The best fast walking and power walking shoes

The best fast walking and power walking shoes
Mikel Bejarano
Mikel Bejarano
Journalist and inveterate trail runner
Posted on 25-06-2024

As a good follower of the tips we present in RUNNEA to become a better and more efficient runner, you will know that we don't just talk about running. Our purpose is to encourage physical activity. That said, walking is one of the best ways to exercise. So let's take advantage of this time of the year to update our recurring list of the best shoes for fast walking and power walking.

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Best shoes for fast walking and power walking, list

Since we have already introduced the economic component and the material one, it is inevitable to refer to what sections to take into account when finding the right model to practice power walking.

Thus, the aspects to be assessed are as follows:

  • Cushioning, which does not have to be as incisive as in running shoes.
  • Flexibility, with good performance, especially in the landing, impulse and take-off phases of the foot.
  • Breathability, because the aim is to avoid annoying chafing and blisters, so the model must ensure good ventilation and aeration.
  • Stability, which goes hand in hand with good support.

With these features down in the notebook, we recommend these models of shoes that provide you with the best performance and sensations . Best of all, they are also perfect options for walking.

The best shoes for fast walking and power walking

Shoes for fast walking on trails and trail terrain

Keep in mind that in the list you will find a bit of everything: running shoes, trail running shoes.... All of them with a common denominator: their great versatility. A feature that will serve you for any type of distance and terrain on which you do your walks. That said, and with the idea that you find the shoe that best suits your athlete profile, we establish a subdivision: trail running shoes on the one hand; and shoes for asphalt, on the other hand.

New Balance Nitrel v5

The New Balance Nitrel v5 is an ideal shoe for speed walking, and even running at gentle paces, in the mountains. It offers decent value for money, and provides all you need to enjoy the mountain.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Medium
  • Weight: 294H / 236M

Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex

This new and improved Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 4 GTX offers the same level of stability as the previous model of the same range, adapting to even the most technical and demanding terrain. This updated model stands out for its combination of React foam and Zoom Air unit in the heel and forefoot that work together to ensure a good level of reactivity, meaning you move dynamically and fluidly on all types of road. At the midfoot level, the Dynamic Fit system wraps the foot better and gives the shoe a more secure and adaptive support. In addition, there is a characteristic Gore-Tex membrane, which will allow you to keep your feet cool and dry, whatever the weather. Its traction and durability are also worth taking into account in this new and improved version of the Nike Pegasus Trail 4.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 10 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 250 gr

ASICS Gel Venture 9

The ASICS Gel Venture 9 is the latest edition of one of the most acclaimed series of outdoor adventure shoes. It's your best bet if you are new to the exciting world of trail running, orif you're anexperienced runner looking to compete on more rugged terrain. 

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 10 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 252 gr

Adidas Trailmaker 2 Gore-Tex

The adidas Trailmaker 2 Gore-Tex are hiking shoes that offer great comfort for walking on all types of surfaces, in addition, we must highlight the lightness and breathability and protection that its Gore-Tex membrane gives us for walking on wet or muddy terrain.

Timberland Winsor Trail Low

The new Timberland Winsor Trail Low are now available, a shoe that will allow us to walk comfortably on mountain terrain and that stands out for being made with a high percentage of recycled and bio-sourced materials from sugar cane and rubber grown responsibly.

HOKA Challenger 7

A new edition of the HOKA Challenger 7 arrives that incorporates interesting new features with respect to the previous version, and that will serve us as a shoe to roll on asphalt and also on mountain trails of little technical difficulty where we will be able to get the best performance.

  • Surface: Road, Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 5 mm
  • Weight: 207 gr

Brooks Divide 4

The Brooks Divide 4 is a trail running shoe that, in this new version, is clearly committed to sustainability as more than 55% of the materials used in the construction of its upper are recycled. Its upper features a running shoe fit, with an updated mesh that improves breathability, while the midsole of the shoe features the DNA LOFT cushioning developed by the brand itself that provides a smooth and fluid ride. All this with a weight of almost 300 grams in the men's version, specifically, 295 grams and 264 grams in the women's version and a drop of 8mm.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Low

Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 Gore-Tex

The Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 Gore-Tex is a trail running shoe from the brand of Annecy but that we can also use for our trekking routes in the mountains. It is a model that stands out for providing great stability and durability and waterproof Gore-Tex membrane that incorporates in this version.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 11 mm
  • Pace: Low

The best shoes for fast walking and power walking

Shoes for walking on asphalt

From trail terrain we move on to asphalt. These are some of the options that we recommend to you so that you practice the sport walking on the road with the best guarantees and sensations.

New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 are designed for those who are starting to run, thanks to their comfort and cushioning, in addition to being great value for money. 

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 268 gr

Adidas Supernova Rise

The adidas Supernova Rise is one of the latest releases of the German brand that, we are sure, will become one of the most popular this season. They perfectly combine reactivity, softness and comfort and are great for running or walking.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 10 mm
  • Pace: Medium
  • Weight: 277 gr

New Balance Fuelcell Propel v4

We open the list with a renewed and cutting-edge design: New Blance Fuelcell Propel v4 is an ideal trainer for treadmill running as it is designed for series, and changes of pace. What stands out most about this shoe is its TPU plate, accompanied by the FuelCell foam. This combinations provides comfort, without losing dynamism and stability.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 6 mm
  • Pace: Medium, High

Mizuno Wave Skyrise 5

The Mizuno Wave Skyrise 5 distinguishes itself as a daily training shoe that offers a perfect balance between soft and stable cushioning. It adapts perfectly to different types of training, distances and race paces. It's also vegan. Very nice indeed!

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium

ASICS Gel Pulse 15

The new ASICS Gel Pulse 15 represent a radical change from their previous versions. They are probable ASICS's most versatile shoes, great for running, walking or working out in the gym.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Low

Skechers GO Walk Arch Fit

The Skechers GO WALK Arch Fit shoes are designed to offer comfort and style for everyday use. They are a very versatile and sustainable pair of shoes with a breathable mesh, which you'll appreciate on your walks when it gets hotter.

The benefits of daily walking

Power walking, or in more colloquial language, fast walkin. Power walking has a maxim to be fulfilled from minute one: walking at a more sustained pace than the typical walk, which allows you to exercise your body in a gentle way, and even reducing the impacts that are implicit in the action of going out to run with your running shoes on.

Benefits of daily walking

Why get hooked on power walking? All the benefits!

The positive arguments for trying and getting involved in power walking can be summarized as follows:

  • Less harmful

On a physical level, it is not as demanding compared to other sports disciplines, and it is less harmful, since being in permanent contact with the ground, the joints suffer less, which reduces possible injuries.

  • Total disconnection

This physical activity is a good way to reduce stress and achieve greater relaxation, because it also favors the increase of endorphins, known as the molecules of happiness. No more stress and bad moods.

  • Prevent hypertension

As it is a regular effort, it favors the circulatory system, better managing intensity and pace.

  • Tone muscles

Fitness walking also allows us to activate all the muscle groups of our body, both in the lower and upper body, keeping the muscles in top shape and active.

  • Burning calories and fat

As Alvaro Gallego, Rev&Prev's nutritional advisor, pointed out to us: "Fat metabolism is usually activated when the athlete maintains a low-medium heart rate for a prolonged period of time. This requires a minimum of approximately 30 minutes, after which fat burning becomes more effective".

In this way, fitness walking is a good method to regulate weight, because it is not so complicated to last half an hour walking fast, and without forced pauses to rest due to physical fatigue.

  • Minimum investment

As with running, the economic cost of fitness walking is quite low, since you only have to set aside a certain amount of money for a good pair of shoes and suitable clothing.

Read more news about: Running News

Mikel Bejarano

Mikel Bejarano

Journalist and inveterate trail runner

An Alexander Supertramp from '96. With the same passion for literature as for nature, my adventurous soul seeks to merge the most beautiful aspects of journalism with the most addictive aspects of mountain trail running. Traveling the world with my camera and my shoes, a dream come true. Enjoying every minute and squeezing my two great passions. Without the need to achieve great feats, but with a whole future ahead to reach my personal summits, I define myself as a constant, happy and insatiable worker with the desire to continue accumulating miles of travel, mountain and life, now with Runnea.