How to Pick the Right Walking Shoes for Miles of Comfort

Your feet have taken you down city pavements, up steep mountain trails and along dirt roads, allowing you to explore your surroundings at your own pace. Those two feet deserve to be cradled in comfort. Whether you're taking a stroll around the neighbourhood or embarking on an adventure across the country, the right pair of walking shoes will help get you there.

There's no one perfect pair for everyone, however. Finding the best walking shoes for your feet depends on what you hope to get out of your journey. Here's how to find the perfect-fitting pair for miles of comfort.

As you shop for walking shoes, pay attention to how the shoes are constructed. To ensure they're designed for walking, look for:

1. A toe box that has plenty of space for you to wiggle your toes and doesn't cause calluses
2. A heel collar at the back upper of the shoe that cushions the heel, creates a snug fit and has a firm internal structure to protect the Achilles tendon
3. An upper that keeps your foot in place and wicks away moisture, while shielding your foot from the elements
4. An insole with plenty of cushioning and arch support
5. A midsole with gel, memory foam or air to reduce the impact on your foot as you step
6. An outsole that provides the proper traction for your typical terrain, such as lugged soles for walking the trail or flat soles for stability on roads

When choosing a walking shoe, it's important that it stabilises your foot without restricting your movement too much. If you're trying a pair on, you should feel moderate resistance when you try to twist your foot in the shoe. And when you bend the toe, make sure it doesn't bend too far up the arch—you should notice that it folds at the ball of the foot. If you want more support at the base of your foot, opt for a pair of hiking boots or trail running shoes, which have wider outsoles.

The amount of cushioning you'll need largely depends on your pace and distance. A good walking shoe should have enough cushioning to absorb the shock as your foot hits the ground, but not enough to weigh down your feet and slow you down. Avoid zero-drop, minimalist shoes without sufficient cushioning.

Most walkers will also want to look for a shoe with a low heel-to-toe drop, as a high drop can alter your stride. And a shoe with a low heel-to-toe drop will have the same amount of cushioning under the forefoot as under the heel for even weight distribution.

• Never rely on a break-in period when buying new walking shoes. The right shoe will feel comfortable the moment you step into it.

• Don't worry about correcting pronation, or the rolling of your foot, unless it causes you pain. Whether you have flat feet or high arches, you can benefit from a neutral walking shoe.

• That said, you should always make sure you walk around in your shoes before you decide to keep them. Luckily, Nike offers a free 60-day trial on any pair of shoes. You can even return them after taking a stroll outside if you're not satisfied.

• Measure your feet to find the right size, especially if you're shopping online. If you're buying unisex walking shoes, you can use this Nike size chart to convert from men's to women's. Also make sure you measure the width of your foot and choose a walking shoe for wide feet or narrow feet if necessary.

• If one of your feet is larger than the other, opt for the size that best fits your larger foot.

• Try on your new kicks in the evening, as your feet will swell over the course of the day. You'll want to make sure they're not too tight, even for moonlit strolls.

• Wear the same moisture-wicking socks you'll wear when walking to try on your shoes.

No single pair of walking shoes will be right for every trek. Do you value comfort above all else, or is it more important to have a shoe that performs well over long distances? What kind of terrain are you most likely to encounter on your walks? And finally, how important is the shoe's design and colour when considering adding a pair to your wardrobe?

Whether you prioritise comfort, miles, style or trail, you'll find a pair of Nike walking shoes that meet your needs.

COMFORT

Maybe you walk a few miles every morning before work or take long, meandering walks with a friend, partner or four-legged companion. You want cushioning and comfort, and you want it from the first step.

Look for shoes with Nike React cushioning, which is both soft and responsive. And select a pair with a comfortable upper as well. A Nike Flyknit upper will support you in the areas you need it most, while providing flexibility, breathability and a sock-like feel.

MILES

If you log serious miles (sometimes at a serious pace), you want an efficient performance shoe. Choose a pair that's supportive and stable and has lightweight foam cushioning to absorb shock. Nike ZoomX foam will give you the greatest possible energy return, so you can go the distance.

STYLE

So you want to turn heads in the street? Or on the track … or even at the supermarket. But you still deserve comfortable shoes. Luckily, some of Nike's most iconic shoes provide cushioning and support while bringing style to every step. For example, Nike Huarache sneakers are a timeless yet bold addition to any '90s-inspired wardrobe.

TRAIL

You're not afraid of dirt and want traction to tackle the trails. You always opt to be outside and like to see mud on your soles. If that sounds like you, snag a pair of trail running shoes with an upper that protects your feet from rocks and debris, a midsole that cushions and stabilises and an outsole with sufficient traction to handle rugged terrain. Nike trail running shoes provide both durable protection and ventilation, so your feet can breathe as you explore the scenery.

DESIGN AND MATERIALS

While browsing Nike walking shoes, keep an eye out for these keywords to help you pick the best pair.

• Zoom: responsive and lightweight for training and race day
• React: soft and springy, yet light and long-lasting for all-day comfort
• Air: maximum cushioning and responsive for a fun ride
• Free: minimal and flexible for a natural feel to set your feet free
• Shield: water-repellent shoes, because wet weather can't keep you from walking
• Flyknit: a snug, sock-like upper that's like a hug for your feet
• ACG: All Conditions Gear to get you outside in, well, all conditions

You'll find Nike's walking shoes listed as running shoes, but don't panic. Our running innovations can take your walking game up a step too.

Though they happen at different speeds and involve different degrees of shock absorption, the same pair of shoes can accommodate both walking and running movements. Nike shoes are designed to keep you moving, and they'll be there for you, step after step, mile after mile.

Hiking boots are similar to trail running shoes, which can also be used for walking or running off-road. However, there are some key differences between hiking boots and walking shoes:

• Hiking boots tend to offer more stability for uphill climbs, but they're also heavier than walking shoes, and that can slow you down.

• Hiking boots are more durable and will hold up better against the elements, but they're also less breathable.

• Hiking boots provide more warmth in the cold weather, while walking shoes keep you cool all summer.

• Walking shoes are more versatile than hiking boots, while still providing traction. You can use many walking shoes for running as well.