Introduction
Walking is the most accessible form of workout you can do, and the only requisite is a pair of walking shoes. Wearing comfortable walking shoes helps prevent injuries such as blisters and calluses. Walking shoes help you be light on your feet to put your best foot forward, wherever the day takes you.
Finding the perfect walking shoes for men has multiple layers to them. From innovative technologies to exclusive features, everything counts. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to walking shoes. But to make things easier, we have filtered out some easy tips while picking walking shoes for men.
Features Of Good Walking Shoes For Men
● Comfort
Walking shoes must align according to the contour of the feet to provide the best cushioning and comfort. The shoe must have a snug fit at the heel and midfoot with ample space in the forefront of the shoe.
● Flexibility
The walking shoes should allow for a good range of movement across the ankle. This helps in proper shock absorption during a fast-paced walk or a trail hike.
● Stability
Choose walking shoes with a stable midsole for maximum comfort through your walks.
● Heel counter
The area that holds the back of the heel should be snug and not tight. It should comfortably cup the back of the heel and help prevent the feet from overpronation or supination.
● Midsole
The midsole in the walking shoe is the most critical component as they provide the required cushioning, support and flexibility.
● Insole
The area where the foot is in contact with the shoe should contour according to the foot’s shape. Insoles are designed to avoid the shock from the ground reaching the joints.
● Toe box
The toe box area should provide ample space for the toe to move. Generally, at least half an inch gap must be left between the longest toe and the toe box.
Types Of Walking Shoes For Men
● Cushioned shoes
These shoes are designed to provide comfort for athletes that walk for longer distances. Cushioned shoes come with a denser heel for ample cushioning and shock absorption. These shoes are not meant for agile ad swift movements and are heavier than lightweight walking shoes for men.
● Performance shoes
These walking shoes are made for the athlete that prefers lightweight shoes without chunky heel for cushioning. They are agile and responsive, which makes them useful in races.
● Stability shoes
These shoes provide added motion control for people looking for stable and comfortable shoes. These shoes can be used as a daily driver and for an occasional walk or run. These shoes are not meant for athletic performance and do not have any features to help improve cushioning or agility.
Tips To Choose The Best Walking Shoes For Men
To find the best walking shoe for men, put each walking shoe through the following quality test:
- The heel should not be more than an inch higher than the sole under the ball of the foot.
- The shoe must easily twist latitudinally and bend at the ball of the foot when the walking shoe is gripped and rotated.
- When poked on the toe, the shoe must be off the ground and rock slightly.
- Let the salesperson take the dimensions of the feet, and you should be standing for precision. Take shoes based on the measured size.
- Take foot measurements towards the end of the day, as the feet tend to swell during the day.
- Try the shoes with the socks you regularly use to understand the shoe’s feel. Lace-up both shoes and ensure a snug fit on the forefoot and the heel. Half an inch of breathing space should be left in the toe box for easy movement.
- Do not pick walking shoes for men that feel too tight while trying them on. Even though shoes tend to expand over time, if they feel tight while trying them on, they are probably too small for your feet.
- Check for outsoles that have good traction. The outsole is the part of the walking shoe that makes contact with the ground first. This part has grooves or textures to help create traction while walking. This prevents slipping and falling on undulating surfaces.
- Ensure the midsole is made of cushioning material. Midsoles are an essential part of the shoe between the upper and the tread. Feel the midsoles to understand their resilience and cushioning. Try a midsole made of foam, gel or air. These materials do a great job of providing cushioning and shock absorption with every step you walk.
- Pick shoes with suitable breathable materials so that the foot is always ventilated. Wear breathable socks so that painful blisters and discomfort is avoided.
- If you have low arches, prioritise good motion control shoes so that the shoe can stabilise the feet.
- Look for walking shoes with good cushioning for someone with a high arch. This helps improve shock absorption as high arches put a lot of strain on the muscles and the joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
● Should I buy a size higher for walking shoes for men?
For optimum comfort, choose walking shoes a size bigger than regular running shoes, as walking shoes for men tend to swell up after over half an hour of walking. However, do not compromise on fit and choose the shoe according to how you feel while trying them on.
● Should the toe touch the toe box of the shoe?
There should be about half an inch of space between the most extended finger of the toe and the toe box. This allows for free movement of the finger of the foot.
● Do walking shoes for men stretch over time?
Walking shoes tend to stretch over extended use as the materials swell up after repeated use. Make sure not to use it once the fit has been compromised, as that can cause blisters and calluses over time.
