Walking shoes are the most important piece of equipment for walking. Choosing the best possible pair is important for your comfort and your health. Making the right choice is also the assurance of spending your money wisely.

In order to find the right pair that best suits your walking style, this article presents the different types of walking shoes.

Take advice from an expert

The best shoe for walking does not exist because everyone’s feet are different.

The right pair for you is the one that fits you best. It should give you proper support, flexibility and cushioning and compensate for any gait issues you may have, such as pronation.

But it is often difficult to determine all this on your own. You can seek advice from an expert to find the best walking shoe for you. It all depends on your walking practice, your speed, the surface, as well as your weight and your stride.

A good place to seek expert advice is your nearest sports store. You can go to a brand like Decathlon or GoSport or to a store specializing in running shoes.

Once you find the right shoe for you, you will be aware of the different types of walking shoes and you will be able to make your own selection in the future.

Walking or running shoes

Sports brands are constantly innovating in the design and technology of running shoes. For walking shoes, on the other hand, they focus more on style than on performance.

To make a choice between walking shoes and running shoes , you should keep the following in mind.

Flexibility: You must be able to bend and twist the shoes. When you take a step, your foot flexes from heel to toe. If the shoe is too stiff, your foot will fight that flex with every step. You may end up with numb toes, shin pain, and other issues.

Lightweight: This is one reason why running shoes tend to be a good choice for power walking. Many walking shoes weigh more than running shoes . Lighter shoes will allow you to walk more easily when taking long walks or trying to pick up your pace.

No flared heel: A flared heel shoe is not recommended for walking. It does not facilitate the rolling action from heel to toe. Some running sneakers have a flared heel for added stability.

What are the different types of walking shoes?

Whether in a sports store like Decathlon or in an online store like Alltricks , you will find many types of walking shoes. For walking , you can opt for a running shoe if it is flexible, light and does not have a very flared heel.

Neutral and light shoes

A neutral stride corresponds to a perfect alignment of the foot. Neutral running shoes represent 80% of models.

These neutral shoes are flexible and light. They may lack cushioning for long walks and they tend to wear out more quickly for overweight people.

See the Top 5 Best Power Walking Shoes for Women

Cushioning shoes

Shock-absorbing shoes have soft midsoles and are flexible. In general, they have a semi-curved or curved shape.

These shoes are for people who don’t have a pronation problem. Often these shoes provide good support for people with high arches .

See the Top 5 Women’s Walking Shoes with Cushioning

Over pronation shoes

Being a pronator when walking means that the angle of your knee or foot joints rotates inward.

Pronation shoes are the stiffest . They are designed to be inflexible as they limit pronation. They are heavy but resistant.

These shoes may have a dual density midsole. The material inside the foot is dense enough to help correct pronation.

Pronation shoes are primarily for pronators and heavier people. Often, this type of trainer is also suitable for people with flat feet . The problem with these shoes is that they tend to have a thick heel that can hinder the heel-to-toe rolling motion when walking.

Low Top Hiking Boots

It is the best choice for a day hike and for walking on natural trails. If you’re carrying a lightweight backpack , you don’t need extra ankle support.

Low-top hiking shoes are lightweight and flexible . They have soles designed to protect your feet from rocks. They offer good stability and traction on natural surfaces.

Lightweight walking shoes have low uppers. They’re designed to be breathable, comfortable, and cushioning, sacrificing support and durability compared to high-top hiking shoes.

High-cut hiking shoes

For walking long distances , high-cut hiking boots are frequently used. However, these shoes can be stiff and heavy .

These high-cut hiking shoes are designed for hiking with higher backpack loads than for day walking. They are more durable and stronger. They are suitable for long backpacking trips on natural trails.

But light and flexible hiking shoes can also be suitable for long walks on natural surfaces.

See the Top 10 High Top Hiking Boots

Hiking sandals can be a good option depending on the terrain you are walking on. A walking sandal can be used very well for fitness walking during the summer.

Flip flops are not ideal for power walking. Sandals are best suited. Ideal for hot summer days, the sandals are adjustable and adapt to your foot for a perfect fit.

See the Top 5 Best Women’s Hiking Sandals

Stability shoes are a compromise between two different types. They are more flexible than pronation shoes while providing enough support and durability. Most often they have a semi-curved shape and may have a dual-density midsole for support.