Best Running Shoes for Walking – By a Running Footwear Specialist

1.Brooks - Ghost Max 2

Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; Brooks

2. New Balance - Fresh Foam X 1080v14

Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; New Balance

3. Saucony Guide 17

Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; Saucony

The Technology

Here, we’ll take a look at the technology each of the shoes features and why it might help you.

Brooks Ghost Max 2

New Balance - Fresh Foam X 1080v14

Saucony Guide 17

Fit

Shoes from different footwear brands differ in terms of length, width and upper volume.

The Brooks Ghost Max 2 fits true to size in terms of length, so stay with your regular size there. The shoe is available in both regular and width fitting options: B width (regular) and D width (wide) for women and D width (regular), 2E width (wide) and 4E (extra wide) for men.

The Brooks Ghost Max 2 has a comparatively generous volume in the upper and this is more noticeable in the toe box of the shoe. It doesn’t make the shoe too wide or baggy, so there’s no need to make adjustments in your sizing, it is just a little more generous than the other shoes here.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 fits true to size in terms of length and width for US users.

UK and European users should take care as New Balance makes a different conversion from US to UK sizing, meaning UK sizes are just a half smaller, whereas other brands have a full-size difference. ( New Balance US10 is a UK9.5; for other brands, a US10 is a UK9).

The New Balance is available in both regular and width fitting options: A width (narrow), B width (regular), D width (wide) and 2E (X-wide) for women and D width (regular), 2E width (wide) and 4E (extra wide) for men.

The shoes have a relatively plush upper with a small degree of natural ‘stretch’ to their fit, but it doesn’t detract from the overall fit, so stay with your usual size.

The Saucony Guide 17 fits true to size in both length and width. Many people comment that the shoe appears to be much wider. Don’t let this fool you and stick to your normal size. The shoe simply appears to be a little wider in the forefoot because of the flare of the midsole cushioning.

The Saucony is available in three width options for both men and women, simply referred to as ‘regular’, ‘wide’ and ‘extra-wide’ by the brand.

Which Should I Choose?

Like running, the considerations when buying a running shoe for walking are similar. Fit, feel and comfort should be the deciding factors. More than anything else, the shoe should be comfortable from the moment you put it on.

If you have any injuries or aches and pains in your feet or lower legs, the causes of these should be considered when deciding on shoes.

If you have Plantar Fasciitis, then consider a shoe that offers a little more support in the arch of the shoe and take a look at our plantar fasciitis article here.

If your feet roll inwards towards each other when you stand, walk or run, this is commonly known as over-pronation and again, a shoe with a little more arch support may help.

We have an article on shoes for over-pronators here.

Our Selection

Brooks Ghost Max 2

The Ghost Max 2 offers excellent cushioning in the form of Brooks DNA Loft v3 foam. This nitrogen-infused foam provides durable cushioning that doesn’t ‘give way’ when in use for extended periods.

The high stack (39mm of cushioning in the heel) and mid drop (6mm between the heel and forefoot) means it sits in the mid-range of drop heights for running shoes. This 6mm drop is the sweet spot for walking. It elevates the heel slightly and combined with the rocker in the heel, it allows the foot to roll forward through the gait cycle smoothly.

There are small GuideRails in the rear of the cushioning. These extend up around the heel and help to keep it centred within the shoe. They add a small but very effective level of control. For those who may over-pronate a little, they work very well when this shoe is used as an everyday walking option.

Due to the high stack of cushioning, the Ghost Max 2 has a deep forefoot rocker. This again helps the foot roll forward smoothly and with little effort. Both runners and walkers alike often comment on how they feel the shoe is ‘rolling them along the road’.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14

The 1080v14 provides the softest cushioning in this selection. Its wide range of sizes and widths offers a great range of options for finding a shoe suitable for many people.

For those who don’t have any particular foot pain or injuries other than perhaps feeling that their feet become tired or begin to ache after walking longer distances, the cushioning in the 1080v14 is excellent.

The high stack (38mm of cushioning in the heel) and mid drop (6mm between the heel and forefoot) means it sits in the mid-range of drop heights for running shoes. The stack of cushioning is just 1mm less than that of the Brooks, so it is negligible.

This 6mm drop is the sweet spot for walking. It elevates the heel slightly and combined with the rocker in the heel, it allows the foot to roll forward through the gait cycle smoothly.

Again, like the Brooks Ghost Max 2, the New Balance 1080v14 has deep rockers in the heel and forefoot, which help the thick cushioning stack roll the foot forward as you walk. This adds to the comfort when walking.

Saucony Guide 17

The lightest shoe here, the Saucony, is also the most supportive. As its name suggests, the shoe aims to ‘guide’ the foot forward in a neutral manner. 

The Guide 17 has a deep stack of cushioning and a 6mm drop, just like the Brooks Ghost Max 2 and New Balance 1080v14. It weighs approximately 10% less than both the other shoes.

Cushioning is excellent for all day on your feet. The rocker on the Guide 17 is perhaps the most aggressive looking and in the forefoot, it rolls the foot forward very easily, assisting for those with stiffness in the forefoot joint.

The straighter, lasted medial side of the shoe helps control pronation, helping this shoe be the most supportive of the options.

My Verdict

For those who require a soft, well-cushioning running shoe for walking, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 will be suitable.

For those requiring a small amount of stability in a running for walking, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 provides just that and responsive and durable cushioning.

For those who overpronate, perhaps suffer from Plantar Fasciitis or require a more stable, supportive shoe with great cushioning, the Saucony Guide 17 is the best option.