Your Kicks?

[tractorlegs]

I'm interested in hearing what your choices are for shoes (aka "Kicks") for aerobic walking. I know everyone has different needs because everyone has different bodies and feet, but it might be interesting to hear what everyone else is wearing while they're out. 

I use neutral cushioning shoes, and my favorite maker (overall) is New Balance, although my favorite current walking shoe is a Fila. What I'm walking in now:

• New Balance 890v5. Sort of a "last year's model" shoe, but I have two pairs of these that are in the mix. Great cushioning and great feedback from the road.
• New Balance Vazee Pace v2. These shoes are amazing, they fit so well. There seems to be a great balance between cushyness and firmness that makes a walk fast but comfy. This is a relatively new NB model.
• Fila Guardians. These kicks are super cushioned, and I can walk for a loooooong time in these bad boys with little discomfort. They're slower than the NB shoes, but I'm not racing so I don't care that much. But if I wanna go long distances these shoes are great. They're my favorite pair right now. They're my least expensive walkers, too, coming in at about $45

Although I currently don't have a pair of these, I also love Skechers for walking. I use Skechers all-terrain running shoes, and they have served me well.

What about y'all? What kicks grace your feet for walking adventures?

[AuroraKat]

I have a few pairs on rotation currently. I use running shoes for walking. I found that shoes made specifically for walking do not work for me. 

• Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Neoshell: This is my very first pair of Altras and I love them! The fit is perfect - wide at the toes and nice and snug at the heel. They are moderately cushioned, waterproof and are zero drop. I feel a different set of muscles being worked out in these shoes than when I walk in the standard larger heel-toe offset models. Also, I live in the rainy Pacific Northwest, so I need waterproof shoes if I'm going to be walking/running all year round. I also live in a very hilly neighborhood, so good grip during rainy days is imperative. These shoes are meant for trail running, so they are perfect for my needs during the rainy season. 
• Brooks Transcend 3: These are extremely comfortable! They are well cushioned without being too soft. Even though I generally prefer neutral shoes, this stability model works very well with my body.
• Asics Gel-Flux 2: Got these on extreme sale, as they are last year's model.They are a bit narrower than Altras and Brooks, but I found that to be true for all Asics shoes. Still, a very comfortable neutral shoe with good amount of cushioning. Because the fit is a bit more snug than either of the above, I tend to not use them for longer walks. 
• New Balance WF616: These are my cross-training shoes. They are very soft and comfortable, perfect for workouts such as kettlebells and strength training. They feel like I am barefoot, but offer extra stability and support. 

I need to add a second pair of waterproof shoes to rotate with the Altras. I'm tempted to just get another pair of Lone Peaks. But, I like to have all different shoes on rotation, so I am still searching!

[tractorlegs]

@AuroraKat - - absolutely true. I got a pair of walking shoes a while back and oh my goodness gracious they were horrible for walking! I use running shoes exclusively, and trail runners are very good. All of my serious walking friends use running shoes, too.

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AuroraKat wrote:

I have a few pairs on rotation currently. I use running shoes for walking. I found that shoes made specifically for walking do not work for me. 

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[bcalvanese]

My favorite shoes are my Hoka One One Clayton's. They are great for walking and running. my second favorites are my Hoka One One Clifton 3's, and then my Brooks Transcend 3's.

[tractorlegs]

@bcalvanese I had never heard of Hoka until now. I went to their website and liked what I saw - These might be worth a try when my current shoes die. I'll look for more reviews . . . 

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bcalvanese wrote:

My favorite shoes are my Hoka One One Clayton's. They are great for walking and running. my second favorites are my Hoka One One Clifton 3's, and then my Brooks Transcend 3's.

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[emili]

I am a Nike Free 5.0 girl but they aren't making them anymore. I just got my last pair. back to the drawing board when they wear out. such sadness.

[tractorlegs]

@emili Don't be sad! I know New Balance frequently continues lines under new names. For example, the Vazee Pace v2 shoe I use is the new version of the 890 series - which I loved. Maybe the Free is under production (or soon will be) revamped and under a different name? Dunno, but hoping . . .  

[Mukluk4]

I loved the Free's for comfort but didn't feel like I got great mileage on the tread. 

I currently use the Nike FS Lite Trainer II

[Earthdog]

Sketchers 51241

[tractorlegs]

@Earthdog Yes!! I used two pairs of these for walking a couple of years ago, and they were excellent. I haven't been able to find them locally recently however. I could get some directly from Skechers still (link here) or Amazon if I wanted to. Boy they were good walkers. When my current little family of shoes start to die, I may go back to those.

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Earthdog wrote:

Sketchers 51241

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