Dog walking is an excellent activity that comes with plenty of health benefits for both you and your pet. One of the best ways to enjoy a long dog walk is by wearing a comfortable running shoe. However, with tons of sneakers available in the market, it can be confusing to pick the right one. So, to help you, we’ve listed some of the most comfortable running shoes for dog walkers.
A good running shoe should last about 800 miles of walking distance. They will help keep your feet comfortable regardless of the weather. If you take your dog for walks regularly, you definitely need a good running shoe.
A lot of people take their dogs for walks, but most do not wear appropriate footwear. Over the years, we’ve worn and tested some of the best running shoes on the market. And with our experience, we came up with these eight (8) of the best running shoes in the market.
Here are the best running shoes for dog walking.
Most Comfortable Running Shoes for Dog Walkers:
- ASICS Gel-Venture 5
- ASICS Gel-Kayano 27
- ASICS Gel-Excite 6 Twist
- Merrell Trail Glove 5
- Nike Tanjun
- Skechers Flex Appeal 2.0
- ASICS Gt-2000 9
ASICS Gel-Venture 5
It is quite impossible to discuss the best sneakers and not include the iconic brand ASICS. ASICS is a popular Japanese company well known for its high-quality walking and running shoes. And the first product on this list, the ASICS Gel-Venture 5, is no exception. It comes with just about every feature that will take your dog walking experience to the next level.
The ASICS Gel-Venture 5 comes with a synthetic mesh upper that is both breathable and water-resistant. Meaning, you can wear this shoe in just about any weather condition. Additionally, this shoe also comes with a supported back for better grip. When you combine that with ASICS’ very own gel cushioning system, you get one of the most comfortable shoes in the market.
The shoe comes with an affordable price tag for its features. It easily ranks among the most durable and comfortable out there, making it an excellent option for dog walking. The Gel-Venture 5 is about the best walking shoe you will get, so you should definitely consider it as your next option.
Pros:
Great for all kinds of surfaces
Extremely durable soles
Provides great protection to the foot
Wide variety of colors
Gel cushioning takes comfort to another level.
Cons:
Not the most flexible shoe
ASICS Gel-Kayano 27
The next shoe on this list is another ASICS shoe, which is the Gel-Kayano 27. The Gel series from ASICS is the brand’s most popular line of shoes. And by looking at this shoe, we know exactly why the line is popular. Like the previous product on this list, this shoe will provide just about everything you’ll need.
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 27 comes with two mesh layers for its upper, which consists of two different colors. Besides being unique in design, the uppers are also fully water-resistant. Moreover, the sole has gel cushioning, making it extremely comfortable to wear. The sole has great shock absorption while also being very durable.
The shoe might be a bit expensive for some people, but it is still a great investment. Personally, this is one of the best shoes that we’ve tried since it’s great on all fronts. The stability and durability is definitely a great selling point of this shoe.
Pros:
Excellent cushioning
Unique design with a great color combination
Durable
Stable footing
Water-Resistant
Cons:
It can be a bit heavy for some people
ASICS Gel-Excite 6 Twist
Gel-Excite 6 Twist is another amazing shoe from the Japanese brand ASICS. Unlike most walking shoes on this list, the Gel-Excite 6 twist is exceptionally light. Being a product from ASICS, there is no doubt about the quality of the shoe.
The ASICS Gel-Excite 6 Twist has a bunch of new technologies that you will really like. The shoe comes with the latest AMPLIFOAM technology from ASICS, which promotes high cushioning and flexibility. Moreover, it also comes with ASICS’ gel cushioning, which does a great job in absorbing impacts.
Besides all those features, this shoe also comes with a breathable plus water-resistant upper to keep your feet warm and dry. Considering all the features, the ASICS Gel-Excite 6 Twist is a very tempting shoe that does not disappoint. If you’re willing to spend some money, you can experience the comfort of this shoe yourself.
Pros:
Lightweight
Amazing outsole cushioning
High flexibility
Suitable for both walking and running
Cons:
A bit expensive
Merrell Trail Glove 5
If we’re talking about shoes for taking your dogs for walks, the Merrell Trail Glove 5 is a must. Founded in 1981, Merrell is an American brand that manufactures some of the world’s best footwear. Although it is not as popular as some of the other brands on this list, it is still an amazing brand.
Among the long list of high-quality shoes, the Trail Glove 5 is one of Merrell’s best offerings. It is a versatile shoe that can be great for both trail and road. At just 7.0oz, the shoe has a lightweight to it, which eliminates fatigue. Moreover, the grip provided by this shoe is commendable and hard to recreate.
From our tests, we found this shoe to be quite suitable for all types of terrain. So if you’re planning to take your dogs for a walk, it is certainly a great option. The rest of the shoes were also quite satisfactory, and it will make a great walking shoe for you.
Pros:
Great traction
Excellent feet support
Eye-catching shoe colors
Great for different types of activities
Affordable
Cons:
The sole can be too stiff for some people
Nike Tanjun
Nike is a brand that needs no introduction. It is among the world’s most popular brands with some of the most iconic shoes under its name. Making a list of walking shoes with Nike would feel incomplete. The shoe from Nike that made it on this list is the Nike Tanjun.
While it is not as popular as some of the other Nike shoes, the Tanjun definitely feels the most comfortable. The shoe is very affordable, so Nike did not go too crazy on its features. It has a simple mesh upper that comes in various colors and a simple white outsole.
The Nike Tanjun is an extremely light shoe with a low price tag that makes it one of the most affordable walking shoes on this list. If you are not too bothered about the quality, this shoe can be the perfect choice for you.
Pros:
Extremely light
Flexible soles
Decent feet support
Affordable
Minimalistic Design
Cons:
Low durability
Skechers Flex Appeal 2.0
Skechers is one of the largest footwear companies that manufactures high-performance shoes at a low price. Now you might be thinking that low price equals bad quality. However, that is not true when it comes to Skechers. Despite their affordable price tag, they are on par with some of the higher-end shoes. And the Skechers Flex Appeal 2.0 is a testament to that.
What makes the Flex Appeal 2.0 so great is its high flexibility and arch support. It is a shoe with excellent functionality that comes at an amazing price. So, if you’re looking for a good dog walking shoe that is comfortable, stylish, and affordable, the Flex Appeal is the one to go for.
Pros:
Excellent weight
Very affordable
Stylish design
Great comfort
Wide range of colors to choose from
Excellent cushioning
Cons:
Durability issues
ASICS Gt-2000 9
For the last product on this list, we have another shoe from ASICS, which is the GT-2000 9. Along with the ASICS Kayano, the GT-2000 has been a popular choice for people who regularly take their dogs for walks. During the release of the GT-2000 9, ASICS added a lot of upgrades, especially with the upper. The upper came with newer materials that were a lot better than previous models.
Down in the sole is where you will find most of the magic happen. The shoe’s heel has a carbon material known as AHAR+, while the front soles have high abrasion rubber (AHAR). Meanwhile, the midsoles have Flytefoam, and you will also find ASICS’ gel cushioning in both the heel and forefoot. All these features make the shoe comfortable, durable, and supportive.
All in all, the ASICS GT-2000 9 is one of the best shoes you can get for dog walking. It is comfortable to wear and has an excellent design overall. The modern upper mesh and the sophisticated sole technology make it worth the price. So, if you’re in the market for a new dog walking shoe, you should definitely consider the ASICS GT-2000 9.
Pros:
Durable and comfortable sole
Modern upper design
Unique color combination
Stable footing
Great value
Cons:
A bit stiff
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I look for in a comfortable dog walking shoe?
Answer: If you want the best shoe for dog walking, there are a number of things that you should consider:
Spacious Toe Box:
A walking shoe should have a spacious toe box so that you can bend and wiggle your toes easily. A tight toe box can cause fatigue and extreme discomfort after walking for long distances. However, if the toe box is also very loose, it can cause unnecessary toe shifting, which can be uncomfortable. So go for something that is not too tight and also not too loose.
Midsoles with Extra Cushioning:
Midsoles play an important role in your shoes. They provide the required cushioning to minimize the impact on your feet whenever you’re out for a walk. Midsoles with air, foam, or gel are generally more comfortable. When you’re buying a shoe, try to check the midsole’s resilience and softness with your hands.
High-Quality Insoles:
Having high-quality insoles is also a must when it comes to walking shoes. When buying a walking shoe, look for insoles that can absorb impact and support your feet’ shape.
Outsoles with Traction:
Outsoles are the part of the shoe that makes contact with the ground. These outsoles need to have good traction so that you do not slip and fall while taking your dog for a walk. For best traction, look for shoes with a rubber outsole and groovy designs.
Breathable Upper:
When going for long walks, it is very obvious that your feet will sweat. If air does not escape, your feet may start to stink in the long run. So, make sure to buy a shoe that has a breathable upper. A breathable upper in a shoe can also prevent blisters caused by trapped moisture.
Ease of cleaning:
It is almost impossible to keep your shoes clean if you regularly take your dogs for walks. So getting a shoe that is easy to clean is the least you can do. Rubber, canvas, and leather shoes are usually easier to clean.
How much does a good walking shoe cost?
Answer: Walking shoes vary a lot in their prices. You can get a good walking shoe around the neighborhood for $50. However, some of the more premium walking shoes can cost upwards of $100.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that shoes play one of the most prominent roles when you take your dog out for a walk. So for that reason, you shouldn’t compromise when it comes to footwear.
The products above are all excellent shoes that can improve your overall experience when taking your dog for a walk. And as such, picking one from the list can all depend on the smaller details like design and color options.
But regardless of what you choose, make sure that it is something that fits your unique requirements.