A performance walking shoe is lightweight, well-balanced, with just enough cushioning for you to put in the mile in comfort. These shoes are best for walkers with a neutral gait.
1. New Balance 826
Wendy Bumgardner © 2008
This is a lightweight performance training shoe. I have used the prior versions of this shoe for 10K through marathon walks. This shoe is lightweight and flexible. It doesn't have any motion control features, so it is meant for those with neutral gait who don't overpronate. It also comes in widths.
2. Asics Gel-DS Trainer
A favorite for a lightweight training shoe that also provides some stability. It is called the gold standard of the performance-trainer category by "Runner's World."3. Avia Avi-Lite
The Running Network gave this shoe their Gold Medal top honors in the lightweight category in Fall, 2005. It is an interesting shoe in that it has motion control and support while still being very light.4. Puma Complete Heras
Very flexible and light with a low profile, yet with forefoot cushioning. The Running Network gave this model its Gold Medal.5. Reebok Premier Lite
Lightweight with cushioning, this can be a good choice.6. Mizuno Wave Precision
Praised for its springy feel. It earned the gold medal for performance trainers from The Running Network.7. Brooks Axiom
Both supportive and light, this shoe has the low heel profile and excellent flexibility that walkers need.8. Saucony GRID Tangent
This lightweight shoe also provides some stability and some slight motion control.9. Nike Air Cesium
This lightweight shoe also provides motion control - and that's an unusual combination. The Running Network gave it the Best Lightweight Shoe award in Spring, 2006. I like the low and slightly undercut heel, excellent for walking.