Walkers generally have less need for cushioning than runners, because they strike the ground with less force. But if you are doing a lot of walking on concrete or doing high mileage days in training for a half marathon or marathon walk, you need enough cushioning. These shoes are designed for those who have no more than mild
overpronation, they do not correct for rotation. These shoes have maximum midsole cushioning with minimum support.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThese shoes are flexible, lightweight, and have plenty of cushioning for the walker who has a neutral gait. I have been using them for walks from six miles through half marathon distance (13.1 miles). They have enough cushioning for distance training, yet are light enough for walking at a faster pace. I am shocked that for the first time in over 12 years of half marathon and marathon walking, my feet and legs have no fatigue after a 13 mile walk. I have also been able to maintain a good fast-paced stride while wearing them, with correct heel landing and roll through of my step. They are also durable -- the cushioning has remained intact through six months of training and racing at the half marathon distance. Typically, I would have had to
replace the shoes after four months of intense use.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThis is a lightweight performance training shoe that is also a cushioned shoe. It is flexible. It comes in narrow, normal and wide widths. The cushioning helps relieve leg fatigue in long walks and runs such as the 10K, half marathon and marathon. I found this shoe to be very comfortable. The drawbacks are that it is more expensive and it has a heel that is slightly higher than is needed for walkers.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThis flexible, lightweight cushioned shoe is great for those with a neutral gait who want cushioning. I found the toe box to give plenty of room for my wide foot. I could feel the cushioning without any appreciable extra weight. These should feel great for longer distance walks and all-day strolls.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThis cushioned trainer is flexible and good for high-mileage walkers. It's best for small to medium sized people and comes in extra widths. I was impressed with the fit and feel in the latest 29 version. It also comes in a Storm version great for all-weather and all-terrain walking.
Courtesy of PricegrabberA previous version of this shoe got me through the 2003 Portland Marathon. It is cushioned yet lightweight, with a low heel. The Wave Rider comes in widths and has both a wide toe box and a narrow heel. As of 2013, it's celebrating its 16th birthday and still getting five stars from runners and walkers. It earned the Best Neutral Shoe from The Running Network for Spring, 2013.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThe Vomero is a cushioned trainer that is great for walkers who don't overpronate. Wearers love the cushioning for training for marathon and half marathon distances. It has more cushioning than the Pegasus. It also has a wider toebox than is typical for Nikes.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThe Cumulus offers good cushioning at a good price. It has a flexible forefoot and is designed for those with a neutral gait. The Cumulus 14 for 2012 is lighter in weight than previous versions, in keeping with trends and the development of better materials that provide cushioning with less weight. They have a memory foam collar that provides you with a personal heel fit. The 15 debuts in April, 2013 and is only a slight update to the 14.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThe Asics Gel Nimbus is flexible but also is stable enough in the forefoot for heavier people. Like it's cloud-named cousin the Cumulus, the Nimbus also had some weight trimmed for 2012. Now you get the great cushioning but a lighter shoe. This is a neutral shoe and is suitable for heavier-weight people.
Wendy Bumgardner ©This shoe has been a favorite of volksmarch walkers for decades. It is a full leather shoe that has a flexible sole and lots of cushion. It's the only shoe you will want for standing in lines, and also good and durable for the trail. You can't buy them from the internet, but they are available at factory outlet stores and comfort shoe stores.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThis stability shoe also has great cushioning. They use a lightweight ACTEVA foam to produce a shoe weighing 9.3 ounces. It has a minimal heel drop, which is better for walkers. It provides a little motion control for overpronators. It comes in narrow, regular and wide widths.
