Choosing the right walking shoes can significantly impact comfort and foot health, so take the time to find a pair that fits your feet and your specific needs.
A walking shoe, such as the Walk Max Wanderer (above) is one that comfortably supports you while you’re enjoying the great outdoors, enabling you to cover miles whilst being completely balanced and supported, without friction or discomfort.
Vionic goes the extra mile and has long-specialised in trainers for performance walking, such as the iconic 23Walk 2.0 (below) – a fan favourite which delivers the same unmatched Vio-Motion support that made the original 23Walk trainer an essential. In this shoe, breathable, moisture-wicking mesh liner reduces friction and makes this the perfect all-day trainer.
For women, there’s also the Walk Max, Walk Parkside and Walk Strider, while for men, we recommend the 23Walk 2.0 and Walk Max.
Here’s Vionic’s 10 point guide of what to look for when in the market for a pair of performance walking shoes:
1. Fit
Shoes should fit snugly around your heel and ankle, but still allow your toes to move. Shoes that are too tight can cause blisters, while shoes that are too loose won’t support your foot. If you’re unsure of your shoe size (it can change as we get older or pregnant, for example), buy from a brand which will let you return them after you’ve tried them out properly. Vionic has a 30-day returns policy meaning you can send your footwear back for any reason within the time limit for a full product refund, even if you have worn them outside.
2. Cushioning
Cushioning absorbs shock from your foot when it strikes the ground, which can reduce impact on your joints. Vionic walking shoes have an added benefit over other brands as they contain in-built VIO MOTION technology. The fusion between dynamic movement and grounded stability is how our exclusive technology solves whole body balance, keeping you aligned and comfortable.
3. Stability
Shoes should provide good lateral support, so you can’t easily bend or twist them. You should also look for a tread with grip on it to keep you secure on different surfaces – essential while out hiking, particularly in the unpredictable British weather. All Vionic walking shoes feature a deep heel cup which optimises foot position and provides all the stability you will need
4. Arch support
Arch support can help minimise pronation and is especially important if you have flat feet or high arches. By providing full underfoot contact, this reduces pressure on the foot. Some shoes, such as Vionics, have built-in arch support or you can insert custom insoles/orthotics or insoles into your existing footwear.
5. Upper material
The material used in the upper of the shoe affects its durability, water resistance and breathability. Walking shoes are often made from a combination of synthetic materials, mesh and leather. Choose your shoe materials carefully, ensuring you have a style which will allow your feet to breathe whilst also keeping your feet dry and supported.
6. Weight
Advances in shoe fabric technology mean that lighter weight shoes, which are easier to wear, are now suitable all-year round and your shoes don’t have to be heavy in order to be waterproof and durable.
7. Outsole
The outsole of a shoe has to deal with the weight of your body and the force of the ground, so it needs to be able to handle both. Look for modern materials, such as durable rubber which are both hard wearing and practical.
8. Try before you buy
Always try on shoes and walk around in them to ensure comfort. If you go to a shop to buy your shoes, you can try them on when you buy them, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need to break them in or get your feet used to them. The last thing you want is to be midway through a 5km walk to realise they don’t fit properly and have to hobble home. For the greatest comfort, we recommend wearing your new Vionic footwear for just a few hours for the first few days to allow your feet to adjust to the new level of orthotic comfort and support.
9. Replace
As durable as they may be, your walking shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles to maintain support and cushioning. Keep an eye on the condition of your footwear. No matter how hard wearing, they won’t last forever.
10. Podiatrist
If you have specific foot issues (like plantar fasciitis or flat feet), consult a podiatrist for personalised recommendations before taking part in any kind of physical activity. While physical exercise may help some pre-existing conditions, the last thing you want is for it to aggravate or worsen any conditions.
You can see the full range of Vionic walking shoes for women here and for men here.
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