Power walking is a weight-bearing form of aerobic exercise, so you strengthen your bones while doing it. It is low-impact, free of charge and can be done anywhere. It's essential to invest in a pair of quality athletic walking shoes, and to do so regularly. According to Sharon Barbans, walking coach and spokeswoman for Saucony, athletic walking shoes should be replaced every six months. If you do so, you will get the most out of your workout and reduce your risk of injury. Fit, cushioning, support and toe space are all important considerations when choosing a walking shoe.
If the Shoe Fits...
If you are looking for a good fitting, quality walking shoe, give the shoe four tests: flex, wiggle, rock and roll. For the flex test, check that the front of the shoe is bendable. In particular, look for flexibility in the front, but not in the arch. To perform the wiggle test, move your toes up and down as well as side to side within the toe box. For power walking, you need lots of room to splay your toes. For the rocking test, lean back on your heels and check for adequate cushioning, support and stability. Your foot should feel stable and snug, almost cupped, while you walk, not overly stiff or tight. For the roll test, take one slow step forward from heel to toe. Make sure you don't feel any resistance or pinching as your foot progresses through the step. These shoes have passed these tests.
Best Low-Priced Walking Shoe
New Balance 557 walking shoes are an inexpensive, quality shoe for both men and women according to a recent walking shoe comparison report published by Consumer Reports. They can be purchased for as little as $40. They are flexible, lightweight and offer cushioning (especially in the heel) most beneficial for frequent moderate-paced fitness walking. The mesh upper is breathable for cool feet, and they have durable outsoles and optimum stability (without being stiff). Another feature that makes these walking shoes unique is the reflective detailing that enhances visibility (for walking in the early morning or at dusk).
Best Mid-Priced Walking Shoes
Saucony's Grid Instep RT walking shoes are best known for providing optimum comfort and cushioning. They feel like you're wearing slippers. These shoes retail for approximately $60. Rykä's Moira power walking shoes offer all the features important in a walking shoe: quality, support through the midsole, bendability at the ball of the foot and comfort. They look more like shoes and less like "gym" shoes and retail for approximately $70. According to Consumer Reports, New Balance model 791 is top rated for both men and women. They have removable insoles for replacement and offer excellent support. Like the New Balance lower-priced model, they have reflectors for good visibility at night and retail for about $75.
Higher Priced Picks
Nike's Air Miler Walk+ gets kudos for overall quality, roominess in the toe box and a mesh upper for breathability. They are lightweight and retail for approximately $85. Asic's Gel Kayano Walker is a lightweight, flexible walking shoe with a mesh upper that offers breathability and comfort. These shoes offer personalized heel fit memory foam-lined mold collars that mold to your foot, uniquely, for better comfort. Additionally, they have a feature that guides your gait for a natural feel from heel strike to toe. The forefoot and hind-foot feature silicone-based cushioning for excellent shock absorption and better stability. These shoes retail for approximately $100.
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