Deciding on a good walking shoe means figuring out your specific needs and how each shoe differs from one another. We wore the shoes all day running errands, going to work, spending time outside with friends and family. From city streets, neighborhoods, park trails, grocery stores, and hospitals, we have tested multiple types of surfaces and environments. In our lab, we took time to carefully measure each of the shoe's characteristics so we could compare them to companies' claims, and we even cut the shoes in half to examine the internals. Each shoe was worn for a minimum of 10,000 steps, with close attention paid to comfort, support, traction, weight, and durability.
Comfort
If a shoe isn't comfortable, it won't get used plain and simple. During our 10,000-step testing process, we pay close attention to how the cushion feels and absorbs impact, whether there are any rubbing or hot spots, and whether they can be worn all day. We also noted if the shoes fit true to size, require a break-in period, and the type of arch support and gait the shoe is best designed for. Some shoes require some break-in due to their construction, and other shoes just never get comfortable. Lastly, we looked at the ease of use with the shoes and their fastening devices. Are they designed as slip-on or lace-up shoes, and how easy are they to get on and off. We want to know if the shoes perform as advertised or don't quite meet the expectations.
Support
Support is another metric that can be a make or break for a good shoe, and a shoe without support results in fatigue and injury. The first test we performed to determine support was the flexibility test, which was used to see how the sole flexes lengthwise. We stand the shoe vertically with the toe in the ground and compress to see where the sole flexes. A good supportive walking shoe should flex at the toe box but remain stable in the remainder of the sole.
In our lab, we carefully cut the shoes in half to examine the interior. We measure the heel and toe stacks, which allows us to calculate the heel-to-toe drop. We also measure the rocker angle and apex, which can help propel you forward. Additionally, we weigh them and measure their width. All of this can make a shoe more or less comfortable and stable.
We also examine how the shoe closes around the foot and if there is a snug fit from the upper and any ankle movement. We pay close attention to how evenly the laces pull and cause tension and if they cause discomfort on the instep. We also perform lateral motions and walk on uneven surfaces to see how much ankle support the shoe has. If there is excess motion or movement, then the shoe is less supportive, and it's easier to roll an ankle.
The final twist test involves holding the toe in one hand and the heel in the other and twisting in opposite directions. This test looks at the rigidity of the sole and its ability to resist torsion or twist. A good supportive shoe should resist torsion but allow for slight movement. A shoe that flexes too much or too easily lacks a supportive structure and would likely cause pain or injury.
Traction
Traction testing is simply walking on various surfaces, wet and dry, and determining how well the shoes grip and what problems we find. The surfaces we focused on for traction were gravel, tile, and concrete, as each of these surfaces poses a different challenge for the shoes in terms of gripping with movement. Each of the shoes received a rating corresponding to how well they performed on each of the surfaces.
We also examined the materials used on the sole and the type of tread patterns. Different materials and patterns can be beneficial for some surfaces and not others, just as some perform good on dry surfaces but not wet. A shoe with a good rubber sole tends to be grippier on a surface than something with a simple foam compound.
Weight
For the weight category, we measured each shoe and recorded the weight of each shoe for our testing size. The weight of a shoe can be deceiving, though, as the lightest shoe may not be the best performer. A heavy shoe can cause issues like fatigue and stress over long periods of use or make a shoe feel bulky or clunky. A light shoe, however, can lack the necessary materials to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for the user. There is a fine balance of finding a shoe that isn't too heavy but still provides the necessary cushion and support for long use.
We paid close attention to how the shoe felt and whether it caused fatigue or stress. We noted if the weight was noticeable with short walks, long distances, or with hours of use throughout the day. How the shoe is designed can also impact how the weight is felt with use. We found some of the shoes didn't weigh the most, but they still had a feel of being bulky, while a shoe of the same weight felt sleek and agile.
Durability
The durability of a shoe can be a polarizing topic when it comes to a good walking shoe. Many users want a show that will hold up to a good amount of use before it requires replacement. Our durability testing looked at material construction, wear and tear during use, and the care and maintenance of the shoes.
A shoe with quality materials will outperform and outlast a similar product with lesser quality. We look at the materials chosen for the construction of each shoe and how it wears over time and holds up to abuse. Some shoes choose a light mesh material that breathes well but may succumb to abrasions easily. Others choose to add reinforcements in high-wear spots like the toe box or eyelets to prevent premature failure. Midsole and sole materials are another important aspect of durability. For example, a high-quality EVA foam bonded to a solid rubber sole will hold up to abrasive surfaces and have a longer life than a light foam tread.
Wear and tear with use is determined by examining the shoes for abrasions, wear spots, missing tread, loose threads, separation, or any other signs of wear and tear. Shoes that showed wear and failure during our testing period shouldn't be expected to be a durable option and should be avoided.