Careful choice, not necessarily expense, matters with walking shoes

I was delighted to buy a pair of Dolce Vita sneakers at TJ Maxx for $24, discounted 84%. I didn’t know the brand but figured that for the original price they should be first-rate.

“You’ve got nothing on me,” I crowed to myself when walking by people in Hokas.

At home, I asked Google whether Dolce Vita shoes were good for being on one’s feet for hours. I want supportive shoes for Chicago Greeter tours and volunteer shifts at the Anti-Cruelty Society, especially now that I’m having knee problems. “Dolce Vita shoes generally receive mixed reviews regarding their quality,” came the AI-generated reply. “They are better known for style than performance.” I returned the shoes.

Before shopping again, I researched what to look for in walking shoes. I’ve always bought name-brand sneakers but not $100+ models. Should I start spending megabucks? On the other hand, if walking barefoot is as good for our feet as its proponents say, why does it matter what shoes we wear? 

Barefoot is our natural walk and inherently healthy, I read, but obviously it’s best confined to home and the beach. When we put on shoes, they affect how we walk. If shoes don’t support the natural mechanics of walking, they can cause discomfort and injuries, including blisters, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures.

Contrary to what many people think, deep cushioning isn’t desirable in walking shoes, according to Harvard Health. The right cushioning absorbs shocks but is not so thick that it impedes range of motion. While the toe box should be roomy (you may need a half-size larger than usual), the heel should fit snugly. The shoe has good lateral support if you can’t twist it easily in your hands. 

Shoes with the right cushioning and support can be found for a reasonable price. You can spend more on advanced features like rocker bottoms and high-tech materials, but they have not been shown to better prevent injuries or improve performance. 

The most important criterion remains how shoes feel on your feet. Walking shoes should be comfortable immediately. They should not need to be broken in. 

While you don’t have to spring for three-figure walking shoes, maybe you aren’t willing to take a chance on no-name footwear. You don’t have to. If you Google “sales of walking shoes,” you can find deep discounts on name brands including Reebok, Adidas, Ryka, and New Balance. Skechers Go Walks, which are recommended by multiple reviewers, are selling for around $35. Wearers of $23 Avia shoes claim they’re as comfortable as $150 On Clouds, People magazine reported.

When I asked my physical therapist for a shoe recommendation, he said he prefers to recommend insoles. He likes Superfeet, which aren’t cheap. Some reviewers mention Spenco, Easyfeet, and Dr. Scholl’s insoles for affordability. I saw online comments that high-quality socks also make a big difference in comfort.

Rotating shoes is also recommended, along with replacing walking shoes after 300 to 500 miles or when the tread is significantly worn.

I found Adidas Grand Court sneakers at a 70% discount. I took the risk of buying online, since returns were free, and this time checked reviews beforehand. “Walked miles in them in one day,” “Great to wear standing on your feet for long periods of time,” and “Couldn't believe how comfortable they are” sold me. 

If you’ve worn Hokas and think they are the epitome of comfort, who am I to say you’ve overspent? Comfort is subjective. I asked my sister Nancy, whose podiatrist recommended Hokas after her toe surgery because they have a wide toe box, whether she would buy them again. “If I need that feature again, I would get them,” Nancy said. “Hokas are very comfortable, but there are other brands that are as comfortable, and I like the look better. My current favorite is On Cloud.” 

OCs are as expensive as Hokas. Nancy isn’t as frugal as I am. I’m trying to reassure penny-pinchers like me that we’re not ruining our bodies by spending less. If you learn what to look for, take time shopping, and don’t make an impulse buy (as I did with the Dolce Vitas), you can find good walking shoes that are reasonably priced, preferably on sale.

A final note: If you have foot problems, experts advise seeing a podiatrist before relying on shoes to fix them.