Best shock absorbing walking shoes are mandatory for everyone who wants to get rid of foot pain and fatigue. Walking causes a lot of strain not only on your feet but also on your knees and spine. It is important to have a pair of shoes that provides you with a very comfortable and relaxing walking time.
Shock absorbing walking shoes have a very cushioned footbed having high responsiveness. They support the arches of the foot and prevent any trauma from harsh foot impacts on the ground. This is why it is highly recommended to wear shoes with the best shock absorbing properties.
In this article, I have reviewed the top 10 best shock absorbing walking shoes. All of them are from reputable brands hence are made from high-quality materials. So, without any further delay, let us begin the review.
Most people prefer slip-on shoes over sneakers. Slip-on shoes are a very simple and decent looking pair of shoes that are incredibly easy to put on and off. Whether you want shoes for brisk walking, work, or sports, the Skechers men’s go walk sneakers are perfect for you.
The upper is made from synthetic mesh that makes the shoe breathable. It allows proper ventilation of the foot, so you won’t be complaining about stinky feet. There are twin gore panels that make the shoes fit perfectly. The upper is durable, so you don’t have to worry about it getting torn.
The reason why these shoes are the best shock absorbing shoes is the ultra Go cushioning technology. It has Skechers signature Goga mat insole, which makes it lightweight and superb cushioning.
To provide incredible shock absorption, the shoes have a thick rubber outsole. No matter how rough the terrain is and how fast you have to run, these shoes won’t transmit any shocks to the sole. The outsole has high rebound ultra-pillars for providing a firm grip to the ground.
The heel pull loop makes it effortless to put the shoes on and off. The padded collar supports your ankle. If you are looking forward to a fatigue-free walking experience, these shoes are a smart choice.
Pros
Easy to put on and off
Breathable upper
Twin gore panels for a secure fit
Ultra-responsive insole
Thick rubber outsole
High rebound pillars for stability
Cons
Narrow opening
Inadequate arch support
Best Budget
New Balance Men’s 680v6 Cushioning Shock Absorbing Shoe
New Balance men’s 680v6 cushioning running shoes are crafted for people who have to be on their feet all day. They are designed to minimize foot strain and maximize your work efficiency, so you don’t get tired in the middle of the day.
The look of these shoes describes how lightweight and breathable they are. They have a synthetic mesh upper that allows the air to cross so your feet will remain dry and fresh no matter how long you have to walk.
The reason why these shoes are best for uneven terrains is the midsole. These shock-absorbing sneakers have an EVA midsole having ABZORB cushioning. This makes the footbed highly responsive and provides a very nice bounce-back effect. This has a very soothing effect on the plantar fascia.
The footbed also has an NB response 2.0 performance insert. Overall, the footbed is very cushioning and gives you a feeling as if you are walking on a pillow. The padded collar provides amazing ankle support.
The outsole is crafted from rubber. It is thick enough to prevent any harsh impacts on the ground. The outsole is patterned to provide a slip-free grip on the ground.
The shoes have a lace-up closure which provides a secure grip. They are available in several different colors, so you have a variety to choose from. The price is also quite reasonable keeping in mind all the amazing features.
New Balance men’s trail running shoes are a pair of heavy-duty shoes for people who have to walk for long hours. They are ergonomically crafted to provide you with a pain-free walking experience.
The upper of these shoes is a combination of mesh and leather. The mesh makes the shoes breathable, so you don’t have to deal with bad odour and sweat. The leather makes the upper durable and sturdy. It also makes the upper waterproof, so no matter how dirty the shoes get, just wipe with a damp cloth, and you are good to go.
The footbed features an NB ultra soft comfort insert which provides incredible cushioning. The collar of the shoes is also padded to support the ankle. The outsole is crafted from rubber. It has lugs to provide you with a firm grip on all kinds of terrains. It has great shock-absorbing properties, so you don’t have to worry about getting your feet hurt.
The New Balance shock absorbing shoes have a lace-up closure so you can custom fit your shoes. The heel pull loop makes putting shoes on and off effortless. The shoes may look bulky but are lightweight. No matter how rough the terrain is, these shoes can withstand all of the harshness.
ASICS is one of the most preferred brands of athletes. Their shoes are crafted from high-quality materials and ensure safety, durability, and comfort.
ASICS men’s gel nimbus running shoes are designed to protect your feet from harsh terrains. The midsole is crafted from FlyteFoam propel technology using organic nanofibers. The unique elastomer compound used in this midsole provides a bouncy effect while you walk. It is a very lightweight midsole that has great shock absorbing capacity.
The outsole of these shock absorption shoes is crafted from ASICS high abrasion rubber. It is placed in critical areas of the outsole, prone to injuries due to harsh impacts on the ground. The outsole has lugs to provide you with outstanding traction so you can walk with stability.
Another amazing feature of these shoes is the heel clutching system technology. It supports the heel and makes it fit perfectly so you can walk comfortably. The padded collar provides incredible ankle support, ensuring a pain-free walking experience.
The ASICS men’s gel nimbus running shoes are available in several different colors. They have reflective materials which have enhanced visibility during low light hours so that nothing comes in the way of your walking drill.
Brooks men’s ghost 12 running shoes are designed with the idea that no one has to compromise on lightweight shoes over cushioning. They are one of the finest pairs of running shoes by Brooks and are the epitome of their amazing quality.
What makes these running shoes super cushioning is the combo of BioMoGo DNA and DNA loft. They make the footbed super soft and provide incredible padding to the foot while keeping the shoe lightweight.
The outsole of these shoes is crafted from gum rubber. It has lugs to provide you with a slip-resistant grip. The segmented crash pad system is basically an integrated system of shock absorbers. No matter how your foot lands on the ground, the incredible heel to toe transition will help you walk smoothly.
The shoes have a 3D mesh that is ergonomically engineered to provide you with a perfectly secure fit. The print disappears when you put the shoes on. The lace-up closure provides a custom fit.
Ryka women’s devotion plus 2 walking shoes are an extremely comfortable pair of shoes best suited for women that want superior arch support. It is made from high-quality materials that make it sturdy and long-lasting.
The upper of these shoes is crafted from synthetic and mesh. It allows the air to reach the foot keeping it dry and clean. The upper is very lightweight and resistant to abrasion. It has a four-way gradient print which gives it a very nice look.
Ryka shock absorbing shoes have a smooth Lycra lined tongue that supports your foot from the top. The padded collar provides great ankle support so you can walk with stability. The insole is ergonomically crafted to support the arch and heel. It has amazing shock absorbing capacities.
The lace-up closure provides a customized fit. Overall, these running shoes are perfect for daily use. The price is also quite reasonable keeping in mind the durability and support.
If you are looking for a heavy-duty pair of walking shoes that can protect your feet all day long, then Mizuno women’s wave creation running shoes are for you. They are specially crafted to support people with neutral pronation.
The air mesh upper of these shoes ensures proper ventilation of the foot. This mesh fabric is durable and resistant to abrasion. The inner has a premium sock liner which creates a soothing inner environment for the foot.
The footbed of these shock absorbing shoes have maximum cushioning. It has great responsiveness to comfort your foot while you walk. The shaft measures a low top from the arch, which means that these shoes will support your foot’s arch to the maximum.
These shoes have great shock absorbing properties and are especially recommended to people with plantar fasciitis. The rubber outsole has lugs to provide you stability on rough terrains.
Ipetsun women’s walking shoes have a very classic feminine look. The look of these shoes describes how comfortable and soothing they are.
The upper of these shoes is made from elastic mesh. It allows the air to reach the foot so you won’t end up with stinky and sweaty feet. The upper is stretchable so that the shoes can fit perfectly.
The footbed is padded to cushion your feet while you walk. The padded collar provides incredible ankle support. The ergonomic design of the insole supports the foot’s arch, so no matter how long you have to be on your feet, there would be no fatigue.
The Women’s shock absorbing shoes by Ipetsun have a rubber outsole. It is patterned to provide maximum friction against the ground, or in other words, it provides a non-slip grip so you can walk with stability.
The outsole and the midsole are very flexible. They provide a great range of motion and make walking so much fun. With the lace-up closure, the shoes fit perfectly to your feet. These shoes are very lightweight, so much so that you would feel as if they are a part of your foot.
Keeping in mind how beauty conscious women are, Jarlif women’s lightweight athletic running shoes have been crafted. They are a gorgeous looking pair of walking shoes that are known to be one of the best shock absorbing walking shoes.
These shoes have an air cushion design that provides cushioning and support to the feet. The poam insole makes you feel like walking on a pillow. The upper is crafted from a mesh fabric that keeps your feet dry and fragrant all the time.
The padded tongue and collar add more to the cushioning effect. The rubber outsole is soft and lightweight and provides amazing heel support. It is patterned to provide a slip-free grip on the ground so you can walk with stability no matter how rough the terrain is.
These shoes with shock absorbers have a lace-up closure so you can custom fit them. With all these amazing features, they are available at a very affordable price. The amazing look and the high-quality materials make them worth buying.
You will find many sandals online claiming to be shock absorbing, but actually, they are not. Gravity Defyer women’s sandals are therapeutic sandals that will provide you with next-level comfort.
The most amazing feature of these shock absorbing sandals is the deep heel cup design. It has a height of 15 mm, which protects your heel from any trauma. The ultra-soft spring cell cushion, along with GComfort 3D support, provides you with cushioning and supports the arch of your foot.
To make the sandals fit perfectly and prevent slipping out of the feet, there is a quick adjustable strap. The toe rest is ergonomically designed to encourage a natural toe position and hassle-free metatarsal movements.
The thick outsole is very soft and flexible. It is patterned to provide a firm grip on the ground. These sandals are available at a very low price. They are perfect for everyday comfort wear.
Pros
Provides amazing stability
Reduces foot stress
Deep heel cup for balance
Adjustable straps
Encourages neutral toe and metatarsal movements
Affordable
Cons
Not waterproof
No ankle support
Most Important Guide When Buying Best Shock Absorbing Walking Shoes in 2022
Following are the features that you should pay special attention to when buying the best shock absorbing walking shoes.
Shock Absorption
The whole point of writing this article is shock absorption. The shoes should have adequate cushioning and a crash pad system that can transmit the pressure equally, so there is no strain on the knees, ankles, or back. There are many types of shock absorbing shoes, but the most popular one is the memory foam. A thick rubber outsole also prevents trauma to the foot by absorbing all the shocks.
Material
The upper of the shock absorbing shoes should be made from a light and breathable material. Usually, mesh fabric is preferred as it allows the air to reach the foot. To increase the durability of the shoes and to provide resistance against abrasion, some mesh uppers have leather overlays that make the upper durable.
Traction
To walk on rough terrains, it is important that walking shoes should provide amazing traction. Rubber outsoles are either patterned or have lugs that provide stability on all kinds of grounds. They should be slip-resistant, so you don’t have a fear of falling.
Sizing
Buying shoes online is a bit tricky, but if you are careful and precise with your measurements, then there would be no chance of error. The shoes should hug your feet and should be felt like a part of them. Lace-up closures allow you to custom-fit your shoes.
Durability
You don’t buy shoes every other day so make sure that the shoes you are buying are crafted from high-quality materials. Always buy from trustworthy brands. Mid ranged to high-end shoes are usually recommended as they are made from the finest materials and have nice customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here I have answered some of your most asked queries when buying the best shock absorbing shoes for walking.
What shoes have the best shock absorption?
Shoes with a cushioned midsole and an insole with a high bounce-back effect are known as the best shock absorbers. The outsole of such shoes is thick and made from rubber. Following are the best shock absorption shoes
New Balance Men’s 680v6 Cushioning Running Shoe
New Balance Men’s 481 V3 Trail Running Shoe
ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 21 (4E) Running Shoes
Skechers Men’s Go Walk Evolution Ultra-Impeccable Sneaker
Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 Running Shoe
IPETSUN Women’s Running Walking Shoes
JARLIF Women’s Lightweight Athletic Running Shoes
Mizuno Women’s Wave Creation 20 Running Shoe
Gravity Defyer Women’s G-Defy UpBov Sandal
Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe
What is shock absorption in shoes?
Shock absorption means that the shoes can withstand all the forceful impacts of the ground without hurting the feet. Shoes that have shock-absorbing properties have a cushioning effect on the sole and prevent any trauma to the feet.
What walking shoes do podiatrists recommend?
Podiatrists recommend walking shoes that have shock absorbing properties. They should have a cushioned midsole and a thick rubber outsole. The shoes should provide incredible arch and ankle support.
Do I put orthotic inserts above or below my existing shock absorbing insole?
You can put it either way as both of them are correct.
Final Thoughts
Everyone deserves the best shock absorbing walking shoes. They provide you with comfort so you can be fresh and energetic all the time. All the shoes reviewed above are tried and tested to be the best. Choose the one that you find the most suitable according to your needs.
My top recommendations would be Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 Running Shoe for men and Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe for women. Both of them are super lightweight, breathable, and incredibly comfortable. Their footbeds are specially designed to absorb shocks so you can walk comfortably on all kinds of terrains.
