Here is something we can both agree to; long distance walks can result in great physical health. There are also a few dangers related to long walks especially when you wear the wrong shoes.
If a shoe doesn’t fit you properly, lacks adequate cushioning or its material composition is abrasive, you will get some serious blisters. Some people develop bunions, corns or toe deformities. These are a few of the reasons why you need to be cautious while shopping for the best long-distance walking shoes.
Since the power of a good shoe cannot be underestimated, this article will help you find a suitable pair that you can comfortably wear while walking. Make sure to pass through the buying guide section to learn how you can make good choices and avoid flushing money down the drain.
You don’t have the time to scroll through the entire article? Well, then perhaps we can just tell you our most favorite option: Saucony Cohesion 10. It’s outstanding in almost every aspect.
Best Long Distance Walking Shoes
| Name | Price | Made of | Sole |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance Men’s MW411v2 Walking Shoe | Check Price | Synthetic | Rubber sole |
| RYKA Women’s Sky Walking Shoe | Check Price | Leather and Mesh | Rubber sole |
| Asics Men’s GEL-Tech Walker Neo 4 Walking Shoe | Check Price | Fabric and Synthetic | Rubber sole |
| Skechers Go Walk 4 Incredible Walking Shoe | Check Price | Mesh | Rubber sole |
| Reebok Men’s Walk Ultra 6 DMX Max Sneaker | Check Price | Textile and Synthetic | Rubber sole |
| Saucony Cohesion 10 | Check Price | Mesh | Rubber sole |
| Vionic Women’s Walker | Check Price | Leather | Synthetic sole |
Now, let’s take a look at some of the offers you might be interested in. Anyone, drum rolls, please?
1. New Balance Men’s MW411v2 Walking Shoe
When the frugal in you refuses to shell out a lot of money on a shoe, you may be forced to settle for inexpensive varieties. One of those types is New Balance Men’s MW411v2 Walking Shoe. It may not be the best-looking sneaker out there, but it’s practical in many ways.
Alright; so why is this sneaker worth the trouble? First, its engineering includes both leather and synthetic material for the top overlays. This is encouraging for those who find complete leather of synthetic to be unreliable. When the two materials are combined, you get a shoe that is durable yet gentle on foot.
MW411v2 is entirely breathable thanks to the synthetic material in its structure as well as the perforations at the front. Proper ventilation is mandatory if you are going to walk for a very long distance. The shoe also sports paddings on the collar and the tongue to improve comfort.
Top Features
- Rubber sole
- Lace-up design
- Perforated upper
- Synthetic overlays
- Several color options available
- Padded tongue and collar
Pros
- Comfortable thanks to the strategically placed paddings
- Affordable model
- Several color options exist
- Lightweight
- Can accept custom inserts
Cons
- Little to no arch support
- Could conk out in less than a year
New Balance Men’s MW411v2 sports the perfect engineering for long-distance running and walking. It presents you with a unique opportunity of getting a good quality shoe without breaking your bank.
2. RYKA Women’s Sky Walking Shoe
Like MW411v2 above, RYKA Women’s Sky Walking Shoe is a heavily affordable model for women who walk for many miles. The top section of the shoe sports both leather and synthetic fabrics with massive perforations all around for improved breathability.
This shoe scores a lot of comforts. Besides the gentle material used to make it, the interior bears a memory foam footbed and cushioning material all around for a plush feeling.
The rubber outsole is heavily treaded and features an EVA midsole to improve shock absorption. Above all, RYKA Women’s Sky Walking Shoe fits as expected and that translates to minimal chances of sending it back for a replacement.
Top Features
- A mix of leather and synthetic fabrics
- Memory foam sockliner
- EVA midsole
- Multiple color options
- Heavily treaded outsole
- Soft lining
Pros
- Durable rubber sole with better traction
- Equipped with memory foam and paddings to improve comfort
- Durable and breathable supportive overlays
- Extremely affordable
- Lace-up design for a secure fit
Cons
- Lacks sufficient arch support
- The footbed lining starts pulling up after a few weeks of use
If you are looking for a shoe with superior traction, impressive shock absorption, and lightweight design, try RYKA Women’s Sky Walking Shoe. Thanks to the feminine looks, you’ll be sure to look good in them without spending a crazy amount of money.
3. Asics Men’s GEL-Tech Walker Neo 4 Walking Shoe
Asics GEL-Tech Walker Neo 4 is a uniquely built shoe that aims at making long-distance walks bearable. Like most offers in this list, you can sport comfort-enhancing padding on the sides, collar, and tongue. However, the breathable mesh is slightly advanced to provide exceptional ventilation.
The top overlays contain an appropriate mix of fabric and synthetic materials. This provides a gentler touch than shoes made purely from either leather or fabrics. The shoe comes with an additional sockliner that not only improves comfort but keeps bacteria at bay as well.
GEL-Tech Walker Neo 4 may have the best sole design in this review. It’s made of flexible rubber and reinforced with two sole technologies; Trusstic system and DuoMax. These technologies play a vital role in supporting and stabilizing each step you take. Thanks to the thick midsole, this shoe is virtually the best in providing soothing comfort.
Top Features
- Rubber sole
- Fabric and synthetic components
- Breathable mesh panels
- Thickened midsole
- Lace-up design
- The anti-microbial protection sock liner
Pros
- Improved breathable mesh
- Comfortable, anti-microbial interior
- An advanced outsole that supports and stabilizes each step
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Limited color options
- Doesn’t come cheaply
- Minimal arch support
Virtually any shoe that provides an ample level of protection and comfort can serve all your walking needs if you have healthy feet. However, if you have foot problems already, you have no option but to make your choice from a list of advanced options. One such shoe to buy is GEL-Tech Walker Neo 4. It doesn’t come cheaply, though.
4. Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 4 Incredible Walking Shoe
Men’s Go Walk 4 prides itself as one of the most comfortable and lightweight products in the shoe market. It’s literary feather-light and feels like a sock only that this one offers much more protection.
Its engineering features highly meshed fabric to promote adequate ventilation. On the inside, you can spot a featherweight sockliner and a bamboo-lined footbed for comfort and odor control. The shoe tapers towards the midfoot to form a panel that can support high arches and minimize pain.
Men’s Go Walk 4 is equipped with a 5 GEN midsole with highly responsive capabilities to enhance motion. Its rubber outsole is flexible and sports some serious treads for stable motion.
Top Features
- 100% mesh
- Responsive 5GEN midsole
- Bamboo lined footbed
- Featherweight sockliner
- Tapering midfoot
- Minimal arch support
Pros
- Extremely breathable
- Radically lightweight
- Comfortable, anti-microbial interior
- Highly responsive sole for easy movement
- Provide minimum arch support
- Multiple colors available
Cons
- The narrow toe region can impair to movement
- Still lacks sufficient arch support
Skechers Men’s Go Walk 4 is an affordable option for almost everyone who is looking for the best shoes for distance walking. Individuals with sweaty feet should prioritize this shoe over all others as it offers the best level of ventilation.
5. Reebok Men’s Walk Ultra 6 DMX Max Sneaker
If you are always on your feet most of the time, you need a shoe with excellent support, comfort and breathability. And guess what, such a shoe exists; Reebok Walk Ultra 6 DMX Max Sneaker. This is an advanced model from Reebok that sports improved airflow to the underfoot-courtesy of the DMX Max technology.
The shoe may look rigid at first glance, but it’s actually softer thanks to the combination of textile and synthetic material. Some people may question its ventilation capacity but worry not. This pair is able to circulate air through the lacing section and the sides.
Reebok Walk Ultra 6 DMX Max Sneaker derives comfort from the dense paddings on the tongue and collar. The EVA enhanced midsole and memory foam footbed keep your leg feeling cool all day long.
Top Features
- A mixture of textile and synthetic
- Rubber sole
- EVA foam midsole
- Low-cut design
- Memory-Tech sockliner
- Few color options available
Pros
- Durable construction
- Breathable
- Highly responsive design that makes walking easier
- Offers maximum cushioning and protection
- Grippy outsole for a stable gait
Cons
- Nothing significant to report.
Reebok Men’s Walk Ultra 6 DMX Max Sneaker is a top-rated sneaker that takes care of all your walking needs. The fact that its price is widely spread means anyone can afford it. This is definitely one of those few offers you wouldn’t hesitate recommending to your friend because you know it won’t disappoint them.
6. Saucony Cohesion 10
Saucony Cohesion 10 is a performance-enhancing shoe designed to help you achieve the best. The impeccable engineering it sports makes the runners focus more on what they are doing rather than concentrating on the equipment.
The cheapest version of this shoe is affordable even amongst the young, dumb, and broke students (pun intended). While cheaper varieties tend to conk out a little too soon, Cohesion 10 can leave longer to see you succeed in your goals. The top section is composed of a mesh network to keep the shoe cool.
The massively thickened out tongue and collar provide a plush feeling. The interior of this shoe sports some stunning technology that is rare among other shoes. For instance, the Heel Grid system provides stable cushioning while the molded EVA midsole absorbs shocks related to walking. There are so many colors to choose from as well.
Top Features
- EVA midsole
- Multiple color variations
- Rubber outsole
- Heel Grid Cushioning system
- Thickly-padded tongue and collar
Pros
- Excellent cushioning
- Flexible and lightweight
- Features performance-enhancing technology
- Exists across a wide price range
- Durable construction
Cons
- They may have less support than Saucony Cohesion 9
- Forefoot cushioning may be a little stiff
It’s easy to bundle up Saucony Cohesion 10 together with other cheap impractical shoes based on mere looks. However, those who have bought Saucony shoes before know how insanely expensive they can be. That makes Cohesion 10 a good deal for budget-conscious individuals with higher expectations.
7. Vionic Women’s Walker
Ladies, going for a walk? Please leave behind those stilettos and grab yourself a pair of Vionic Women’s Walker. It’s built with the utmost care to ensure women feel its gentleness with each step they make.
This shoe is amazingly comfortable thanks to the heavy padding on some of its sections. The outsole too is profoundly cushioned for shock absorption. There are also treads on its bottom to prevent accidental slips and falls.
The top section of Vionic Women’s Walker features full-grain leather that makes it water-resistant. This should help to keep your shoe clean and microbes free. Additionally, the orthotics it comes with have anti-microbial properties as well. The best part of this shoe is the Vionic’s Active Motion System. This technology promotes better motion while on a long distance walk.
Top Features
- Leather upper
- Rubber outsole
- Active motion technology
- Removable EVA footbed
- Cushioned outsole
- Over five different colors exist
Pros
- Dual-density EVA technology
- Durable rubber outsole
- Lightweight and flexible
- Features motion enhancing technology
- Multiple colorful options exist
Cons
- A little on the high-end
- Limited support for anyone with plantar fasciitis
Vionic Women’s Walker is an excellent option for women who are looking for a shoe that doesn’t compromise on comfort, durability, and flexibility. The top overlays feature a breathable leather that is lined with a plush foam to minimize friction with the skin. However, the shoe doesn’t offer maximum help for those with plantar fasciitis.
Let’s dive into the next section to learn how we can mitigate the chances of buying an unsuitable shoe and risk losing your hard-earned money.
Tips on How to Choose the Best Long Distance Walking Shoes
There is one thing the internet blogs are very good at; Making noise. Every review, whether promoting a mediocre product or otherwise, is usually designed to sell. Nothing more. Puzzling, isn’t it?
But we are not going to do that. In fact, in this section, we will help you know some of the things you need to keep your attention on while shopping for the best shoes for long-distance walking. Let’s get the ball rolling, then.
Right-Sizing
Sizing is one of the factors that bother many people from buying shoes online. Why? Because they order wrong shoe sizes and end up being forced to pay for return fees or stick with a pair that doesn’t fit.
You can still order a shoe in the right size, but it may fail to fit due to the nature of the material used. Try to comb through user reviews and customer questions to learn how a certain shoe fits. Majorly, shoes with over “80 fit as expected” indication tends to fit well.
Here is a rule of thumb to observe when looking for the right shoe size; the shoe must take the shape of your feet, not the other way round. If your feet are forced to take the shoe’s shape, then you are in for a painful walk.
Cushioning
This is a vital element that a walking shoe can never lack. Standing all day long can be hazardous to your feet. The best way to make it through the day with minimal feet pain is by investing in a heavily padded shoe. The common areas that need to sport plush material include the tongue, collar, and upper section.
Comfort can also be enhanced by special additions like a memory foam footbed, EVA midsole, and sock liners. Thickened out midsoles and orthotics do play a huge role in shock absorption as well. However, a shoe that takes into consideration all these comfort features might come at a crazy price. So be prepared.
Durability
The overall structure of a shoe can tell you how long it will last before it loses its juice. The leather is outstanding and so is suede but they can sacrifice comfort and breathability. A mix of a synthetic with leather or suede, on the other hand, can guarantee soothing comfort but compromise on longevity.
We are not trying to advise you not to consider durability; rather we are trying to tell you that that comfort and durability sometimes trade places. All in all, try to pick a shoe with a good lifespan. How can you tell that? Simply read the reviews of former customers. Make sure to look into the quality of the outsole.
Comfort
Comfort is all about adequate cushioning, flexibility, nature of the material and how a shoe fits. You can buy a shoe with adequate padding, but if it doesn’t fit, you won’t be comfortable.
The same case applies to flexibility. A walking shoe needs to sport a flexing sole, so your gait isn’t affected. As for the nature of the material, synthetic and textile combinations seem to work better in providing comfort that pure leather. However, some leather shoes are lined with a plush lining and memory foam beddings to enhance comfort.
Support
There are many ways a shoe offers support. However, the most important for many people is the arch support. Those with arch problems know how impossible it can be to walk a mile in bad shoes. So before you shove out your credit card, consider the type of arch support you need.
There are four types of arches; low, high, neutral and flat. Your feet will feel cozy if they line up well with the shoe’s arch type. If you occasionally hit things or play soccer, you may want to look into a shoe with a tough toe box to keep your toes safe.
Mileage
Most walking shoes will be rendered useless after walking between 300 and 500 miles. This is why it’s so important to record your mileage while walking so you can tell if the shoe was worth investing in.
Hardly will you find a shoe online with mileage indicated. Only customer reviews can help you determine beforehand if the pair will serve your needs. Note that once a shoe has completed 300 to 500 miles, its parts will have a very little comfort and flexibility remaining in them. The best decision here would be to go for another pair of walking shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We are almost to the end of this article but before we get there, here are a few FAQs about walking shoes to digest:
Q. Is there a difference between running shoes and walking shoes?
A. Yes, there is. Running shoes are intended for hi-octane exercises and thus will be heavily cushioned and more meshed. Walking shoes, on the other hand, aid in simple, stress-free walking. Also, there are appropriate shoes for walking on a treadmill and walking on the park or other simple walking exercises. Since less pressure is exerted on the shoe, it may sport minor padding but more flexibility.
Q. So any sneaker can function as a walking shoe?
A. Of course, yes. Some of the shoes you own are fairly padded, breathable, lightweight and flexible. That should be enough to cater for your walking needs. However, pay attention to how long the distance is and the shape of your feet, so you don’t end up getting frustrated.
Q. Can I use my walking shoes for day to day uses?
A. Yes, you can. In fact, you should make a habit of wearing them if your everyday activities always happen while you are on your feet. They will take pressure and pain off your feet and minimize the possibility of developing serious foot conditions.
Q. What foot conditions can walking shoes avert?
A. Walking shoes are designed to provide comfort all day long. They help to care for issues such as pains, odor, bunions, inflammation, blisters, and pronation. We don’t need to remind you that even the best shoe for walking can still cause those problems if it doesn’t fit well or is of inferior quality.
Concerned about finding the right shoe for neuropathy? Look at our review about shoes for neuropathy to avoid foot pain.
The Bottom Line
Here is something you need to know; the best long-distance walking shoes aren’t going to be cheaper. You will also happen to bump into the big labels that are too tempting, but we would advise you to concentrate more on functionality and not labels.
So if you run into a walking shoe that meets all your requirements, but the label is unknown, just go with it. You will enjoy your walk. Obsessing too much on famous brands could easily mislead you. Nevertheless, we have taken some trouble off you by highlighting some of the best options you can look into. We hope you find something you like.
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