Meet the winner and finalists in our fitness walking shoes category. These shoes should support your feet for brisk fitness walking. The finalists were nominated by readers and selected by our expert panel of walkers. Readers voted from February 22 through March 21, 2012. The prize: bragging rights.
Winner: Asics Gel
Photo Courtesy of Pricegrabber
Readers nominated several styles of Asics Gel shoes. The Asics Gel Kayano motion-control shoe (Compare Prices) was nominated by walkers who liked its stability and long-distance walking performance.The Asics GEL-Pace Walker (Compare Prices) also received praise as being functional and fashionable.
ABEO SMARTsystem 3650
© The Walking Company
The ABEO SMARTsystem shoes are marketed by The Walking Company. They are based on technology developed at Stanford University to reduce knee stress. The 3650 is their athletic shoe model, featuring a soft heel counter. They market these shoes especially to the middle-aged athlete who may have knee pain or is developing osteoarthritis.
Brooks
Photo courtesy of Pricegrabber
Brooks make great athletic shoes for walking and running. The Brooks Glycerin (Compare Prices) was nominated as a lightweight but cushioned trainer good for longer-distance training. Their motion control shoes, the Beast and the Ariel, are always at the top of the list for walkers who overpronate.
Mizuno
© Pricegrabber
Mizuno shoes are stocked by serious running-shoe stores; different styles meet the needs of different kinds of fitness walkers. The Mizuno Wave Creation Compare Prices) is suitable for brisk walking for those who don't need motion-control shoes. I've worn the Mizuno Wave Rider (Compare Prices, which provides stability and a little motion control.
ECCO Biom Walk
Courtesy of Pricegrabber
These athletic walking-shoes fit the profile for supporting a good walking-motion. The heel is low and designed for a walking heel-strike rather than a runner's mid-foot strike. They are made with yak leather upper and multipurpose rubber outsole.
