The right active walking shoes
Do you automatically think of the typical, brown hiking boots when you think of walking shoes? Unfortunately, we hear that misunderstanding too often.
Read our tips and discover what kind of active walking shoe you need.
ROAD WALKING
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Type of walker: Dodentocht-walker, citytripper...
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Surface: asphalt, gentle forest, flat or slightly inclined
- Features of the shoe: cushioned midsole, durable outsole, comfort under your feet
| This is what I need |
TRAIL WALKING
- Type of walker: forest- and nature lover, adventurous walker
- Surface: gravelly, like off-road trails, mud and slippery roads, tracks with lots of altimeters...
- Features of the shoe: lugs under the outsole for grip, support, eventually waterproof
| I am a trail walker |
Active mid walking
- Type of walker: backpackers, or walkers who need some extra support at the ankles
- Surface: gravelly, like off-road trails, mud, slippery roads, rocks, twigs...
- Features of the shoe: superior grip, fit above the ankle
| This is it! |
With GORE-TEX - water resistant
Water resistant active walking shoes keep your feet dry when it rains. Ideal for those Belgian rainy days. But, this water-repellent layer is not very breathable.
A solution is the GORE-TEX invisible: a somewhat breathable layer compared to the general GORE-TEX.
Without GORE-TEX - not water resistant
An active walking shoe without GORE-TEX doesn't keep water outside your shoes when it rains.
But, the positive thing is that they are breathable. So, they keep your feet fresh during summer walks or hikes
Are active walking shoes better than traditional hiking boots?
It all depends on the situation and the kind of walk you want to make. Do you make your kilometers on asphalt, or do you prefer the challenging trail tracks and muddy roads? In these cases, we recommend active walking shoes instead of heavy hiking boots. The cushioning of our active walking shoes decreases the impact on your whole body. The lugs on the outsole give you the grip you need.
Are you looking for the right shoes for hikes in the high mountains or glacier tours? In these situations are the robust hiking shoes your best friends.
Important! Everyone is different, with other goals, preferences, and especially: other feet. There doesn't exist one theory about the best active walking shoe. Therefore, it is important to experience what works for you.
Do you want professional and customized advice? Visit one of our Runners' lab stores, where our advisors help you in the choice of the most convenient active walking shoe.