5 Best Lightweight Walking Shoes That Are Affordable

Are you looking for the best lightweight walking shoes? It is quite easy to think that you can walk in just about any shoe. This is true to a certain extent. You will find that some shoes are more comfortable than others, which is due to several reasons—most of which we will explore in this article.

1. Have you been told by your doctor that you need to walk more, but you do not seem to have good shoes for it?

2. Perhaps you have outgrown your good pair and now you would like to know what the market has to offer.

3. Or maybe you want to pass a subtle hint for someone you love to start walking more often.

Best Lightweight Walking Shoes

Photo Name What We like
Vibram Men's KSO EVO Cross Training Shoe The shoes are lightweight. They provide great traction for running. They come with a speed lacing system.
Under Armour Men's Kilchis Sneaker They are suitable for those with wide feet. They provide great traction. They are quick to drain out.
Fila Men's Skele-Toes EZ Slide Drainage They generally run true to size. There is no break-in period required. They are very comfortable.
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Men's Running Trainer Shoe The soles provide a barefoot feeling. The shoes fit quite snuggly. They usually run true to size.
Merrell Men's Vapor Glove 3 Luna Leather Sneaker There is a lot of room in the toe-box. They are aesthetically pleasing. They are very comfortable.

Whatever your reason is, looking for a good walking shoe is not always a walk in the park. It involves your thinking about different factors. It also means you will need to know why you are doing it in the first place.

Sometimes your doctor may prescribe that you walk more for the sake of your health. Walking on its own has numerous health benefits that cannot be fully exhausted. However, it can be difficult to harness the benefits and stick to walking when you are ill-equipped. 

You need to make sure that you are in the right walking shoes. If, for example, you spend long hours on your feet and then need to walk certain distances, you must find shoes that can support you well enough for this. Walking is great for you, but it also has an impact on your feet. It can be an adverse effect, but it does not have to be. 

You can get comfortable walking shoes, and that will provide the cushioning you need so that you are comfortable at all times. When you are comfortable, it is easier to get more walking done. How much your shoes weigh has a huge bearing on how easy they are to walk in. This article looks at the various lightweight walking shoes available and what makes the different models so great for walking in.

In a Hurry

Do you need a quick guide for lightweight walking shoes? There are a few factors that you will need to consider. One of the best qualities to look for in any walking shoe is how much they weigh. Lightweight shoes are much easier to walk in. The first thing you will want to establish is how much walking you intend to do. This will help you determine the durability you need in a shoe. 

You can check on the shoe’s durability by looking at what the shoes are made of. Most sites that tell you about the shoe features will often also tell you about what the shoe is made of, and this includes the sole and the material of the rest of the shoe.

You will also need to know what conditions you will be walking in to know if you will need waterproof shoes or any other guard against weather conditions. Some shoes cannot withstand harsh terrain whilst some do not do well on pavements. Ascertain where you will be walking. Also, make sure to get the right size. An ill-fitting shoe can be the cause of blisters and other foot problems.

Our Top Pick

We took a look at some of the best lightweight walking shoes on the market and found our favorite to be the Clarks Women’s Cloud Steppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafer. It is 100% textile and has a synthetic sole. The insole can be removed, which means that you can replace it with another type of insole if you need extra support. This is a comfort shoe which means you are guaranteed that you can be on your feet literally all day and not have to worry about your feet and how they are doing in your shoes.  

Our Round Up of Lightweight Walking Shoes

adidas Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe 

You have probably run into shoes that look similar to this, if not identical. Excuse the pun on the run as you can see that the part of the shoes is made out of textile material. This makes it highly breathable.

Most runners will appreciate shoes that are breathable as you tend to get quite hot if running for a prolonged period. The soles of the shoes are made out of rubber. They provide you with underfoot protection as well as great traction, especially when running on hard surfaces.

The shuffle of these shoes rises about 6 inches to the arches. The platform of the shoe measures about 3 inches. The opening of the boot is about 6 to 12 inches round. This is plenty of room for your foot to slide right in without needing to fiddle with the laces. 

The design is particular to ladies. Although, we all have seen similar shoes being used by men. The manufacturers have branded and sold this one as the ladies’ shoe for the fit. It is a shoe that is designed for the everyday runner without being too athletic.

The design is such that the shoe wraps itself around your foot for great comfort. This is a lightweight shoe that is easy to glide on. This is what makes them perfect for walking.

Pros

  • The shoes are lightweight.
  • They come with memory foam insoles.
  • They are available in various colours.
  • They are very comfortable.
  • Good heel support.

Cons

  • Support not great for running.
  • Durability differs from one pair to another.

CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICE

Skechers Ghenter Bronaugh Work Shoe 

Skechers shoes are famous for being very comfortable and great for walking. These shoes are sold as work shoes. That is because they have been designed to carry a neutral color that could fit into the workplace without looking out of place.

The other part of the shoes is made out of mesh fabric. This makes them quite breathable. There is an easy movement of air into and out of the shoe allowing your feet to breathe. This is especially great when you’re walking for long distances or in hot conditions.

The soles of the shoes are made out of rubber. As you can expect from rubber, these soles are quite slip-resistant. Several lads under the shoe enhance the amount of traction that you can generate as you’re walking.

The lads increase the friction between your foot and the ground, making it easier to get a firm tread and not fall over. For most walkers, this will not be an essential feature. However, if you’re walking in slippery conditions, all of which services this is when this will come in handy.

There is very minimal branding on the shoes and besides the massive S on the side for Skechers. This S blends into the background quite well, which will make this use quite a subtle pic for those who are not too keen on being branded.

Pros

  • The soles are slip-resistant.
  • They are incredibly lightweight.
  • They accommodate those with wide feet.
  • They run true to size.
  • They are quite breathable.
  • Comes with memory foam.

Cons

  • The arch support and heel support could be better.
  • Durability is not consistent.

CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICE

Clarks CloudSteppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafer 

Clarks is a massive brand, especially in the UK. That is mainly because that is where the brain originates. The issues are synonymous with quality. This particular one is quite similar to what we would’ve expected from Skechers as far as the design is concerned.

It is quite a minimalist design that emphasizes functionality and less on the static side of things. That is not to say that there is anything particularly lackluster about these shoes. They are the sort of shoes I would also fit into the workplace without the need for any sort of alteration. 

Photos I would prefer to choose the colors you have various colors to choose from in this case. These shoes are made out of 100% textile. The soles are synthetic. This issue has a hill that measures about 1.5 inches. They come with a removable insole that would allow you to replace it with your preferred one if you have one. For those that need to use medical orthotic insoles, you have the option to do so quite easily.

The sole can be described as a cloud stepper, as the manufacturer has already done. The term cloud stepper is used to describe such a comfortable shoe you feel like walking on air. That is the aim of the design of this you, and in many ways, we are pleased to report that they have delivered on this. It provides you with a soft cushioning, especially on the hindfoot where it is most needed.

Pros

  • They come in seven colour options.
  • The soles are durable.
  • They are easy to slip in and out of.
  • They run true to size.
  • They are very comfortable.
  • The toe box is spacious.
  • The footbed is machine washable.

Cons

  • Not the most attractive shoes.
  • Breathability could be better.

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Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Madison Fashion Sneaker 

Speaking of being spoilt for choice, what would you say to have your pick of 27 colors or designs? This is what these shoes represent. That a part of the shoes is made out of textile, it is reasonably breathable.

You also find that it leaves you with quite a bit of room on the front of your foot in line with this theme of breathability. The design is available from the most subtle black shoe without any pattern or symbols on it to the wilder and tigerish designs.

The souls of the shoes are made out of rubber. This is always a great indicator for shoes that will provide you with a good amount of traction and grip if you’re walking on hard surfaces. It is also a good sign for shoes that will likely be durable.

For the sake of comfort, these shoes have memory foam cool fit insoles. If the name doesn’t already give it away, they are designed to allow you to position your foot most comfortably and maintain it. This is a slip-on shoe which makes it quite easy to get in and out of it. 

This should provide you with a good amount of support, as you would expect from shoes by Dr. Scholl. The insoles are removable, giving you the option to replace them with your preferred or medically prescribed ones. The shape of the shoe allows you to find shoes that would fit those with wider feet.

Pros

  • There are 27 colours and designs available.
  • The soles provide good traction
  • They are highly breathable.
  • They are suitable for wide feet.
  • They are very comfortable.

Cons

  • They can be too warm.
  • Not as durable as expected.

CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICE

New Balance FuelCore Nergize V1 Cross Trainer

If an understated design is not quite your thing and you are looking for something that will give you brighter and more vivid colors, then we have a choice for you. This shoe comes with a total of 35 different colors and designs that you can choose from. The upper part of the shoes is made out of 100% synthetic material. 

This is a highly breathable material that allows you to use this for prolonged periods in hot conditions without sweating out. For the sake of comfort, the manufacturers have used what they call the REVlite midsole foam. This is a foam that provides you with additional cushioning in the midsole region of your foot.

It also has a memory foam insert that is removable. As with the others on this list, you can replace it with your own insoles if you would like to. A distinct feature of the shoe is that it has a mix of being a slip-on and having some laces.

This is to say that you could skip the shoot on and not have to do the laces. However, if you wanted to get a tighter wraparound of your foot, you could use the laces to tighten the shoe. It is quite a lightweight shoe that would allow you to walk for long distances without feeling the additional weight burden.

Compared to the other shoes that we have on this list, this is quite a stylish shoe that looks quite athletic. Another thing that is worth mentioning is the fact that the cushioning is quite responsive.

Pros

  • The shoes are very stylish.
  • They are incredibly lightweight.
  • They come in lovely colours.
  • They are very comfortable.
  • They are easy to slide in and out of.
  • They provide arch support.

Cons

  • May be half a size off.
  • Not durable when used for sports.

CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICE

Buyer’s Guide

Will walking in running shoes ruin them?

There are dozens of shoes nowadays that are made for various reasons. You can find shoes specifically made for weight lifting and others specifically for hiking. It can seem like a lot to choose from. I mean, you need a great shoe to walk in. Does it need to be so difficult? Modern technology has given way to many new features that can be found on sneakers today, and they all have a purpose. 

You need to know which features you need is the perfect lightweight walking shoe. As a runner, you need a shoe that can take the repeated impact of striking the ground in a similar pattern with similar force. Walking, on the other hand, involves striking the ground with less force. However, it may still have a particular pattern. Walking shoes are not made to be as durable as running shoes. 

A shoe that is specially made for running has certain features that make this activity more effective. These features may not always work if you used the shoes for walking. Shoes made for walking usually have more cushioning. When you walk, your foot spends more time on the ground than when running. It may seem harmless enough, but when you walk in a running shoe, you run the risk of an Impact injury like plantar fasciitis.

Which walking shoes are best for flat feet?

If you have flat feet, it means that your arches need some help. You will need to find shoes that have good arch support. The other option is to get a pair that has a removable insole that will allow you to put in an extra arch. This will give you added support and comfort. 

Which walking shoes are the best?

The best walking shoes are shoes that allow your foot to rock back and forth in the way it naturally wants to do so as you walk. It would be best to have a shoe with enough cushioning to help you stay comfortable when you are on your feet. You need to get a flexible shoe as your foot rocks from the heel to the ball of the foot.

Conclusion

Buying a great walking shoe can make a world of difference for you as you go about your business. You want to be able to do so without having to think about how your feet are doing. When your shoes are lightweight, you will find that it is much easier not to worry about them. You also do not have to worry about impact injuries when you are comfortable.

The shoes you walk in can make all the difference in walking a few extra kilometers and getting the exercise you need. If you are walking to get from point A to B, you also want to do this without having to second guess if you will make it or not because of the drama on your feet. We hope our review has helped you make the best decision for your feet. Happy walking and happy shopping!

Hi there. This is Clare. Dave and I manage this site. We are outdoor enthusiasts. Most of the content is about products that we love using or have researched.
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