Expert Picks: Best Men's & Women's Walking Shoes of the Year

July 26, 2024

Walking is a low-impact, accessible exercise that provides a range of health benefits. However, choosing the right and best walking shoes for men’s and women’s is crucial for optimizing comfort and preventing injury. This comprehensive guide delves into the best walking shoes options for different needs, like flat Feet, overpronation, plantar fasciitis, and knee pain, highlighting FitVille's top selections for both men and women, along with bonus tips for choosing the perfect walking shoes.

No. 1 Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet and Overpronation

People with flat feet often experience overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively, which can lead to issues like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and knee pain. Therefore, selecting shoes with adequate arch support and motion control is essential.

When choosing walking shoes for flat feet and overpronation, consider the following features:

Arch Support: Opt for shoes with built-in arch support or those that can accommodate custom orthotics.
Stability: Look for shoes with a firm midsole and a wider base to help control excessive motion and enhance stability.
Cushioning: Ensure the shoes have sufficient cushioning to absorb shock and reduce stress on your feet and joints.

Based on the key features above, we tested all the walking shoes and came up with the must-buy and recommended walking shoes for men and women who suffer from flat feet and overpronation. Let's see how it goes.

FitVille Rebound Core: Good Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

Overview of FitVille Rebound Core

FitVille Rebound Core Walking shoes offer extra width up to 6E for a roomy toe box, dual-density EVA soles for balanced firmness and flexibility, and U-shaped arch support with an EnergyWave pad for shock absorption. The rubber outsole provides excellent slip resistance, and the heel ring ensures stable gait control, even with fatigue.

Shoes suitable for: Men’s and Women’s with flat feet and overpronation

FitVille Rebound Core Walking shoes for Men: FitVille Men's Rebound Core Walking Shoes V1

FitVille Rebound Core Walking shoes for Women: FitVille Women's Rebound Core Walking Shoes V1

FitVille Men's Rebound Core Walking Shoes V1 - 5

Key Features & Benefits

Comfort+ Technology: The Rebound Core features a dual-layer EVA design with 53-degree shore hardness in the forefoot and 58-degree shore hardness in the heel, offering a flexible forefoot and supportive heel for optimal shock absorption and arch support.

EnergyWave Pad: Embedded in the midsole, this technology delivers a bouncy energy return, ideal for heavy walkers and those with heel pain. It reduces fatigue and pain by redistributing energy with each step, enhancing stride and reducing strain on flat feet.

Gait Correcting System: The elevated midsole, anti-torsion midfoot, TPU heel ring, and U-shaped heel cup work together to secure the foot and ensure stability. This system supports proper alignment, alleviates strain, and reduces the risk of injury for those with flat feet.

Design Choices: Available in lace-up or Velcro strap options, the shoe combines a rigid exterior with a soft, padded inner lining. This design prevents deformation during walking and supports stable foot positioning, accommodating both pronation and supination.

Testimonial: FitVille Rebound Core Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

"Due to surgical neuropathy, I need shoes with maximum support, rigid soles, and a wide toe box. I usually stick to a well-known brand but decided to try FitVille ReboundCore for my flat feet. Despite concerns about mesh sides, I’m thrilled with my purchase. These shoes offer excellent support, a perfect fit for my custom orthotics, and require no break-in period. They are slightly heavier than mesh shoes but provide superior support and quality, comparable to other top brands." — Erin G.

No.2 Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis sufferers require shoes with excellent arch support and cushioning to ease pain and professional stability features to prevent pronation. This is crucial because pronation can stretch the plantar fascia, causing tiny injuries with each step. Proper footwear can significantly alleviate discomfort and aid in healing.

When choosing walking shoes for knee pain, look for:

Arch Support: Ensures even pressure distribution, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
Cushioning: Absorbs impact to minimize stress on the heel and arch.
Stability Features: Prevents overpronation, which can exacerbate plantar fasciitis by causing excessive inward rolling of the foot.
U-shaped Heel Cup: Provides extra stability and keeps the foot in place to prevent aggravation of the condition.

Considering the key features outlined, we evaluated all the walking shoes and identified the top recommendations for men and women dealing with Plantar Fasciitis. Let’s explore which options stand out.

FitVille HeelAero: Good Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Overviews of Fitville HeelAero Walking Shoes

FitVille HeelAero Walking Shoes feature up to 4E width and high insteps for a comfortable fit for wide feet and foot conditions like bunions and arthritis. The air-cushioned heel absorbs impact and rebounds quickly, while the PU Core provides +50% support for all-day comfort. The ErgoFit™ arch support offers firm, flexible support without bulk, and the formulated rubber outsole ensures durability and excellent grip. Additionally, the suede and mesh construction promotes airflow and controls sweat for lasting comfort.

Shoes suitable for: Men’s and Women’s with plantar fasciitis

Fitville HeelAero Walking Shoes for Men: FitVille Men's HeelAero Walking Shoes V1

Fitville HeelAero Walking Shoes for Women: FitVille women's HeelAero Walking Shoes V1

FitVille Men's HeelAero Walking Shoes V1 - 12

Key Features & Benefits

Air Cushioning Technology: The advanced air cushioning system effectively absorbs shock and supports the foot during walking and standing, reducing strain on the plantar fascia and alleviating pain while preventing further injury.

Superior Support: The 55-degree hardness PU sole offers exceptional support and stability, evenly distributing pressure across the foot to prevent improper gait and reduce stress on the plantar fascia, minimizing micro-injuries.

Gait Correction: The innovative gait-correcting system features a 1.3 cm toe-to-heel drop, ergonomic arch support, and anti-torsion midfoot technology. This design promotes a natural stride, reduces discomfort and fatigue, and ensures even weight distribution.

1.3 cm Toe-to-Heel Drop: Enhances natural stride, alleviates pressure on the heel and Achilles tendon.
Ergonomic Arch Support Insole: Provides stability and proper alignment, prevents overpronation, and offers a soothing massage effect on the arch.
Anti-Torsion Midfoot Technology: Minimizes foot twisting, reducing overpronation and strain on the plantar fascia.

Wide Fit and Comfort: Available in wide sizes (2E and 4E), HeelAero shoes comfortably accommodate wider feet, bunions, and gout. The U-shaped heel cup of the ultra-cushioning insole stabilizes and absorbs shock, hugging the heel with each step.

Testimonial: FitVille HeelAero Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

"I struggled with foot pain while searching for a shoe that could provide both stability and comfort. My chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis made it tough to find the right fit, but these sneakers met all my needs. They offer excellent support and relief. Highly recommend them!" — Yamilet Henry

No. 3 Best Walking Shoes for Knee Pain

Knee pain during walking can stem from overuse, improper footwear, or underlying conditions, often exacerbated by an abnormal gait that misaligns the knee joints. Shoes that lack proper support or cushioning can increase stress on the knees. Research shows that addressing gait issues and choosing appropriate walking shoes can alleviate knee pain by providing necessary support and reducing impact forces (Physio-pedia, Arthritis.org).

When selecting walking shoes for knee pain, look for:

Cushioning: Ample cushioning to absorb shock and lessen impact on the knees.
Stability: Features like heel rings and firm heel counters to maintain proper alignment and prevent excessive movement, improving gait mechanics.
Fit: Proper fit with adequate toe room to prevent gait changes that increase knee stress.
Heel-to-Toe Drop and Hardness: A lower heel-to-toe drop and medium hardness to support a natural stride, reduce heel strike impact, and promote better gait mechanics.

Based on the key features discussed, we assessed various walking shoes and selected the top recommendations for men and women with knee pain. Let’s see which options stand out.

FitVille Rebound NEO: Good Walking Shoes for Knee Pain

Overviews of FitVille Rebound Neo

FitVille Rebound Neo Walking Shoes are designed for knee pain relief with a Comfort+™ sole that balances 58% heel firmness and 53% forefoot flexibility for stability and flexibility. The 30% thicker platform offers extra bounce and energy return, while ErgoFit™ arch support and a heel-hugging insole ensure comfort and proper alignment. Anti-pronation features and ergonomic grip enhance stability and prevent overpronation. Available in wide sizes (2E and 4E), they provide a comfortable fit for various foot widths.

Shoes suitable for: Men’s with knee pain (Women’s Coming soon)

Fitville Rebound NEO Walking Shoes for Men:

FitVille Men's Rebound Neo Walking Shoes V1

FitVille Men's Rebound Neo Walking Shoes V2

Key Features and Benefits

Tailored Sole Comfort+™: Featuring a balanced design with 58% firmness in the heel and 53% flexibility in the forefoot, this sole offers both stability and adaptability. This thoughtful combination helps maintain proper alignment and reduces knee strain by evenly distributing pressure across the foot.

Enhanced Platform Cushioning: The 30% thicker platform provides a 30% increase in bounce, delivering superior energy return with each step. This enhanced cushioning reduces fatigue and alleviates pain by redistributing energy, making walking more comfortable and less taxing on the knees.

ErgoFit™ Arch Support: The integrated arch support insole offers immediate massage-like relief at the midfoot, effectively supporting the arch and evenly distributing pressure. This reduces joint stress and enhances overall comfort.

Heel-Hugging Insole: Designed for comfort without bulk, the firm yet flexible insole supports the foot while promoting proper alignment. This feature is crucial for reducing knee pain, especially during extended walks.

Anti-Pronation Lock: Combining a heel ring, broad platform, and supportive heel counter, this feature corrects gait and provides stable support. It is essential for preventing overpronation, a common cause of knee discomfort.

Ergonomic Grip: Flexing rubber segments enhance grip by 30% and ensure a smooth roll with every step. This improves stability and prevents slips, further reducing stress on the knees.

Wide Foot Accommodations: Available in 2E and 4E sizes, these shoes cater to wide feet, ensuring proper alignment and stability. This design minimizes overpronation and evenly distributes pressure, reducing knee stress and enhancing overall comfort.

Testimonial: FitVille Rebound NEO Walking Shoes for Knee Pain

“I’m not usually a fan of new shoes, but these FitVille Rebound NEOs fit perfectly right out of the box. As someone who spends all day on my feet teaching, I often experience pain in my feet, lower back, and knees. Since I started wearing these shoes, I haven’t had any pain at all!”—Larry Carr (one of the first testers of the new release and a FitVille staff member's older brother)

Answered: Are Running Shoes Good for Walking?

Running shoes are engineered for the high-impact, dynamic movements of running, which involves different foot strike patterns and impact forces compared to walking. While they offer cushioning and support, consider the following key differences and features below:

Heel Design: Running shoes generally feature a higher heel drop (the difference in height between the heel and toe) to accommodate the forward-leaning motion of running. In contrast, walking shoes usually have a more even heel-to-toe drop to support a natural gait.

Flexibility: Running shoes are often more flexible in the forefoot to facilitate the running stride. Walking shoes, on the other hand, are designed to provide consistent support across the entire foot.

Cushioning: Both types of shoes offer cushioning, but walking shoes tend to focus more on shock absorption in the heel and midfoot, which is crucial for the repetitive motion of walking.

To sum up, running shoes can be suitable for walking, especially for those who engage in both activities, dedicated walking shoes typically offer more tailored support and comfort. FitVille’s walking shoes, for example, are specifically designed to enhance support and cushioning for long walks. They address common walking issues such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel spurs, ensuring a more comfortable and pain-free experience.

Tips: Running Shoes vs. Trail Walking Shoes

When choosing between running shoes and trail walking shoes, consider the terrain and duration of your walks:

Paved Surfaces: If you mainly walk on paved paths or city streets, running shoes with ample cushioning and a durable outsole will offer the support and comfort you need. Their cushioning helps absorb shock and reduce impact, making them suitable for long walks on hard surfaces.
Trail Walking: For trail walking or uneven terrain, look for shoes with enhanced grip and stability features. Trail walking shoes are designed with rugged outsoles and additional support to handle rough, uneven surfaces and provide traction on slippery or loose ground.

Conclusion

Choosing the best walking shoes involves considering various factors to ensure optimal comfort, support, and durability. This year's expert picks highlight top models for both men and women that excel in different aspects of walking, from cushioning and support to flexibility and stability.

For men, the standout choices provide exceptional cushioning and support, ideal for both everyday use and long walks. Models like the FitVille Men's HeelAero Walking Shoes offer advanced comfort features such as air-cushioned heels and ergonomic design, making them perfect for extended walking sessions.

For women, the top picks emphasize a blend of style and functionality. FitVille Women's HeelAero Walking Shoes, for instance, offer superior support and cushioning, catering to various foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and bunions. Their design ensures comfort while walking for long periods.

Ultimately, the best walking shoes for the year combine innovative technologies with thoughtful design to address common walking issues. By selecting shoes that cater to your specific needs, you can enjoy enhanced comfort, reduce foot pain, and make your walking experience more enjoyable.