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Walking on a treadmill is a low-impact exercise that can help you maintain your fitness without putting too much stress on your joints. However, to enjoy the benefits of treadmill walking, you need the right pair of shoes. Choosing the right shoes can prevent injuries and make your workout comfortable and enjoyable. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you select the best shoes for treadmill walking.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Treadmill Shoes:
To select the best treadmill shoes, we have identified five criteria: comfort, support, durability, traction, and breathability.
- Comfort: Your treadmill shoes should be comfortable and fit well. A well-fitting shoe will prevent blisters and other foot injuries, making your workout comfortable.
- Support: Treadmill shoes should provide adequate support to your feet. Good support will help prevent injuries, especially if you have flat feet or overpronation.
- Durability: Your treadmill shoes should be durable enough to withstand frequent use. A high-quality shoe will save you money in the long run.
- Traction: The shoes should have good traction to prevent slips and falls. A shoe with poor traction can be dangerous, especially if you run on a high-speed treadmill.
- Breathability: Good treadmill shoes should be breathable to prevent sweating and odour. Proper ventilation can help keep your feet cool and dry.
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Top Picks for the Best Treadmill Shoes in 2023:
Neutral Shoes: Neutral shoes are designed for runners with a neutral gait. They provide good cushioning and are suitable for treadmill walking. Some of the best neutral shoes in 2023 include:
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 provides excellent comfort, support, and durability. It also has good traction, making it ideal for treadmill walking. The only downside is that it may not be suitable for people with flat feet.
Pros:
- Excellent comfort: The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 provides excellent comfort, thanks to its soft and responsive foam midsole. It also has a plush tongue and collar, making it comfortable to wear for long periods.
- Good support: The shoe has a full-length Air Zoom unit that provides good support and cushioning. It also has a midfoot webbing system that locks down the foot, providing extra support.
- Durable: The shoe has a durable outsole that can withstand frequent use. The upper is also made of breathable mesh that is both lightweight and durable.
- Good traction: The shoe has a rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces. This makes it ideal for treadmill walking, especially if you are walking at a high speed.
- Stylish design: The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 has a sleek and modern design that looks good both on and off the treadmill.
Cons:
- Not suitable for people with flat feet: The shoe may not be suitable for people with flat feet as it does not provide enough arch support.
- Slightly expensive: The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 is a bit expensive compared to some other treadmill shoes on the market. However, it is worth the investment considering its many benefits.
Brooks Ghost 14
The Brooks Ghost 14 is another excellent choice for treadmill walking. It offers great cushioning and support, making it perfect for long-distance walking. The only downside is that it is a bit expensive.
Pros:
- Excellent cushioning: The Brooks Ghost 14 has DNA Loft and BioMoGo DNA cushioning that provides excellent shock absorption and comfort.
- Good support: The shoe has a Segmented Crash Pad that provides good support and stability, making it suitable for treadmill walking.
- Durable: The shoe has a durable outsole that can withstand frequent use. It also has a breathable and lightweight upper that is made of engineered mesh.
- Good traction: The shoe has a rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on different surfaces.
- Comfortable fit: The shoe has a plush tongue and collar, providing a comfortable fit.
Cons:
- Slightly expensive: The Brooks Ghost 14 is a bit expensive compared to some other treadmill shoes on the market.
Cushioned Shoes:
Cushioned shoes are designed to provide extra cushioning, making them perfect for long-distance walking. Some of the best-cushioned shoes in 2023 include:
Hoka One One Bondi 7
The Hoka One One Bondi 7 is a great option for people who need extra cushioning. It also offers excellent support and durability. However, it may not be suitable for people with narrow feet.
Pros:
- Excellent cushioning: The Hoka One One Bondi 7 has a thick EVA midsole that provides excellent cushioning and comfort.
- Good support: The shoe has a Meta-Rocker technology that provides good support and stability, making it suitable for long-distance treadmill walking.
- Durable: The shoe has a durable outsole that can withstand frequent use. It also has a breathable and lightweight upper that is made of mesh.
- Good traction: The shoe has a rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on different surfaces.
- Wide fit: The shoe has a wider toe box, providing more room for your toes.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for people with narrow feet: The shoe may not fit well for people with narrow feet.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11 offers superior comfort and cushioning. It also has good traction and is suitable for people with wide feet. The only downside is that it may not be suitable for people with flat feet.
Pros:
- Excellent cushioning: The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11 has a Fresh Foam midsole that provides excellent cushioning and comfort.
- Good support: The shoe has a Hypoknit upper that provides good support and stability, making it suitable for treadmill walking.
- Durable: The shoe has a durable outsole that can withstand frequent use. It also has a breathable and lightweight upper that is made of engineered mesh.
- Good traction: The shoe has a rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on different surfaces.
- Suitable for people with wide feet: The shoe has a wider toe box, providing more room for your toes.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for people with flat feet: The shoe may not provide enough arch support for people with flat feet.
Minimalist Shoes:
Minimalist shoes have a low-profile design and provide minimal cushioning. They are suitable for people who prefer a natural feel when walking. Some of the best minimalist shoes in 2023 include:
Merrell Vapor Glove 4
The Merrell Vapor Glove 4 is an excellent minimalist shoe that provides good traction and breathability. It is also lightweight and flexible, making it perfect for treadmill walking. However, it may not be suitable for people with flat feet.
Pros:
- Lightweight: The Merrell Vapor Glove 4 is lightweight and flexible, providing a natural feel when walking on a treadmill.
- Good traction: The shoe has a Vibram outsole that provides excellent traction on different surfaces.
- Breathable: The shoe has a breathable upper that keeps your feet cool and dry.
- Durable: The shoe has a durable outsole that can withstand frequent use.
- Suitable for people who prefer minimalist shoes.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for people with flat feet: The shoe may not provide enough arch support for people with flat feet.
Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0
The Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 is another great option for minimalist shoe lovers. It offers good traction, durability, and breathability. The only downside is that it may take some time to get used to the five-toe design.
Pros:
- Good traction: The Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 has a Vibram Megagrip outsole that provides excellent traction on different surfaces.
- Breathable: The shoe has a breathable upper that keeps your feet cool and dry.
- Lightweight: The shoe is lightweight and flexible, providing a natural feel when walking on a treadmill.
- Durable: The shoe has a durable outsole that can withstand frequent use.
- Suitable for people who prefer minimalist shoes.
Cons:
- May take some time to get used to the five-toe design.
Trail Shoes:
Trail shoes are designed for off-road walking, but they can also be used for treadmill walking. They have a sturdy construction and good traction. Some of the best trail shoes in 2023 include:
Salomon Speedcross 5
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is an excellent choice for people who prefer trail shoes for treadmill walking. It provides excellent traction, durability, and support. However, it may not be suitable for people with wide feet.
Pros:
- Excellent traction: The Salomon Speedcross 5 has an aggressive Contagrip outsole that provides excellent traction on different surfaces, making it suitable for off-road and treadmill walking.
- Good support: The shoe has a Sensifit system that cradles the foot, providing good support and stability.
- Durable: The shoe has a durable outsole and a water-resistant upper that can withstand frequent use.
- Breathable: The shoe has a breathable upper that keeps your feet cool and dry.
- Stylish design: The Salomon Speedcross 5 has a sleek and modern design that looks good both on and off the treadmill.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for people with wide feet: The shoe may not fit well for people with wide feet.
- Slightly expensive: The Salomon Speedcross 5 is a bit expensive compared to some other treadmill shoes on the market.
Inov-8 Roclite G 275
The Inov-8 Roclite G 275 is another great option for trail shoes. It offers superior traction and durability, making it perfect for off-road walking. It also has good cushioning and support. The only downside is that it may not be suitable for people with flat feet.
Pros:
- Excellent traction: The Inov-8 Roclite G 275 has a Graphene-Grip outsole that provides excellent traction on different surfaces, making it suitable for off-road and treadmill walking.
- Good support: The shoe has a Powerflow midsole that provides good support and cushioning, making it suitable for long-distance walking.
- Durable: The shoe has a durable outsole and a reinforced upper that can withstand frequent use.
- Breathable: The shoe has a breathable upper that keeps your feet cool and dry.
- Suitable for people who prefer trail shoes.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for people with flat feet: The shoe may not provide enough arch support for people with flat feet.
- Slightly expensive: The Inov-8 Roclite G 275 is a bit expensive compared to some other treadmill shoes on the market.
Overall, each shoe selection has its unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different types of treadmill walkers. It’s important to consider your personal preferences and needs when choosing the best shoes for treadmill walking.
Shoes For Walking on a Treadmill FAQs:
How long should treadmill shoes last?
Treadmill shoes should last between 300-500 miles or 6-8 months of regular use.
Do I need to wear socks with my treadmill shoes?
Yes, wearing socks will prevent blisters and other foot injuries.
Can I use cross-training shoes for treadmill walking?
Yes, cross-training shoes are versatile and can be used for treadmill walking.
What features should I look for in treadmill shoes if I have flat feet?
If you have flat feet, look for shoes with good arch support and stability features.
What is the ideal way to break in new treadmill shoes?
Wear them for short periods and gradually increase the duration over time.
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Choosing The best Shoes For Walking on a Treadmill
In conclusion, finding the best shoes for treadmill walking is essential for a comfortable and safe workout. When selecting shoes, it’s important to consider the criteria such as comfort, support, durability, traction, and breathability. Our top picks for the best treadmill shoes in 2023 include neutral shoes like Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 and Brooks Ghost 14, cushioned shoes like Hoka One One Bondi 7 and New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11, minimalist shoes like Merrell Vapor Glove 4 and Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0, and trail shoes like Salomon Speedcross 5 and Inov-8 Roclite G 275.
Remember to replace your treadmill shoes every 6-8 months or after 300-500 miles of use to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, be sure to wear socks with your shoes to prevent blisters and other foot injuries.
By following these tips and selecting the best shoes for treadmill walking, you can improve your overall workout experience and achieve your fitness goals. I hope this guide has been informative and helpful in finding the perfect shoes for your treadmill walking needs.
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