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Walking is an excellent form of exercise and has multiple physical benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular brisk walking can help you maintain a healthy weight, prevent or manage heart disease and stroke, improve cardiovascular fitness, and strengthen bones and muscles.
Before starting any training, walking, running, or active workout, you should discuss any physical restrictions or limitations with your doctor. You also need to get the right kind of shoes that balance comfort and support. To help you step in the right direction, here’s a look at eight of the best-reviewed walking shoes for men and women.
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The breathable mesh and FormFit design make Saucony Men’s Triumph 10 Road Running Shoe a popular pick. The brand notes that the Triumph is “the most cushioned shoe” in its line up and long runs get “a new faster feel.” Wearers are pleased with shoe quality and performance, with 91% of 1,105 global ratings being 4-star and 5-star reviews. One reviewer states, “This is my favorite shoe right now. I have three pairs.”
The ladies’ version of this shoe is the Saucony Women’s Triumph 18. The PWRRUN+ midsole cushioning delivers “more flexibility, durability, and springiness in a foam that’s 25% lighter.” The new blown rubber outsole also makes for “a snappier ride.” With 77% of 1,001 global ratings giving the shoes 5 stars, one reviewer states, “These are the best I have ever gotten. The arch is perfect for my feet. The heel is really padded.” They’re available in various eye-catching color combinations.
Athletic shoe design involves studying natural foot function, and ASICS used Impact Guidance System Technology to employ “linked componentry to enhance the foot’s natural gait from heel strike to toe-off” on their Men’s Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoes.
Their proprietary DuoMax Support System also increases stability and support. Walking and running shoes also need breathability and durability to promote longtime use. These lightweight shoes deliver that and also help reduce moisture. A total of 92% of 4,265 global reviewers gave 4-star and 5-star ratings.
Whether you’re walking or running, the best athletic shoe offers an excellent combination of support and comfort to maximize endurance. The Women’s GEL-Kayano 27 Running Shoes from ASICS hits that mark and adds an extra spring in your step via the special elastomer compound in its FLYTEFOAM ™ Propel midsole technology. Over 5,400 global reviewers gave a 5-star rating, with one top reviewer calling the shoes, “Heaven for my feet!”
A lightweight shoe makes for easier steps, and the more steps you take, the better for your health. The New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer is an immensely popular shoe that garnered over 14,514 global 5-star ratings. The PU foam insert offers “long-lasting comfort and support” and lightweight injection-molded EVA foam “provides lightweight cushioning.” If you’re looking for all-day comfort and support, the cushiony superiority of this shoe fits the bill. Plus, the cute style in an array of colors makes a fantastic addition to your sneaker collection.
Support is everything when it comes to maintaining endurance in a shoe. The Nike Downshifter 10 M, Men’s Running Shoe boasts “a brand-new cage for the central part of the foot” that gives support when you need it during a run. The cushiony rubber sole also offers excellent flexibility and traction—91% of 1,892 global reviewers gave the shoe 4-star and 5-star ratings.
It’s hard not to love a pair of classic white low-top sneakers. The sleek, no-sew design of Nike Women’s Low-Top Sneakers goes with almost any casual outfit. The breathable mesh upper also provides excellent flexibility. The shoe features a 2-inch platform and rubber sole. An impressive 17,518 reviewers rated the shoes with 5 stars, with one reviewer noting that “these shoes feel like walking on a cloud.”
