Shoes for long walks. Walking shoes: how to choose the best for every day? What are the most comfortable for Nordic walking? The best manufacturers of sports shoes

Sneakers are sports shoes that have firmly entered the wardrobe of people of all ages. The modern urban rhythm forces a lot of walking. How to choose the right walking shoes so that walking in them does not create problems and your legs do not get tired? It is necessary to focus on a number of conditions and criteria.

The advantage of sneakers as casual shoes is determined by several reasons:

• they are designed for heavy loads and long distances;
• their design corresponds to the anatomical features of the foot;
• you can choose a model taking into account the physiological changes in the position of the legs in the process of walking.

People with an active lifestyle choose sneakers as the main shoe for walking around the city because of their comfort, stability, and durability.

Walking shoes are flexible, contain special orthopedic elements that protect the foot when moving:

1. a thick, dense sole softens the vertical contact of the foot with the surface with cushioning;
2. rigid high heel provides stability of the foot when moving;
3. high edges fix the mobile ankle joint.

Running shoes and walking shoes are very different. So, running shoes are designed taking into account the tilt of the whole body forward when running. This is unacceptable in walking shoes.

Requirements for running shoes

Every detail of walking shoes meets the requirements of comfort, convenience and injury prevention.

1. The sole should be thick and resilient to protect against bumps and cushion the impact of walking. Tread - provide grip on the surface.
2. The heel part is high and rigid, for stability and protection against lateral sliding.
3. Elastic midsole materials should cushion. In cross-country hiking shoes, silicone gel absorbs shock, protecting the knees and spine.
4. The purpose of the soft cushion (arch support) on the midsole is to prevent flat feet, protect the ankle from rapid fatigue.
5. The insoles should absorb moisture well and be easy to remove.
6. The top is breathable. The best materials are textiles, a combination of leather and high-tech synthetics.
7. Laces should not be deformed, spontaneously untied.

How to define quality

To understand how to choose the right walking shoes, you need to familiarize yourself with the general requirements, as well as decide on a specific type of walking. The basic selection criteria are as follows:

• outward state,
• the quality of individual elements and materials,
• leg fit.

What you need to see during an external examination

• Sole shape and tread. Sneakers for walking on rough terrain are equipped with a wide sole, forward-back tread;
• On socks - a rubber overlay protecting from stratification;
• On the sole - the logo of the manufacturer, on the tongue - a label with marking;
• The firmware is even, the lines are tightly stretched;
• The glue is applied carefully;
• The smell of synthetics is weak, pleasant;
• Weight is light.

The absence of at least one sign is a signal of a fake.

Sneakers designed for walking should have high lacing, grooved soles and soft uppers.

What to see on close inspection

• The presence of a supinator.
• The insole is removable, hygroscopic.
• The sole should be made of a dense composite (multilayer) material. Deep relief - for outdoor activities. Shallow - an attribute of shoes for walking. Walking shoes must have a segmented sole.
• Soft cushion around the ankle to prevent chafing.
• Quality top.

Fitting

Sneakers, like any footwear for long walking, must be tried on when buying. So that the big toe does not “butt up” with the toe of the shoe, there should be a gap of up to ½ cm between them. It is better to try on in the evening: daily loads increase the volume of the legs, give a margin in size.

Try on both feet in socks of the thickness that you plan to wear with sports shoes. There are models with a fitting system for the leg.

The wrong choice of walking shoes can cause health problems ranging from calluses to varicose veins, back pain and the development of flat feet.

Where is the best place to buy and why?

High quality shoes are sought in specialized stores or departments. There, the reputation of manufacturers is confirmed by warranty periods from several months to several years, depending on the model. The buyer can exchange or return the product in case of a defect, disappointment in color, error in size.

The online store excludes the possibility of fitting.

In the markets, the brand label can hide the counterfeit. Prices in company stores are higher than in the market. But this is the case when the price of sneakers for everyday walking becomes a guarantor of the quality of the product.

In order not to make a mistake with the choice of walking shoes, we must visualize how they look. There are many types of sneakers and they look different, but which ones are ours. Walking shoes should have high lacing to protect the ankle.

When choosing sneakers, the main thing is to pay less attention to the persuasion of the seller. The phrases - "how does it suit you" and "this color suits you" should become completely empty for you.

Although sellers in branded stores usually use such persuasions very sparingly. If you want to wear sneakers for a long time, and that they are comfortable. Get them in branded stores. And here it’s not even about the price, but about the fact that by purchasing a good thing in a company store, you simply keep your feet healthy.

When choosing shoes, remember only about the convenience of the foot, its position inside the sneakers. Because shoes bought for walking involve overcoming a long distance.

Here are the basic rules:

1. In no case should sneakers be small for you., this is not a T-shirt, they will not stretch, and high-quality ones do not increase in size at all, even after long-term use.
2. Move the fitting, if possible, to the afternoon in the late afternoon. The legs, being in an upright position, swell and the size will be different from the morning fitting. It will be more correct.
3. Putting on sneakers in the store, do not stand still, walk around for a couple of minutes to see if you are in size.
4. Never try on sneakers with bare feet.

The most affordable and familiar form of physical activity

Let's take a look at a few tips for the proper use of walking as a tool for additional payload in order to improve our physical and moral condition.

You can choose any time for walking, although it is best not to take long walks on an empty stomach. Ideally, this is from an hour to two after a meal. Although for people who have extra pounds, overcoming short distances on an empty stomach will go in the future.

The pace of walking may vary depending on the time of day. If you take a walk in the morning, then you should not take it for long distances, the body after sleep is not yet oversaturated with extra calories, and there is no need to burn them. But a walk with temporary accelerations will just benefit your cardiovascular system.

In the evening, on the contrary, take sightseeing, long walks. Alternating walking speed.

Proper breathing

With the right walk, you should not suffocate - this is the main condition, you need to breathe measuredly - rhythmically through the nose. When you increase the rhythm, then exhalation through the mouth is added. It is necessary to breathe deeply with a full chest, so that during accelerated walking the body does not experience a lack of oxygen.

Load and technique

Certainly, for an ordinary person, walking should not be divided into small distances every day. It is better to make big marches every other day - throws, than to split the distance. Loading the body with short distances, you will not feel either a healing effect or an improvement in well-being.

Distances from 3-5 km per day are average, older people should appeal to shorter distances. Increased distances are considered walks of 8-10 km. For people who are physically active, this route includes ascents and descents.

If it is limited not by distance, but by time periods, then it is necessary to start training walks from 15 to 30 minutes a day. Gradually, over the course of three months, add 5-10 minutes to each session. This will prepare your heart for physical activity. But also, do not be zealous, walking for more than 2 hours will no longer have only a positive effect on your body.

What distinguishing features should walking shoes have?

Sole and tread

The sole must be necessarily three-layer, made of wear-resistant rubber. It should also have excellent cushioning, with at least one air chamber. The relief of the sole should be high, with a mandatory overlap on the toe in the form of spikes. The heel of the sole must be firm.

A tread over a non-uniform surface should never be made of rubber. It is made of porous rubber. It is desirable that the protector is located on the back of the heel, then this also provides stabilization of the heel.

Arch support

The arch support plays the most important role in the comfort of walking. Unlike the sole, which is more likely to provide safety, the arch support prevents the development of flat feet.

It is on him that the comfortable position of the foot in the sneaker depends. When choosing, you need to remember that if you are uncomfortable, then the location of the arch support is not suitable for you. And he will no longer adapt to your leg, will not pull up, will not bend. If you are uncomfortable, then this is not your model.

Material

The upper part should combine several types of coatings. The lower part, which is in contact with the sole, must be made of leather.

The middle and upper parts are made mainly of synthetics. And there is nothing wrong with that, do not be afraid of the word "synthetics", this is not leatherette. The leg in the process of walking must be ventilated. To do this, mesh inserts are made of synthetics, which do not disappear and almost do not tear.

Laces

Laces, like lacing, can be varied. However, there are some observations. The use of round laces is not recommended, they are quickly untied. Leather shoes fix the foot well, but they are motionless. The best option is flat synthetics, they fix the leg well.

Choosing the right surface finish

Don't forget the high lacing to protect your ankle from uneven terrain.

The surface for walking can be very different. But you must determine for yourself on which surface the classes will be held to a greater extent.

If your route will be mostly asphalt, your shoes should not be stiff. Choose models with a softer inner layer and mandatory air chambers. But the outer part of the sole must be reliably protected by special durable overlays that prevent abrasion.

On the grass, on the other hand, the sole should be stiffer, since the routes laid on the grass are more bumpy than the asphalt.

Main manufacturers

1. Reebok- is one of the oldest manufacturers, founded in 1985 by Joseph Foster. Since its foundation, the company has been engaged in the production of only sports shoes. The authority of this company is so high that it does not follow fashion, it creates it. Reebok is a company that produces sports shoes for every sport around the world.
2. Asics is a Japanese company founded in the post-war years by Kihagiro Onitsuka. Today, it occupies the third position among the world leaders in sports shoes and clothing. Recently, the company has been actively engaged in a brand expansion program in Europe.
3. Nike“This is truly the shark of the American sports shoe market. Founded, by historical standards, quite recently in 1964. Nike - 95% coverage of the NBA shoe market. And according to experts, it is the most expensive brand with a turnover of 10.7 billion dollars a year.
4. Adidas– there is no person on earth who would not have heard about the existence of this brand. The German concern produces sports shoes, clothing and equipment. Distributor of many leading brands. Founded by Adolf Dasler after the First World War. Adidas is currently the leader in the sporting goods footwear market.

The most popular female models

Reebok Easy Tone

In addition to high quality, this series of shoes has the best orthopedic effect. The specially designed outsole design includes two air chambers that are designed to balance the position of the foot for the best possible stability.

NikeAirMillerWalk

They have a unique durable last, in connection with the shock-absorbing sole, they are created specifically for long walks. Built-in ventilation system tones the foot while walking. The outsole includes durable Sole injury protection.

PumaBodyTrain

Suitable for fitness. The BodyTrain technology makes walking particularly easy. The sole, thanks to the channels of flexibility, maintains the natural position of the foot, and the Sockliner insole provides sufficient breathability from the foot from overheating.

The most popular male models

ReebokRunToneAction

Men's toning running shoes. The upper is made of synthetics and textile in the form of a mesh material for breathability. The sole is made of foam rubber, providing a very low weight of 425 grams.

Nike Free Walk

The best in the running and walking shoe division. The upper is made of a material that has been called freelight because of its lightness. This material is almost imperceptible on the leg. The sole has extraordinary flexibility due to the complete division of the outer layer into sections. Suitable for overcoming distances with any surface.

AsicsGel-solaceAW13

They are designed for athletic walking. To absorb the load on the toe and heel, gel-silicone Gel-solace is used.

Gel technology provides heel protection, which in turn takes the load off the spine when walking. On the contact areas of the coated outsole, special inserts made of super-durable rubber are made, which makes the sneaker resistant to abrasion.

1. Posture Keeping one line with the spine, keep your head straight. Look under your feet without lowering your head. The leg is free from the hip, step on the foot consistently. Keep your chest straight and slightly raised.
2. Legs- the step width should be optimal for you, do not make it too large. When walking, you should not experience discomfort. Place your foot on your heel and gradually roll towards your toes.
3. Hands- the arm is bent at the forearm, free from the shoulder. The movement of the arm begins with the elbow pulled back and, in time with the walk, we return the arm to the body.

When going out to class, choose clothes made of cotton for good ventilation of the body. Never wear one piece of clothing. Always wear (windbreaker, T-shirt) together. After warming up, you can always take one thing off.

In our article, we tried to understand how to choose the right shoes and what it should be like. We got acquainted with the history of famous trademarks of the world.

They gave an example of the types of sneakers for walking and fitness. We dismantled the fundamental parts that make up walking shoes. We tried to understand the importance and benefits of walking.

Having finally found ourselves on a long-awaited vacation, we selflessly indulged in walks, especially since in Moscow, with its distances, it is rarely possible to afford such a thing. Having covered 20 kilometers with ease on the first day, we realized that such forced marches should not be wasted - we need to experiment in which shoes to make large-scale walks will be the most comfortable, and which ones are simply unbearable.

Gucci Horsebit mules

Looking at these mules, you will most likely say that this was a deliberately bad idea. We absolutely agree with you, but we saw hundreds of Italians dissecting the cobbles of Milan in just such Gucci sleepers, so we almost believed in the incredible comfort of this brand's shoes. But no. These are the worst shoes for walking longer than a couple of kilometers.

Walking shoes should have thick soles for cushioning.

Mules, firstly, are deprived of this most important characteristic. Secondly, they do not meet all other requirements for walking shoes. The foot in the mules is poorly fixed, which increases the load on the ankle joint and threatens with injury - for example, twist your leg. Such shoes do not have a stable heel, arch support (not to mention the anatomical repetition of the foot) and breathable materials. In summer, the feet are quite hot in leather mules, and there are no insoles that would absorb moisture in them either.

Outcome is this: you will erase your legs, stumble ten times or simply be left without a “slipper” after another collision with paving stones, spoil the mules themselves, because they have no protectors, and in the evening you will die from pulling pain in your legs. Yes, Gucci in Milan is bought in bags and worn everywhere, but save your mules for going to the bar, not for a long walk.

Our rating: 3/10.

Sandals Birkenstock Milano

If you have a high arch and no hint of flat feet, you can experiment with orthopedic shoes. The Birkenstock sandals (we'll save the debate about whether these are stylish shoes for later) have the perfect anatomical repeat of the foot, the arch support that is vital for anyone who was drafted into the army due to the lack of flat feet, and it is an open shoe in which the feet breathe.

The soles of walking shoes should be flexible.

The Birkenstock, unlike the mules, has a thick cork sole, a tread and a heel counter that fixes the heel. But these sandals (almost in the literal sense) are absolutely oak and do not bend. Therefore, your ankle joints and knees suffer from increased stress. The ease of walking and softness depends primarily on the ability of the shoe to bend, repeating the movement of the foot with each step.

Outcome is this: you will not erase your legs and you will not suffer from the heat, you will only earn yourself such an unpleasant ailment as inflammation of the periosteum of the lower leg, which often happens among runners and lovers of sports walking. The main symptom is a sharp pain in the front of the lower leg with each step, which will last for several more days, depriving you of further throws around the city. All due to insufficient depreciation and a large load on the joints. And we are sure that if you often walk for a long time in inappropriate shoes, you are familiar with such sensations.

Our rating: 5/10.

Balenciaga Triple S sneakers

Having changed Milan to Berlin, we certainly could not resist the temptation to become one of the heroes of street style in a city where it seems that even the most boring burgher in a calm area of ​​​​the western part of the city follows fashion trends. So we went to admire the masterpieces of Soviet constructivism and look into hipster bars, perhaps in the most fashionable sneakers of this year.

You can walk for a long time only in light shoes.

Remember this once and for all. If you don't want to feel like a prisoner in stocks at hard labor or like a victim of the modern Inquisition, who has two irons tied to his legs, leave the Triple S for going to parties. After 5-6 kilometers of walking, it will begin to seem to you that these sneakers weigh just a ton. In addition, they also do not have arch support and the sole practically does not bend. Despite the fact that there is a mesh fabric on the sides and top that allows air to pass through, due to the extremely massive bottom and rubber inserts, the legs still breathe poorly.

Outcome is this: a walk in the Balenciaga Triple S is more like a grueling workout with weights for a man who is no stranger to a passion for light BDSM. Since these are still sneakers, the sensations, perhaps, were more pleasant than after sandals and mules, but still the language will not turn out to be comfortable to call such a walk. Returning to the room and throwing all this hype off our feet, we only dreamed of throwing them in a basin of ice and never going anywhere again.

After trying all the extravagant options in my suitcase, I got to the most reliable option - Nike Air Max. And my legs were finally grateful to me. They have a very soft and elastic sole, because the Air Max technology itself implies the presence of an air cushion in it, which enhances cushioning and protects the ankle and knee joints and ligaments from injury.

The air cushion in the sole relieves stress from the feet and helps to save energy.

Since Nike Air Max sneakers were originally created not for street style heroes, but for athletes, designers, when creating a new model based on the classic one, first of all think about its functionality and manufacturability. This applies to soles, fabrics, laces and orthopedic insoles that absorb moisture. And by the way, if you can't resist the hype, the Nike collaboration with Off-White is perfect for long walks.

**The bottom line is this: **Sneakers with a sporty history are what you need if you're going to walk a dozen miles or more. We were convinced by a personal example in Nike, but I think that specialized adidas, Reebok or Puma will not yield to them. And nothing will distract you from contemplating nature and taking pictures of architecture on Instagram.

Running shoes should be durable and made of breathable fabric so that the feet do not sweat. Models with breathable mesh inserts are very popular, but this is true if you go to warm countries, and not to the White Sea coast. A lightweight sole will help you feel comfortable in your legs during long walks, and an anatomical design that matches the structure of the foot will make walking easier. The flexibility of the material and special orthopedic elements, such as an arch support on the insole, will help you walk tens of kilometers without stress and fatigue. It is good if the insoles absorb moisture, the main thing is to remove them every day and dry them.

The sole of sports sneakers should be not only light, but also dense, with a firm heel that provides stability to the foot. The elastic and thick sole softens the impact when walking and reduces discomfort on uneven surfaces, which is especially important when walking in nature. Thanks to the high edges of the sneaker, a mobile ankle joint is fixed, which also facilitates movement. If you are planning a hiking trip, rather than walking around the city, give preference to models made of moisture-resistant material with a grooved sole. Before buying, test the laces - they should not be constantly untied.

Keds are a classic

Lightweight and comfortable shoes are great for travel. When choosing sneakers for a trip, pay attention to the following points. The sole should be embossed and moderately rigid, requiring effort when bending. If the sneakers are very elastic and bend easily, you should not buy them for travel.

The sole and other details should be stitched with strong threads, while the stitches should be even, straight and neat. If you see traces of glue and threads sticking out, refrain from buying such shoes, because they may not survive until the end of your vacation.

The rubber on the sole should not have a strong odor. If it is present, it indicates that the sneakers are made of toxic materials and are harmful to health.

Summer moccasins for city walks

Moccasins made of leather, suede and nubuck can successfully compete with sneakers when it comes to movement within the city. Moccasins are the shoes of the North American Indians who wore them all the time, including hunting. The main advantage of this shoe is its softness, so the legs in moccasins do not get tired at all. Moccasins because of the flat soles are contraindicated for people with flat feet. To protect yourself from this disease, purchase shoes with arch support on the insole. Now they produce moccasins with a small heel, so the choice of models is quite large. If you are looking for country style loafers, they should have softer soles than city shoes.

There are different types of moccasins for all occasions, but not all models are suitable for long walks. Slip-ons are lightweight shoes made of canvas fabric with thick soles - it is very comfortable to walk in them, and your feet do not sweat in them.

Topsiders are leather moccasins with embossed non-slip soles and encircling lacing around the foot. Once they were worn only by yachtsmen, but now city dwellers, who spend the whole day on their feet, fell in love with these shoes. Moccasins are comfortable, stylish and practical!

Sports summer sandals

These are the most comfortable women's shoes for every day, because you can walk in sandals for a long time without feeling tired. Good sandals should have a durable rubber sole and a comfortable buckle system. In addition, they should be soft, because most often they are worn on bare feet. Sandals with a fabric top are suitable for hot weather - they are easy to wear even at +40 ° C. Fasteners should securely fix the foot so that the legs do not get tired while walking; Velcro, metal or plastic fasteners are usually used for this.

For country walks, choose models with high soles so that dust and small pebbles do not get into the shoes. Sandals are very comfortable, following the lines of the foot with a raised rounded toe - it is much easier and more pleasant to move in them. Some models are equipped with a figured anti-slip tread, which reduces the risk of injury, because sometimes tourists have to visit places where a person’s foot rarely sets foot.

Aqua shoes for the sea and the ocean

Slippers made of polymeric materials or made of quick-drying fabric with a foamy ribbed sole are designed for beach holidays. Aqua shoes protect the feet from bacteria, fungus, hot sand, stones and sharp objects that are easy to injure. In it, you can safely walk along the coast and not look under your feet. It is uncomfortable to rest on a pebble beach without such slippers, and in exotic countries, aqua shoes will protect you from the spikes of poisonous fish and marine animals.

With a long stay in the water, rubber aqua shoes do not lose their shape. However, these shoes are produced not only in the form of slippers - many models resemble moccasins, half-sneakers or half-sneakers with lacing, a strap or a special fastening for fixing the foot. They are bought by lovers of water sports and diving, for whom it is important that rubber moccasins do not slip off their feet. Some modern brands produce aqua shoes in the form of elegant rubber ballet flats, which you can even walk in the city.

For beginners, the requirements for Nordic walking shoes are simple - you can practice in everyday comfortable shoes without heels. But there comes a time of inevitable progress, increasing the duration of classes, diversity in the tracks and increase the pace. By this time, it is better to prepare in advance by taking care of high-quality, technologically advanced training shoes that will help to avoid calluses and pain in the feet.

Those who have ever gone hiking or skiing know that shoes should be the last thing to save on. Good equipment is a guarantee of a good mood and maintaining health in long transitions.

Like many of my peers, I started playing sports when normal sports shoes were not available. If you managed to get good sneakers, then they didn’t go to knead the mud in training, but put on what is called “on the way out”. For which many of us later paid with injuries to the ankle or knee joints.

Now times are different, there are a lot of high-quality sports shoes on the market, and I personally consider it unreasonable not to take advantage of this variety.

How to choose walking shoes

Walking shoes, as well as any other, need to be selected depending on the routes that you have to conquer in it. I will tell you about the types of shoes that will be comfortable for a Nordic walker, and you just have to make a choice according to your needs.

Let me remind you that no matter what shoes you choose, the main thing is that it should fit you perfectly in terms of block and size, so pay special attention to trying on. It is better to go for a fitting in the afternoon, because by the evening the feet increase slightly in size. Be sure to take not trying on the socks in which you will train. Try several different models of sneakers, different sizes, walk around the store in sneakers for 10-15 minutes. In general, try on seven times and only buy on the eighth.

Nordic walking shoes are best to choose from three types of shoes

1. Running shoes.
2. Trekking shoes.
3. Trekking boots.

It is better not to choose basketball or tennis shoes, no matter how much you like them, as well as indoor or fashion shoes.

Running shoes

True running shoes are not Reebok, Nike, Puma or Adidas, although these brands have great models, but they are very rare, especially in our area. Real running shoes are Asics, Mizuno, Brooks, Saucony or New Balance.

It is these brands that you should pay attention to when looking for good, technological shoes for running or Nordic walking.

Running shoes are more sharpened to neutralize shock loads on the athlete's musculoskeletal system, so they pay more attention to softening and stabilizing technologies. Naturally, the more technologically advanced the model, the more expensive it is.

Walking shoes are less demanding in terms of biomechanical adjustments or cushioning, so if you don't tend to spend too much on shoes, look first at the entry-level running brands that aren't as technologically advanced as more advanced models but are as comfortable and durable as they are.

All running shoes are divided into several main categories

• Cushioning.
• Stability
• Motion control.
• Half marathons or lightweight training shoes.
• Marathon or competition shoes.
• Cross shoes or trails.
• Specialized shoes (studded shoes, etc.).

In the cushioning category, you are likely to find great Nordic walking shoes, as this category will have shoes for a neutral footing, with a lot of softening element (gel) in the heel and sometimes in the toe area. These shoes will be good for walkers without a pronounced blockage of the foot to the outside or inside, and who prefer to train on different surfaces from asphalt to dirt. Almost all cushioning shoes are equipped with a highly breathable mesh that provides excellent ventilation, but at the same time gets wet.

Walkers with serious overpronation, as well as amateurs who weigh more than 100 kilograms, can take a closer look at the running shoes of the motion control category.

Sneakers for running and walking over rough terrain or trails are recommended for those who like long out-of-town workouts on forest trails, with access to primers and off-road. Such sneakers, as a rule, are equipped with a waterproof membrane (Gore-Tex) and hard inserts - plates throughout the foot, protecting from sharp stones and branches. In some models, I met a special pocket on the tongue, in which it is convenient to hide the laces, in order to avoid them being caught with a stick.

Trails are good for active training in winter or in the off-season, they will perfectly carry you through melted snow or mud and, at the same time, your foot does not freeze in them down to minus 10-15C.

In my opinion trails will be the most versatile shoe for most fast Nordic walkers. You can walk in them in any weather, both in the city and in the forest, without fear of injuring or getting your feet wet. The only thing to keep in mind is that trails are much stiffer than cushioned shoes and can get hot on warm summer days.

If you prefer leisurely long walks, especially away from well-groomed park paths, then maybe you should look after yourself a couple or even. Read about these categories of shoes.

What sneakers do you use? Share your experience in the comments, do not be shy 🙂

Video review of good Asics Fuji Trabuco trails that I use and recommend for Nordic walking in winter and off-season.