Sometimes, when it comes to men’s shoes, the most troublesome thing about it is that everything tends to look alike. For example, show any average person a picture of running shoes and walking shoes, and see if they happen to know the difference. Some might even just call it a pair of sneakers and move on. The most confusing part is that even though they might not have seen a difference and so ended up calling them sneakers, they aren’t wrong. I told you it was confusing.

The term shoes would be for just about any type of footwear worn by men and women, a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. On the other hand, the term sneakers refers to a specific type of shoes that are in many ways similar but still different from what is known as athletic shoes. You can call sneakers athletic shoes or even gym shoes, but you can’t call some type of athletic shoes sneakers. Think of sneakers as the more fashion-forward version of the gym shoes. Yes, they can still be used for sports, but it generally is recommended that you go for a more practical version of the shoes. Are you confused yet? I’m having to explain all this and I’m already a little confused.

The Confusion That Comes with the Footwear

So now that we’ve explained what sneakers are generally used for and its relation to gym shoes, we’re this much closer to talking about walking shoes and not being extremely confused. If there’s one thing that can help, sneakers are typically considered closer to running shoes than walking shoes, but the fashion-forward nature has it trying to maintain a balance between both — since people definitely wouldn’t be running around with sneakers if they could help it. They would be using running shoes, and not necessarily walking shoes because the former is not necessarily built to help those who prefer walking to running.

For guys that would prefer to just have one pair of shoes for going outside, this presents a little dilemma, since it’s not necessarily the way shoes work. Similar to men’s fashion, there is a reason for everything, and making the mistake between walking and running (since they basically look alike aside from some key differences) could cause a few hiccups down the line. They aren’t necessarily terrible issues, but they can be a little uncomfortable if left alone for too long.

The Trouble of Getting Things Mixed Up

Let’s say that you decided you didn’t mind if you had a pair of running shoes for everything, and purchased a pretty good pair for the job. A high-quality pair of running shoes can be pretty fantastic, but they only show their best foot forward (pun intended) when they are used for running. For example, here are some of the design choices for a pair of running shoes that make it gel with strenuous activity:

• Thicker heels overall. For running shoes to be effective, it needs to provide comfort to the point that will see the most amount of action for a runner, which is typically the heel. The heel of a pair of running shoes are larger than normal, and while it might not necessarily be a big deal, there is no denying the fact that you just might lose your balance if you aren’t careful when walking with running shoes. There are even a few long-term conditions that could occur (very rarely) for those who use the wrong kind of shoes, such as tendon and joint problems.
• The stiffer sole. The sole of running shoes tends to be much stiffer to help accommodate the various actions that cause stress to the foot of a runner. It might not seem that way, but a stiffer sole allows for more controlled flexibility when running due to the strain it can put on the foot. Walking shoes are generally more flexible, but that can spell a lot of trouble for people trying to run with walking shoes. When used the other way around, the stiffness of the sole can cause discomfort.
• A lighter overall weight. You’ll find that most types of running shoes can vary in weight, but the one thing that will always ring true is that the running shoes will always be lighter than the walking shoes. After all, people who run would want to be faster on their feet, which is precisely why the running shoes are built that way.

The trouble with getting things mixed up is that the running shoes just aren’t that great for walking, and vice versa. However, sneakers can still be pretty good for walking despite being modeled somewhat after running shoes, which is where all the confusion tends to stem from. The rule of thumb would be to make good use of walking shoes for just about everything, and have a good pair of running shoes handy in case you want to exercise. There are plenty more differences between walking and running shoes, but I think you’ve got the gist of it.

The Difference a Pair of Quality Walking Shoes Makes

Most people who have a specific pair of walking shoes for just about everything will tell you that it can make a world of a difference. While running shoes and sneakers are fantastic choices, it doesn’t change the fact that the walking shoes are there to ensure that your feet are comfortable no matter the scenario — at least, outside of a heavy jog or run. Trying to run with walking shoes can be a clumsy and potentially dangerous experience if done long enough. Fortunately, it’s okay for the occasional hop and any other quick movement, which is why walking shoes are typically recommended for everything.

There isn’t much else to say about the walking shoes other than they are a crucial part of any guy’s arsenal. Even those who might not necessarily be into men’s fashion will find plenty of use with a quality pair of walking shoes, as it is a mix of practicality and aesthetic value. While walking shoes, running shoes, and sneakers tend to cause no end of confusion, it’s safe to say that walking shoes are what you’ll want to get as it tends to fit every occasion.

So How Do You Get the Best Walking Shoes?

The only way to get a good pair of walking shoes is to ensure that they’re a good fit. For example, if you’re going to the physical store to check things out (which you should), ensure that you bring a pair of socks you tend to use. Having a good fit with your favorite pair of socks ought to be enough to move things along. Every aspect of wearing the shoe should come across as snug, but never tight. If things are a little too tight, it’s best to ask for another size rather than to try to live with it. Keep in mind that your feet can only handle so much punishment.

If you’re going to make use of a good pair of walking shoes, ensure that you walk around with them a bit first! Take as much time as you need to ensure that they’re good enough that it isn’t going to cause a blister. A snug fit will typically get the job done, ensuring that you made the right choice when it comes to walking shoes. That said, what exactly are the best brands and types of walking shoes out there? It’s time we get into the nitty gritty and ensure that you have exactly what you need!

The Reebok Ridgerider 5 and the great outdoors

If there was ever a pair of walking shoes out there that worked fantastically well for a forest trail or a walk in the park, the Ridgerider 5 would be the best possible choice. It’s a good pair of walking shoes if you’re looking to feel confident while walking around, and it’s one of the most effective out there when walking the trail. It specializes in providing comfort when walking around dirt roads or various uneven surfaces, making it an extremely safe choice for people out there.

You can never be too cautious, and the use of this pair ensures that you have the best combination of comfort and practicality to take the forest trail. Walking around just a little bit in the great outdoors with the Ridgerider 5 will make you feel great enough to be confident with it just about anywhere.

The ever-comfortable Hoka One One Bondi 7

While the Ridgerider 5 is all about the great outdoors and protection from the elements, this particular pair of walking shoes is all about maximizing comfort no matter the situation. The heels of the pair are beveled to help maximize comfort, and there is extra padding on the heel to help provide the feeling of locking in comfort.

There are walking shoes that fit in snugly, and then there is the Hoka One One Bondi 7. While there are plenty of other pairs out there that claim to be the most comfortable walking shoes, you might want to give this pair a try first — you’ll eventually use it as the measuring stick for the comfort of every other walking shoe.

Pushing the limits with the New Balance 990v5

While most types of walking shoes are content to let you relax and walk around in comfort, there are others that have a habit of crossing the boundary of the sneakers and (almost) into the realm of the running shoes. In such cases, the New Balance 990v5 is one of the better choices of the lot. While it would still be recommended that you go for running shoes if you intend to run, this particularly cool pair of shoes has a habit of maintaining a comfortable stride when you go for a job. Not to mention the fact that it has a highly classical look that won’t go wrong.

As far as comfort goes, it’s middle of the line with the rest of the walking shoes in this list. It works out, but the real specialty is how it maintains a surprising balance between walking and… well, brisk walking, I suppose.

A fashion statement with the Adidas Ultraboost 20

One of the more interesting pairs on this list, the Adidas Ultraboost 20 boasts a staggering number of choices when it comes to colors, which is bound to catch the attention of most guys. In terms of functionality, it is quite similar to the New Balance 990v5, only with the added fashion-forward flair. If the New Balance was trying its best to be like a pair of running shoes, the Ultraboost 20 would be trying very hard to be similar to a pair of aesthetically pleasing sneakers.

The question is, does it pull off the look and the function? Well, it wouldn’t be in this list if it couldn’t. It’s a great pair of walking shoes with plenty of design choices for those who are interested in pushing the envelope.

You’ll Be Spoiled for Choice

With a few examples of some of the best walking shoes out there alongside a few tips that can help ensure that you get the best possible fit, that’s pretty much all you need to guarantee success with your footwear. There are many more designs out there that fit the bill, and it’s up to you to figure out which one first is the best for the situation. When it comes to my opinion about whether or not to get sneakers, running shoes, or walking shoes, I would say that it would be a good idea to have all three. Even if all you have is a single pair of walking shoes, running shoes, and sneakers, they will all do their job and last as long as possible — provided you use them in the correct scenarios. For fun events, go for the sneakers. For exercise, go for the running shoes. For everything else, there’s MasterCard. Just kidding. Walking shoes are the best.