A performance walking shoe is lightweight, well-balanced, and with just enough cushioning for you to put in the miles in comfort. These shoes are best for walkers with a neutral gait. While the current trend is to
minimalist shoes, these shoes have more structure and cushioning to protect your feet.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThe DS Trainer is 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. The Gel-DS Trainer and other Asics models won our 2012 Fitness Walking Shoes Readers' Choice Award.
Courtesy of PricegrabberYou want light? The REVite midsole in these shoes is extremely light, yet gives a nice amount of cushion. I found myself speeding up on my short walking breaks from the pure joy of the feel of these shoes. They come in widths, but are a low-volume shoe and don't accommodate a thicker sock. I find them perfect for doing faster walks of 15 to 30 minutes.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThe Landreth has long been a favorite for high-mileage training for those with neutral stride. In its latest versions, it has memory foam in the heel for a secure fit. I like the wide toe box. The shoe has gender-specific fit.
Photo courtesy of PricegrabberThe Wave Precision gets praise for its springy feel. Wearers liked it for training for longer distances such as the half marathon. It earned the gold medal for performance trainers from The Running Network.
Photo Courtesy of PricegrabberThis shoe isn't a pure neutral shoe, it has motion control elements and a medial post for support, while still being very light. The Running Network gave this shoe their Gold Medal top honors in the lightweight category.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThe Kinvara borders on being a
minimalist shoe, with very lightweight construction. Wearers love them for being light and flexible yet providing enough support and cushion for shorter workouts. They would probably be best for walks of six miles or less.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThis shoe is built for neutral feet and is flexible and comfortable. It has enough cushioning for longer mileage and I used it in training for the half marathon distance. New Balance shoes come in widths, which is appreciated by those of us with wide feet.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThis lightweight, flexible shoe comes in versions that accept the
Nike+ footpod shoe sensor. The Pegasus comes in widths - narrow, normal and wide -- and in male and female specific designs. The Pegasus 29 for 2012 has a very soft and cushy feel, and comes in some gorgeous colors.
Courtesy of PricegrabberThis lightweight shoe also has excellent cushioning and durability. Sauconys have a specific fit that won't work for everyone, but might be just what you need. The Triumph 9 in 2012 debuted an even lower heel drop of 8 millimeters, which makes it even more acceptable for walkers. This continues with the Triumph 10 in 2013. However, it is a more expensive shoe, so look for sales.
Courtesy of PricegrabberBrooks launches into the new trend of flatter shoes and rounded heels -- design elements that walkers need. They also construct it with a split-toe design that lets you toe-off more powerfully. Those elements help walkers achieve a quick, powerful stride. Yet it has enough cushioning for a cushy feel.
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