Walking shoes, like running or training shoes, for the summer season can offer you a lot of delight or a lot of suffering. Summer walking shoes do not have to be athletic or hiking shoes to be comfortable, and they can make all the difference in terms of providing support and preventing foot pain and injury. If you have an inappropriate fit, even the nicest walking shoes with excellent ankle support, a leather top, and a plush insole can cause blisters or cramps in your arches.
Aside from comfort, there are a few other features to look for in a decent pair of shoes, such as a strong grip, breathability, and ankle support. Also, make sure you choose a men’s shoe that fits your foot—if you have a broad foot, for example, get a shoe designed for wide feet.
How To Choose The Best Men’s Summer Walking Shoes
The trick is to find a comfortable fit while also taking into account the terrain you’ll be traversing. The best men’s walking shoes have a reinforced sole to guard against stones underfoot, a sturdy heel counter to protect the sides, and a gripping, aggressive sole. Many shoes have a waterproof membrane built-in, which can be handy in wet grass but can also limit breathability if you’re pushing it, so if you’re thinking about getting a pair, think about how you’ll be wearing them most of the time.
Rain resistance in summer walking shoes, unlike boots, is a bit of a red herring, because, without the boot’s closed calf, your feet will get soaked in heavy rain, waterproofing or not. Others have incorporated sticky rubber and protective high rands to create a hybrid approach/scrambling shoe that can handle pretty much everything in the hills, enhancing its lightness and flexibility around the ankle.
Which Features to Consider Before Buying Summer Walking Shoes?
Cushioning
Cushioning equals comfort, and no one wants to wear a pair of shoes that are uncomfortable down to their toes. Your men’s walking shoes’ total cushioning influences how much pressure you feel on your feet while walking or standing in them.
The Fit
Trying on shoes in a store rather than buying them online has an advantage in this suggestion. Fit equals comfort along with correct cushioning, ankle and heel support, and so on, and an ill-fitting pair of shoes is nothing but aggravation. The top shoe stores will usually have someone who can measure your feet to ensure that they are the correct length and width. Here are some things to think about when it comes to finding the perfect fit.
• Always wear socks while fitting your shoes, unless you don’t wear socks daily, which we believe the majority of you do.
• Try on both pairs of shoes because your feet might be somewhat different in size.
• Try on the shoes before deciding whether or not to purchase them. You won’t need more than a few minutes of walking to figure out how they fit, but don’t be in a hurry. Also, bear in mind that they could be a little stiff when you first put them on, but if they’re too stiff, you should try a different size or brand.
• Go shoe shopping later in the day because your feet are likely to be swollen from being on them for the majority of the day. This aids in the search for a “perfect” match. The width of the toe box is another key aspect of a shoe’s fit. Many shoes have rounded toe boxes, which are more comfortable on lengthy walks and assist to prevent calluses and blisters.
• If you wear shoes that aren’t wide enough, you may experience similar issues. Another thing to look for is an Achilles tendon protector in the shoe. It’s also known as a tendon lock because it locks your heel in position while reducing stress on your Achilles. While we aren’t suggesting that you never buy walking shoes online, you should double-check the dimensions and characteristics.
The Shape of Your Feet
Another element to consider while looking for a comfortable fit is the shape of your foot. You may be the same size as someone else, but your foot form is distinct in terms of width, arch shape, and other factors. Your arch type might be flat, normal, or high, and it has a big impact on how well your new walking shoes fit and feel.
Ankle & Heel Support
Walking on uneven terrain that compels you to bend or twist your foot unexpectedly can result in injuries or excessive stress. That’s why it’s crucial to pick a shoe that provides the finest ankle and heel support. Extra shock absorption is available in some men’s shoes, which reduces the consequences of harsh impact and makes it simpler to walk on various terrains without stress and strain.
The Outsole
Material
The upper portion of a walking shoe can be made of a range of materials, including leather, synthetics, or a variety of mesh kinds. Mesh and cotton-based textiles breathe better and are often lighter than synthetic materials.
Flexibility
Walking shoes that are most comfortable bend readily and fit the flexibility of your feet as you walk. To protect your feet from undue strain, you’ll need some resistance.
Arch design
Every summer wardrobe needs a fantastic pair of sandals, and if we’re being honest, we do a lot of walking in them, so replacing your existing flip-flops with a more supportive pair makes sense. Walking sandals should essentially perform the same functions as a walking shoe but in a sandal style. Inadequate and unsupportive sandals cause many foot ailments in the spring and summer.
They should still give adequate arch support that extends to the ball of the foot. With a supportive contoured footbed and a back strap to keep sliding and shifting at bay, these Chaco Chillos shoes provide effortless summer comfort.
2. Hoka One One Bondi 7 sneakers
Serious walkers and serious aesthetes alike love Hoka’s signature sneaker. The Bondi 7 is the most cushioned sneaker in the brand’s thick-soled lineup, providing a continuously smooth, pleasant walking experience no matter how far you walk. Yes, the shoe features the brand’s signature EVA midsole, breathable mesh uppers, and an ultra-soft memory foam collar that cradles your heel. But it’s also genuinely seductive, a rarity in a market dominated by sneakers that prioritize function above style.
Because of its large midsole, the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi SR is a superb walking and working shoe. The Bondi SR features an oversized EVA foam pad for unrivaled comfort. Whether you’re a casual walker or work long shifts, the midsole feels soft and bouncy underfoot to keep your feet feeling fresh. The Bondi SR is covered in a full-grain leather upper for a subtle look and water resistance, and the bottom is coated with a slip-resistant (and non-marking) rubber outsole to keep it safe on the job. The HOKA Bondi SR will meet all of your needs, whether you need a comfortable shoe for walking around the neighborhood or something safe for work.
3. Nike Challenger OG sneakers
Before becoming a global sportswear behemoth, Nike was a small Oregon start-up selling sneakers with waffle iron soles. With an eye-catching design, a distinctly retro silhouette, and surprisingly comfortable construction, the Challenger pays homage to the best of that era.
They may not pass inspection at full speed on the track, but they’ll perform admirably on a stroll through the park. This shoe is a minimalist walking shoe that also works well as a running shoe. The lightweight knit is breathable yet supportive, and the low profile allows for ankle mobility.
Nike began as a small Oregon company selling waffle iron-soled sneakers before expanding to become a global sportswear behemoth. The Challenger pays homage to the best of that era with an eye-catching design, a distinctly retro silhouette, and a surprisingly comfortable construction.
They may not pass inspection at full speed on the track, but on a stroll through the park, they’ll do admirably. This is a minimalist walking shoe that can also be used for running. The low profile allows for ankle mobility, and the lightweight knit is breathable yet supportive.
High arches, in contrast to low arches, frequently result in supination, which means the arch of your foot turns upward and the outer edge of your foot presses into the ground. Supination can lead to ankle instability and even knee pain if not addressed, so it’s critical to invest in supportive footwear. The shoes below provide excellent arch and ankle support and can help to alleviate some of the pain associated with supination. It’s worth investing in custom orthotics whether you have high arches or low arches.
These stabilize your foot and ankle joints and prevent future pathology, regardless of your foot structure. They can be inserted into most shoes and sneakers. The ASICS GEL is a great walking shoe thanks to its supreme cushioning and structured fit. It has been one of the best stability shoes for the last 20 years. ASICS adds its signature shock-absorbing gel pads underneath your heel and forefoot to protect your feet from the impact of the road, making it one of the few running shoe brands to use GEL technology in the midsole.
Dense packing of foam under the inside of the arch helps your foot move forward without losing momentum due to overpronation as you stride forward with your heel. During long walks, a padded heel collar provides support from the back of your foot, cradles your heel, and promotes ankle stability and balance. The soft ride of the GEL-Kayano, combined with a breathable mesh upper that cools the foot with each stride, makes it an ideal walking shoe for long walks on your favorite roads.
Sturdy shoes with shock absorption are required for off-road walking. Certain foam materials utilized in the cushioned midsole of the shoe, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate, can provide additional shock absorption, reducing pressure on the forefoot, ankle joints, and tendons that act to balance the feet while walking on difficult terrain.
As a result, the Salomon Pathfinder is well-suited to walking on trails, gravel, and other potentially hazardous terrains. Salomon’s hiking boots and trail running shoes are the company’s most well-known products.
Salomon is well-known for its high-quality ski and hiking equipment, as well as trail running shoes. However, the brand has recently transitioned into the more fashion-forward area with its collection of walking shoes. The Sneaker features a geometric pattern and a low-top silhouette for a sleek look.
The rubber toe cap protects your feet, especially if you’re out on the trails, and the quick-lace closure gets you out the door faster. It’s extremely durable because of the addition of a rubber midsole, outsole, and reinforcements. This design is the perfect combination of form and function.
The New Balance 990V5 is the ideal blend of style and performance. The classic silhouette of this walking shoe, with suede and mesh, is both attractive and functional, keeping your feet cool and fresh as you go about your day. Comfortable cushioning, an Ortholite premium footbed, mid-foot support, and a plush tongue to protect your arch are all included. It’s a versatile style that goes with anything from activewear to casual shorts to dressier chinos. The shoes provide the ideal balance of performance and style for a comfortable walk.
The cushion softens the impact of walking on hard surfaces, making the steps more comfortable. New Balance added a blown rubber outsole to the shoe, which improves traction and durability. The leather upper is fashionable but understated, so it won’t seem out of place whether you’re wandering about town or on the local trail.
7. Brooks Addiction Walker 2
These Brooks bright white walkers will make you stand out from the crowd. The leather uppers have been updated, and the shoe is now roomier while yet remaining supportive. It’s also jam-packed with Brooks’ cutting-edge sneaker technology. BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning, an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar for pronation control, and a designed MC Pod Configuration for balanced control and flexibility round out the features.
The outsole is slip-resistant to avoid any mistakes, and the mesh interior is extremely breathable to keep you feeling fresh all day. Whether you’re walking for fitness or just getting through the day, this is a terrific style to incorporate into your ensemble.
Adidas is one of the most well-known sportswear brands in the world. The Ultraboost 20 is a high-performance walking and running shoe from Adidas. The Primeknit cloth upper embracing your foot is very soft and supportive, with reinforced stitching where you need it most. Meanwhile, the responsive cushioning promotes a smooth run, while the Continental TM Rubber outsole adds traction and prevents slippage. When it comes to adding this to your everyday wardrobe, you have a choice of 38 hues, so there’s bound to be one that complements your current style.
Choose the Reebok Workout Plus for a more classic street-style walking shoe. It’s a contemporary sneaker with a nostalgic feel. With minimal ornamentation and mid-arch support, the leather uppers are both sturdy and attractive. The rubber outsole is durable, and the EVA foam midsole cushions each step for a smooth, pleasant stroll. Wear these sneakers with your favorite shorts, cuffed chinos, and jacket, or add an edgy spin to your suit with these. White and black variants with matching rubber soles or contrasting tan are available.
10. Altra Torin 5
The Altra Torin 5’s 0mm heel-to-toe drop and wide toe box let you maintain a natural stride while walking outside or on the treadmill, whether you’re trying to lose weight, reduce stress, or enjoy one of the many other health advantages of walking. It could be difficult to go back to a standard shoe after putting on the Torin 5. During extended walks, Altra’s gloriously large foot-shaped toe box allows the toes to be free, with ample room for swelling and toe splay. The shoe’s natural shape also allows it to fit a wide range of foot widths and arch heights.
On hard ground, Altra’s EgoMax cushioning feels velvety and springy, reducing the effect that hard pavement can have on the body. The Torin 5 is a wonderfully adaptable shoe for walks, runs, and cross-training thanks to its 0mm drop and dynamic ride.
Conclusion
It’s important to pay attention to the details, and getting the appropriate size is crucial. It’s a good idea to try on a couple of pairs to see if there are any problems. The appearance of a shoe has a significant impact on how often it is worn by its owner. Maintaining a walking-for-exercise routine requires staying motivated, and having a pair of shoes you enjoy looking at and showing off might help. Pay close attention to the shoe’s length and width. Shoes that are too long can cause calluses, blisters, and other unpleasant side effects, while shoes that are too short can produce calluses, blisters, and other unpleasant side effects.
FAQS
What should I look for in summer walking shoes?
- Look for a shoe with a breathable upper and lightweight construction, good arch support, and a cushioned sole for added comfort. A shoe with a good grip will also be important for wet and slippery surfaces during the rainy season.
Are there any summer walking shoes specifically designed for men?
- Yes, many shoe brands offer summer walking shoes specifically designed for men with a focus on providing support and stability for the male foot.
Can summer walking shoes help with plantar fasciitis?
- Yes, shoes with good arch support and a cushioned sole can help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
