Though walking and running involve similar motions, they place different demands on the body and, therefore, on your shoes. Well-designed men’s walking shoes offer the proper amount of support and flexibility, and designating a dedicated pair of walking shoes allows you to avoid putting unnecessary miles on your running shoes. Don’t forget to change out your walking shoes every 300-400 miles or when they become visibly worn, whichever comes first!
Walking shoes have to cover a lot of ground—literally and in terms of features. First and foremost, they need to keep you comfortable. But they must also support you throughout your entire movement cycle, helping you to walk efficiently and with proper form. So how do you know if you’ve found the right walking shoes for you? Try ’em on! Wear the socks you plan to wear when you walk, and be sure to try on both shoes. Your feet should feel secure in the shoes, but your toes should have plenty of breathing room. Your feet swell when you exercise, and neglecting to leave a little extra room can result in painful blisters later on. Don’t be afraid to walk around the store a bit to see if the shoes rub, slide, or generally don’t feel “right” on your feet. Do your heels stay put? Do the shoes provide adequate arch support? Do the shoes flex with your feet?
When shopping for walking shoes for men, it’s crucial to understand how foot size, shape, and gait factor into getting a proper fit. Before buying your next pair of walking shoes, figure out if you have a low, neutral, or high arch, which will help you determine your gait pattern: overpronation, neutral pronation, or underpronation. The more you know about your feet, the better equipped you’ll be to keep them happy and healthy with the perfect pair of walking shoes!
Choosing the right walking shoe for your foot doesn’t have to be difficult; once you know your arch height, it’s simple to zero in on the right shoe for you. If you have a high arch, look for a walking shoe with a curved sole and lots of cushioning. For a neutral arch, you can opt for a straight or semi-curved sole. And for a low arch, choose motion-control shoes with a straight sole.
Don’t settle for an ill-fitting walking shoe or try to force the next size up or down to work for your foot’s unique shape or width. We have a huge selection of the best walking shoes for men from top brands like Altra, Superfeet, Merrell, New Balance, Brooks, Hoka One One, and more! We also carry wide walking shoes and narrow walking shoes—all in a variety of hard-to-find sizes that will put some pep in your step.
