How to Choose Comfortable Walking Shoes

1
Support your heel with a snug heel counter. This area of the shoe should comfortably cup the back of your heel. If the heel counter fits correctly, then it can help keep your feet from pronating or supinating when you walk. Make sure that it feels nice and snug but not too tight.^[1]

Pronating means your heels point outward and you put most of your weight on the insides of your feet when you walk.
Supinating means your heels point inward and you put most of your weight on the outsides of your feet when you walk.^[2]

2
Look for a shoe with slight roominess in the toe box. The toe box is the part of the shoe that surrounds your toes. It’s important that this part of the shoe allows your toes to wiggle and bend freely. However, too much space can cause excessive shifting and ultimately, discomfort. Shoot for a nice middle ground.^[3]
3
Look for outsoles with good traction. The part of your shoes that make contact with the ground are called the outsoles. Inspect this under part of the shoe to be sure that there are grooves. These will help create traction when you walk, which can prevent you from slipping and falling.^[4]
4
Make sure the midsoles are made of a cushioning material. Midsoles are arguably the most important part of the shoe. This is the area of the shoe between the upper part of the shoe and the tread.^[5]Feel the midsoles with your hand to assess their softness and resiliency. Try on shoes with midsoles made of gel, foam, or air. All of these materials do a great job of cushioning and minimizing impact each time your foot hits the ground while you walk.^[6]
5
Ensure good shock absorption with quality insoles. The soles of your feet should feel well-cushioned in your walking shoes. It’s crucial that your insoles shape well to your foot and are supportive because their job is to absorb the impact that your foot has on the shoe.^[7]

If you find a shoe that seems great in almost every area but doesn’t have quality insoles, you can always buy some gel inserts to get the support you need.^[8]

6
Assess each shoe’s breathability. When you’re walking and getting your heart rate up, your feet may sweat a little. Make sure to get a shoe that has a breathable membrane and also always wear breathable socks when you’re walking. Shoes that trap the moisture in can cause painful blistering and general discomfort.^[9]