Have you really upped your walking activity? Then how about setting yourself the challenge of Walk1000Miles? Walking trainers on the other hand provide extra ankle support for both forward and lateral movement. These make for perfect gym shoes for the average gym-goer and are typically more fashionable trainers that can be worn casually. They have not been developed for use in long runs and are best used for shorter stints. Finding the right fit for your walking trainers Gemma Lavers is a fitness writer for What's The Best. When she’s not travelling or writing, Gemma loves spending her weekend completing home workouts, or attending yoga, Pilates or Zumba classes. We're often taught that we need to break our shoes in or give them some wear before they fit properly. While it is best to initially wear new shoes for short periods to test for any rubbing or pressure points, a correctly fitting shoe will feel right from the start. Additionally, we appreciate that this shoe can be worn casually, in the gym, or on your daily run. As for the construction of the shoe, the knit mesh is lightweight and breathable, while the relatively minimal outsole has plenty of traction to help keep the shoe flexible and responsive. As for the cushioning, the Nike Quest 5 has a super soft cushioned midsole to hug your foot with every step. Lastly, the clean, uncluttered design is instantly iconic. Reviewers love that this shoe feels great on their feet and looks good with practically everything. What We Like

Walking shoes are designed with the specific body mechanics of walking in mind. Built to be more flexible through the ball of the foot to provide more range of motion. It also provides more arch support to protect where the force is heaviest on foot. The most important thing to consider when choosing the best walking shoes for women is comfort – if your shoes don’t fit well when you put them on, imagine how they’ll feel after a seven-hour hike. Aching feet and blisters aside, you’ll also be at greater risk of injury and could end up with muscle imbalances higher up in your body. But what impressed us the most was how waterproof the Wild Hide leather is – when walking in a downpour, our feet were dry and warm, to the point at which we felt almost guilty for being so comfortable while others struggled with the conditions. We can’t rave about these shoes enough. Very impressed. Best waterproofing: Ecco Biom 2.1 x Country with Gore-Tex BUY IT NOW: Finally, consider where you’ll do most of your walking. ‘Lightweight shoes with a reasonable amount of flexibility are great for well-trodden paths as your foot can move naturally. However, if you’ll be trekking on uneven and steep ground, you’ll need a more rigid boot with ankle support,’ says Mark Skelton, footwear buyer at Cotswold Outdoor. And you’ll probably want to consider waterproofing, too. ‘However, to avoid soggy feet, shoes need to be made with a breathable material that lets sweat and condensation out, as well,’ he adds. Ideally, wear the shoes around the house for a few hours to get a sense of how they feel, and try going up the stairs, too (if possible). When you ascend or descend, your foot should be secure and minimal movement.The Bondi 8 is equipped with an open mesh upper for breathability and TPU overlay to enhance stability. This shoe has a memory foam collar around the ankle intended to accommodate a variety of ankle sizes with a partially-gusseted tongue that stays in place. However, some users may find this feature constricting. It is important to note that the Bondi 8 does not have much arch support for those with higher arches but may work for walkers with flat feet. What We Like Heel-to-toe drop measures the difference in cushioning beneath the heel of your foot and the toe. Measured in millimeters, walking shoes should have a lower drop number. While this spec is more of a concern for runners, it is important for walking as you want to avoid large drop numbers which will alter your walking mechanics. FAQs About Walking Shoes What walking shoes do podiatrists recommend? When walking, your body weight is spread more evenly on your feet compared to when you are running. There are points where both feet are firmly on the ground, diverging the amount of weight your feet support. If you tend to do the majority of your walking during summer, or in hot climates, breathable materials will be essential to help keep your feet cool and prevent moisture build up. Durability

The rule of thumb is that a good walking shoe should last between 300 and 500 miles of wear. This may vary from person to person, however. If you have a heavier footfall, or over or under-pronate, a walking shoe may not last as long. Should walking shoes be stiff or flexible? This shoe features Kuru's patented KURUCLOUD, KURUSOLE, and ULTIMATE INSOLE materials, meaning its foam construction can keep your feet comfortable on long days. The synthetic mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, adding to the comfort levels. The moderate heel-to-toe drop of eight millimeters also encourages good walking mechanics. We like the Kuru brand, as this isn't the first time we've recommended it on this list. Reviewers who suffer from foot and heel pain love the support of these shoes and the ample toe box room. What We Like

Best trainers for walking at a glance:

The mechanics of walking differ from running in the way the feet strike the ground. People typically land on their heels and roll their feet forward when walking. Because of this rolling motion, walking shoes should have flexible soles. To test out the flexibility, hold the shoe in your hand and bend the heel toward the toe box. The sneaker should bend where the ball of your foot will be located. Heel-to-Toe Drop

Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, walking can help you build stamina, burn calories and improve your heart health. Of course, going for a walk doesn't always have to involve going on a scenic adventure. There are benefits to just simply going for a stroll around your neighbourhood or opting to travel by foot instead of the car when you're nipping out close by. With a walk, you can go at a slow or brisk pace. Make sure to try shoes before you buy/throw out the receipt and find the ones that fit perfectly right for you. Take care of them by washing your trainers correctly so you can make them last.Think about the level of cushioning you require. Some individuals prefer a plush, cushioned feel, while others prefer a firmer ride. This will depend on your own personal comfort and any foot conditions you may suffer with. Terrain Walking and running objectively seem like similar activities. However, the two are different, as are the demands they place on your feet and footwear.

While memory foam offers cushioning, it may not provide that same level of arch support some individuals require for prolonged standing. If you have specific foot conditions, like bunions or plantar fasciitis, you might need to look for shoes with additional arch support features, rather than just memory foam.The Nobull Court Trainer is constructed from a seamless SuperFabric® that is durable, breathable, and resistant to scuffs and abrasions. There is additional comfort padding in the shoe's tongue and the lacing uses internal webbing for stability. You'll also be happy to find out that this Nobull trainer has increased height in the EVA foam midsole for added cushioning and comfort. Just don't travel with them on the court, you'll likely get a penalty for that. What We Like Investing in a pair of good quality walking shoes is key to your overall foot health and comfort. Set a realistic budget and find a great pair of trainers for your budget. Your feet will thank you later. What are the best walking shoes for foot pain? If you're wanting to take up walking as an ongoing habit for a healthy lifestyle change, the best trainers will make sure your feet are comfortable and can go the distance. Just make sure you're clued up on how to clean your trainers properly to keep them comfy and clean, especially if you've had a particularly muddy walk. If you're looking for trainers for wider feet, then not to worry! Plenty of brands are making shoes especially. Best trainers for walking at a glance: Men’s feet are generally longer than women’s and wider at the heel, instep and ball of the foot, while ours are broader at the toes and have higher insteps, all of which has to be taken into account when creating the best walking shoes for women. Most shoes are designed on a ‘last’, a 3D model of the foot developed by shoemakers, podiatrists and kinesiologists that factors in how your feet change in shape and volume as you walk. The last determines not just the fit and style of your walking shoes – women’s tend to be smaller, weigh less and have lower ankle support – but their performance and ergonomics, too. What to look for when buying women’s walking shoes To get an idea if the size is right for you, remove the insole and stand on it. The outline of your foot should sit inside the insole, with at least a finger-width space in front of your big toe. Next, put the shoes on but don’t lace them up, edge your feet forward in the shoe and place your index finger behind your heel. If the shoes are a good fit, your finger will feel snug but not squashed. Finally, lace them up evenly, just tight enough to slide a fingertip under each of the laces.