Which sneakers to choose for walking: top 10 pairs from the expert – for different budgets

Sportmaster PRO expert

“Choosing the right walking shoes plays a key role in keeping your feet healthy and normalizing your overall health. Inappropriate sneakers can cause discomfort, pain and even injury. A well-fitting pair will provide comfort and support for long hours. What to look for when shopping? Catch tips and a selection of the 10 best pairs of walking sneakers.”

Why is it important to choose the right shoes?

It’s no secret that you need to walk a lot, especially if a person leads a sedentary lifestyle.

The number of steps required depends on age, physical condition and level of fitness. For some people, five thousand is enough, and for some even 10 thousand is too little. But it is important to do it regularly. It is better to devote at least half an hour to walking every day than to set records once a week. Such a sharp contrast will bring the body more harm than good.

Another factor that affects the effectiveness of such training is footwear. Support for the arch of the foot, cushioning, proper fit and breathable materials – all this affects the health of the feet, prevents the development of flat feet, blisters and other troubles associated with walking all day. If you wear unsuitable shoes, the strain on muscles and joints will increase. After a while, problems can arise because of this.

How to choose good sneakers for walking?

When choosing, it is important to consider the appearance of the model: in the pursuit of functionality, people sometimes forget that the pair should first of all like them. From this will grow motivation and training will be easier to make regular. In addition, it is important to take into account the peculiarities of the pair’s structure.

1. Foot support

One of the main factors in choosing sneakers is the support of the foot. This is especially important for people with peculiarities of the structure of the foot. For example, with flat feet or a high arch. Good support helps to distribute the load evenly, preventing fatigue and injury.

When trying on sneakers, specify the purpose of the model: there are pairs that correct hyperpronation (foot inwards) and hypopronation (foot outwards). Information about this can be found on the label.

In addition, pay attention to the insole. It should support the arch. In sports hypermarkets, there is even a service to customize the insole, taking into account the individual nuances of anatomy.

2. Comfortable fit and breathable materials

Sneakers should fit perfectly to the size and shape of your foot. How do you make sure they do? A pair fits snugly around your foot but doesn’t squeeze. In the toe part there is a small gap of about 5 mm. It is necessary, because during prolonged wear the foot swells a little and increases in size. Sneakers are easy to put on and take off, but the foot does not fall out during wear.

The upper part of the shoe should be made of breathable synthetic material: artificial fabrics better dissipate heat and moisture, dry faster and do not allow bacteria to multiply. You can pay attention to the sneakers with a natural leather upper, but today such models are quite rare.

3. The sole

Another important factor is shock absorption, which reduces the shock load on the joints and spine, and by springing back increases the efficiency of walking. This is especially important if you do a lot of walking on hard surfaces such as asphalt or paving stones. For shock absorption is responsible for the midsole – most often it is made of foam, sometimes adding special cushions with air.

In addition, speaking of the sole, it is important to mention its lower part – the sole. The material from which it is made, and the tread pattern should ensure non-slip even on wet surfaces. As a rule, rubber copes well with this, but it is important to remember that its properties change depending on the temperature. For example, in winter, the material hardens noticeably.

4. Weight and flexibility

Lightweight and flexible sneakers allow your feet to move naturally and are great for all-day wear without adding unnecessary strain. A pair should bend well in the front – at the base of the toes. The middle and the butt should remain stable. The same principle is relevant if you choose sneakers for running.

Which models are worth considering? Top 10

When choosing sneakers for walking, it is worth paying attention to shoes for running. It has all the necessary characteristics. So what models do I recommend to consider? Catch the top 10 pairs.

ASICS Gel-Kayano 30

The Japanese brand has proven itself like no other in the production of shoes for running and walking. An enlarged midsole for quality cushioning, a high-strength rubber sole, breathable upper and insoles with antibacterial effect – all this makes the model the best choice for everyday wear.

By the way, recycled materials were used in the manufacturing of this model. And ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 also has “special effects”. Reflective details allow you to be more visible in the dark. This is important if your trails pass near highways.

ASICS Gel-Kayano 30, 16 990 rubles / kant

ASICS GT-1000 12

A more budget-friendly version that also has all the features you need. The mesh upper makes it easy to wick away moisture, the foam in the midsole absorbs shock well, and the support system gives the foot stability.

The sneakers feature a cushioned Ortholite insole with an antibacterial effect.

Men’s sneakers ASICS GT-1000 12, 11 159 rubles / Sportmaster

PUMA Scend Pro.

Due to the technological materials, the sneakers differ from their analogues in reduced weight, and the molded collar in the heel area and soft tongue prevent blisters. There’s also a Protread rubber outsole and cushioning elements. The pair is designed for running on asphalt.

Puma SCEND PRO women’s sneakers, 8890 rubles / Trialsport

361° Mandala.

A pair from a young Chinese brand that has gained popularity among professional athletes around the world. The instep has inserts made of special soft rubber, a material that provides reliable traction even in the rain. In addition, users note outstanding cushioning.

Men’s sneakers 361° Mandala, 4499 rubles / “sportsmaster”.

Hoka One One Bondi 8.

A durable yet well-ventilated upper, foam with an enlarged heel area, a heel pad with patented Durabrasion technology, and incredible fit comfort. All this makes them the best for everyday wear, running and even Nordic walking.

The Bondi is one of the most durable models in the Hoka One One line.

Men’s Hoka One One Bondi 8 sneakers, 21,190 rubles / brandshop

Hoka One One Arahi 7

The jacquard mesh upper provides a comfortable microclimate, while the J-Frame insert in the sole supports the foot and protects it from excessive flex. A padded tongue provides additional comfort.

The special geometry of the sole is responsible for reliable traction on the surface.

Sneakers women’s Hoka One One Arahi 7, 26 600 rubles / lamoda

Li-Ning Red Hare 7 Pro

This model belongs to the low price segment, but has the necessary characteristics. Textile upper removes excess heat from the foot and securely fixes the foot when walking, and a special structure of foam in the sole makes the pair more flexible.

Men’s Li-Ning Red Hare 7 Pro sneakers, 7649 rubles / Sportmaster

Athlex Rise

A pair from the first running collection originally designed for speed workouts. Low weight, anatomicality, cushioning and energy return – it can be said that these features make these sneakers hardly the most comfortable to wear every day.

ATHLEX RISE Sneakers for Men, RUB 6,499.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Evoz V3

The company is known for the special design of its shoes: the very name New Balance translates as “new balance” and speaks about the anatomicality of sneakers. The patented Fresh Foam is so soft that it is preferable to use it on hard surfaces.

Men’s New Balance Fresh Foam X Evoz V3 sneakers, 15,399 rubles / “sportmaster”

Nike Air Zoom Structure 25.

An iconic model from the popular brand. The Air Zoom cushioning insert is popular with runners and those who often walk long distances. Also, this pair will keep you comfortable even in hot weather. All thanks to the mesh inserts.

Sneakers women’s Nike Air Zoom Structure 25, 18 430 rubles / lamoda

Care recommendations

To prolong the life of sneakers, they should be cleaned after each wear. Use special care wipes, a soft brush and warm water to remove dirt and stains. Avoid using harsh detergents that can damage the fabric of the upper.

In addition, after each walk, sneakers should be dried well. For this purpose, you should not use direct sunlight or heat sources. They can deform the shoes. It is enough to leave the pair in a well-ventilated place.

Finally, over time, insoles wear out, which reduces the wearing comfort and safety of the pair. Check the condition of the insoles regularly and replace them if necessary. This will help keep your sneakers functional and extend their lifespan.

Choosing the right sneakers for walking is an investment in health and comfort. When buying, you should pay attention to the support of the foot, comfortable fit, shock-absorbing properties, the flexibility of the pair and the slip of the sole. This is how you’ll find the perfect fit.

Remember that regular shoe care also plays an important role in the durability and effectiveness of sneakers. And try to choose a model that will inspire you to do sports. This way, money will definitely not be wasted.