Looking for the best trainers for walking in the UK? You’re in the right place.
One of the easiest physical activities for everyone is walking. Nothing compares to a nice leisurely walk, be it in a park, or even just in your neighborhood. The best thing about going for walks as a physical activity is the very minimal requirements it comes with. The only piece of equipment required is a good pair of trainers for walking.
Although you can wear any sneakers for a walk, there are pairs of trainers specifically made for walking. In this article, we discuss how trainers for walking are different from other sneakers. We also share some general guidelines to consider when buying a pair of trainers for walking. And then we make some recommendations for you to look at.
For a quick view of our top two favourites, have a look at the table below:
Table of Contents
Factors to Consider When Buying Trainers for Walking
When choosing a pair of trainers for walking, consider its stability. As you move, the trainers should have a balanced and secure feel regardless of your movement. Another factor to look at is their flexibility. It should have a good degree of give at the base to allow you to move smoothly. And lastly, your trainers should be comfortable. Its contours and padding should be conformed closely to the feet, fitting closely at the heel and midfoot, providing sufficient space in the forefoot.
Heel counter
The heel counter is the little plastic insert that is used to reinforce the heel cup and increase support. It is located in the back portion of the trainers. What it does is it controls the foot’s pronation, which is the natural side-to-side movement as you walk, as well as supination, which is the rotation of your foot. The heel counter should be snug but not tight. It should comfortably cup the back of the heel.
Midsole
This is arguably the most important part of the shoe you buy, regardless of the purpose you need it for. It is the area between the upper and the outsole. There are different types of materials that give the shoes better cushioning, support, and flexibility.
Insole
As the name suggests, the insole is the inside part of the shoes that run underneath. It is the part that is in contact with your foot. It should have a comfortable contour to the foot. It is meant to decrease the pressure between the foot and the shoe and give some shock absorption.
Toe Box
The toe box is what covers and protects the toes. Toe boxes come in different styles and shapes. Your trainers’ toe boxes for walking should have enough space so that your toes can move freely. When you try your trainers on, try to wiggle and bend your toes. These movements should be unrestricted. On the other hand, if the toe box is too wide, it will cause too much shifting and discomfort.
Best Trainers for Walking UK
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These men’s walking trainers from ASICS are sporty and comfy and are ensured to make you love going for walks. It includes a medial-side bunion window that enhances the fit and comfort that the pair will give you. It is engineered to give you a smooth heel-to-toe transition. It even has a gel cushioning that can absorb shock, making your daily leisurely walks a cloud-like experience.
There are other advantageous features in this pair too besides what’s been mentioned above. Its ortholite footbed gives additional comfort especially when worn for longer walks. The exterior details are reflective so that you’re easily seen even when you work out at night. Lastly, the rubber sole is abrasion-resistant, which ensures solid traction.
Pros:
- Provides solid traction with its abrasion-resistant rubber sole
- Shock absorbent gel cushioning
Cons:
- A little heavier compared to other similarly-fashioned trainers
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This pair from Ryka is one of their designs specifically engineered for walking. It comes in five different colours to choose from: black and pink; grey and rose; blue and chrome silver, chrome silver and robin blue; as well as cloud grey and magenta.
It is made mainly of breathable mesh and supportive leather overlays. The mesh material is perfect for walking and running because of its breathable properties. The outer material, as well as the sole of these trainers, are synthetic. It features a lace-up closure that ensures a secure fit.
The insole is made of memory foam with a latex base which prevents the stock liner from staying compressed, making sure that there is sufficient support all day. It also has a rubber outsole for durability and traction on different surfaces.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight at 7.9 oz (~0.5 lb) for extreme comfort especially when going for long walks
- One of the more budget-friendly pairs on this list but with an uncompromising quality
Cons:
- This pair is not unisex, designed for women
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New Balance 577
New Balance guarantees that these trainers will help you beat fatigue. The all-leather design of the New Balance 577 walking trainers is engineered to deliver superior cushioning and support. This design has two closure types: hook and loop, and lace-up.
It features New Balance’s Abzorb® cushioning in both the heel and in the midsole, which translates to exceptional shock absorption. It also has a padded collar and tongue for better cushioning and a footbed that’s made comfortable specifically for walking.
Its upper is made of leather, its midsole uses Polyurethane for stable cushioning, and its outsole is made of solid rubber.
Additionally, it has reflective detailing for enhanced visibility, especially when going for a walk at night.
Pros:
- Available in both lace-up and hook and loop, suiting every preference
Cons:
- Some users have reported that they wear out faster than other similarly-priced trainers
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These trainers for walking from Saucony have been designed to address every walker’s concerns. Specifically, you would no longer have to think about the pronation issues you used to have, i.e. the natural side-to-side movement of the foot as you walk. These extremely comfortable and plush trainers will make walking for hours at a time easy and effortless.
Made from super-plush garment full-grain leather, you can be sure that these trainers come with stability and cushioning in every step.
There is an excellent amount of arch support for people with fallen and high arches. The forefoot has enough room as the toe box allows for comfortable toe splay. In addition, this design has been tested to last more than a year even with regular use.
Users of Saucony Men’s Grid Omni Walker Walking Shoe are unanimous in their opinion that these trainers are made with excellent support making them an ideal pair for your exercise walks.
Pros:
- Its EVA midsole has a higher durometer to slow the rate of pronation
Cons:
- May not be best for rainy weather as the water soaks easily through the material
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Besides your daily walks, this pair of trainers has also been made for other activities such as hiking and trekking. They are lightweight and breathable and are built for speed across rugged terrain, especially with the trainers’ solid construction.
It has a durable outsole that gives a good grip on wet and dry surfaces, suitable for any type of trail.
The upper is made of mesh, providing breathable comfort. Its synthetic overlays and outer material add lightweight support and durability.
Other design specifications of these trainers include a sole made of gum rubber, no heel, and a lace-up closure style for a secure fit and a reduced in-shoe slippage. Additionally, its EVA midsole provides low profile cushioning, and its sock liner gives an added comfort.
Pros:
- Solid construction makes these trainers ideal for any type of terrain
Cons:
- Midsoles are a little too soft
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These trainers from one of the most famous brands of athletic shoes have everything that makes a good pair of trainers for walking. Its upper is made of mesh for breathability, which makes your walking experience a pleasure. Its low-cut design provides for freedom of motion and quicker transitions.
These trainers also have great cushioning with its memory tech sock liner and super soft foam. Additionally, its DMX Flex technology allows air to flow from heel to toe with each step which creates custom cushioning.
Its low-profile dug design is meant for great traction, which makes these trainers great for walking and everyday comfort.
Pros:
- Light and soft on the foot with a durable quality considering its low price
Cons:
- A little heavier at 10.5 oz
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Although most shoes from Brooks, including this model, are designed for running, all the specifications of this design make it ideal for walking too, available in different colours.
Material-wise, its upper is made of breathable, engineered mesh and 3D fit print. It features a comfortable textile lining for good in-shoe feel, while its exterior is made of fabric material. Lastly, its sole is made of gum rubber.
One of the best things about this pair is its GuideRails Holistic Support System. It’s a system that is meant to protect the most injury-prone part of a walker of a runner’s body: the knees. The system lets you move comfortably by keeping excess movement in check.
Another great feature is its balanced, soft cushioning using BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning which work together resulting in a just-right softness in the underfoot, without compromising the responsiveness and durability.
Pros:
- Excellent in-shoe experience, non-bulky look, and breathable upper
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the stitches can easily come unraveling
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Wrap Up
Having considered all the pros and cons of all items on this list, our favourite would have to be the No products found.. They have all the straightforward qualities that make a good pair of trainers for walking. They are comfortable, comfortable, have excellent cushioning, and shock-absorbent. On top of that, they look great too!