Just like warm-ups and cool-downs, choosing the right workout shoes is a key step in any fitness routine. Workout shoes not only provide comfort and style but also protect your feet from injury and help enhance performance.

If you’re looking for walking fitness shoes, in particular, it’s important to prioritize options that provide stability, arch support, and shock absorption. Walking shoes should support your body’s natural alignment, optimizing your goals from head to toe.

Whether you’re a power walking devotee or a casual gym goer, Vionic has a range of comfortable men’s and women’s shoes to support your workout. Read on to discover the best shoes for working out, plus insider tips on shoe features, foot health, and more.

Importance of Choosing the Right Workout Shoes

Before starting any kind of physical activity, it’s crucial to have proper workout shoes that will keep you supported, safe, and comfortable. And here’s a fun fact: The right pair of shoes will not only keep your feet happy but also help you reach your fitness goals.

That’s right—workout shoes can be a make-or-break factor in your performance. Here’s why.

During any workout, but especially walking, your feet are the foundation of your balance, mobility, and endurance. Workout shoes protect and support your feet, keeping them aligned with the rest of your body and ready to take every step in stride.

Meanwhile, the wrong pair of shoes can slow you down and cause discomfort, pain, or injury. You risk derailing your fitness routine and may deal with long-term foot health issues, not to mention joint or skeletal problems.

Wearing improper shoes while walking or working out can cause:

• Leg, hip, or back pain
• Blisters or calluses
• Hammertoe
• Plantar fasciitis
• Stress fractures
• Sprains
• Joint stress and pain

On the other hand, the best shoes for working out will help you keep pace while supporting, protecting, and strengthening your feet. You’ll feel comfortable and balanced even after long hours on your feet, and you’ll avoid any potential issues or injuries.

However, when shopping for workout shoes, it’s important to choose footwear based on the activity and intensity level. For instance, you wouldn’t wear the same type of shoe for running a marathon as you would for joining a walking group or rock climbing. Choose shoes that are comfortable, plus supportive of your specific activity and goals.

Key Features of Exercise Shoes

Selecting the right pair of workout shoes isn’t as simple as matching a cute sneaker to your outfit or randomly picking a pair off the shelf. But the time and effort it takes to find the best shoes for working out will pay off in the long run, as your feet will stay comfy and you’ll avoid potential injuries down the line.

To get started, here are some must-have features to look for in walking and workout shoes.

Arch Support

One of the most important factors to prioritize in any shoe is arch support. Our feet contain dozens of ligaments and tendons, connecting bones and giving shape to the arch on the bottom of the foot. If these ligaments aren’t properly supported, then neither are your arches. This can lead to a variety of issues, including foot pain, plantar fasciitis, joint stress, and ankle sprains.

Shoes with proper arch support help keep these ligaments healthy, maintaining balance, minimizing fatigue, and enhancing your body’s natural gait and posture. That’s why we’ve designed our footwear with Vio Motion technology , our exclusive engineering that infuses every footbed with superior arch support, flexibility, and alignment. You can also add orthotic insoles to any shoe to immediately boost comfort and support.

Cushioning and Shock Absorption

Cushioning helps buffer the impact caused by your foot hitting the ground. In footwear, this takes the form of supportive, shock-absorbing materials in the footbed and insole. Impact cushioning helps support your arches and also minimizes strain and stress to your joints and muscles. This is particularly important for walking or exercising, when your feet are under greater pressure than usual.

At Vionic , we use exceptional cushioning like our Super Critical Foam, a nitrogen-infused midsole that offers maximum rebound and shock absorption. Plus, our biomechanical footbed promotes your natural alignment and keeps your feet comfortable mile after mile.

Correct Fit

Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly is also a recipe for disaster. That’s because ill-fitting footwear can cause discomfort, pain, or injury. When trying on shoes, keep this rule of thumb in mind: You should have enough room to wiggle your toes, but not so much space that your foot is sliding around in the shoe.

Fortunately, our walking shoes come in half and wide sizes, making it easy to find your perfect fit.

Style

While you shouldn’t choose workout shoes just because they match your leggings, it is important to buy shoes that you actually want to wear. If you find a super supportive pair but don’t like how they look, you’ll never put them on.

That’s why our walking shoes come in a variety of chic styles, with a range of versatile patterns, colors, and materials to choose from. No matter what you prefer, we have footwear for any wardrobe.

With all of the above in mind, let’s dive into some of our favorite shoes for weight loss and walking.

Our Top Shoe Picks for Walking Workouts

Walking has lots of benefits for long-term health—even for just 30 minutes a day—and all you need to get started is a supportive pair of shoes.

What are the best workout shoes for walking and light exercise?

Finding the best workout shoes shouldn’t feel like a workout in itself. Whether you’re hitting your daily step goal, logging miles on the treadmill, or simply chasing comfort during your day-to-day routine, the right shoes can transform how your feet feel—from the ground up.

Vionic offers shoes for weight loss and active wellness designed to support your fitness lifestyle in a way that blends style, stability, and all-day comfort. Below, we’ve curated our favorite pairs to help you stay active, energized, and supported—whatever your movement looks like.

Our walking shoes go the distance. Designed for long fitness walks (3+ miles), these performance sneakers are packed with engineered features for support, cushioning, flexibility, stability, and alignment. Plus, our shoes are APMA accepted , meaning they’ve received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, the leading source for foot health nationwide.

Walk Max Sneakers

Looking for something comfortable, breathable, and ready for every step? The Max Walk Max sneakers are a lightweight go-to for Women who value both style and function. Designed with a durable outsole and molded footbed, this pair of women’s comfortable walking sneakers is perfect for low-impact activities, brisk walking, and everything in between. Plus, the wide fit gives your feet room to move, stretch, and feel good all day long.

You can also check out the women’s Walk Max II Lace Up Sneaker . It features our Super Critical Foam midsole for shock absorption, lightweight Vio Flex insole for flexibility and moisture control, perforated heel for breathability, and durable TPU outsole for traction. We offer the same model in the Men’s Walk Max Lace Up Sneaker , a customer favorite that also features a water-repellent upper.

Supportive Footwear for Recovery, Errands & Everyday Activity

Let’s be real: some of the hardest workouts are just… daily life. From school drop-offs to grocery hauls to making it through a long day on your feet, Vionic’s active sandals are here to help your body stay supported, even when you’re not in a gym. These aren’t just slides—they’re foot-loving, performance-driven footwear with the science to back them up.

Walk Max Wanderer Women’s Sandals

For days when you’re constantly on the go—but want to skip the sneakers, the Walk Max Wanderer Sandal delivers a powerful combo of support and all-day comfort. The built-in Vio Motion technology, nitrogen-infused midsole, and rubber outsole help absorb shock, support your heel, and keep your foot in natural alignment. The wide fit makes them an excellent choice for Women who want a little extra toe box room and all-day wearability. Try out the Walk Max Wanderer Sandal, available in seven fun colors. Designed for shorter fitness walks and long hours on your feet, this performance sandal provides dual-density support across the footbed and midsole, contoured arch support, a deep heel cup, and a durable rubber outsole. The hook-and-loop straps offer a personalized fit, while the high-quality leather uppers hold their shape through wear and tear. And don’t worry—we also offer the popular Men’s Walk Max Wanderer Sandal in wide and half sizes!

Rejuvenate Sandals

Think of this as your post-workout hero. Tested by Heeluxe, a gold standard in footwear performance testing, these slides were designed with recovery in mind. The dual-density midsole balances cushioning and stability, while the molded footbed and deep heel cup provide superior foot contact and pressure relief. Whether you’re winding down from a HIIT session or just got home from a long shift on your feet, this is your “ahhh” moment.

For ultimate walking support combined with performance recovery, look no further than the Rejuvenate Recovery Sandal . Available in a variety of neutral tones, this ultra-supportive slide features an adjustable strap, dual-density midsole cushion, textured footbed, and high-traction outsole.

Extra Tips for Your Fitness Journey

Now that you know the best shoes for working out, check out our expert team’s extra tips for promoting foot health and meeting your goals.

• Figure out your foot type – Do you have high arches or flat feet? Do you walk with overpronation? Learn what shoes will set your feet up for success, or when to invest in custom orthotics or shoe inserts.

• Test out your shoes at home – The first time you wear a new pair of shoes shouldn’t be on a hike through the woods with your dog. Instead, wear them around the house or walk around the block to see how they feel and ensure you bought the right size.

• Replace worn-out shoes – If your shoes are damaged or worn down, they’re not providing the support and comfort they should be. This can put you at risk of injury or pain. Walking shoes last around 300-500 miles, which means that if you walk for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, you’ll need new shoes every 6-12 months.

Remember: Proper workout shoes are an investment in your foot health, as well as in your long-term workout or weight loss goals.

Workout Shoe FAQs

Do I need different shoes for lifting and cardio?

Yes. Lifting requires flat soles and stability, while cardio demands cushioning and flexibility. If you alternate workouts, consider having multiple pairs.

Are Vionic shoes good for working out?

Absolutely. Vionic’s orthopedic designs are ideal for a variety of fitness activities, offering both comfort and biomechanical support.

Up Your Walking Game With Vionic Shoes

There are lots of ways to incorporate walking into a fitness routine—power walking, walking groups with friends, daily strolls with your furry friend, and more. And thanks to Vionic’s science-backed design, your feet will stay comfortable and protected through it all.

From women’s comfortable walking sneakers to men’s recovery shoes , we have options for everyone. Shop Vionic today, and discover the difference of optimized movement.

With Vionic’s line of workout shoes, you never have to choose between feeling great and looking put together. Whether you’re focused on strength, cardio, or just walking more, Vionic shoes are designed to offer the performance and polish you need.

Sources:

Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital. 6 Common Foot Problems Caused by Shoes. https://www.mymosh.com/orthopedics/foot-problems-caused-by-shoes/ .

Cincinnati Foot & Ankle. What Makes Arch Support So Important? https://cfac.net/2023/02/03/what-makes-arch-support-so-important/ .

Cleveland Clinic. Foot Ligaments. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21597-foot-ligaments .

Cleveland Clinic. Benefits of Walking for your Long-Term Health. https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2023/04/17/benefits-of-walking-for-your-long-term-health .

Harvard Health Publishing. Tips for choosing walking shoes. https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/tips-for-choosing-walking-shoes .