Ultimate Guide to the Best Walking Shoes
Updated on May 31, 2024
Shop the best walking shoes
Are you tired of enduring foot pain every time you go for a walk? Whether you suffer from plantar fasciitis, bunions, or any other foot condition, finding the right pair of shoes can make a world of difference.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding the causes of foot pain to identifying the key features to look for in walking shoes. We will delve into the different types of walking shoes available, including those specifically designed for various foot conditions.
We will also explore the importance of proper fit and support in alleviating foot pain. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with the knowledge and resources to select the perfect pair of walking shoes that will provide you with the utmost comfort and relief, allowing you to enjoy your walks pain-free.
What are Walking Shoes?
Walking shoes are a form of footwear uniquely suited to work with your movement while walking.
Distinct from running shoes, the best shoes for walking should offer a wide toe box for easy movement and circulation, consistent whole-foot cushion, contoured arch support, and flexibility. While running shoes are made to withstand high impact on the forefoot and heel bone, walkers don’t need this level of cushion. So running shoes may not be the best shoes for walking all day.
When selecting walking shoes, it's important to consider individual preferences, foot shape, and specific needs. By understanding the key features and benefits of walking shoes, individuals can make informed choices to ensure optimal comfort, support, and foot health while enjoying their walking routines.
Understanding Foot Pain and Its Causes
Foot pain can be debilitating and can significantly impact your everyday life, especially if you enjoy walking or engaging in physical activities. To find the perfect walking shoes for foot pain relief, it is crucial to understand the causes of foot pain. There are various factors that can contribute to foot pain, including:
Foot Care and Pain Relief Measures to Complement Walking Shoes
While finding the perfect walking shoes is crucial for foot pain relief, there are additional measures you can take to complement their effectiveness. Here are some recommendations:
Walking Shoes Care Tips
Proper care for your walking shoes is essential to keeping them in good condition and preventing foot pain down the road. Here are some tips from KURU on how to best take care of your walking shoes.
- Protect your walking shoes from wet conditions with a preventive spritz of KURU Shield, our proprietary blend of shoe protector spray. This water-repellent layer works on all shoe materials and helps safeguard your footwear from the elements.
- Refresh an extra-loved pair of walking shoes with our KURU Shoe Cleaning Kit. Equipped with an all-material shoe cleaner, cleaning brush and microfiber cloth, this kit helps your shoes last.
- Allow your walking shoes to dry out between uses, away from sunlight. Sweat and sunlight can prematurely break down materials. Giving your outdoor footwear some breathing room after each use can help your shoes last longer and stay fresh.
- Always wear socks with your walking shoes. Socks will help reduce your risk of blisters and create a barrier against sweat and bacteria. Keeping bacteria and sweat at bay can help extend the life of your outdoor shoes and reduce the risk of odor over time.
FAQs
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What are the best shoes for walking?
The best shoes for walking and standing all day feature a wide toe box, excellent arch support, flexibility, and consistent cushioning along the length of the foot.
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Is it okay to wear running shoes for walking?
You can wear running shoes for walking but they may not offer the level of support and comfort you need for all day wear. Running shoes offer a concentrated amount of cushion in the heel and forefoot and can offer more heel height and cushion than necessary. This can lead to discomfort over time while walking.
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How often should I replace my walking shoes?
Podiatrists recommend replacing walking shoes every 300–500 miles or every six months to a year. The rubber and support starts to wear down over time, which can lead to an increased risk for injury.
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What are the benefits of walking shoes?
There are many benefits to wearing high-quality supportive walking shoes! Walking shoes deliver shock-absorbing cushion, superior arch support, and flexibility to help protect your feet, relieve pain, and give you a better chance at lasting all day.
High-quality shoes for standing and walking can also help shield your bones, joints, and ligaments from the stress of hard surfaces. KURU offers some of the best walking shoes with arch support and best shoes for walking on concrete with our triple-layer technology built into every pair.
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Can I wear orthotic inserts in any walking shoes?
Orthotic inserts can be used in many walking shoes, but it's important to ensure that the shoes have enough room to accommodate the inserts without causing discomfort or altering the fit.
These are just a few frequently asked questions about walking shoes and foot pain relief. If you have specific concerns or questions, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or specialist.
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Can walking shoes cure foot pain?
While walking shoes can provide relief and alleviate foot pain, they may not necessarily cure underlying foot conditions. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Foot pain significantly impacts daily activities and independence, diminishing physical function, mobility, and overall quality of life, thus limiting routine tasks such as walking, standing, and exercising and increasing dependence on others.
In fact, 66% of study respondents reported foot pain impacting their ability to walk.
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Features of Walking Shoes & Finding the Best Fit
Explore the process of selecting and fitting the most comfortable walking shoe for your feet, walking style, and walking preferences.
Three Layers of Support
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
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KURUSOLE
...Show LessOur patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps protect and preserve the heel’s fat pad and guide your body to a more natural alignment.
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps protect and preserve the heel’s fat pad and guide your body to a more natural alignment.
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KURUCLOUD
...Show LessWhen you want to stand and walk with less pain, shock absorption is a must. Our KURUCLOUD base layer features lightweight EVA foam that helps absorb impact to your joints, ligaments, and bones, even when you put plenty of mileage in.
When you want to stand and walk with less pain, shock absorption is a must. Our KURUCLOUD base layer features lightweight EVA foam that helps absorb impact to your joints, ligaments, and bones, even when you put plenty of mileage in.
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ULTIMATE INSOLE
...Show LessThe top layer in KURU’s technology trio, our ULTIMATE INSOLES feature premium arch support and cushion for the entire sole of your foot. Made of 5mm of durable polyurethane foam, these insoles form to your feet to support your plantar fascia and your arch.
The top layer in KURU’s technology trio, our ULTIMATE INSOLES feature premium arch support and cushion for the entire sole of your foot. Made of 5mm of durable polyurethane foam, these insoles form to your feet to support your plantar fascia and your arch.
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps protect and preserve the heel’s fat pad and guide your body to a more natural alignment.
Our Secret
Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
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