The Best New Walking Shoes

on September 19, 2011
Thinkstock

The Best New Walking Shoes

Our top picks for every terrain, body type and walking style.

Best for Trail Walkers

Stay the course over rocks, dirt and pavement with the Montrail Women’s Fairhaven ($110, montrail.com ). This hybrid road/trail shoe isn’t hefty like many other off-road sneakers and feels like a cushy walking shoe, not a stiff, clunky hiker.

Best for Plus-Size Walkers

Stabilizing, but not bulky, the Brooks Addiction 9 ($100, brooksrunning.com ) provides ample arch support and supreme cushioning on walks of any length.

Best for Distance Walkers

Long-haul walkers will appreciate that the New Balance WW860 ($89.99, newbalance.com ) is light-weight (only 8.4 ounces), supportive and flexible, with a roomy toe box and breathable mesh upper.

Best for On-the-Go Walkers

If you’re on a trip where serious walking is de rigeur, or never know when you’ll fit in a stroll, keep the Adidas Climacool Ride ($90, select colors $68, http://shopadidas.com ) stowed in your luggage, gym bag or work tote. Thanks to their ventilated mesh upper, they keep feet cool and dry and are light and flexible, the perfect take-with-you-everywhere walker.

Best Post-Workout Walkers

Wear Puma’s cute Satin Sneakerina Ballerina Flats ($65, puma.com ) to and from yoga, Pilates, or even on vacation for comfy sightseeing. They’re a cinch to slip on and off, keep your feet dry and odor-free (thanks to their moisture-wicking lining and antimicrobial footbed) and have a rubber sole for ample traction.

Best for Barefoot-Loving Walkers

The Nike Free Walk+ ($85, store.nike.com ) features a flexible grid of grippy tread on the sole that moves with your foot to replicate the feel of going sans sneaker.

Thinkstock

The Best New Walking Shoes

Our top picks for every terrain, body type and walking style.

Thinkstock

The Best New Walking Shoes

Our top picks for every terrain, body type and walking style.