OT: most comfortable walking shoe?

[XXtwindad]

Thought I’d bump this thread up before springing for some pricey new kicks.

My exercise regimen consists of three urban hikes a week. About 4 plus miles and 750-800 feet of climbing. All on pavement. My current Keens are great for the trails but not so great on the pavement.

I’m thinking about the Deckers x-scapes (probably the number one choice) or Kurus. Anyone with direct feedback that can weigh in?

Thx.

[C40_guy]

Try trail running shoes, or just running shoes. Topos for zero drop (and I think they have a wider fit, IIRC), Hokas for lots of cushioning and support, many others for a variety of fit challenges.

[Spaghetti Legs]

I didn't see these mentioned but I've heard many swear by Mephistos for walking shoes. I have a pair of New Balance trail running shoes that I've taken to wearing for dog walking and I plan on taking them on an upcoming trip to California where I'll likely do some hiking.

My wife swears by her Hokas for running and likes to wear them for work at the library but more often goes with shoes that look cooler.

[jkbrwn]

Sorry to be that guy, but go to a good running store, have your feet measured and see what they recommend/see what you like wearing.

E.g. I love some Altra's but not all of them. I like a wide New Balance and a wide Brooks. I hate all Hoka's, Nike's, Adidas etc etc etc and basically can't wear any sports shoes outside of the three aforementioned brands.

[jkbrwn]

Oh - and bin the stock insoles and buy some proper ones.

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by jkbrwn

Sorry to be that guy, but go to a good running store, have your feet measured and see what they recommend/see what you like wearing.

E.g. I love some Altra's but not all of them. I like a wide New Balance and a wide Brooks. I hate all Hoka's, Nike's, Adidas etc etc etc and basically can't wear any sports shoes outside of the three aforementioned brands.

Sound advice. I have really flat feet, and walking (especially on trails) helps build foot strength and ankle stability.

[jkbrwn]

Originally Posted by XXtwindad

Sound advice. I have really flat feet, and walking (especially on trails) helps build foot strength and ankle stability.

Just based on that, I'd look at zero drop shoes. Something from Xero or Altra, perhaps. Both will help with foot strength and ankle stability. Altra's tend to run wider across all three of their last shapes so will also allow your toes to splay if that's something you like. Xero less so.

I am big into foot health and seeing people wear shoes that don't fit them, or seeing people walking along while pronating or supinating (when these can be fixed with appropriate footwear and insoles) makes me cringe.

People take bike fit seriously. IMO shoe fit (on and off bike!) is just as important

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by jkbrwn

Just based on that, I'd look at zero drop shoes. Something from Xero or Altra, perhaps. Both will help with foot strength and ankle stability. Altra's tend to run wider across all three of their last shapes so will also allow your toes to splay if that's something you like. Xero less so.

I am big into foot health and seeing people wear shoes that don't fit them, or seeing people walking along while pronating or supinating (when these can be fixed with appropriate footwear and insoles) makes me cringe.

People take bike fit seriously. IMO shoe fit (on and off bike!) is just as important

One hundred percent. The two most neglected body parts when it comes to conditioning: the hands and feet. AKA grip strength and the body’s shock absorbers. I am very vigilant about my feet and ankle complex.

A close second: neck strength. But … thread drift.

[lorenbike]

.

[Matt92037]

New Balance 990's or 993's. American made and they come in a bunch of different widths to you will not have to compromise on fit. Get the shoes + your insole of choice and you can walk in comfort for hours.

I wear mine pretty much only when I go on walks (which is a lot) and the shoes last for years.

[deechee]

Right now, a pair of New Balance 1080's. Super light and cushiony, like the Hokas of yesteryear.

Also love my Hoka Ora Recovery sandals. They're cushiony like the shoes, but wide enough for my 4E feet and stay on my feet even if I have to run after my son on his scooter/bike. Never leave them out in the sun though. My last pair shrunk when I left them on the balcony. Go figure.

Asics DS Trainers are great too, but I can only get those in 2E in Japan.

[jkbrwn]

Originally Posted by Matt92037

New Balance 990's or 993's. American made and they come in a bunch of different widths to you will not have to compromise on fit. Get the shoes + your insole of choice and you can walk in comfort for hours.

I wear mine pretty much only when I go on walks (which is a lot) and the shoes last for years.

This just goes to show how different everyone's feet are. I'm a big fan of the aesthetics of 99*'s. I have probably six pairs in my closet, but even with insoles, I can't wear them for more than a few hours at a time as I require a foot shaped shoe and these are not that.

[dsimon]

Originally Posted by XXtwindad

Walking is the new running. Any favorites? Wide toe boxes preferred. I like Keens, but always interested in other opinions ...

My wife loves her onclouds. and I have the Vasque Satoru Trail LT zero drop and a wide toe box. I walk in the do some light lifting in them..

[azrider]

Originally Posted by deechee

Right now, a pair of New Balance 1080's. Super light and cushiony, like the Hokas of yesteryear.

HEY that's what model I was going to recommend......I've been doing ton of research on the 1080's and a few local buddies are already wearing them and they love them.

I had the below clip waiting in the queue to watch and it's titled "STILL the best Everyday Shoe."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4mSnYe38r8

I think I'm going to try a pair and test them out. Will report back.

[Toeclips]

I'll dip my toes into this thread

I recently went from years of wearing New Balance trail running shoes to dedicated walking shoes.

I went with a pair of Sketchers walking shoes and I have to say I enjoy them.

Big difference is in the soles foot print, the New Balance followed the outline of my foot while the Sketchers have a wider platform for my foot which I think when the foot hits the ground my weight is better distributed throughout the shoe. This makes for a comfortable all day museum, bike path walking shoe.

I did try and was disappointed with a pair of dedicated hiking boots from Asolo, purchased at REI
Only used on hiking trails and within four hikes the rubber tread fell off in chunks.
Faster than my hair ever did
My last hike with them I finished with very little tread, as if the rubber dried out and just fell apart. Nice

I've read similar reviews about this model Asolo and I must say i like my Sketchers.