Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. Taking it further into long-distance walking further helps build your stamina and burn a lot of calories. Seniors are often advised to walk a lot, but everyone needs the exercise of walking.
However, wearing just any footwear for long-distance walking is detrimental. It can lead to more harm than good. This is why we have reviewed ten of the best shoes for long-distance walking.
Are Running Shoes Good For Long Distance Walking?
Running shoes and walking shoes are very similar, but there are some key differences.
One of them is that running shoes have a lot more cushioning than walking shoes. The reason for this is that running is more of a high-impact exercise than walking.
On a whole, using running shoes for walking isn’t really good. For one, you’d be using way too much cushioning than you need. That might sound like a good idea till you’re walking on uneven terrain and you need a lot of grips.
Walking shoes typically have this more, and they also have an adequate level of cushioning.
What to Look Out for the Best Shoes for Long Distance Walking
There are specific things to look for in shoes that are suited for long-distance walking. These features are what will determine the level of comfort you will enjoy when you wear these shoes.
The following features are the ones to take note of when you want to get shoes for long-distance walking.
Comfort: You’re going to be walking for long distances, and you simply cannot afford uncomfortable shoes or shoes that bite and pinch after wearing them for a while.
Long-distance walks will also mean that your feet will sweat, and they will be very uncomfortable to wear, not to mention that there are high chances that your feet might get sores and blisters.
A big part of whether or not a pair of shoes are comfortable is how breathable they are. Shoes that are breathable will help you deal very well with sweating, as they will provide ample room for air flow in and out of the shoes.
Breathability in walking shoes comes into even sharper focus when you’re walking in hot weather or humid conditions. If you’re wearing shoes with uppers that are not breathable, your feet will get sweaty and irritable.
Shoes that are also comfortable have to be a nice, secure fit. Shoes that aren’t your fit will cause blisters as the material brushes with your skin. This will be especially bad for shoes that allow a lot of movement in the heel area.
The Type of Material the Shoe is Made With: Another thing you have to watch out for in walking shoes is what materials they are constructed with, and how. Some walking shoes are made with just one material, whilst others are made with a mix of two materials.
You have to know this, as this will give you an idea of how comfortable and flexible the walking shoe will be. Usually, the platform of walking shoes are usually made with TPU, as it offers a good base and great shock absorption.
When it comes to materials, synthetic mesh and leather are two of the best materials for shoe uppers. The reason for this lies in their comfort level, flexibility, and breathability.
The Level of Shock Absorption the Shoe Provides: Every footstep you take sends shock singing into your feet and also up your body. A shoe that doesn’t provide shock absorption is useless, as far as you are concerned.
This is because walking for long distances will take its toll on your feet, and you need a shoe that will help you absorb the shock of walking. If not, you would basically be pounding your feet every time you take long-distance walks.
The insole of your shoe and the heel counter are some of the most important parts of your shoe to this effect. A firm, rigid heel counter that is balanced by a soft, cushioned insole would do your feet a world of good.
The Level of Arch Support the Shoe Provides: A good walking shoe should support your arch adequately. A shoe that does this will enable your arches to effectively distribute your body weight around your feet, and you will feel much more balanced and comfortable for it.
There are basically three types of arches, and you should know what type of arch you have, so you’d be able to correctly pick out the right kind of shoe for you.
If you have a flat arch, then you’re going to need a shoe with straight sole platforms and motion control technologies. This will help you walk properly and won’t cause you pain.
If you have a medium arch, then it’s best for you to pick walking shoes with a firm, semi-curved midsole. These kinds of shoes will provide you the best kind of support.
If you have high arches, then a shoe that provides ample support is of paramount importance. Go for shoes that have curved midsoles.
The Durability of the Shoes: This is another really important factor to consider when picking walking shoes. Mainly, the durability of walking shoes can often be deciphered by the shoe’s outsoles.
Generally, walking shoes are fitted with rubber soles, as rubber provides the best kind of traction wearers need for uneven terrains.
These soles usually have strong adhesives holding them in place, and also treads and multidirectional lugs are another features of these soles. If these things are missing from your walking shoes, then it is likely that they won’t last.
The Level of Traction They Provide: This is closely connected to how well made the soles of your shoes are. Shoes with good soles are usually fitted with lugs that provide balance and a lot of traction.
Review of the Best 10 Shoes for Long Distance Walking
1. adidas outdoor Men’s Terrex AX3 Hiking Boot
adidas outdoor Men's Terrex AX3 Hiking Boot, Black/Black/Carbon, 13 M US
$65.00 in stock
Features
- Regular fit
- Lace closure
- Mesh and synthetic upper; molded TPU Toe cap
- Textile lining; Continental Rubber outsole for extraordinary grip even in wet conditions
- Durable, Lightweight EVA midsole; molded sockliner
The Asics Men’s GEL-Tech Walker Neo 4 is one of the best long-distance walking shoes around, especially when you consider comfort and style.
The shoe has a lot to offer with regards to shock absorption and cushioning, and that’s one of the reasons it takes the top spot on our list.
The shoe features the Triassic system that provides a lot of support for your feet when walking. The shoe also has a removable sock liner that helps to provide even more comfort. And since the sock liner is also removable, you can insert a custom orthotic.
This will allow for a more customized and personalized feel when you wear the shoe.
As a result of the shoe being extremely comfortable, it is usually recommended for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
- The shoe has a good lace-up system.
- The good arch support provided by the shoe was lauded by a number of customers.
- Some of the customers complained that the toe box of the shoe was sometimes too small.
Fit As Expected: 85%
Durability: The shoe’s rubber soles are rugged and very durable.
2. adidas outdoor Terrex AX2R
adidas outdoor Terrex AX2R Hiking Shoe - Men's
Features
- Technical mesh and woven synthetic textile upper for lightweight durability
- GORE-TEX lining for waterproof, breathable performance
- Moulded sockliner for enhanced comfort and fit; Textile lining
- Lightweight EVA midsole for long-term cushioning
- ADIPRENE under the heel for superior cushioning at impact
A shoe that provides comfort straight out of the box, the Outdoor Men’s Terrex is a shoe made primarily for hikers and long-distance walkers.
The terrain is not an issue as far as this shoe is concerned, and coming in at 12 ounces, these shoes are very lightweight.
The shoe is made with breathable materials, so your feet will remain cool and dry even after hours of use. The shoes are also water-resistant, and wet conditions will not affect you one bit.
The sock liner for this shoe molds to your feet, keeping it in superior comfort. The outsole of this shoe features the Traxion technology, and it helps you with gripping the ground well, even in wet conditions.
- The shoes are very water-resistant, so walking in wet conditions will not be a problem.
- The shoe’s outsole makes it slip resistant.
- Some customers complained about the sole of the shoe wearing out too easily.
Fit As Expected: 86%
Durability: The EVA cushioning provided by the shoe coupled with the specially designed Traxion outsole for this shoe makes it a very durable one.
3. ALTRA Men’s Lone Peak 4.5
ALTRA Men's AL0A4PE5 Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoe, Lime/Red - 8 M US
Features
- Weight: 10.5 oz / 298 g
- Insole: 5 mm Contour Footbed
- Midsole: Dual Layer EVA / A-Bound with StoneGuard
- Outsole: MaxTrac Rubber with TrailClaw
- Cushion: Moderate
The Altra Lone Peak 4.5 walking shoe is a shoe that is made for multiple terrains and weather, offering protection against mud, snow, rain, etc.
The shoe also features an EVA midsole that keeps your feet comfortable as you walk. The sole of the shoe has a lot of lugs that help with grip, especially on uneven terrain. The trademark of Altra’s design, the shoe features a zero-drop platform.
This provides your feet with a neutral platform that helps you walk better. If this is a new walking platform in shoes for you, take some time to get used to it before embarking on any long walks.
- The shoes are very lightweight, making it easy to use them for hours walking and not feel strains.
- The shoes provide a very high level of cushioning.
- Some customers complained that the shoe run too wide
Fit As Expected: 81%
Durability: The shoe’s design provides overlays in areas that are likely to suffer more wear and tear, increasing the durability.
4. PUMA Men’s Drift Cat 5 Ultra Sneaker
Features
- Fashion Lifestyle Sneaker
- Drift Cat
This shoe is made with synthetic leather, and it also has a TPU cushioned outsole that provides a good level of shock absorption when walking.
The shoe’s design is one that strikes the balance between stylish and functional, and the shoe comes in 3 color schemes.
The shoe’s design is also very simple, and the shoe has perforations on the upper that help with breathability.
The outsole of the shoe provides a good level of traction, so you don’t have to worry about slipping or wearing a shoe that doesn’t give you any traction.
- The shoe’s lacing system is very simple and easy to use.
- The shoe has a very streamlined design.
- The shoe is quite lightweight and has TPU cushioning to help with shock absorption.
- A lot of the customers complained about the shoe running a full size too small.
Fit As Expected: 66%
Durability: The shoe’s TPU cushioning provides a good level of durability.
5. Merrell Men’s Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoe
Merrell Men's Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoe
Features
- Hiking shoe with water-resistant leather and mesh upper featuring rubber toe bumper and heel counter
- Compression-molded EVA foot frame
- Air Cushion midsole and Vibram Multi-Sport TC5+ rubber outsole
The Moab Ventilator is a shoe made for hikers, so you can rest assured you will wear these shoes for long walks and won’t feel any discomfort.
These shoes provide a lot of cushioning and shock absorption through the air cushion midsoles.
The shoe’s sole is very sturdy and tough, and it offers a lot of traction on a lot of terrains, wet or dry, doesn’t matter. The shoe’s toe cap helps with grip. The shoe’s upper is made with leather and mesh, and it is both very breathable and water-resistant.
The shoe comes in a whopping 9 color schemes, such as carbon, walnut, multicolor, monument tange, beech, etc.
- The shoe comes in a lot of color options.
- The shoes are water-resistant.
- The shoes have a very breathable upper and have a design fitted to the use of hikers and long-distance walkers.
- Some customers complained about holes in the heel.
Fit As Expected: 86%
Durability: The shoe’s Vibram outsole is quite durable.
6. Brooks Womens Addiction
Brooks Womens Addiction Walker Walking Shoe - White - B - 8.5
Features
- SHOE SIZE: "B" = Medium width, "D" = Wide width, "2A" = Narrow width, "2E" = Extra wide width
- MAXIMUM SUPPORT: Our Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar strategically supports your arch to guide and keep your body in its natural path of motion.
- SLIP-RESISTANT, SECURE FIT: The forefoot MC Pod construction and an innovative outsole sets your foot in an efficient, balanced, and stable position.
- SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA adapts to your stride, weight and speed, to make every step comfortable.
- LONG-LASTING: Both comfortable and durable, this shoe with a full-grain leather upper will be a staple to your wardrobe.
The name of these shoes kind of gives them away. The Brooks Addiction Walker is a shoe that is designed for long-distance walkers. Basically, they are a square peg in the square hole of long distance walkers, and for good reason too.
The shoe features the HydroFlow technology that helps your feet remain dry and comfortable as you walk. The shoe also has a seamless fabric construction that is a very good choice for people with sensitive skin.
The outsoles of these shoes are packed with shock absorption technology; the MC Pod construction in the forefoot and the BioMoGo DNA cushioning ensure that your feet are well cushioned and enjoy a high level of shock absorption.
- The shoe has a removable sock liner for additional comfort.
- The shoes are very comfortable, a lot of customers even recommending the shoe for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
- The shoe doesn’t really provide support for people with high arches.
Fit As Expected: 83%.
Durability: The shoe’s cushioning packed outsole is very durable.
7. Salewa Mens MS Mountain Trainer
Salewa Mens MS Mountain Trainer Leder High Rise Hiking Shoes, Brown (Walnut/Golden Palm), 11 US
Features
- MOUNTAIN TRAINER LEATHER LOW-WALNUT GOLDEN-11
- MOUNTAIN TRAINER LEATHER LOW-WALNUT GOLDEN-11
- SALEWA
- Mens Mountain Trainer Leather Hiking Shoe
The Salewa mountain trainer is made with full-grain leather and it has a really breathable upper. The shoe also features the signature 3F system that connects the heel, instep, and sole to provide lateral stability and flexibility. This system also helps to promote the natural stride.
As a result of this 3F system, there is a lot less movement in the heel and this promotes better foot health and comfort, as it helps to prevent blisters and provide a more secure fit. The lacing system of the shoe extends almost to the toe and allows for a more customized fit.
The shoe also features a Vibram rubber outsole that is very durable, and the footbed is the popular OrthoLite footbed that provides a high level of cushioning.
The shoe’s outsole is very rigid, and this helps with grip and balance when walking on uneven terrain. This is balanced out by the TPU midsole that provides a lot of support for the feet.
- The shoes are comfortable to wear
- A lot of customers lauded the control of the shoes provided for them.
- Some customers complained that the toe box of the shoe is too narrow.
Fit As Expected: 57%
Durability: The shoe has a Vibram outsole that is very rigid and durable.
8. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 3
Salomon Men's Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe
Features
- Trail-ready running shoe with water-resistant and anti-debris mesh upper featuring Sensifit technology and Quicklace system
- Protective rubber toe cap
- Ortholite insole
- Dual-density EVA midsole
- Mud & Snow Contagrip non-marking rubber outsole
This shoe features a 3D Air Stretch mesh that promotes breathability.
This means your feet will be kept dry and comfortable as you walk. The shoe has a very good level of cushioning, and the shoe is also water-resistant.
The shoe also has an OrthoLite insole that provides a lot of comfort for you, and the rubber toe cap provides more protection for your feet as you walk. The upper of the shoe is anti-debris, and the shoe comes in three color schemes.
The shoe features the Salomon Sensifit system that provides a secure, exact fit for you. The soles of the shoe feature the Contragrip design that helps you get a solid grip across a lot of terrains.
The shoe is very lightweight and the construction of the shoe is such that it is very functional and is a great fit for not just long-distance walkers, but also trail runners.
- The shoe is very lightweight and rugged.
- The shoe’s sole provides extra stability and control when walking.
- The shoe is water resistant.
- Some customers complained that the shoe ran too small.
Fit As Expected: 80%
Durability: The Contragrip technology of the shoe’s sole makes it more durable.
9. Reebok Men’s Cloudride DMX 3.0 Walking Shoe
Reebok Men's Cloudride DMX 3.0 Walking Shoe
Features
- Reebook Shoes
- Imported
This shoe is made with synthetic materials, and it comes in two color schemes.
A very lightweight and stylish shoe, the shoe provides a lot of cushioning and comfort as you walk, thanks to the messaging foam insoles installed in the shoe.
The shoe also has a DMX feature that enhances the breathability of the shoe and the insoles of the shoe help to also absorb the shock of walking and spread it.
The shoes are very comfortable as a result of this, and you will thoroughly enjoy walking in them.
- The shoe’s design is very stylish.
- The shoe has a mesh tongue that provides extra comfort for your ankles.
- Some customers complained that the shoe ran too small.
Fit As Expected: 82%
Durability: The shoe’s treaded rubber outsole is tough and durable.
10. Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 3
Skechers Performance Men's Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe
Features
- Slip-on lightweight walking shoe with mesh upper featuring full-length goga mat insole. Multi directional traction sole
- Features GOga Mat Technology with high-rebound cushioning. Memory Form Fit design with memory foam padding around heel for a custom-feel fit
- Lightweight nearly one piece textured athletic mesh fabric upper
Coming in a whopping 11 color schemes, the Skechers Performance Go Walk 3 are shoes that are very fashionably designed.
The shoes offer a good level of cushioning, thanks to the GOga Mat technology of the shoe. This also ensures that the pressure and shock of walking is evenly distributed through the feet, and not just on the heel.
The shoe’s midsole is also a very good feature of the shoe as it provides a high level of shock absorption and comfort.
The outsole of the shoe is multi-directional, helping with grip on uneven surfaces. The upper of the shoe is also incredibly breathable and allows you to stay comfortable and dry as you use the shoe.
The heel of this shoe is padded with memory foam and it makes for enjoyable use of this shoe when walking.
Skechers is a brand known for making comfortable shoes, and the Performance Go Walk 3 is not an exception.
- The shoe’s mesh upper is very breathable.
- The heel of the shoe is very stable and balanced.
- The outsole of the shoe has treads that are multidirectional.
- The shoe is not water resistant, and it doesn’t do well in wet conditions.
- Some customers complained that the tread of the soles started coming off shortly after they began using it.
Fit As Expected: 72%
Durability: The shoe’s Resalyte injection midsole helps with cushioning, making the shoe durable.
FAQs About Best Walking Shoes for Long Distance Walking
What are the Best Shoes for Walking All Day?
They are the shoes we have reviewed, and you can pick from anyone among them based on your preference and budget.
Who Makes the Best Walking Shoes?
There isn’t really an answer to this, as there are quite a number of excellent walking shoes. But for the purpose of clarity, walking shoes made by ASICS, Merrel’s, Bionic, Brooks, Adidas, etc, can all be trusted.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
When shopping for walking shoes, there are a lot of options that are available. But those that offer the right mix of stability, comfort, and style aren’t very easy to find.
This is why we have taken out the time to research those and present them for you in this review. Different brands have been represented, and you have the liberty to select which one suits you, based on the features we discussed at the beginning of the article. Cheers!
