# Need a good walking shoe **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 8, 2015, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335 "2015-08-08T21:10:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![turner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/22d042/32.png) [@turner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/turner)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2015, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/1 "2015-08-08T21:10:12Z")
I wasn’t sure where to put this, IMHO didn’t seem right given what else was in there, so this looked like the best place. My wife and I are doing a German Christmas market cruise in December. This involves a LOT of walking, so I’m looking for recommendations for the most comfortable walking shoe. I don’t want hiking boots or something that looks like a running shoe if it can be avoided. I want something that I could possibly wear on a casual day at work as well (casual for us is a polo shirt and dockers). Any suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2015, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/2 "2015-08-08T21:24:22Z")
Keen Shoes. I wore [Austin’s](http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/shoes/men/austin) for years and put a lot of miles on them. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2015, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/3 "2015-08-08T21:33:15Z")
I’m getting good mileage from the New Balance 1069: > **[Amazon.com | New Balance Men's MW1069 Country Hiking Shoe | Walking](https://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-MW1069-Country-Hiking/dp/B00GX8UJ04)** > > We stand for something bigger than sneakers. We champion those who are fearlessly driven by their passions. We elevate sport. We do right by people and the planet. Together, we drive meaningful change in communities around the world. We Got Now. ... They come in different widths, which is hard to find. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2015, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/4 "2015-08-08T22:07:02Z")
I’ve worn Rockports in the past. Currently, I wear ECCO shoes, which are also quite comfortable. ---
**Author:** ![Accidental\_Martyr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ce7236/32.png) [@Accidental\_Martyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Accidental_Martyr)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2015, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/5 "2015-08-09T01:23:08Z")
> [@Kropotkin](#): > > I’m getting good mileage from the New Balance 1069: > [Amazon.com | New Balance Men's MW1069 Country Hiking Shoe | Walking](http://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-MW1069-Country-Hiking/dp/B00GX8UJ04) > > They come in different widths, which is hard to find. I also like New Balance. I have a pair of these. If you like slip on shoes, these might work for you. > **[New balance mwm756v2 brown + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com](https://www.zappos.com/new-balance-mwm756v2-brown?ef_id=Vcaq2QAABNacVUNO:20150809012119:s)** > > Free shipping BOTH ways on new balance mwm756v2 brown from our vast selection of styles. Fast delivery, and 24/7/365 real-person service with a smile. Click or call 800-927-7671. ---
**Author:** ![Mr\_Downtown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Mr\_Downtown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Downtown)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2015, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/6 "2015-08-09T04:01:26Z")
Another extremely satisfied Ecco wearer for many years—and many kilometers. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2015, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/7 "2015-08-09T04:27:18Z")
No, no, IMHO is perfect for it. Mostly those asking for advice or suggestions are. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2015, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/8 "2015-08-09T10:47:27Z")
In my experience . . . after wearing various New Balance shoes . . . the best walking shoe is in fact a hiking shoe: Merrell, waterproof and ventilated. I can walk several miles in them, and never get blisters, or need Moleskin. They’re totally supportive and comfortable, and virtually the only shoes I ever wear. They cost more, but are well worth it. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2015, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/9 "2015-08-09T11:35:26Z")
Keen had treated me well. I walk about 5 miles a day (long commute) and my winter shoes are Keen boots and my summer shoes are Keen sandals. They aren’t like walking on clouds or anything, but they’ve never given me any problems and they last a couple seasons of daily wear. Honestly the shoes aren’t going to be the main issue. If you aren’t much of a walker, it’d be smart to build up to it now. ---
**Author:** ![sandra\_nz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@sandra\_nz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sandra_nz)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2015, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/10 "2015-08-09T11:53:51Z")
I absolutely adore Skechers GOWalk shoes. Amazingly light and comfortable. I walk up to 10 miles a day and find them brilliantly supportive and comfortable. It’s really important to try the different models on and see what works best for your feet. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2015, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/11 "2015-08-09T13:28:44Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > In my experience . . . after wearing various New Balance shoes . . . the best walking shoe is in fact a hiking shoe: Merrell, waterproof and ventilated. I can walk several miles in them, and never get blisters, or need Moleskin. They’re totally supportive and comfortable, and virtually the only shoes I ever wear. They cost more, but are well worth it. Merrell is good but never stays waterproof for long, in my experience. New Balance is best. ---
**Author:** ![Honey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honey/32/5074_2.png) [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2015, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/12 "2015-08-09T13:40:30Z")
> [@sandra\_nz](#): > > I absolutely adore Skechers GOWalk shoes. Amazingly light and comfortable. I walk up to 10 miles a day and find them brilliantly supportive and comfortable. > > It’s really important to try the different models on and see what works best for your feet. I second this. Sketchers GoWalk’s are like walking on marshmallows, and they’re light as a feather. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2015, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/13 "2015-08-09T18:44:27Z")
I wish Hoka made shoes that didn’t look like running shoes. Those things are comfortable as heck. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2015, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/14 "2015-08-09T19:17:21Z")
San Antonio shoes. Wonderfully comfortable. [www.Sasshoes.com](http://www.Sasshoes.com) ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2015, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/15 "2015-08-10T18:37:29Z")
> [@Infovore](#): > > I wish Hoka made shoes that didn’t look like running shoes. Those things are comfortable as heck. Seconded, though I did find a pair of winter boots with Hoka soles. If you ever see any, please do share! ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2015, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/16 "2015-08-10T18:48:12Z")
Check out Dansko shoes. ---
**Author:** ![cormac262](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f14d63/32.png) [@cormac262](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cormac262)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2015, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-walking-shoe/727335/17 "2015-08-12T15:13:35Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > In my experience . . . after wearing various New Balance shoes . . . the best walking shoe is in fact a hiking shoe: Merrell, waterproof and ventilated. I can walk several miles in them, and never get blisters, or need Moleskin. They’re totally supportive and comfortable, and virtually the only shoes I ever wear. They cost more, but are well worth it. I second the Merrell’s, “Moab” (if I remember correctly). For the Christmas trip, these will be good in rain, wet conditions (not only waterproof, but good traction as well). Being stiffer for hiking, they provide support for long days of walking. I use these for any “long days on my feet” type of trips, and they are the most comfortable. (I have never tried the New Balance, though. So I can’t compare them)