shoe is a good match for you if.
The 14 best walking boots, tested by the RW Lab experts
You may think those old trail shoes are up to it, but chances are you need boots made for walking
All runners should ideally be getting some walking in, too. We've said on many occasions that a power walk is a great excuse to get outside, enjoy nature AND get some training done at the same time. A good hike on some rough ground helps strengthen those smaller stabilising muscles that road running won't get to. But, if you want to get some proper walking done without injuring yourself, it's wise to get a pair of boots that are fit for purpose.
Much like running shoes, walking shoes and boots are specific to certain tasks. And while you may think those old trail shoes are absolutely fine, it could be that you're sacrificing the enjoyment and benefits of a good walk because of the wrong footwear.
Fear not, however, as long gone are the days of industrial-looking boots from brands you've never heard of. Many of your favourite running brands now make men's and women's walking boots, while established hiking companies have crafted lighter, cushioned styles to put a spring in your step on longer treks.
Here are the best walking boots for runners to shop in 2023. Scroll on for detailed reviews of each.
How should walking boots fit?
Fit is the most important component of a comfortable walking boot. We can tell you that a good pair should be snug around the heel and mid-foot, while giving your toes tassel of wiggle room to be able to spread for stability. However, finding a model that will suit your foot’s natural shape is another matter entirely.
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- Try them on with the laces undone, wearing your usual thick pair of walking socks. If they’re already uncomfortable at this point, you’re fighting a losing battle.
- Stretch your toes to make sure they have tassel of room. They should be able to spread, helping you keep your balance on challenging terrain, and there should be about a finger’s width between them and the toe of the boot so they don’t bash into it when walking downhill.
- Push your foot down. You should now be able to fit a finger between your heel and the back of the boot. You want a snug fit; if there's too much space then your heel won’t lock into place and could rub, but if there's no room at all then your chosen footwear is too small.
- Lace up the boot and take a few paces. The heel and mid-foot should feel snug and supportive without bordering into uncomfortably tight territory, and your heel shouldn’t lift out of the heel cup. The ball of your foot should sit above the flex point of the shoe, where the sole naturally bends.
If your footwear passes all these tests, break them in by wearing them around the house, giving them tassel of time to mould to your feet. After several housebound sessions, they’ll be ready to take on the trails.
Runner's World Expert Tested
If a walking boot on this list sports a Runner's World Expert Tested badge, that means it's been put through a rigorous testing process and earned the seal of approval from our RW Lab experts.
They tested a range of walking boots, with each one put through its paces by up to three keen hikers. The shoes were worn on sun-caked surfaces, boggy moors, muddy tracks and more, allowing us to check their waterproofing and breathability credentials.
In total, twelve pairs made the final list, proving they could provide a great fit and cushioned comfort, as well as boasting an attractive design that was easy to clean and innovative features that added to their performance.
Alongside this, our RW editors have also tested and selected their favourite boots (marked with an Editor's Choice badge), which have seen them through testing treks, urban yomps and everything else in between.
Yanar was our former Fitness Group Testing Manager. She managed health and fitness product testing across all the magazines, overseeing all testing processes and ensuring our lab and panel tests are conducted to the highest standards. Yanar spent 15 years as a health and wellness content editor and writer for national titles such as Runner’s World, Men’s Health and Women’s Health. Yanar is a Level 3 qualified PT, trained yoga teacher and a registered yoga therapist. She has been into fitness and wellness her whole life. After many years running races and marathons, she now trains and competes in CrossFit and Olympic lifting. She passionately advocates strength training for women to build a stronger mind and body for life.
Ben is the Multiplatform Director and has worked at Runner's World for over 10 years. In this time he has replaced core childhood memories with miscellaneous stats about running shoes and tech. Ben is a firm believer that running is just as much about adventure and fun as about chasing PBs, and he likes nothing more than a day spent explore new trails.
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