If you shop at most chains or discount shoe stores you won’t find walking shoes. Instead, the salespeople will push you into a running shoe, saying that they’re essentially the same.
Ha! Don’t fall for it.
Running and walking demand completely different things from a shoe, so the only running shoes that we normally recommend for walking can be found in the trail running category.
Trail Running Shoes are substantially sturdier and more rigid than most lightweight running shoes.
Therefore, they can work well as walking shoes for some people. If you try walking in lightweight running shoes, you’re just asking for foot problems. I know… I’ve made that mistake myself.
In the summers I do some caddying at a local golf resort. So I log a lot of miles of walking. When I first started, I was sporting a pair of Nike running shoes. Before long, my knees were aching and my mobility was suffering. I could hardly walk downhill at all. So I visited our local expert on orthotics, and he fixed me right up. No charge.
“You have good feet,” he said. “Just get yourself a good pair of light hiking shoes, and use Superfeet Insoles. You’ll be fine.”
Sure enough, a good new pair of Oboz did the trick.
Adidas Rockadia Trail Running Shoe
Category: Trail Running Shoe for Walking
Noteworthy: The most rugged shoe that Adidas makes for trail running or walking.
The Rockadia from Adidas is a sturdy, affordable trail running shoe that would work well as a walking shoe for many people. The grippy, rubber soles are stiffer than most trail running shoes and good for all surfaces.
This shoe runs a half size smaller than normal, so be sure to size-up when ordering. As with all Adidas, they run a bit narrow, so we cannot recommend them for people with wide feet.
Altra Lone Peak 3
Category: Trail Running Shoe for Walking
Rating: 3 Stars out of 5
Noteworthy: Super-thick padding underfoot and extra width in the toe box.
Altra’s “foot shape” toe box makes this line a great choice for people like me who need extra width in the forefoot. The wide toe box allows your toes to relax and spread out naturally and the big toe stays in a straight position for more speed and stability The cushioning, even in their more minimalist models, is amazing. These shoe feature “Zero Drop” which means your heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground. Altra claims this encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your stride. Unique outsole and midsole pattern maps the bones and tendons of your foot to let it flex where it naturally wants to.
Asics Gel Venture
Category: Trail Running Shoes for Walking
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: This brand is a good value for wide feet
This Japanese brand is well known for its high-volume shoes. Most trail running shoes that come in wide sizes have extra cushioning built-in. (I think the shoe companies assume that wide feet equal overweight customers.) But this shoe doesn’t offer that extra level of support. So while they may not be great for trail running, they can work for trail walking.
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS
Category: Trail Running Shoes for Walking
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: This brand is a good option for diabetic feet
Brooks is a popular brand for people with wide feet. It’s also a company that’s praised for its innovation and consistently ranks among the best brands in the running shoe category. (Which translates to great walking shoes, as well.) This particular shoe provides extra stability and excellent cushioning for the moderate overpronator. Lightweight, breathable, moisture-managing Element mesh and synthetic uppers protect your feet from the elements. Adjustable mid-foot saddle creates a more secure, customizable fit.
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Brooks Cascadia Trail Running Shoe
Category: Trail Running Shoes for Walking
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: A popular and long-running model from Brooks.
When you scour the online reviews of the Brooks Cascadia Trail Running Shoe you’ll find a common thread: “I upgraded from the Cascadia 10s.” “This is my 4th pair of Cascadias.” “I love Brooks running shoes, that’s the only brand I buy.” “This is my second pair of Cascadias.”
There’s a ton of loyalty for this brand and this particular model.
Mid-foot saddle built into the laces allows for an adjustable fit. Plush tongue and collar. Long-lasting HPR Green outsole material offers reliable traction in wet and dry conditions. Ballistic Rock Shield protects the soles from underfoot trail hazards
Hoka One One Stinson 3 walking shoes
Category: Trail Running Shoes for Walking
Noteworthy: That’s some thick stuff underfoot!
Hoka One One is a relatively new brand you’ve probably not seen, but you’ll remember them when you do see them. The innovation here is in the meta-rocker sole and the One-One cushioning and support.
You can see how thick the sole is… almost twice as thick as other walking shoes. Technically, this is a running shoe, but they’re very cushy and the unique meta-rocker shape seems to propel you forward. Some say the design is also beneficial for people with plantar fasciitis.
La Sportiva Men’s Primer Low GTX Hiking Shoe
Category: Trail Running Shoes for Walking
Noteworthy: Fully waterproof
The La Sportiva Primer GTX Low blends the agility of a trail running shoe with the durability, traction, and stability of a lightweight backpacking boot. Gore-Tex Surround technology gives you 360 degrees of fully waterproof protection without sacrificing breathability. The Vibram Nano sole with Impact Brake System has multi-directional treads for enhanced traction across rugged downhill terrain and muddy trails. Keep your feet comfortable even after long days on the trail hiking, backpacking or running any time of the year. Great for the hiker or backpacker who prefers the freedom of a trail running shoe but still wants the stability, ankle support and durability of a hiking boot.