The difference between a comfortable stroll and a painful one? A good pair of walking shoes.
“You want to make sure you have a sneaker with a stiff midsole,” says Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., ABPM-certified podiatrist and founder of Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates. “When you try to twist the shoe back and forth, it should be stiff. There can be flexibility in the toe box, though.” A mesh upper will give you that space for toes to breathe and move around.
Meanwhile, opt for a rubber outsole. “Man created concrete, so we need something that supports us on that concrete,” Lockwood says. You also want to make sure you have a finger nail-width space between your longest toe and the top of the shoe, says James Stavosky, D.P.M., owner of Daly City Podiatry.
Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t have to “break in” a shoe, either. “One of the things that I always tell my patients is that a shoe should fit and feel comfortable as soon as you put them on,” says Stavosky.
But finding the right footwear really comes down to personal preference. Start with these nine pairs to help find your footing.
asics
asics.com
$130.00
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Lockwood says Asics are great for those with higher arches, and these also have good spacing in the forefoot to allow toes to move, plus a durable foam sole. The breathable mesh upper also makes them light and airy.
roadrunnersports.com
$119.95
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A good brand for those with flatter feet according to Lockwood, this Brooks pair has a flexible forefoot, which makes for an easy stride when walking. You also get that stretchy upper that moves with your feet.
New Balance
newbalance.com
$124.99
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If you pronate (your foot rolls inward or outward—you’ll know if the outer edges of your shoes typically get worn), then this stability shoe is for you. New Balance is a fave of both experts. You get a perfect mix of stability and cushioning from the ground.
Vionic
vionicshoes.com
$129.95
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A rubber outsole, a flexible but durable construction, and knit upper to stretch in many directions—this shoe checks all the boxes, while still being lightweight.
hokaoneone.com
$150.00
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If you need lots of cushioning for a shoe to be comfy, look no further than Hoka. These offer a plush feel under your foot.
Altra
amazon.com
$91.37
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Altra shoes offer enough room in the forefoot for your toes to really spread out—and push off the ground so you have some pep in your step during your walk.
Nike
nike.com
$120.00
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A strong support beneath your foot makes this a solid shoe to get in extra steps. The forefoot also offers some spring.
Ryka
Ryka
ryka.com
$79.99
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You’ll get great arch support and a narrower construction from Rykas. This pair in particular offers an extra-durable outsole.
Adidas
adidas
adidas.com
$85.00
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With every step, the springy foam sole adds some bounce to your stride. You can’t beat these lightweight, breathable kicks.
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