11 of the best trainers for walking

Whether you're someone who's always enjoyed walking or you've recently committed to getting your daily step count up, you'll want to make sure you're equipped with the best trainers for walking. Finding the correct yet fashionable trainers will ensure your feet are supported during every step you take. Plus, you'll look the part.

Walking is a great form of exercise, with lots of physical and mental health benefits. It can give you a new appreciation for your surroundings. And the joy that can be found in going outside for a daily walk is unrivalled. Walking outdoors in the UK can be very rewarding and is fantastic for a change of scenery, getting fresh air, sunlight and moving your body.

Last chance Black Friday deals on walking trainers

We interrupt the regularly scheduled content to let you know that although Black Friday is over, there are still plenty of discounts to take advantage of, including a whole host of last chance Black Friday deals on the best trainers for walking. Want to grab a bargain? These are the retailers that still have the best deals live, or keep scrolling to continue reading our buyer’s guide.

Save 25%: Outdoor Womens Walking Shoes, WAS £39.99, NOW £29.99
Save 40%: Lady Vendeavour Walking Shoes | Barley White Lime Cream, WAS £70, NOW £41.95
Save 29%: Nike Escape Run 2, WAS £89.95, NOW £62.97
Save 20%: Skechers Arch Fit Big Appeal Engineered Mesh Lace-up Trainers, WAS £89, NOW £71

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.

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:

• Best overall: Mountain Warehouse Outdoor Walking Shoes - view on Mountain Warehouse
• Best for cushioning: Nike Escape Run 2 - view on Nike
• Best for wide feet: New Balance Women's 624v5 - view on New Balance

Best trainers for walking

VERDICT: What are the best trainers for walking?

Perfect for hiking, long walks and everyday use, these Outdoor Women's Walking Shoes from Mountain Warehouse are one of the best trainers for walking as they're great for protecting your feet with heel and toe bumpers to prevent direct impact. Durable and breathable, the EVA cushioning moulds well to your foot to provide the comfort and support you need whilst out and about.

FAQs

What is the difference between trainers and walking shoes?

Walking and running objectively seem like similar activities. However, the two are different, as are the demands they place on your feet and footwear.

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.

Running, on the other hand, demands the support of at least two to three times your body weight as each stride has moments with neither of your feet positioned on the ground.

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.

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

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.

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.

To make sure you don't run into any problems, avoid trainers that have a thin, hard sole. After all, you need cushioning for comfort and to support your foot. Furthermore, a shoe made of plastic or rubber may not offer much (if any) breathability. So, this will cause discomfort and will retain any sweat. Opt for a different material.

Avoid a walking shoe that has a heel that is too high. After all, this will push your toes to the end of your shoe and cause discomfort as your trek. That doesn't sound ideal. You want to be comfy and encouraged to walk a fair distance without any pain. On the other hand, a very soft, flexible trainer may not offer the support you require. While some casual trainers can be made super easy to bend and pack for travel, they may not help as much as you'd think.

So, how do we avoid picking misfitting trainers? Well, when trying on new trainers, test them in the afternoon as your feet may have swollen over the course of the day. Over the years, our feet naturally change shape and size so it might take some trial and error to find the right fit - it'll be worth it in the end!

Walk1000Miles challenge

Have you really upped your walking activity? Then how about setting yourself the challenge of Walk1000Miles?

Run by our friends at Country Walking magazine, it's a great way to get out and about in the countryside, make friends, lose weight and most of all have fun!

Find out more about Walk1000Miles here.

Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Yours, specialising in home décor, furnishings and appliances. Having worked commercially on Yours magazine and Yours.co.uk for the past six years, she's previously hosted Yours Live events and loves looking for home inspiration online.