Many people inaccurately assume that the best running shoes will also make for a great pair of walking shoes. The truth is that some running shoes can be good for walking, but there are specific qualities of walking shoes that make them a superior choice. Fit

When buying trainers for walking, there are a few key things to consider to make sure you buy the right pair for your needs, preferences and walks. Cushioning Running, on the other hand, demands the support of at least two to three times your body weight as each stride has moments with neither of your feet positioned on the ground. The Bondi 8 is equipped with an open mesh upper for breathability and TPU overlay to enhance stability. This shoe has a memory foam collar around the ankle intended to accommodate a variety of ankle sizes with a partially-gusseted tongue that stays in place. However, some users may find this feature constricting. It is important to note that the Bondi 8 does not have much arch support for those with higher arches but may work for walkers with flat feet. What We Like We're often taught that we need to break our shoes in or give them some wear before they fit properly. While it is best to initially wear new shoes for short periods to test for any rubbing or pressure points, a correctly fitting shoe will feel right from the start.Don't let the name fool you, the Nobull Court Trainer is just as effective off the court as it is on. These shoes were built for hard surfaces and a variety of sports including CrossFit. As for travel, these shoes can serve as the only pair you need when on the go as they're comfortable enough for a plane or car trip, excellent for physical activities for gym time, and stylish enough to wear out on the town in a new city. When walking, your body weight is spread more evenly on your feet compared to when you are running. There are points where both feet are firmly on the ground, diverging the amount of weight your feet support. A must-have for both active seniors and seniors looking to become more active is a pair of good walking shoes for everyday use. We recommend the Reebok DailyFit DMX shoes in this category for their soft textile upper, padded heel, and highly cushioned midsole. They're easy to put on and take off, a time-saving function appreciated at any age. The shoe is also made from 30% recycled materials and has a durable crystal rubber outsole for extra traction. It may feel orthopedic—users with foot conditions like bunions especially appreciate the comfort of this shoe—but it certainly doesn't look like the average orthopedic shoe when it comes to style. The mechanics of walking differ from running in the way the feet strike the ground. People typically land on their heels and roll their feet forward when walking. Because of this rolling motion, walking shoes should have flexible soles. To test out the flexibility, hold the shoe in your hand and bend the heel toward the toe box. The sneaker should bend where the ball of your foot will be located. Heel-to-Toe Drop

Heel-to-toe drop measures the difference in cushioning beneath the heel of your foot and the toe. Measured in millimeters, walking shoes should have a lower drop number. While this spec is more of a concern for runners, it is important for walking as you want to avoid large drop numbers which will alter your walking mechanics. FAQs About Walking Shoes What walking shoes do podiatrists recommend? There are lots of variables when it comes to making sure your shoes fit properly – it’s not just the length and width of your foot that matters but the height of your arches, the width of your heel and even how flexible your toes are. Too loose and the shoes won’t provide adequate support, too tight and they’ll be uncomfortable – and you’ll likely get blisters in both scenarios. Aim for a snug fit at the heel and midfoot, with plenty of space around the toes. Researching whether a shoe has memory foam in its sole is a good idea. However, its effectiveness depends on various factors, including the quality of the memory foam, the shoe design and your individual preferences and needs. Memory foam does provide excellent cushioning and conforming support. It moulds to the shape of your feet, which will help to distribute your body weight more evenly and reduce pressure points. This could potentially lead to any discomfort being eased when you've been standing all day. To get an idea if the size is right for you, remove the insole and stand on it. The outline of your foot should sit inside the insole, with at least a finger-width space in front of your big toe. Next, put the shoes on but don’t lace them up, edge your feet forward in the shoe and place your index finger behind your heel. If the shoes are a good fit, your finger will feel snug but not squashed. Finally, lace them up evenly, just tight enough to slide a fingertip under each of the laces.

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Men’s feet are generally longer than women’s and wider at the heel, instep and ball of the foot, while ours are broader at the toes and have higher insteps, all of which has to be taken into account when creating the best walking shoes for women. Most shoes are designed on a ‘last’, a 3D model of the foot developed by shoemakers, podiatrists and kinesiologists that factors in how your feet change in shape and volume as you walk. The last determines not just the fit and style of your walking shoes – women’s tend to be smaller, weigh less and have lower ankle support – but their performance and ergonomics, too. What to look for when buying women’s walking shoes

Investing in a pair of good quality walking shoes is key to your overall foot health and comfort. Set a realistic budget and find a great pair of trainers for your budget. Your feet will thank you later. What are the best walking shoes for foot pain?

Walking trainers on the other hand provide extra ankle support for both forward and lateral movement. These make for perfect gym shoes for the average gym-goer and are typically more fashionable trainers that can be worn casually. They have not been developed for use in long runs and are best used for shorter stints. Finding the right fit for your walking trainers When you're on your feet all day, whether walking or standing, a lot of mileage is put on your feet, and those guys sorely need a shoe that can rise to the occasion. We selected Skechers GO WALK Massage Fit as the best shoe for walking all day because they're built to pamper your feet at an affordable price. The "foot massage" aspect comes courtesy of the Massage Fit™ wave midsole, which gently kneads your foot as you move. The midsole also contains patented HYPER BURST® cushioning that is responsive and lightweight. Additionally, the outsole has dual-density traction to keep you stable wherever you're walking. Discover the best running shoes for women What’s the difference between men’s and women’s walking shoes? If you're wanting to take up walking as an ongoing habit for a healthy lifestyle change, the best trainers will make sure your feet are comfortable and can go the distance. Just make sure you're clued up on how to clean your trainers properly to keep them comfy and clean, especially if you've had a particularly muddy walk. If you're looking for trainers for wider feet, then not to worry! Plenty of brands are making shoes especially. Best trainers for walking at a glance: Have you really upped your walking activity? Then how about setting yourself the challenge of Walk1000Miles?