YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Walking Shoes

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Walking Shoes https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:06:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sam Orman on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2121753 Tue, 19 May 2020 08:30:33 +0000 Sam Orman 2121753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, I have dedicated walking shoes. I wear these Handcrafted Italian Leather Shoes for every occasion whether it is for weddings, events, parties, or the business meeting with the clients. I got these shoes from a brand called Lethato which make <a rel="nofollow" href="http://lethato.com/collections/mens-leather-dress-shoes">leather dress shoes for men</a> and their shoes are crafted by experienced craftsmen. I order 2 pair of oxford shoes for my friend's wedding. I can wear them with any outfit be it a casual or formal outfit. I got Wingtip Brogue oxford and whole cut oxford in a few months back. I also got compliments on my friend's marriage and the best part of this brand is that the prices are not too high or not too low. Everyone can afford these high-quality leather shoes. And it been 3 months the shoes still look new.  Anonymous on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2032230 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 19:05:44 +0000 Anonymous 2032230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, I have dedicated walking shoes-these and cushy gold sandals-needing replacement at some point! Since I wear at least a wedge everyday, I keep these with me for walking on my lunchbreak. And I change into them post gym. I use my trainers if walking-running on the treadmill but not for regular walking. If its too cold for sandals I don't want to be outside more than needed! smittie on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2032216 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 17:49:32 +0000 smittie 2032216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Do you have dedicated walking shoes? I don't, but if I walked a lot, I would get some. Nike and Adidas have some really neat designs. I would probably also put together a dedicated walking outfit! Maybe something that included a Boden raincoat ;-) Suz on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2032167 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 15:30:40 +0000 Suz 2032167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Glad you found something that works for you, Kerry! That's great. It's all trial and error. I think it comes down to knowing your own feet and experimenting with brands until you find those that reliably work. Even then, there will be "flops." For instance -- my Fitflop sandals have been complete and surprising winners for me for several years. I wear them to walk city paths and sidewalks for up to 20,000 steps a day and apart from small blisters on break-in (a given for me, alas) they work surprisingly well -- I can even wear them on uneven trails! And I really like the little knit sneakers as "indoor shoes" or substitute slippers. Got them on sale and they work well for me for that purpose.  But the tie up sneakers I got -- well, let's just say I wish I'd send them back right away, but I didn't, and now they're mine, but feh. They do not work for me. Way too wide in the mid-foot and heel.   :(  Loving Angie's collection -- but if I tried to wear most (though not all) of those styles I would be in complete agony. I'd have more success with Gaylene's batch. I need the slight lift along with straps or some means of keeping the shoe on.  IMO, if you're speed walking or setting out to do walking AS exercise, as opposed to walking as NEAT (non-exercise-activity) then it makes a lot of sense to get dedicated footwear. Not just to prevent foot pain. (It might or might not help with that.) But also for the psychological effects. You put on the gear and you do the thing. You know? I put on my gear shoes and I know I am going to exercise. This makes me work harder.  Angie on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2032166 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 15:17:37 +0000 Angie 2032166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I walk everywhere. A LOT. In all seasons and weather  - from very hot to very cold - dry, wet, snow, sleet. I barely drive in Seattle and don't drive at all in SLC. I'm with Suz and Gaylene.  Most of my shoes are walking shoes. I don't wear heels, and I don't like running or athletic shoes - high fiving Gaylene and Suz again. These go the distance - sneakers, boots, loafers and sandals are the BEST.  Style Fan on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2032057 Sun, 02 Jun 2019 20:37:49 +0000 Style Fan 2032057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear New Balance walking shoes for long walks.  I recently bought a pair of Finn Comfort walking shoes that I am still on the fence about.  I, like Janet, prefer to have dedicated walking shoes.  Of course, I do not have the fabulous footwear wardrobe that she has.  My fashion shoes are Birks.  Janet on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2032055 Sun, 02 Jun 2019 20:14:09 +0000 Janet 2032055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yeah, if I’m walking for exercise and not just the walking I do in the course of a day, I want to wear dedicated exercise shoes. Why put all that wear and tear on my “fashion” shoes? Many of my regular shoes are plenty comfortable enough for a day of 15,000 steps, though. kerry on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2032054 Sun, 02 Jun 2019 19:57:57 +0000 kerry 2032054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like some of you, my husband does not understand the need for a dedicated walking shoe I don’t have a lot of “shoes” in my footwear wardrobe. In my climate I go from boots to sandals pretty quickly. I have comfortable sandals for walking, I just don’t think they’ll give me the support I need for longer distances. I also have the issue of a wide toe box on pretty small feet - very difficult to find any footwear that fits properly in Canada. Suz and Gaylene - you have fabulous shoe wardrobes! I think I’ve found success! I decided not to give up or in. I tried the Asics on again this morning and they still felt too tight. After some online research, I decided maybe New Balance could work for me. Hey - if it’s good enough for a Kawhi Leonard I went to a dedicated New Balance store and tried on three styles that fit and felt wonderful. Brought one pair home - they’re pretty ugly - but feel great. I hope to take them for a spin tonight! Gaylene on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2032030 Sun, 02 Jun 2019 18:43:46 +0000 Gaylene 2032030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like Suz and Anchie, except for my formal footwear, I consider all my shoes “walking shoes”—meaning I expect to be able to walk comfortably in my footwear for at least 10 K, or 8+ hours, on pavement or maintained trails. My “serious” trail/hiking shoes are a subset which I only wear on rocky terrain, or unmaintained surfaces, often in weather where traction is essential for safety reasons. At 70, I also have the usual assortment of age-related issues—wonky knees, bouts of plantar fasciitis, swelling feet, arthritis, etc.—but I am determined to keep up my daily routine of walking everywhere in our small city for at least another decade. I actually avoid most athletic brand “walking shoes” for daily wear because they give me issues in the heel and toe box, plus I dislike the “spongy” feel underfoot. My current “walking” footwear is an assortment of Munro, Naot, Ecco, SAS, Arche, Romika, Frye, Wolky, and Fluevogs brands. I find the European brands especially offer a good combination of fashion and comfort. In some cases, I’ve subbed in an over-the-counter orthotic footbed for more arch support to help with various foot, back, and knee issues. Superfeet insoles seem to work well for me if I need to replace the footbed—an option in many of these brands. While I know that athletic-style “walking shoes” are popular in North America, they are not my choice for daily wear. Janet on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2032015 Sun, 02 Jun 2019 17:22:16 +0000 Janet 2032015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Toe box should not feel snug — if anything, I think a little room is a good thing. Be sure to get good socks too — I like Balega. I wear a size 8 in normal shoes but size up to a 9 in Brooks running shoes (but my feet are slightly narrow so Brooks are probably not right for you). If you have doubts, I’d go back to the store. And time of day makes a difference too — shoes definitely feel snugger when I try them on late in the day rather than first thing in the morning. nemosmom on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2032012 Sun, 02 Jun 2019 17:07:29 +0000 nemosmom 2032012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Is it possible that the ASICS feel snug compared to your old/broken-in Nike’s? I’ve found my trainer type sneakers to be fairly comfy, yet snug, out of the box. Might be worth a return trip to the sport store for advice. anchie on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2032008 Sun, 02 Jun 2019 16:02:53 +0000 anchie 2032008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I probably don’t understand concept of walking shoes, because I consider all my shoes walking shoes. Susan on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2032007 Sun, 02 Jun 2019 15:47:41 +0000 Susan 2032007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi, Kerry. I don’t think you’re being unfair to the ASICS. Tight toe boxes don’t loosen up in my experience. If anything, your feet will swell as the weather gets warmer. I love Brooks Adrenaline GTS for my size 10, medium toe width but narrow-heeled feet. There’s lots of room in the toe box. The Brooks seem to grip my heel much more comfortably than New Balances or other brands. I size up to 11s because I like to wear thick socks in the winter and want to allow for foot swelling in our 90+ degree summers. BTW. I walk fast, on hills, unfortunately on pavement, for about 45 minutes a day 5 or so days a week. On new shoes, I take out the insole, and write the purchase date directly onto the shoe, so I remember to replace them at least once a year. Good luck! kerry on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2031875 Sat, 01 Jun 2019 23:13:52 +0000 kerry 2031875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for all the advice and recommendations! I took your advice and went to Sport Chek to get a proper athletic shoe. After trying on many and with the help of a knowledgeable salesperson, I came home with a pair of ASICS. But ... I don’t think they’re going to work. Maybe I’m not used to so much structure? The toe box feels snug and I bought a wide width. I’m now leaning toward a lighter pair of Keens (not sandals or hikers - something in between) because I know they’re roomy in the toe box. Or buying true walking shoes - not running shoes that work for walking too. Am I being unfair to the ASICS? I will try them again tomorrow and walk around the house. I have 30 days to return them. Anonymous on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2031868 Sat, 01 Jun 2019 22:25:30 +0000 Anonymous 2031868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Delurk echoed my thoughts and experience . I don’t walk a lot - compared to some members here - but when I do, I’m serious about it . I walk anywhere from everyday to once a week depending on my schedule and the weather , and I get new ASICS twice a year ( I have one pair for indoors and one for outdoors ) They are my go-to brand . I get gait analyses done at the Running Room every once in awhile to make sure I’m getting the right shoes . Suz on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2031867 Sat, 01 Jun 2019 22:17:42 +0000 Suz 2031867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I walk a lot. A lot a lot. ;)  But I don't have dedicated walking shoes. I probably ought to. I just don't, because I walk less as "exercise" than in the course of my daily activities. Where I want to look somewhat presentable .;)  My current options include:  Trail runners. These are gear, that I only wear when I know I'm running or walking on the trails and not also running errands.  Fashion sneakers. I have several different kinds and alternate them. I use special heel cups for the plantar fasciitis.  My EF sandals (if running errands in town).  My Fitflops. I have sandals and sneakers and actually wear both for all kinds of activity because the cushioning is good for my feet. The sneakers work less well for me than the sandal. Anonymous on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2031863 Sat, 01 Jun 2019 21:56:09 +0000 Anonymous 2031863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a good friend who loves Keens and does a lot of walking. She loves Keen sandals for summer walks. She probably orders them from LLBean, or Lands End. I like ECCO sneakers that are very light weight and Merrells from REI. kkards on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2031818 Sat, 01 Jun 2019 17:09:05 +0000 kkards 2031818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I always know when I need to replace my walking shoes because my hip starts to hurt...your back is telling you the same thing. With sneakers it’s both the inside cushioning and the soles that start to go with time...and if not replaced The shoes can start to be more of a hindrance then a help. Janet on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2031777 Sat, 01 Jun 2019 14:13:32 +0000 Janet 2031777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with delurked. Running and serious walking shoes break down inside faster than we think. When I was running a lot, I’d have to replace my shoes every six months. I can get away with a little more now that I am not putting in so many miles, but I’d pay attention to how long you are using them. Also, I highly recommend alternating between two good pairs to give each one a break every other day (or workout). It helps prolong the life of the shoes to not beat them up every day. These two are my current trail runner/walking shoes — they mainly get worn on dirt trails but also for light hiking (I have heavy duty hiking boots for more rugged situations too). I also have two pairs of Brooks Ghost running shoes that I use for running (and walking) on pavement. Runs With Scissors on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2031769 Sat, 01 Jun 2019 13:33:22 +0000 Runs With Scissors 2031769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I started doing some fitness walking last Fall -- I go out for about an hour.  Originally I used some old Saucony Jazz (which are more about fashion than fitness), but they were clearly not good for my knees and feet.   So I went to the local running store.  I ended up with Hoka One One Clifton 5s and though I find them quite ugly, I LOVE them for comfort.  They are extremely cushioned.  As a runner I wore Sauconys and Asics, and assumed I'd end up with one of those brands, so it was good to get suggestions from experts.  Also, my local running store accepts returns within 30 days -- even used shoes -- so I was more willing to try something new (and ugly, lol).   delurked on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2031765 Sat, 01 Jun 2019 12:48:29 +0000 delurked 2031765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Seconding nemosmom. Guessing those Nike’s are more than overdue for replacement. Athletic shoes, if worn regularly and very much depending on mileage, need replacing every 3-6 months. It makes a big difference. I wear dedicated running shoes for my walking. If you’re truly walking every day, I’d also recommend you have two different pair to rotate. I’d go to a running store where they have people who are knowledgeable who will help fit you into a shoe. I personally do well in Saucony, ASICS or New Balance, but everyone’s different. I also add a replacement insole for better arch and more cushioning. nemosmom on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2031764 Sat, 01 Jun 2019 12:28:29 +0000 nemosmom 2031764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't have dedicated walking shoes, but I walk a LOT, and most of my shoes are sneakers. I tend to reach for my trainers (Asics or Nike) if I know I will be going long distances or standing on my feet for a long time. I was fitted at a store, where they look at your gait and whether/how much your foot pronates as you walk. That has made a huge difference when choosing shoes or inserts. How many miles do you think you have on your Nikes? Do you think a replacement pair would help? kerry on "Walking Shoes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/walking-shoes#post-2031757 Sat, 01 Jun 2019 12:08:45 +0000 kerry 2031757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ After a bout of plantar fasciitis 2 years ago and a current lower back thing ... I’m thinking I should upgrade my shoes for walking. I’ve been off the walking bandwagon for a few months but have recently returned to it as a form of light exercise. It also helps loosen up my lower back and is great for my mental health. I’d like to walk an hour+ daily and worry my current Nikes (10+ years old) or New Balance sneakers won’t do. I’ve also gone walking in my Birks. Do you have dedicated walking shoes? Are they really necessary? If so, how did you find them? What features did you look for and where did you buy them? I do have a pair of Keen hiking shoes that work well for this purpose in fall and cold spring but need something lighter for the warmer weather. Thanks!