While running may be the de facto choice for cardio that most people think about first, perhaps you may want to consider walking first. This is perhaps the better choice for beginners, as you still get plenty of health benefits. Even walking at a pace of 2 miles an hour will benefit your cardiovascular system enough to reduce the risk of health problems by more than 30%.
When you walk, you take it easy on your joints and you also minimize the risk of injury. You also won’t have to join a gym, even if you might choose to go to a Chuze Fitness gym because the fees are just so affordable.
Of course, it does help when you have the right pair of shoes for walking.
1. Saucony Cohesion 13 Walking Shoe
The Saucony brand may not have the same impact as Nike or Adidas, but plenty of serious athletes know about it. It does help that it’s been around since 1898. And when it comes to shoes for walking, Saucony can go toe to toe with any other brand out there.
The Cohesion 13 is their main contender for walking, as it offers plenty of cushioning to make sure you don’t put too much stress on your joints. It comes with the special Versafoam cushioning technology.
Also, lots of people love how comfortable these shoes are on their feet. The upper is quite breathable, so you can wear this all day.
Finally, this is super-affordable. You can go for miles on this pair of shoes, without paying a lot per mile.
2. Converse One Star Ox Sneakers
Like the Chuck Taylor from Converse, the suede One Star looks simple and yet so stylish. You can wear this at any time, even for the office. And if you’re seriously into walking (or you’re on your feet a lot when you work), then you’ll appreciate the extra cushioning as well as the Ortholite insole.
3. Reebok Classics Club C 85 Shoes
This is a classic alright, since it first came out almost 40 years ago. Yet modern-day fashionistas still love it, and among those avid fans is Kendrick Lamar. Even if you don’t know who Kendrick Lamar is, you’ll appreciate how comfortable these shoes are. It’s got the terrycloth lining and padded tongue and collar for comfort, along with the always-stylish silhouette.
4. Allbirds Wool Runners
This is the pair of shoes that made Allbirds the billion-dollar brand it is now. It looks quite basic, but Allbirds has sold more than a million pairs of this particular shoe over the years. This is because it’s available in plenty of different colors, plus it’s astonishingly comfortable.
The ZQ Merino is incredibly warm, soft, and cozy, and it’s naturally thermoregulating. You can wear this all day due to the support from the cushioned midsole, and it sure is great for travel.
5. Asics Gel-Kayano 27 Shoes
With these shoes, you get the most cushioning possible from any Asics pair of shoes. The flexible sole helps you maintain a more natural roll when you walk. It also comes with many other technologies, for minimized impact, more efficient toe-off, and increased stability. The rear portion also comes with reflective materials so drivers and bikers can see you more easily at night.
6. Veja Condor 2 Logo Shoes
Veja is a relatively new brand, as it only launched in 2005. Their goals are quite modern, with a focus on trends such as using organic materials and working with fair trade practices. But despite the hipster status of the brand (heck, they even offer “vegan shoes”), the Condor 2 Logo will meet all your walking needs.
This particular pair does use more synthetic fibers than the brands other shoes, so it’s not as expensive. Yet it’s more effective for walking, and it’s quite comfortable as well.
7. Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2 Shoes
Despite the “Run” in the name, this pair of shoes isn’t just for running. It was designed to minimize injuries while you move around, so it’s great for walking as well. These shoes absorb a lot of impact so it’s easier for your joints, while the added foam makes these shoes much more comfortable. Your feet get a lot of protection as well.
8. Merrell Moab 2 Gore-Tex Shoes
The Merrell brand has established a reputation for mixing the features of boots and sneakers, getting the best of both worlds. This particular pair is one of their best, with the advanced cushioning technology that works just as well on a rugged mountain path as a regular street in your town. It also uses materials that are both breathable and waterproof, so you can wear this all year.
9. Hoka One One Bondi 7 Shoe
Fashionistas love the brand, but walkers everywhere who have tried the Bondi 7 absolutely adore this pair. The cushioning is simply terrific, and it’s like walking with pillows on your feet. With the thick soles that absorb impact, this can also last a good long while!