Walking Shoes

kerry

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!

5 years ago

Shopping

22 replies

Latest reply was from Sam Orman

nemosmom

Veteran

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?

5 years ago

delurked

Veteran

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.

5 years ago

Runs With Scissors

Veteran

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).

Zappos

Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit

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5 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

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.

Amazon

Merrell Women's Siren Edge Q2 Hiking Shoes

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Amazon

Saucony Women's Peregrine 8 Running Shoe

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5 years ago

kkards

Veteran

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.

5 years ago

Joy

Veteran

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.

5 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

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.

Amazon

Samoon Women's Speedcross 4 GTX W Trail Running Shoe

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Zappos

Ecco Soft VII Sneaker

$149.94

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Ecco ECCOSoft 8 Sneaker

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FitFlop K36 Women's F-Sporty Scoop-Cut Perf Sneakers

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FitFlop Women's Uberknit Slip-on Sneakers

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Neiman Marcus

Eileen Fisher Sport Flatform Sneaker Sandal, Silver

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FitFlop Women's Skinny Toe Post-Latticed Flip-Flop

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5 years ago

Anonymous

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 .

5 years ago

kerry

Veteran

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.

5 years ago

Susan

Active Member

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!

5 years ago

anchie

Veteran

I probably don’t understand concept of walking shoes, because I consider all my shoes walking shoes.

5 years ago

nemosmom

Veteran

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.

5 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

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.

5 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

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.