How to Choose Walking Shoes

Where Will You Be Walking?

Before diving into features to consider when choosing a pair of walking shoes, the first question you need to ask yourself is: what surface will you be walking on? Although there are shoes specifically designed for walking, a pair of road-running shoes or hiking shoes may be a better fit depending on where you’ll spend most of your time walking.

• Traditional Walking Shoes: Traditional walking shoes offer plenty of cushioning, stability, and grip. These are ideal if you’re walking indoors or outdoors on pavement.

• Road-Running Shoes: Running shoes can make for good walking shoes if you need a more lightweight, breathable option compared to traditional walking shoes. These are ideal if logging miles on the pavement in warm weather or walking on the treadmill.

• Hiking Shoes: If you’re traveling and plan on doing light hiking or walking on uneven roads or sidewalks, a pair of hiking shoes will be a better option. These are designed to provide incredible stability, ankle support, and a lugged outsole for traction.

Are Running Shoes Good for Walking?

You can wear running shoes for walking if you’re looking for a lightweight, breathable option, but it’s important to know that running and walking shoes are designed differently to support the movement and impact of each activity. If you primarily walk for exercise, it's best to choose dedicated walking shoes for the best comfort and support.

Key Features of Walking Shoes

There are several essential features you should consider when looking for a pair of walking shoes, all while keeping in mind where you’ll be walking.

1. Cushioning

Many walkers prioritize cushioning because it absorbs the impact of each step. With plenty of cushioning, you won’t have as much stress on your feet, ankles, and knees, providing a more comfortable experience even during long walks. When shopping, you’ll notice heel-to-drop or midsole drop as a specification for each pair of walking shoes. This number helps highlight the amount of cushion—the higher the number the greater the amount of cushioning.

2. Arch Support

Everyone has different arch structures, and it's important to find walking shoes that provide proper support for your arch. There are three main categories for support level—neutral, stability, and motion-controlled.

3. Breathability

Many traditional walking shoes feature an upper made from leather. This is to help provide greater support and stability, but leather isn’t nearly as breathable as engineered mesh, the material most road-running shoes are made from. If you’re walking in hot, humid climates, you may consider an upper constructed from mesh.

4. Outsole Material

The last feature to consider when looking for a quality pair of walking shoes is the outsole. You’ll want to look for an outsole made from rubber as this will provide plenty of traction on wet or dry surfaces. If you’re walking on ice or wet surfaces you may want to consider a pair of slip-resistant walking shoes. These are designed to offer even more grip to prevent falls.

When it comes to choosing walking shoes, remember to prioritize cushioning, arch support, breathability, and traction. While running shoes may seem like a good option, choosing shoes designed specifically for walking will provide the best experience. No matter which brand you love for running or everyday wear, popular brands like HOKA, Brooks, Nike, and others offer a walking-specific shoe to fit your needs. If you have additional questions about finding the best pair of walking shoes, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Footwear Expert.