What To Look For
Tennis shoes are frequently designed without significant arch support or insole cushioning as a means of creating a lighter shoe. Although this is useful in running shoes where it is advantageous to wear a lighter shoe because it helps you move your feet faster, for buyers looking for comfortable, well-supported and well-cushioned tennis shoes, this design can be a problem. Tennis shoes designated as "walking" or "cross training" shoes, on the other hand, are specifically designed with cushioned insoles and high arch support for a comfortable, though heavy, shoe.
Common Pitfalls
Many buyers make the mistake of assuming that a heavy shoe can be problematic for the activities that they plan on using the shoe for. Although it is true that if you wear a walking or cross training shoe for activities like long-distance running you may find that the excessive weight that the shoe carries is uncomfortable, the extra weight is negligible if you plan on using the shoe for walking or endurance training.
Where To Buy
You can find a wide selection of running, walking, and cross training shoes at any sporting goods store like Sports Authority or Big 5 Sporting Goods. Although you can typically also find similar products online at shoe warehouses like Zappos.com for slightly less money, it is also a gamble to buy a shoe that you haven't tried on, because you don't know exactly how it fits. Particularly if you are interested in finding a shoe with good arch support, it would probably be best to do your shopping in stores rather than online.
Cost
Designer walking and cross training shoes with good arch support can cost anywhere between $50 and $100 dollars, depending on where you are shopping. Especially if you are looking at the newest model shoe designs, you will find that even an uncomfortable pair of shoes can run up to $100. If you are interested in saving some money, you might consider shopping online or at discount stores like Payless or Big 5, where you will find lesser known brands like Turntec or Rugged Exposure. Although these shoes don't carry the same name brand logos as their more expensive counterparts, they are typically just as comfortable to wear, and cost $20 to $40 less.
Insider Tips
If you are interested in buying a pair of designer walking or cross training shoes with good arch support, but don't want to spend too much money, you may consider buying an older model of a shoe that you like. Many shoe designers produce a series of similar shoes, releasing a new design each year. While these newer designs can be very expensive, the older models are usually found in discount stores like Payless or Shoe Pavilion for much cheaper prices. Although you won't be buying the newest model, the shoes still have the high quality arch support and comfort that you are looking for.
