort
The comfort of the New Balance comes from the shoe's REVlite innersoles. This material offers better cushioning without being bulky. This keeps the New Balance WW411WT2 model lightweight enough for longer wear. They have just enough arch support to keep your feet comfy when you're on the go. The shoe is great for long distances and for the walker who wants a shoe that doesn't weigh him down.
Breathability
The new balance WW411WT2 upper is made of ultra-lightweight Fountainheads that aids in air circulation. Thin and lightweight construction of the upper allows exceptional breath ability for longer walks. The more breathable a shoe is, the less the discomfort you are likely to fell when walking. One of the qualities when making the best walking shoes for men list was how well a shoe breaths which is a very important quality given the these may be worn for more than 6 hours.
Final Verdict
You can easily get over 500 miles of walking from this shoe without much wear. This makes it good investment and a shoe worthy having in your collection.
Watch Video for More Reviews
RYKA Women's Sky Walking Shoe
If you're a woman you know that women's feet are usually narrower in the heel and wider in the toe. The good news is that the Ryka Sky Walking Shoe is made especially to suit women's feet!
Color and size
Available in 7 stylish colors and sizes ranging from 5B (regular width) to 11 C/D (wide).
Benifits
Made from breathable mesh and supportive leather, the uppers of these shoes provide comfort to your feet while also being stylish. The memory foam insert provides all day comfort whether at work or play. Walking around in these shoes is just like walking on a cloud! If you need some extra arch support, the mid-foot shank will easily provide this.
Features
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The Ryka Sky Walkers are not only stylish but are especially designed to fit women's feet. They are nice and snug in the heel but have plenty of wiggle room on the toe box.
Watch Video for More Reviews
Brooks Addiction Walking Shoes for men & women
Brooks Men's Addiction Walking Shoes
Brooks Women's Addiction Walker Shoes
Do you suffer from over or underproduction? Probation is the way the foot rolls inward or outward when you walk. 3 Underproduction is when the foot rolls outward and can be a problem for people with high arches. Overproduction on the other hand, is when the foot rolls inwards and is usually associated with low arches or flat feet.
If you have either of these problems then the Brooks Addiction Walker may be the best walking shoe for you.
Color and size
Available in 3 colors and sizes ranging from 7B to 15 4E
Benifits
If you often walk in wet weather or over wet areas, then you need a walking shoe which will keep your feet dry. The Brooks Addiction Walker has a full grain leather upper which provides great protection for your feet in wet weather. The BioMoGo midsole provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption by supporting your foot. This is great for people with low arches or flat feet as extra cushioning is needed.
Another benefit of these shoes is that they have fluid cushioning in the heel and forefoot which is excellent for shock absorption as well. The Extended Progressive Diagonal Roll-bar Technology is excellent support for under or overproduction. Having a removable sock-liner makes it easy to fit your own orthodics if you need to.
Features
Pros
Cons
Verdict
These walking shoes provide excellent cushioning and support for people with low arches or probation problems. Their leather upper also makes them great wet weather shoes.
Asics Men's GEL-Tech Walker Neo 4 Walking Shoe for men & women
Asics Men's GEL-Tech Walker Neo 4 Walking
ASICS Women's GEL-Tech Neo 4 Walking
This is another great shoe for people who tend to over or underpronate due to its Dual Density DuoMax Support system. Gel cushioning also provides extra comfort for heels and toes.
Color and size
Available in 2 colors and sizes ranging from 7D to 14D
Benifits
This shoe provides exceptional cushioning with the GEL system in both the heel and toe area. This is very beneficial if you have heel problems or plantar fasciitis. The Dual Density DuoMax support system provides excellent support for your feet while you walk. This can be especially helpful if you tend to under or overpronate. Extra comfort and support is provided by the padded tongue and collar and the reinforced toe cap protects your toes when you're walking over rough terrain.
Features
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The Asics Men's GEL-Tech Walker are designed with comfort and support in mind. They provide both stability for pronation problems and excellent shock absorption with the extra padding and GEL system.
Watch Video for More Reviews
Adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam VS City Shoes
Do you have low arches? Then the extra Cloudfoam support in the footbed and midsole in these shoes may just be your answer.
Color and size
Available in 6 colors and sizes ranging from 7D to 14D
Benifits
The Cloud foam ultra footbed and midsole provide exceptional cushioning especially for people with low arches. These shoes are light as a feather and extremely soft and are excellent for people who are on their feet all day. You won't even notice that you're wearing them! Excellent breath ability with not only a mesh upper but also mesh lining which means your feet are kept cool as you walk.
Features
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you stand or walk a lot during the day, then these shoes will provide the extra cushioning that your feet need. They are extremely lightweight and provide exceptional breath-ability.
Watch Video for More Reviews
Adidas NEO Women's Cloudfoam VS City W shoes
If you think this sounds like a good deal, you’re definitely not wrong. This is a great walking shoe that checks all the boxes. These sneakers provide good comfort since they are well cushioned. They are lightweight making them comfortable for long wear. They are both affordable and stylish.
Breathability
The upper part of the shoe is put together pretty well, consisting of textile and mesh uppers with synthetic leather overlays which maintain the structural integrity of the shoe. This combination is quite breathable, offering good airflow for those longer walks. This also makes it a shoe that can be used for everyday wear without much airing in between.
Stylish
Adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam is a very stylish shoe with a seamless toe cap and a mesh synthetic upper. Like every other Adidas, it some with the classic three stripe design.
Cost
Adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam is stylish beautiful shoe that is also very affordable retailing for 50 dollars or less. This is a bargain for great comfort.
Final Verdict
All in all, this shoe does not compromise on quality and comfort making it the shoes for the fashion forward man. The fact that its packs all these great qualities at its price makes it in our list of best walking shoes for men this year.
Watch Video for More Reviews
Keen Presidio Walking Shoes
KEEN Men's Austin Shoe
KEEN Women's Presidio Shoe
Designed especially for women who want a soft comfortable walking shoe and need good arch support. An added benefit of these shoes is that they have a leather upper which is waterproof.
Color and size
Available in 11 colors and sizes ranging from 5B to 12B
Benifits
Due to their soft leather upper, these shoes are super comfortable and will keep your feet dry in wet weather. The Metatomical foam footbed design provides excellent arch support and cradles the contours of the foot. This is also removable so that you can fit your orthodics if you need them and the shoes are also wide enough to accommodate a brace.
Features
Pros
Cons
Verdict
An excellent shoe for women who need good arch support and extra cushioning in the footbed. The wider toe box gives the toes plenty of wiggle room but the shoes are still snug enough around the heels.
Watch Video for More Reviews
Saucony ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe
Saucony Women's ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe
If you're looking for comfort in the forefoot area and want a shoe that is soft and giving then the Saucony ProGrid Integrity would be ideal. They are best for people with normal or high arches.
Color and size
Available in 3 colors and sizes ranging from 5 2A to 12 2E
Benifits
These shoes provide extra stretch in the forefoot area which is especially useful for people with wider toes. They give as you walk which reduces pressure. The heel area has extra cushioning for maximum impact protection. Excellent arch support is provided with the cushioned open cell foam insole which is great for people with normal to high arches. The insole is also removable if you need to fit orthotics.
Features
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The extra width in the toe box plus the added flexibility makes these shoes ideal for people who have wider toes or suffer from bunions and other toe problems. These shoes are also perfect for normal to high arches as they provide enough support.
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Merrell Men's Moab Rover Shoe
Merrell Men's Moab Rover Shoe is an all terrain shoe. It is an everyday shoe that is comfortable on your feet and can be worn in any weather. On those rainy or winter days, shoes come in handy because of it being waterproof. They have great traction making them ideal shoes for rugged, uneven wet grounds.
Waterproof
Merrell Men's Moab Rovers make for a great hiking shoe because they are waterproof. Made if leather and textile, this shoe can tolerate all kinds of weather. The leather upper makes sure that your feet stay dry on those rainy days while the textile which is strategically placed helps in air circulation so that your feet stay comfortable and dry in humid conditions.
Odorless
Merrell Men's Moab Rovers have a Mesh Lining Treated with M Select FRESH which naturally Prevents build of Odour. This makes Merrell Men's Moab Rovers great shoes for the wet seasons or wet environments when you can’t air you shoes as frequently as you would want to. Wear your Merrell Men's Moab Rovers during those wet winter days and your feet will stay dry and warm. These attributes makes them an everyday shoe since they can be worn without much airing. This quality makes this shoe one of the best walking shoes for men.
Stability/Traction
Stability is very important for an outdoor shoe and Merrell Men's Moab Rover offers it in plenty. The outsole doesn't really have an aggressive tread, but it does provide an appropriate amount of grip on most walking surfaces. Whether going uphill or downhill, this shoe afford you great stability lowering any risk of sliding. Additionally, the outsole is designed with flex grooves which guide a more natural walking gait making walking more comfortable and enjoyable.
Final Verdict
Merrell Men's Moab Rover shoes are great addition to any shoe collection because their versatility. The can be used for hiking or a stroll around your block. Take a hike, run errands or take a long walk in any weather and you can be assured your feet will stay dry and comfortable throughout.
Watch This video for more Review
Skechers Sport Men's Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker
Skechers makes footwear that is of high quality, diversified, and affordable for the trendy-savvy man. This Men's Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker is made with smooth leather, synthetic and mesh fabric. These shoes are also available in a number of colours so that you can enjoy both the look and feel of your new walking shoes.
Breathability
These walking shoes are naturally lightweight and breathable. Made of a synthetic mess that helps with air circulation, this make the shoe quite comfortable even on those hot days when your feet sweat. Air circulation helps in dispersing heat accumulated therefore reducing build up of odour. A shoe that breathes comes in handy on those days you have to be on your feet for long hours and where comfort is paramount.
Comfort
These shoes have a Resalyte technology midsole providing better cushioning that absolves impact when your feet hit the ground. This shock absorbing midsole delivers long lasting support to your feet. The flexible rubber outsole provides traction which is very important for an outdoor shoe. The good cushioning and great traction makes the shoe a good choice for a walker who is going to be on his feet for long periods of time
wide fit
This sneaker is great for people with wide feet. It comes with extra width to accommodate those walkers with wider than normal feet. This sneaker is also a great for those walkers with bunions because it is wide and does not squeeze the feet adding any more unnecessary pressure.
Final Verdict
You will be highly impressed with this stylish, comfortable and durable shoe that will serve you well for a long time. It packs good quality at same time being affordable. Make it your next purchase and you won’t regret it.
Watch This Video for more Reviews
How To Choose The Best Walking Shoes
Correct Fit
Firstly you need to ensure that your walking shoes are the correct fit. They should be secure across the instep and in the heel. Your heels should not slip in the shoes as this can cause blisters. Look for shoes that fit snugly around your heels but are roomy enough in the front so that you can wiggle your toes. There should be about half an inch between your toes and the end of the shoe itself. Make sure your feet don't slip inside the shoe when they are laced up correctly. They should fit snugly but not too tight.
Arch Support
Depending on your feet you'll need to decide whether you need arch support. If you have medium to high arches you will need a walking shoe for arch support which provides better arch support. If you have flat feet which don't cause you any pain, you don't need a high arch support but you'll want some good cushioning in the sole. To work out what kind of arch you have, here's a simple exercise you can do as suggested in an article by the Mayo Clinic. "Dip your foot in water and step onto a piece of cardboard. If you can see most of your footprint you most likely have low arches or flat feet. However if you see very little of your footprint you probably have high arches".
Flexibility
Good walking shoes should be flexible and definitely not rigid. They should have a flexible sole and you should be able to twist and bend the toe area. Look for shoes that are lightweight and breathable. Your feet will likely get hot while you walk and if your feet sweat this could cause blisters so it's important that your walking shoes can have a bit of air flow.
Cushioning
Make sure your walking shoes have cushioning in the sole especially under the ball of the foot. This is an area that receives a fair bit of pressure as your foot rolls forward from heel to toe. A lot of walking shoes also have gel cushioning in the heel. This is especially useful for people who suffer from plantar fascists. The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects your heel to your toes. If this ligament is strained it can weaken and get swollen. This can produce a lot of pain when you stand or walk. 2 Gel inserts can also help to relieve this problem.
Trying Your Shoes On
It is best to try on your new walking shoes at the end of the day or after a walk as your feet may swell as the day progresses. It's also a very good idea to try on your shoes with the same socks that you'll be wearing on your walks to ensure a good fit.
Walking Shoe Fit
Walking shoes should never be too snug or too tight. Never buy walking shoes that feel too tight at the first wear. A good fit is one that is snug everywhere, tight nowhere and with enough room to wiggle toes. Have your fit measured at the end of the day since feet tend to swell through the day. To gauge if it’s the right fit, walk around with both shoes and tilt your feet forward and backwards and test the fit of both shoes. Make sure to have a pair of socks as you fit your shoes to make sure you get the right fit. A proper fitting shoe will protect from toe and heel blisters.
Comfort
Comfort is everything when you are on the move. A comfortable walking shoe will make running your errands or that walk for exercise a lot easier. When buying a pair of comfortable walking shoes, make sure to wear both shoes and jump up and down, walk around and feel if the shoe is comfortable. A good pair of walking shoes should have enough cushioning to make them comfortable for walking for extended periods of time and not too much to make the shoes bulky. Walking shoes mostly focus cushioning under the ball of the foot because walking utilities the heel of the foot more than the other parts.
Flexibility and support
Walking shoes must be flexible in order to afford you the support they are meant to provide. They should be able to bend so the shoe folds. You should also be able to twist them. Walking shoes must be flexible or your foot will fight them as it rolls through each step, leading to shin splints. A walking shoe should offer enough support to the heel and the ankle to reduce accidents that could occur if enough support is not available.
Environment
Different shoes will work for different environments. For instance, if you are from a hot, humid place you will need walking shoes that are made of synthetic fibres and lightweight mesh for temperature control and breath ability. A walking shoe that keeps your feet nice and breezy on a hot day can make all the difference in the world. If your environment is rainy, you need shoes that don’t soak water easily in order for your feet to stay dry and warm. Taking your environment into consideration will ensure you choose the right walking shoes that will serve you a longer time.
Shoe weight
Since you are likely to wear your running shoes when running errands, working or going for a walk, you will be on your feet for some time therefore the need for light shoes that offer comfort but don’t tire your feet. Shoe weight is very important when choosing running shoes. They should be light enough and sturdy to provide balance as you walk around.
Final Conclusion....
We hope that these reviews have made it easier for you to choose the ideal walking shoes for your particular needs. To narrow down your decision on which shoes are perfect for you, you need to decide which particular features will help give you the most comfort and support. Not ideal for people with low arches as there is not enough cushioning support in this area. For example if you tend to over or underpronate you would be best in choosing shoes which provide additional support like the Brooks Men's Addiction Walker or the Asics Men's Gel-Tech Walker.
If you suffer from heel problems, choose shoes which have extra comfort and cushioning in the heel area like the Asics Men's Gel Venture 5 Running Shoe, the Asics Men's Gel-Tech Walker or the Saucony Women's ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe. For extra cushioning if you have low arches, choose from the New Balance Men's MW4112V Walking Shoe or the Ryka Women's Sky Walking Shoe.
Choose shoes available in extra wide fittings if you need extra room in the toe area such as the Asics Men's Gel Venture 5 Running Shoe, the New Balance Men's MW4112V2, the Ryka Women's Sky Walking Shoe, the Brooks Men's Addiction Walker or the Saucony Women's ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe. Remember that not all walking shoes are suitable for every foot type so choosing the correct shoes is vitally important for your foot health and comfort during your walks. For more best hiking shoes
Resources
1. Mayo Clinic, Guides to Get the best fit, Clinical Website.
2. Ebay, The Complete Men’s Shoes Buying Guide, Fooewear Buying Guides.
3. Health and Safety international, Guides on safety Footwear, Health and safety.
4. Sneaker factory, How to Select Footwear Materials, Footwear materials.
[…] And one more thing, whether you love to go backpacking or hiking, you’ll need the best walking shoes to keep your feet happy. So, why let? Gear up and get ready for chilling […]