“Purchase this product or try on this product at the end of the day when your feet are a little bit swollen and may be a bit bigger,” Mansour says. You can even find comfortable walking shoes that emulate the look of dress flats. There are slip-on shoes that provide the same inner and outer soles that you’d get with lace-up tennis shoes. Walking shoes have evolved over the years so that you’re no longer required to have the traditional “sneakers” look for arch support and hours of comfort.

Those who have trouble tying shoes due to arthritis or other conditions also prefer lace-free walking shoes. Slip-on shoes make it easy to put your shoes on and take them off, and they’re especially appealing if you’re often in a hurry while you’re getting ready. Some people prefer to do away with shoelaces altogether. “You don’t want a bulky walking shoe because that’s more weight you need to lift up and forward upon every step.” “Look for walking shoes that feel light,” Stephanie Mansour, a certified personal trainer and the founder of fitness brand Step It Up Steph, advises. If you’ve ever suffered shoelaces digging into the top of your foot, you know how valuable a padded tongue is, so the most comfortable shoes build this in. Others like the soft leather build that both holds the foot in place and moves as you move. This starts with the upper part of the shoe, which some prefer to have a softer, more flexible feel. If you spend a great deal of time on your feet, you’ll also need a shoe built to support your knees and hips.īeyond support, though, the comfort of the shoe itself is important. A running shoe needs to easily bend in the arch area, while walking shoes need strong support for the arch. The biggest difference between walking shoes and running shoes is flexibility. There’s plenty of shopping help out there for those who run and jog, but not as much for those who are into walking.

New balance 411 walking shoes