These shoes are made for walking
On the streets and treadmills, brisk fitness walking is gaining in popularity, appealing to fitness novices and experienced athletes alike with its cardiovascular challenge, all-body twisting movements and a low impact that’s easy on your joints. Shoe makers have responded with walkers that provide stability, comfort and a number of innovations.
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Ready to race
New Balance 758: Great all-purpose shoe, especially for those with wide feet.
Likes: Very comfortable. Available in a D width that allows plenty of wiggle room for the little toe. Good cushioning in heel and forefoot. Quite light at 12.5 ounces, a good choice for race walkers. Several stability features support the foot.
Dislikes: None
Price: $80. (800) 343-1395; www.newbalance.com.
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That ‘70s shoe
Earth Energetic: The ‘70s icon with a negative heel slope returns.
Likes: With its thick front sole and lower heel (the reverse of other shoes), this 15-ounce shoe effectively makes you walk at a 3.7% incline on flat ground. The company says the unique design provides a more strenuous workout that burns more calories. (I found this effect to be pronounced during hill climbing.) The lowered heel also puts you in a more erect position; the company claims the design will benefit your posture and might help ease back pain. Extra-wide toe box adds comfort.
Dislikes: None
Price: $99. (877) 372-2814; www.earth.us.
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Light and airy
Adidas ClimaWalk: A cool walk for hot weather.
Likes: The shoe has 6-inch “ClimaCool” mesh screens on its sides for ventilation and cooling. Ideal for hot weather walking. Lightest shoe tested at 12 ounces; fast for race walkers. Attractive styling, including black laces that cinch well. Low price.
Dislikes: Feels harder, less cushioned and shock-absorbent than the others. Quite stiff; only the toe area flexes. It’s like wearing cardboard.
Price: $75. (800) 448-1796; www.adidas.com.
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Put a little bounce in your step
Spira Classic Walker: Walk on air -- for a price.
Likes: A noticeable bounce from thin metal “Wavesprings” hidden in the sole brings enjoyment and speed to your walking workout. Very cushioned and comfortable.
Dislikes: Very expensive. At 17 ounces, they’re the heaviest shoes tested. Although the bounciness tends to to make you forget about this, there are performance drawbacks on hills. As the slope increases (more than a 5% incline on a treadmill), the bounce disappears and the weight is more apparent. On the other hand, this adds challenge to the workout.
Price: $129.95. (866) 838-8640; www.spirafootwear.com.
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-- Roy M. Wallack