Start Here

If you've never bought a proper walking shoe, or if you're about to buy your first pair in years, this page is the right place to start. Follow it in order. It will take about 20 minutes and save you at least two bad purchases.

Step 1: Measure Your Feet (5 minutes)

Not your old shoe size. Your actual foot. Do this in the evening, when your feet have expanded from the day. Stand on a piece of paper, trace your foot, and measure heel-to-toe length and widest point in inches. Write it down.

Most people wear a half-size too small. If you're between sizes, size up. Your feet will thank you at kilometer 5.

Step 2: Find Your Arch Type (3 minutes)

Wet your feet. Step on a piece of cardboard or dark tile. Look at the print. If most of your foot shows, you have flat feet. If only the ball and heel show, you have high arches. Everything in between is normal. This tells you whether you need arch support (flat) or cushioning (high arch).

Step 3: Know Your Walking Surface (2 minutes)

• City pavement: firm forefoot, moderate cushioning.
• Park / soft trail: slightly firmer, more grip.
• Cobblestones / travel: firm is better than soft.
• Mixed: wide sole, tread that handles both.

Step 4: Set a Budget (1 minute)

Under $80: functional options exist, but they wear out faster. $80-150: the sweet spot. $150+: diminishing returns unless you walk more than 15km per day.

Step 5: Read One Review (10 minutes)

Pick a shoe that matches your profile from Steps 1-4. Read its full review in the Walking Shoes section. Pay attention to the "Who Should NOT Buy This" paragraph — that's where most people discover the shoe isn't for them.

Step 6: Try Before You Buy

If you can, go to a store and try on the shoe for ten minutes. Walk around the block. Then order online from the store that gives the best return policy. If you can't try in-store, order from a retailer with a 30-day return policy and walk around your neighborhood for a week before deciding.

Common Beginner Mistakes

1. Buying based on brand, not fit. A Hoka that doesn't fit your heel is worse than a Skechers that does.
2. Sizing too small. Your feet swell. If a shoe feels snug in the store, it's too small.
3. Buying the "latest" model. Last year's model is often 30-50% cheaper and functionally identical.
4. Ignoring cushioning decay. A shoe that feels great at 10km may feel dead at 300km. Mileage matters more than first impressions.
5. Wearing new shoes on a long walk. Break in over shorter walks first. Your feet will thank you.

Where to Go Next

• Ready to browse? Go to Walking Shoes.
• Want to understand scoring? Read Scoring Methodology.
• Want to know who we are? Read About.
• Want the deep stuff? See The Selection Framework.