With cooler weather finally on the horizon, I’m already counting down to long nature walks and colorful fall foliage. And if your walking shoes need an upgrade, I’ve got great news: the Labor Day deals on sneakers, sandals, and hiking boots look pretty solid.
Can’t-miss sales
- Walking sneaker deal: Brooks Ghost 17 (27% off)
$150$110 - Walking sandal deal: Chaco Z/Cloud (up to 48% off)
$105$55 - Hiking shoe deal: Merrell Moab 3 (17% off)
$120$100
Our product analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab test all sorts of sneakers, sandals, and boots to find the best walking shoes. For the list below, I’ve included only shoes that performed well in our Textiles Lab evaluations and were highly rated by our consumer testers. Discounts range from 20% off to over half off!
Walking sneakers on sale
Walking sandals on sale
Walking boots and hiking shoes on sale
What makes a good walking shoe?
The most important thing to look for in a walking shoe is that it fits your feet properly, and if you already have a pair, make sure it's still in good shape. If not, it may be time for an upgrade. Shoes that are worn out or don't fit correctly could put you at risk for injury.
"Common risks of poorly fitting shoes include blisters, calluses, increased strain on feet, plus knee, hip, or back pain," says Saylee Tulpule, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic. "This can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis or shin splints."
Beyond wearing shoes that fit properly, you'll also want shoes appropriate for the activity (e.g., walking shoes for walking and bowling shoes for bowling). Not only can the right shoes decrease your risk of injury, but they can also enhance your performance, notes Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist and partner at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic.
If you're uncertain about a specific shoe, meet with a podiatrist for personalized recommendations. But overall, Parthasarathy advises choosing one that meets the following criteria:
- The shoe should not be able to fold completely in half.
- It ideally should have a removable insole.
- It should have a firm, supportive heel counter (the U-shaped part that hugs your heel).
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Before finalizing their recommendations, our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test women's sneakers in the Textiles Lab and work with consumer testers who log hundreds of hours in a range of styles. We also ask podiatrists for their opinions and take them into account when reviewing the shoes.
