Top 10 Athletic Walking Shoes

Athletic Shoes, dynamic, Rocker Bottom Shoes, Toning Shoes, Walking Shoes - By Jackie Burns on Friday, June 25, 2010 - 10:21

Athletic Walking Shoes are shoes that are designed, both in style and construction, specifically for more rigorous walking.  Athletic walking is walking that is done for exercise, sport, or physical activity.  This kind of walking differs from daily routine walking in that the distances may be longer, the terrain may be more challenging, your speed may be increased, and there may be more significant inclines and declines.

Athletic walking is an exercise routine in the same way that jogging, running, or any other sport is.  It is not just daily walking, errands, or strolling.  While the comfort and performance of athletic walking shoes inspire wearers to wear them often, they really are designed for sport – endurance walking or walking for exercise.  Keep in mind that these shoes are not just sneakers.  High performance athletic walking shoes might be sneakers, but they also might be hiking boots, sandals, or casual shoes.

Who Wears Athletic Walking Shoes?

There is a wide range of people who wear athletic walking shoes because they are uniquely comfortable and supportive.  However, the majority of people wear them as part of an exercise routine.  They are designed for sport.  You won’t see a lot of teenagers wearing them, though.  Top athletic walking shoes can be expensive, as you are paying for a superior product.  Adults who are committed to health, quality, and lasting footwear see these shoes as an investment that will deliver on performance and durability.

Should You Be Wearing Athletic Walking, Too?

If you have been intending to begin, revitalize, or improve your physical activity, athletic walking shoes can be a great motivator.  Great fit and comfort make starting or changing any routine easier, and top quality athletic walking shoes are perfect for this.  Even as a novice, high quality athletic walking shoes are critical because you need the most support and durability as you build up your strength and endurance.  For more seasoned and fit athletes, you already know the importance of quality footwear!  At the end of this review you will find a list of the best places to purchase any of these shoes.

Top 10 Athletic Walking Shoes

The following are the top ten athletic walking shoes from the top companies.  There is a range in price, but each one is a top performer in the areas that count the most for athletic walking.  A great athletic walking shoe should be designed for:

• Comfort
• Fit
• Support
• Durability
• Traction
• Quality Materials & Construction
• Style

ECCO Performance Shoes

Features – A great range of styles, designs, and colors for both men and women.  Fit based on the “Freedom Fit” – a roomier toe box and a more narrow and snug heel and instep.  Lightweight and flexible. ECCO uses material mixes called “fusions” and these materials add to the durability and comfort of the shoes.  They have unique technologies in outsole and footbed for support, traction, comfort, and bacteria control.

Price – A wide price range from $50.00 to $220.00+, depending on style and retailer.  Expect to pay more for hiking boots, less for thong sandals.  Sneakers average $150.00.

Size & Fit - True to size and width.  Moderate arch support.

Company Details – With European roots and traditions, ECCO was started over 40 years ago, elevating comfort over conformity for footwear.  The company believes in design simplicity and shoes that conform to the foot for perfect comfort and fit for each individual.

Why Customers Love ECCO Shoes – Comfort, durability, and style.  Smart, clean lines, and modern design elements.  Customers who love ECCO tend to be customers who buy ECCO shoes for all of their needs – a true testament to the quality and versatility of the shoes.

New Balance Rock & Tone Shoes

Features – A thick, gently curved sole, these shoes are less extreme looking than other rocker bottom shoes.  They are extremely comfortable, durable, and breathable shoes.  Walking Strike Path® insole, multi-density insert for extreme comfort, premium leather uppers, ACTEVA ULTRALITE “premium ultra-lightweight mid-sole” for firm support.

Price – The price range is from around $50.00 for Rock & Tone Flip-Flops to over $100.00 for the most recent sneakers.  The average price is around $85.00 for sneakers.

Size & Fit - True to size and width.  Moderate arch support.

Company Details – New Balance has been making exclusively fitness and performance shoes for years, making it an expert in the field.  New Balance is a major player in performance footwear with years of experience and expertise behind its products.

Why Customers Love New Balance – Customers who wear New Balance shoes tend to be very loyal.  They love the sleek looking designs for everyday wear and exercise.  Comfort and looks rate at the top for Rock & Tone shoes.

Merrell Chameleon Shoes

Features – Breathable, water resistant, waterproof, wind resistant, durable, comfortable.  Merrell also provides superior insulation and use the highest quality materials.  EVA footbed, arch support, ankle support, and sharp design elements (crossover straps, material combinations).  Low-top, sandal, and hiking boot styles available in a range of colors.

Price – Expect to pay between $110.00 and $130.00.  Youth sizes are less expensive but men’s and women’s styles are consistently priced from reputable retailers.

Size & Width - Tends to run a half size small.  True to width.  Moderate to low arch support.

Company Details – Merrell makes products for outdoor enthusiasts, not just athletes.  They are committed to products that work in natural settings as well as enduring the tough elements.  Just over 25 years old, this company has already established itself as a top manufacturer.

Why Customers Love Merrell – Rugged outdoor performance and suitable for any terrain and weather.  The Chameleon line is there most popular, and is made for serious outdoor walking sport!

KEEN BLVD Shoes

Features – True to the style name, Boulevard, these shoes look like they belong in any urban street walking scene – sharp, fresh, unique, and contemporary.  They also make youth sizes.  EVA insoles, water resistant materials, durable stitching, and attractive design elements (buttons, stitching, zippers, etc).  Wide range of materials for protection, breathability, moisture wicking, durability, support, and comfort (mesh, canvas, leather, jersey cotton, cork, rubber, and more).

Price – $50.00 for flip-flops and some sandals to over $150.00 for boots.  Most shoes and sneaker styles average $85.00 - $100.00.

Size & Fit - Tends to run a half size small.  Most syle are true to width, but some can run slighly wide.  Moderate arch support.

Company Details – Considering everything without a roof the outdoors, KEEN respects the outdoors from the forest to the city streets.  They are conscious about environmental responsibility as well as innovation and modern technology.  This combination results in contemporary shoes that are fresh, long-lasting, and well made.

Why Customers Love KEEN – Topping the reviews is style and comfort.  People love the look of KEEN shoes and the fact that the cool styles do not sacrifice comfort and support!

Sano by Mephisto Shoes

Features – Sano shoes are designed to make the most of every walking experience.  All walking exercise results in more calories burned, more muscles worked, more support, and improved posture based on the unique design of the rocker bottom sole.  Superior comfort for performance walking.

Price – A price range from about $250.00 to $280.00, depending on style and retailer.  Less expensive styles tend to be from past seasons.

Size & Fit - True to size and width.  Not for very narrow feet.  Moderate arch support.

Company Details –Mephisto comes from a European tradition and they have a very strong ethic that demands their product be the highest quality with strict attention paid to the details.  Using only natural materials, each is made, at least in part, by hand.

Why Customers Love Mephisto – Customers love that these shoes are good for their feet, their health, and the environment.  There is a wide range of styles and designs available.  And, of course, cushioned comfort and fit.

Mephisto Rush for Women and Match for Men Shoes

Features – A more traditional-looking lace-up Oxford shoe, the Match and Rush both have thick, firm soles for support and stability.  An anatomical footbed molds to the natural contours of each individual foot.  Breathable, flexible, and lightweight.  High quality materials including leather uppers and supportive rubber soles.

Price – Expect to pay around or over $300.00 for either the Rush or the Match.

Size & Fit - True to size and width.  Can also be ordered in a narrow size.  Moderate arch support.

Company Details – Committed to making long-lasting, comfortable, and attractive shoes, Mephisto uses the latest technology and European craftsmanship to make luxury footwear.

Why Customers Love Mephisto – Comfort, comfort, comfort!  The Match and the Rush cannot be beaten for long-wear, support, stability, and traction.

Skechers Shape Ups Shoes

Features – With a distinct rocker bottom sole, Shape Ups provide firm support, shock absorption, and stability at the same time a cushioned insole.  Designed to increase any walking workout for increased muscle tone and calories burned as well as improved posture and circulation. Durable, comfortable, breathable, and high-quality materials. 

Price – Depending on the style and retailer, the range is from about $55.00 to $110.00.

Size & Fit - Tends to run a half size small.  True to width.  Moderate arch support.

Company Details – Skechers is a company known for producing modern, fresh, and trendy footwear that also incorporates the best in technology for comfortable and supportive shoes.

Why Customers Love Skechers – Price is one aspect of Shape Ups that people love.  The youthful, fresh look is another customer rave.  People also report that Shape Ups deliver on the claims of aiding in weight loss and improved strength and endurance.

MBT Shoes

Features – The first of the rocker bottom shoes, MBTs paved the way and set the mark very high for the competition.  A thick, curved sole that is designed to simulate walking in the sand, these shoes have been called the “anti-shoe.”  Wearing these they can result in weight loss, muscle building and toning as well as improved posture and circulation. These shoes are not made for high-impact activity. 

Price – A wide range depending on style and retailer that goes from $100.00 to over $260.00.  Expect to pay more for the most recent styles.

Size & Fit - True to size and width.  Moderate arch support.

Company Details – MBT stands for “Masai Barefoot Technology,” and the company believes that shoes should be designed according to the whole body, not just the foot.  The result is a shoe that improves the overall health of the body, not just the foot.

Why Customers Love MBT – The main thing that people love about MBT shoes is that they deliver on the health and physical claims.  Wearing MBTs can result in weight loss and improved muscle tone.

Reebok EasyTone Shoes

Features – Using the traditional sneaker as the foundation, Easytones utilize “balance pods” in the sole instead of a rocker bottom.  The surface is unstable and adds a spring to each step. Breathable materials, comfortable, and supportive – all of the features you expect from Reebok footwear.

Price – There is a pretty limited price range from $95.00 - $110.00 for sneakers.  Varying styles and retailers may affect the price to an extent.

Size & Fit - True to size and width.  Moderate arch support.

Company Details – A long-standing company, Reebok has been producing sneakers and fitness shoes for years.  This is a trusted company that has experience and expertise behind it.

Why Customers Love Reebok – Custom styles, comfort, toning, and durability, Reeboks are a continued favorite among athletes and novices alike.

Cogent Shoes
 
Features – Thick, curved rocker bottom sole.  A wide range of styles and designs as well as colors and materials.  Features like an orthodic or foam footbed, a dual-arch support system, and non-slip, shock-absorbing rubber sole, all contribute to the fitness benefits of the shoes.

Price – Prices are pretty consistent among reputable retailers.  Expect around $135.00 for sneakers, $155.00 for sandals, and over $200.00 for dressier shoes.

Size & Fit - True to size and width.  Moderate arch support.

Company Details – With modern styles and a strong fashion sensibility, Cogent Footwear produces shoes that emphasize comfort, health, and appeal.  Although the company is relatively new, they have established themselves as a strong competitor for fitness footwear.

Why Customers Love Cogent – People love high quality construction and durability of Cogent shoes.  They offer real toning and health benefits.  Customers also love the look and design of Cogent shoes.

Where To Buy These Athletic Walking Shoes

Clearance Sale (3/14/2011): Ecco, New Balance, Sano by Mephisto, Mephisto, MBT, and Skechers Shape Up shoes can all be purchased at Footwearetc.com  They currently have a clearance sale on over 90 styles of MBT Shoes and save an extra 20% on most of their clearence and sale priced athletic shoe rands.  Click the link above to activate your discount.

Cogent, and Merrell Chameleon shoes can by purchased at Shoes.com

Keen BLVD shoes can be purchased at KeenFootwear.com

I'm sure you'll find the right shoe for you on this list.  Athletic Walking Shoes are great for exercise walking, working out at the gym, for just casual wear.