Best Trainers for Walking: How to Choose Comfortable Walking Shoes
Buying a pair of trainers for walking should be easy, shouldn’t it? You walk into a shop, find a pair you like the look of, try them on and head home. Well… that’s what I used to think.
The problem is, once you start walking regularly, you quickly realise not all trainers are created equal. Some feel lovely for ten minutes before your feet start aching. Others rub your heels, squish your toes or somehow manage to give you blisters in places you didn’t even know could blister!
If you’re walking to improve your fitness or lose weight, comfortable trainers for walking aren’t a luxury ā they’re one of the best investments you can make. When your feet hurt, it’s amazing how quickly your motivation disappears.
I learnt that the hard way.
When I started becoming more active during my own weight loss journey, I assumed any old pair of trainers would do. Looking back, it’s no surprise I sometimes found walking uncomfortable. Once I finally bought trainers that actually fitted properly and supported my feet, I realised I’d been making things much harder than they needed to be.
The good news is you don’t have to spend hundreds of pounds to find a comfortable pair of trainers for walking. Knowing what to look for is much more important than buying the most expensive trainers on the shelf.
Do you really need special trainers for walking?
Not necessarily. If you’re heading out for the occasional gentle stroll with the dog, almost any comfortable trainers will probably be fine.
However, if you’re planning to walk regularly for exercise, whether that’s around the park, on the treadmill or as part of your weight loss journey, a supportive pair of walking trainers can make a huge difference.
Walking puts repeated pressure through your feet, ankles, knees and hips. Good trainers for walking help absorb some of that impact while giving your feet the support they need. Think of them as an investment in your comfort rather than just another item of clothing.
What makes a good pair of walking trainers?
It’s easy to get distracted by colours, brands or whatever happens to be on sale, but I’d focus on comfort before anything else.
After all, nobody else cares what logo is on your trainers if your feet are too sore to enjoy your walk!
Here are the features I think matter most when looking for trainers for walking.
Cushioning
Walking involves thousands of steps, even on a short stroll.
A well-cushioned trainer helps absorb some of that impact, which can make a noticeable difference if you’re carrying extra weight or spend a lot of time on your feet.
That doesn’t necessarily mean choosing the softest shoe you can find, though. Some people prefer a firmer feel with a little more stability.
The most important thing is finding a trainer that feels comfortable to you.
Good arch support
Everyone’s feet are different.
Some people have high arches, while others have flatter feet.
If you’ve ever finished a walk with aching arches or sore heels, poor support could be part of the problem.
Many sports shops offer gait analysis, where they watch you walk or run and recommend suitable shoes. While it’s not essential, it can be helpful if you’re unsure what type of support you need.
Enough room for your toes
One mistake I think lots of us make is buying trainers for walking that are too small.
Your toes should be able to wiggle comfortably, and there should usually be around a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Feet often swell slightly during longer walks, so shoes that feel snug in the shop can become uncomfortable surprisingly quickly.
A secure fit
Your heel should feel supported without slipping up and down as you walk.
If your heel is moving around inside the shoe, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with blisters.
Try walking around the shop for a few minutes rather than simply standing still. It’s amazing how different a trainer can feel once you start moving.
Do expensive trainers make a difference?
This is one of those questions where the answer is… sometimes.
Paying more doesn’t automatically mean a trainer will suit your feet better.
I’ve seen people spend over Ā£150 on trainers for walking that they ended up hating, while someone else finds the perfect pair for under Ā£60.
Rather than setting your heart on a particular brand, I’d recommend trying several different pairs and seeing which feels most comfortable. Your feet don’t care whether the logo says Nike, ASICS or New Balance. They care about comfort.
Popular walking trainer brands
Everyone has their favourites, but these brands are consistently popular with walkers because they offer supportive, comfortable shoes in a range of widths and styles.
ASICS
Known for excellent cushioning and support, ASICS trainers are particularly popular with people walking longer distances.
Brooks
A favourite among walkers and runners alike, Brooks trainers often receive excellent reviews for comfort straight out of the box.
New Balance
One of the best choices if you struggle to find trainers wide enough for your feet, as many styles are available in different width fittings.
Skechers
If comfort is your priority, Skechers are incredibly popular. Many people love the memory foam insoles, especially for everyday walking.
HOKA
Recognisable by their thick cushioned soles, HOKA trainers have become increasingly popular with walkers looking for maximum cushioning.
Nike and Adidas
Both brands offer plenty of excellent walking trainers, although it’s worth remembering that not every model is designed with long-distance walking in mind.
Mistakes to avoid when buying walking trainers
Over the years, I’ve realised there are a few mistakes lots of us make.
Buying the cheapest pair available because “they’re only trainers for walking.”
Choosing trainers because they look nice rather than because they fit well.
Keeping old trainers long after they’ve lost their cushioning.
Wearing brand-new trainers on a long walk without breaking them in first.
They’re all easy mistakes to make, but avoiding them can save you sore feet and plenty of frustration.
When should you replace your walking trainers?
Walking trainers don’t last forever. Even if they still look perfectly fine, the cushioning gradually wears down over time.
As a rough guide, many manufacturers suggest replacing them after around 300 to 500 miles of walking, although this depends on your weight, walking style and the type of shoe.
If you start noticing more aches in your feet, knees or hips than usual, it might simply be time for a new pair of trainers for walking.
My advice if you’re just starting walking for weight loss
If you’re only going to take one thing away from this article, let it be this. Don’t worry about buying the “perfect” trainers. Buy the pair that feels the most comfortable on your feet.
Walking shouldn’t feel like a punishment. It should be something you can look forward to because that’s how healthy habits are built.
A comfortable pair of trainers for walking won’t magically make you lose weight, but they can remove one more excuse not to head out for a walk.
And sometimes that’s all we need.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are looking for trainers for walking, then these are a few questions you may have answered for you.
Which trainers are best for walking all day?
Supportive trainers with good cushioning and enough room for your toes are usually the most comfortable for long periods of walking. Brands such as ASICS, Brooks, New Balance, Skechers and HOKA are all popular choices.
Are running trainers good for walking?
Many running trainers work perfectly well for walking, although some are designed specifically for running. Comfort and fit are more important than whether the label says “running” or “walking”.
How often should walking trainers be replaced?
Most walking trainers last somewhere between 300 and 500 miles, although this varies depending on the shoe and how often you wear them.
Should walking trainers be tight or loose?
Neither. They should feel secure around your heel while leaving enough room for your toes to move comfortably.
Are expensive walking trainers worth it?
Sometimes, but not always. The most expensive pair isn’t necessarily the best pair for your feet. Comfort and fit should always come first when choosing trainers for walking, not cost or labels.
My thoughts
When I first started walking regularly, I thought the hardest part would be finding the motivation. It turned out that sore feet could be just as much of a barrier.
Finding trainers for walking that fitted properly made walking more enjoyable, and when something feels enjoyable, you’re far more likely to keep doing it.
So don’t feel pressured into buying the most expensive pair or the trendiest brand. Take your time, try a few different styles and choose the trainers for walking that make you want to keep going.
Because that’s what really matters.
