Walking shoes are an excellent choice for hiking if you desire a lighter, more agile, and cooler experience in warm weather. Additionally, they offer the advantage of energy conservation. Compared to walking boots, walking shoes typically weigh around 750g, while walking boots weigh approximately 1200g. This disparity in weight can significantly impact your endurance over long distances.
Before delving into the specifics and presenting our top recommendations for hiking shoes, it is important to note that there are various types of walking shoes designed for different activities. In this article, we will not only explore these different types but also provide our preferred options from each category. These walking shoes and trail shoes have greatly impressed us during our extensive testing.
Best Walking Shoes Reviews
1. Asics Gel-Kayano 28 Shoes
The Asics Gel-Kayano is widely recognized as the standard for stability footwear. With its durable design and supportive upper, it effectively keeps your foot in position to avoid overpronation. Although traditionally recognized for its firm feel underfoot, the Gel-Kayano has recently been updated to offer a softer experience.
A dedicated Asics customer who has been wearing their shoes since the early 90s and used to run in college, commended the latest version by saying, “This could possibly be their best shoe yet. The fit and support are reminiscent of previous Asics Kayanos, but the cushioning has definitely been enhanced.”
The Kayano 28 upholds the traditional Kayano characteristics that loyal customers appreciate, such as the cushioned, cozy, and steady design. Nevertheless, this recent iteration brings about significant modifications when compared to its forerunners.
A notable alteration in the Kayano 28 is the conversion of the Trusstic System into a floating shank that extends from the shoe’s bottom to the midsole. Furthermore, the forefoot midsole foam has been enhanced to Flytefoam Blast.
ASICS has integrated two groundbreaking midsole foams, Flytefoam Blast and Flytefoam Blast Turbo (currently exclusive to racing shoes), into their most recent creations. Initially introduced in the Novablast, Flytefoam Blast has now been incorporated into other models like the Magic Speed and the Kayano 28.
The inclusion of an FF Blast midsole accounts for the enhanced softness, providing lively and extremely responsive cushioning akin to Asics’ NovaBlast 3, a shoe recognized for its top-tier cushioning. To tackle pronation concerns, Asics has included Duomax foam, slightly firmer, on the medial side.
2. Brooks Ghost 14 Wide Shoes
The Brooks Ghost 14 stands out for its well-balanced design that effectively combines cushioning and stability. The enhanced rigidity in the heel area provides a secure and steady feel, setting it apart from other shoes with softer foams. The moderate cushioning delivers a responsive sensation that is perfect for faster-paced runs.
This specific model places emphasis on the combination of cushioning and stability while also being lighter in weight, which we consider to be a positive attribute. Brooks excels in meeting the needs of runners who desire a shoe with increased rigidity without compromising on weight or responsiveness. With a durable rubber outsole and sturdy materials in the upper, longevity is not a concern.
One significant enhancement in the 14th iteration of the Ghost is the incorporation of a full-length DNA Loft midsole, delivering a slightly more plush feel underfoot in comparison to the Ghost 13’s dual-density midsole. Critics have commended the new foam, highlighting its superior combination of cushioning and energy return. The outsole retains a segmented crashpad for enhanced flexibility throughout your running gait.
The revamped upper of the Ghost 14 makes use of Brooks’ 3D Fit Print screen-printing technology, resulting in a supple and adaptable sensation. Testers have reported a snug fit and a commendable level of comfort. Furthermore, environmentally-conscious runners will be pleased to know that the Ghost 14 stands as Brooks’ inaugural carbon-neutral running shoe.
The Brooks Ghost 14 is a great option for those looking for supportive features in a lighter shoe that can improve speed and responsiveness. If you want to transition from a heavier shoe without losing the benefits, this model is a good choice. It combines the best of ultralight trainers and heavier, more stable models. The durable upper and outsole guarantee longevity, enabling you to comfortably log many miles.
3. Adidas Ultraboost 22 Shoes
The Adidas Ultraboost 22 provides a secure fit with its fully knit design, offering a comfortable and sock-like upper. Despite its weight, this shoe feels responsive when accelerating due to its substantial cushioning and firmness. It boasts premium materials, a top-notch upper design, and excellent stability, making it suitable for various activities. Although it may be pricier than its competitors, the higher cost is warranted by the exceptional craftsmanship and quality materials utilized.
The design of the Ultraboost 21 has undergone a significant improvement, particularly in its adaptation for women. A team composed entirely of women utilized an extensive collection of 1.2 million foot scans to meticulously re-engineer the fit, specifically catering to the unique structure of the female foot.
Our female tester, Gabrielle PorcaroI, who conducted a thorough evaluation of the new Ultraboost 22, expresses her utmost enthusiasm by stating that she will unquestionably make these shoes a regular part of her running routine. She highly recommends them to any female runners who are in search of a new pair of shoes. It is important to note that the benefits of the Ultraboost 22 extend beyond gender, age, or skill level, as they effectively reduce the impact of running on concrete surfaces.
Experience ultimate comfort with the adidas Ultraboost 22, designed for those who value luxury. Recognized as one of adidas’ finest running shoes, the updated Ultraboost 22 continues the brand’s legacy of combining plush cushioning with exceptional energy return, resulting in an incredibly enjoyable running experience. The standout feature of this shoe is undoubtedly its full-length adidas Boost midsole, a TPU-based midsole that provides a sensation similar to running on meticulously engineered clouds. It effectively absorbs and returns a greater amount of an athlete’s kinetic output. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the abundance of cushioning and comfort does come with a trade-off in terms of weight. Weighing in at a substantial 11.9 ounces for both men and women, the Ultraboost 22 is better suited for everyday running and long-distance runs rather than speed sessions and races.
4. Asics Gel-Nimbus Lite 3 Shoes
The appeal of the Asics formula that produced top-notch shoes in the ’90s and ’00s has diminished among modern-day runners, who now have higher expectations for their footwear. As per one of my testers, they seek styles that are lightweight, well-cushioned, and crafted from a material that strikes a balance between softness and firmness.
However, Asics has experienced a resurgence in the running shoe category over the past two years, introducing exceptional models that excel in all three aspects, with the Asics Gel-Nimbus Lite 3 being particularly noteworthy. Not only does it achieve this rare trifecta, a feat that few other running shoes in the market can match, but it has also been unanimously voted as the top running shoe by all of my testers. In fact, no other shoe even comes close to its performance.
The Nimbus Lite 3 stands out among other trainers in the market due to its superior comfort and stability, ensuring a seamless and steady ride. Its enhanced softness and flexibility set it apart from the competition. The latest iteration of this shoe boasts an upgraded upper design, which includes a flat tongue that contributes to its sleek and streamlined sensation. Despite being lighter than its predecessor, the Nimbus Lite 3 comes with a higher price tag.
This remarkable technology also incorporates a lightweight mesh upper crafted from 60% recycled polyester. This material not only provides breathability but also ensures a secure fit. Additionally, the shoe boasts a full ground contact outsole with flex grooves, enabling a seamless transition from landing to toe-off. These combined attributes create a shoe that feels like a seamless extension of your feet, a vital quality found in some of the most exceptional running shoes on the market.
The Nimbus Lite 3 outperforms the Nimbus Lite 2 in various ways, such as its lighter weight, improved upper for superior airflow, and a more enjoyable journey. Unfortunately, ASICS persists in utilizing their older generation Flytefoam technology in the midsole, rather than the more advanced FF Blast+ that could have offered a faster and more invigorating experience.
5. Salomon Sense Ride 4 Shoes
The Salomon Sense Ride 4 is a highly adaptable trail shoe that surpasses all expectations in terms of performance. It boasts a well-balanced design that caters to runners of varying skill levels and terrain preferences. With a heel stack height of 32 millimeters and a forefoot stack height of 24 millimeters, it delivers ample protection and cushioning without compromising stability. The innovative Obtivibe midsole incorporates two foams that work in harmony to absorb impact and propel you forward with every stride. Whether you’re gliding effortlessly on smooth trails or conquering challenging and rugged terrains, these shoes provide exceptional comfort and versatility.
One standout feature of the Sense Ride 4 is Salomon’s QuickLace System, which enables effortless adjustments on the move. Testers generally praised the convenience of this system, as it allowed them to swiftly loosen or tighten the laces as required. However, a few more aggressive testers did encounter difficulties in achieving a secure forefoot lockdown. Nevertheless, for the majority of trail runners, the Salomon Sense Ride 4 remains an unparalleled choice, offering outstanding performance and capability on any trail.
The Salomon Sense Ride 4 is a standout shoe known for its versatility and high quality. Many trail shoe brands strive to design a shoe that can handle various terrains and accommodate different foot shapes, and Salomon has achieved this goal with the latest version of the Sense Ride series.
Since its launch in 2017, the Sense Ride line has been a significant addition to Salomon’s trail running shoe collection, featuring Sensifit technology and the adaptable Contagrip outsole. This combination provides a comfortable fit and a reasonable price point for runners who fall in the middle range. Previously, only individuals with light and flat feet could benefit from Salomon’s S-Lab line of trail racing shoes, which included both internal and external Sensifit for a secure and stable feel not commonly found in other brands.
Key Attributes of Walking Shoes
Walking shoes are designed in various styles, with some being cut low at the ankle, below a mid cut. While some may have a waterproof membrane, others may not. They are generally lighter and more energy-efficient than hiking boots for long distances, and can provide better ventilation in warmer weather. Additionally, walking shoes are typically more affordable than walking boots.
When selecting walking shoes, consider those with large lugs on the outsole for better traction on muddy surfaces. It is also important to assess the rubber compound used in the shoes. Brands like Vibram, Continental, and Michelin are known for reliable compounds, but other brands may have their own high-performance proprietary compounds.
Before purchasing a pair of walking shoes, it is recommended to feel the sole to determine its grip. A soft and sticky sole is ideal for hard surfaces, while a hard and smooth sole is better suited for other terrains. For rocky trails, look for shoes with a stiff rock plate in the midsole to prevent discomfort from roots and rocks underfoot, as well as to provide stability during ascents.
Leave a Reply