Best Long Distance Walking Shoes

Long-distance walks are an excellent exercise for physical fitness, well-being, and mental well-being and health.

Long-distance walking with a friend or alone can be excellent recreation and exercise and a great outdoor experience that can enhance your health and fitness.

As with any sport or recreational exercise, the right tools for the job are vital, and in this case, we need to consider the right type of shoe for the demands of Long-Distance walking.



Demands of Long Distance Walking

Long-distance walking is an outdoor activity that may require walking on uneven surfaces, gravel or hard tar roads, or even concrete surfaces. This, in turn, holds slip risks and has an impact on your feet, knees, ankles, and other joints.

Long-distance walking with a shoe that fits improperly can cause severe chafing and blisters, which can be painful and debilitating.

Another aspect you need to consider is whether walking for long distances may cause your feet to overheat and sweat. In scorching weather, this may become excruciating. On the other hand, very cold and wet weather can cause frostbite and leave your feet wet and cold.


Features of a Good Shoe for Long Distance Walking

I would personally concentrate on these seven factors:

  • Fit – You need a secure and snug fit from your shoe that does not squeeze your feet or slip around, causing irritation and abrasion. A lace-up or bungee lacing system should provide an adequate and customizable fit, whereas a velcro strap or closure can be just as effective.
  • Shock Absorbency – Shock absorbency is one of the most important factors in a long-distance walking shoe. Because of the constant impact on your feet and joints, you need a shoe with technology that supplies the best shock absorbency and protection against impact.
  • Cushioning – Cushioning, in a way, is also a form of absorbing impact and shock; it provides a comfortable surface for your feet that is soft and supportive so that you do not feel the hard impact of walking or the surface that you are walking on.
  • Breathability and Moisture Wicking – I would say these two go hand in hand with any good walking shoe. You want your feet to stay dry and moisture-free; therefore, a moisture-wicking lining and breathable design can aid in providing ventilation and wicking away sweat and moisture.
  • Outsole – A thick and durable outsole not only ensures long-lasting durability but also has input in providing
  • Shock Absorbency – You need to decide on the right tread for the surface you are walking on. A normal patterned tread that provides good traction is acceptable for a concrete or tar surface. For uneven turf and off-road nature walking or hiking, you will need a trail walking tread that is more lug and protective against slipping on wet or uneven surfaces.
  • Uppers – Mesh Uppers or insets for breathability. Lace-Up System or Bungee Lacing.

Reviews: Best Long Distance Walking Shoes

Here are a few great choices for Long Distance walking Shoes for both Trail and Road Walking;
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1

Long Distance Walking Shoe

New Balance’s lightweight, amply cushioned long-distance walking shoe is ideal for hard surfaces and tar roads.
  • 100% Suede leather uppers with mesh insets for breathability and cooling.
  • The durable rubber outsole offers an excellent grip on hard surfaces.
  • Features the classic ABZORB cushioning technology for the best midsole shock absorbency and energy return.
  • Walking strike path technology for better performance.
  • A comfortable padded tongue and collar and cushioned insole.

2

Gel Cushioned Walking Shoe

The Asics Gel Kayano is an excellent walking shoe featuring Gel Cushioning where you need it the most, along with a supportive SPEVA midsole.
  • Durable and supple 100% pure leather uppers are available in a black or white option.
  • Lace-up closure for a snug and secure fit.
  • The Ortholite sock-liner provides moisture management and comfort.
  • A shock-absorbing SPEVA midsole along with rearfoot and forefoot GEL cushioning.
  • Durable AHAR rubber outsole for good traction.
  • Inside, there is a double memory foam-lined collar.

3

Walking Shoe for Long Distance Walking

A lightweight and responsive walking shoe from Skechers, in their latest Go, Walk 4 model.
  • Athletic Mesh upper construction for a soft fit and superb breathability.
  • Extremely lightweight, ideal for long-distance walking.
  • A thick and supportive rubber outsole.
  • Innovative and very responsive 5GEN midsole with soft cushioning.
  • The uppers are seamless with a soft, moisture-wicking fabric lining for less irritation.
  • Features the popular GOGA Max technology.

4

Long Distance Trail Walker

Merrell’s exceptional outdoor walking shoes are ideal for long-distance walks on uneven turf and trails.
  • Both models feature tough and durable Trail-specific Vibram outsoles with athletic hiker-style uppers that have mesh inserts for breathability.
  • The Siren Edge features an M-Select ECO Fit contoured footbed with organic odor control and a shock-absorbing heel cushion.
  • In The Siren Edge, you will also find a 4MM lug shock-absorbing air cushioning system and a Bellow’s tongue to keep dirt and debris out.
  • The Annex Trak has a Nylon shank for stability and an EVA midsole for cushioning and shock absorbency.
  • Inside the Annex Trak is a breathable lining, soft textile, and Nubuck leather uppers.

5

Walking Shoe for Pronation

The Brooks Addiction Walker has some superb features for long-distance walking and is ideal for individuals with Pronation issues.
  • Full-grain leather uppers with a comfortable and soft textile lining.
  • A removable cushioned insole to accommodate orthotics.
  • HydroFlow technology enhances midsole cushioning and shock absorbency.
  • A full-length MoGo midsole compound for stable cushioning.
  • Dual-density posts at the medial arch for progressive pronation control and an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar.
  • Sturdy and durable rubber outsole for good traction.

6

Long Distance Lightweight Walking Shoe

The New Balance 680 is a lightweight, well-cushioned walking and running shoe ideal for long-distance walking.
  • The upper is lightweight and breathable, offering a more flexible fit with a roomy toe box.
  • An ACTEVA, an ABZORB shock-absorbing technology midsole, and an NB insert for cushioning.
  • The shoe does come in width options as well as other color varieties.
  • The sole is made of durable rubber with a lug tread for better traction.

7

Comfortable Long Distance Walking Shoes

These Skechers models make ideal shoes for long-distance walking and have similar features.
  • The upper consists of a breathable, lightweight mesh with a lace-up closure design.
  • Inside are a Goga Mat Air-Cooled Cushioned insole and a 5Gen cushioning midsole.
  • The durable rubber outsole ensures excellent traction and grip.
  • There are also a few colors you can select.

8

Long Distance Outdoor Walking Shoes

The Terrex Agravic Flow is the perfect outdoor Walking shoe for rough terrains.
  • The Engineered mesh uppers are breathable and abrasion-resistant.
  • Water-shedding bands around the base seal out mud, moisture, and a protective TPU toe.
  • The removable foam insole offers excellent cushioning and the support of the BOOSt technology shock, absorbing the midsole.
  • A continental rubber outsole with all condition traction offers the best grip for outdoor surfaces.

9

Long Distance Walking Shoes

  • The GO walk from Skechers is an Ideal Long Distance Walking Shoe.
  • They are durable with a high traction outsole.
  • There is shock-absorbing cushioning.
  • The uppers are lightweight and breathable.

10

Long Distance Walking Shoes

  • The Asics Gel Nimbus is perfect for long-distance walking.
  • It has Flytefoam and gel cushioning.
  • The uppers are breathable.
  • The fit is more relaxed and comfortable.

Index Table: Top Rated Long Distance Walking Shoes

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1New Balance® - Long Distance Walking Shoe 411V1 411V1
  • ABZORB Midsole
  • Cushioned
New Balance97.6
2Asics® - Gel Cushioned Walking Shoe Gel Kayano 28 Gel Kayano 28
  • DUOMAX Support
  • Gel Cushioning
  • SPEVA Midsole
Asics96
3Skechers Performance® - Walking Shoe for Long Distance Walking Go Walk 4 Performance Go walk 5
  • GOGA Max
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
Skechers Performance97
4Merrell® - Long Distance Trail Walker ANNEX Trak Siren Edge
  • Vibram Outsole
  • Breathable
Merrell97
5Brooks® - Walking Shoe for Pronation Addiction Walker Addiction Walker
  • Cushioned
  • Rollbar
  • Medial Arch
Brooks98
6New Balance® - Long Distance Lightweight Walking Shoe 680V7 680V7
  • Abzorb idsole
  • Injection Moldeed EVA Foam
  • Flexible Support
New Balance97.4
7Skechers® - Comfortable Long Distance Walking Shoes Go Walk Max Go Walk 5 Lace Up
  • Breathable Uppers
  • Cushioned
  • Comfortable Fit
  • Durable Design
Skechers96.7
8Terrex® - Long Distance Outdoor Walking Shoes Agravic Flow Agravic Flow
  • Abrasion Resistant
  • Water Shedding Bands
  • Boost Midsole
Terrex
9Skechers® - Long Distance Walking Shoes Go Walk 5 Go Walk 5
  • Air Cooled Goga Mat Insole
  • Comfort Pillar Technology
  • Rubber Outsole
Skechers96
10Asics® - Long Distance Walking Shoes Gel Nimbus 24 Gel Nimbus 24
  • Flytefoam Cushioning
  • Wide Fit
  • Mesh Uppers
  • Ortholite Sockliner
Asics97.6


About the Author

David Alegeta

A Long Distance Hiker and Hiking Instructor. Recently a Blogger and Consultant for Top Shoe Brands. David is a Writer at Verywell and a Running & Hiking Coach for Teams in Training. He is a running and long-distance hiking coach, avid runner, trainer, nutrition specialist, and health & fitness writer. As a runner for 20+ years. Coached thousands of runners and has run 9 full marathons and countless other Triathlon races. David Studied Sport and Nutrition, MS at the University of Texas Dallas