Walking is a great way to get exercise. It has been shown that walking can help with weight loss, improve cardiovascular health, and even decrease the risk of some cancers. These are all great reasons to walk, but you want to take care of your feet while reaping these benefits. Having the right walking shoe is a big part of this. The 5 Best Walking Shoes For Men – Buying Guide explores the features and pros and cons of men’s walking shoes made by: Skechers, Vionic, FitVille, Merrell, and SAS.
Best Walking Shoes For Men – At A Glance
| # | Preview | Product | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Skechers | Best For Cushioning |
| 2 |  | Vionic | Best For Slip-Ons |
| 3 |  | FitVille | Best For Wide Feet and XW Feet |
| 4 |  | Merrell | Best For Hiking |
| 5 |  | SAS | Best For Medicare/Diabetes |
Why You Should Get Walking Shoes
Buying a pair of supportive and comfortable walking shoes is the first step to ensuring you enjoy your time out. Today walking shoes can offer much more than just walking comfort; Walking shoes also provide stability, support, motion control, and heat and moisture management. Having the proper footwear while walking can align your body, add cushion to every step, and help prevent injury.
What to Look for When Buying Walking Shoes For Men
Everyone has different preferences on what is important or not when deciding on walking shoes, but I want to offer my opinion on the most important things that the best men’s walking shoes should have.
Fit
You want your walking shoes to fit correctly, not matter your foot shape. A walking shoe that is too narrow will cause pain in your feet, especially on the sides where your pinkie toe is. One that is too wide will not provide the stability you need to maintain your walking stride. If your walking shoes are too tight, you risk getting blisters.
Comfort
Men’s walking shoes typically come in a variety of designs and styles, but it’s how they feel on your feet that matters most. Nothing can ruin a walk like having uncomfortable shoes. When walking, you use the front of your foot to push off. You then roll onto your toe as it reaches its peak and propels you forward with each step. A comfortable shoe allows you to do this without any discomfort.
To add to your comfort, walking shoes come in a wide range of widths to accommodate common foot shapes and issues such as bunions and hammertoes. If you have either of those issues, you probably want to look for a shoe that has a wider toe box.
Support
Walking shoe features that can support walking motion are stability, flexibility, traction, arch support, cushioning, and the walking surface of the walking shoe. When walking, you’re putting pressure on your foot muscles and bones. If you do not have good walking shoes with good support, your feet will eventually ache after walking long distances.
Shock Absorption and Impact Protection
A walking shoe with good absorption and impact protection can ease the effort required to walk on uneven walking surfaces such as gravel, sand, and mud. Shock absorption in walking shoes absorbs impact and prohibits it from reaching the soles of the feet, thereby protecting your knees and hips.
Men’s Walking Shoes Product Reviews
1. Skechers (Best For Cushioning)
Features:
- Colors: 8
- Sizes: Depending On Color
- 7-14 wide
- Upper:
- Mesh Fabric
- Midsole:
- ULTRA GO Cushioned Platform
- Insole:
- Air Cooled Goga Mat
- Outsole:
- Multi-Surface Traction
- Rubber Outsole
- Rounded Toe
- Lace-Up
- Weight: 11.5 oz. per shoe (size 9)
- Offset:
- 6mm Heel Drop Height
- 2 inch Heel Height
- Machine Washable
Video: Tony Romo For Sketchers
Pros
- Cushioning Elite
- Comfortable
- Light weight
Cons
- Lack of Support
- Thick Sole
For men who spend a lot of time on their feet, this is the perfect shoe. The Skechers Men’s Max Cushioning Elite-Performance Walking & Running Shoe Sneaker is made with an ultra go cushioned platform to provide the wearer with maximum cushioning. The shoe also has an Air Cooled Goga Mat insole that provides shock absorption and support.
The upper part of the shoe features a virtually seamless engineered mesh fabric that provides breathability and comfort.
The outsole of the Skechers Men’s Max Cushioning Elite features a flexible, parametric web design that provides multi-surface traction.
The Skechers Men’s Max is machine washable on a gentle cycle with cold water. Hang to air dry.
2. Vionic (Best Slip-Ons)
Features:
- Colors:
- Blue and Black
- Sizes
- 8-11.5
- EVA sole
- Heel: 1″
- Upper:
- Mesh
- Footbed
- Podiatrist-Designed Footbed
- Promotes Stability
- Removable Mesh
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Vamp Cross-Over Straps
- APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy On and Off
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited Sizes
- Limited Colors
Vionic Men’s Fulton Jasper Casual Shoes feature a casual slip-on style with a hidden, removable orthotic arch support. The removable arch support can be used with or without your custom orthotics.
The Vionic Fulton Jasper Men’s Walking Shoe features a rubber sole for excellent traction. This shoe is lace-free with a hook-and-loop strap for an adjustable fit.
These Vionics are lightweight shoes that are excellent for comfortable walking, everyday wear, and casual settings.
3. FitVille (Best For Wide & XW)
Features:
- Colors: Green, Grey, Blue, Black
- Sizes: (Wide and X Wide Only)
- 6 W – 15 W
- Upper:
- Leather And 3-Layer Mesh Knit
- Insole:
- Ergonomic With Arch Support
- Insole Removable
- PropelCore Sole
- Support
- Cushioning
- Wide Toe Box
- High-Instep Design
- Particularly Good For People Suffering:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Flat Feet
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Rubber Sole
- Non-Slip
- Anti-Pronation Heel Ring
Video: FitVille Rebound Core Walking Shoe – Podiatrist Review
Pros
- Comfortable
- Wide
Cons
- Heavy
- Not for Narrow Feet
- Reports Of Running Small
- Slow delivery
The FitVille® extra-wide walking shoe is an excellent choice for people who have wide or x wide feet who suffer from plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bunions, hammertoes, and high insteps.
These shoes have a wide toe box that allows your toes to spread out naturally while walking or running. Having a removable insole allows it to be replaced with an orthotic if needed.
FitVille walking shoe also comes with a PropelCore sole which gives you the support and cushioning you need throughout the day without adding too much bulk to the shoe.
Unfortunately, this walking shoe only comes in wide and x wide, so if you have a more narrow foot, this shoe is not for you.
4. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 (Best For Hiking)
Features:
- Colors: Various
- Sizes: Depending on Color
- 7-16
- Whole, Half and Wide Sizes
- 100% Leather
- Upper:
- Leather and Mesh
- Insole:
- Removable Contoured
- Reinforced Heel Cushioning for Medium Support
- Vibram TC5+ Rubber Sole
- Molded Nylon Arch Shank
- Breathable Mesh Lining
- Protective Toe Cap
- Lace-up
- Bellows tongue
- Helps Keep Out Debris
Pros
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Tread
Cons
- Laces Untie
- Insole Not Much Cushioning
The Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof is a great choice for any day of the week.
Made from high-quality leather, these shoes will give you comfort on long hikes as well as comfortable wear during your leisure time.
The lining is breathable and helps keep your feet cool throughout the day.
The shoe’s sole is made of durable rubber, which provides added stability on uneven terrain. It also has an arch shank that cushions your heel from impact.
The Moab 2 has a bellow tongue that helps keep out debris.
Depending on the color, sizes range from 7-16 in whole, half, and wide options.
The biggest complaint was the shoes coming untied and the insole not comfortable, but being removable, they can be replaced with something of your liking.
5. SAS
Features:
- Colors: Black, Blue, Grey
- Sizes: Depending on Color
- 6-16
- x-Narrow, Narrow, Wide and x Wide and XX Widths
- Medicare and Diabetic Approved
- Medicare/HCPCS Code = A5500 Diabetic Shoe
- Uppers:
- Suede and Mesh
- Cushioned Tongue
- Collar
- Cushioned
- SteadyTrac™ Midsole
- Forepart Stabilizer For Added Lateral Stability
- CoolStep™ Footbed
- Removable
- Anti-Friction Lining
- Moisture-Wicking Bottom Layer
- Features An Anti-Friction Lining
- Tripad® Cushions Comfort For:
- Three Pressure Points
- Inside Ball
- Outside Ball
- Heel
- Three Pressure Points
- Vamp Straps
- Hook-and-Loop FashenersArcfit™ Heel Stabilizer
- Firm/Gentle Support
- Lightweight
- Shock-Absorbing
- Medicare/HCPCS code = A5500 diabetic shoe
- WARNING California’s Proposition 65
- Weight: 1 lb Per Shoe
Pros
- Comfortable
- Medicare and Diabetic Approved
- Widths from x-Narrow up to XX Wide
Cons
- Heavy
- Price Point
SAS has been producing top-quality men’s shoes since its founding in 1938. Their comfort shoes are designed with the latest research available on foot science, biomechanics, and pressure points so you can walk all day in style, comfort and confidence. SAS shoes are made of state-of-the-art lightweight materials, including mesh uppers, stretchable linings for extra comfort, shock-absorbing insoles, and outsole inserts.
The SAS Men’s JV Mesh Walking Shoes are Medicare and Diabetic Approved.
Coming in sizes 6-16 with widths ranging from x-narrow to xx wide is impressive, and just about anyone should be able to achieve a good comfortable fit.
Though these shoes are on the higher end price-wise, they are an excellent choice with many features and benefits.
FAQs
How Often Should You Replace Walking Shoes?
This is a common question that many people ask themselves. Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer. It all depends on your walking habits and what type of shoes you use. If you walk at least three times a week, the general rule of thumb is that you should replace your walking shoes every six months or 500 miles.
How Do You Clean Walking Shoes?
Depending on the walking shoe, they can be made up of many different materials that require different cleaning techniques, so it’s important to clean walking shoes according to their material and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
In General:
Mesh walking shoes can be machine washed to clean them or cleaned using a damp cloth; this will prevent the walking shoe’s material from being stretched. For walking shoes with more sturdy uppers, if it is not recommended that you machine wash them, then stick to using a damp cloth.
Leather walking shoes can be cleaned using a leather care product, preventing dirt from building up and damaging the walking shoes.
Suede walking shoes can be cleaned using a suede brush to remove dirt and with a suede cleaning product; this will help stop water damage and refresh the walking shoe. Please do not use a stiff-bristled brush as it may cause permanent scuffs on your walking shoe’s upper material.
Can I Wear Walking Shoes For Other Activities Other Than Walking?
Walking shoes generally work best for walking activities as they provide adequate cushioning and traction for walking on smooth surfaces. They are not intended as distance running shoes or for hiking.
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Conclusion
So that concludes our list of some of the best walking shoes on the market today. When it comes to walking shoes, your health is the most important part of the equation.
A great pair of walking shoes can increase comfort and reduce injury, so you have more time to enjoy life outside, whether walking in the neighborhood or on a trail walking in nature.
With the choices explored in The Best Walking Shoes For Men, I hope you found one that is an excellent fit for your needs and gets your walking routine started on the right foot.
With all products, features can change, so be sure the features that attracted you to the product are still the same before purchasing.
Have you found a pair of walking shoes that you find amazing? Please comment below.
