If you walk an average of 20,000 steps a day that is roughly about 10 miles. The average running shoe lasts about 800 walking miles. Let that sink in.
For dog walkers, selecting shoes is comparable to purchasing a house or a car; you’re going to spend a lot of time in them, so you want something you really like. Buying the right shoe is not as easy as it sounds: the market is packed with a confusingly broad range of shoes. I have found that running branded shoes last longer and tend to be more comfortable. For reference, I do about 8-15 walks a day/ 5 days a week and I tend to replace shoes every 5-8 months. I have bought a lot of shoes over the years but I keep going back to same three brands; Asics, Merrells, and Nike. To make your life easier I have narrowed it down to my first and second choices for each brand. For you Sketcher lovers out there I even added a bonus review for you too.
Proper Fit
First and foremost, before you buy a new pair of expensive running shoes I suggest either going to your local running shoe store and get properly fitted for a couple different brands or check out the Runners World “How to buy the right running shoe”. Improper shoe sizing and shape can lead to muscular imbalances and achy feet; something we as walkers do not have time for.
1. Asics Women’s GEL-Venture 7 Running Shoe
For the guy dog walkers out there here is the equivalent: ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 7 Running Shoe
Why I love them:
- Fun colors/ cute
- Extremely Affordable!
- Durable (I have pushed these to last about 8 months)
- Extremely comfortable (like walking on a cloud)-Cushion lasts long
- Has a removable foam sock liner (good for orthotics)
- Great toe space
- No white sole (fyi, not a fan out white soled shoes=look dirty after a week)
- Great customer service
Why they could be better:
- Finding the perfect fit may be a nuisance
- Takes time to break in fully; can be stiff
Honorable Mention: ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe &ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe
2. Merrell Women’s Glove 4 Trail Runner
When I am not wearing my Asics, I am wearing my Merrell’s; I use these more for hiking but they make a phenomenal walking shoe. I love the flexibility, slip resistance, construction and durability of the brand. I should mention Merrell is known for its minimalist barefoot like style- if you are new to this type of shoe it will take some time getting used to.
Why I love them:
- I love the look of these shoes
- Zero Drop (there is no drop from the heel of the shoe down to the forefoot)
- Comfortable
- Somewhat affordable
- Extremely durable I have been wearing these on and off for about a year (not my primary shoe)
Why they could be better:
- Sole & mesh is a bit thin
For the guy dog walkers out there: Merrell Men’s Glove 4 Trail Runner
Honorable Mention: Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe & Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
3. Nike Women’s Tanjun Running Shoe
Nike is well known brand and carries an extensive line of running shoes and you cannot go wrong with most of them. I chose the Tanjun because I wear these daily outside of walking dogs because they are a nice looking casual shoe. The Tanjun is a no fuss, lightweight, and breathable shoe.
Why I love them:
- Nice looking shoe
- Lots of color options
- Mesh is extremely breathable
- Very comfortable
- Easy to slip on and off
Why they could be better:
- The white rubber sole gets dirty pretty quickly (magic eraser helps)
- Lacks cushion
- Pricey depending on color
- Durability (lasted me about 4 months before looking a bit ragged)
For the guy dog walkers out there: NIKE Men’s Tanjun Premium
Honorable Mention: Nike Women’s Revolution 5 Wide Running Shoe & Nike Men’s Revolution 5 Wide Running Shoe
BONUS REVIEW: Sketcher Go Walks
I will start off this review by saying I do not own these, I personally do not like Sketchers. HOWEVER! I know a lot of nurses and fellow dog walkers who LOVE these. My review is based off their opinion and my first impression.
Why I (everyone else) love(s) them:
- Extremely affordable
- Variety of colors
- Ortholite insole
- Very Lightweight
- Easy to slip on and off- no laces
Why it could be better:
- Durability (lasts 3-4 months)
- Tend to get stinky over time
- Style/Look (not attractive, I’m biased)
For the guy dog walkers out there: Skechers Men’s Go Walk Max-athletic Air Mesh Slip on Walking Shoe
Socks: Saucony
The shoes you choose to walk in are important, but the socks you wear on a daily basis are arguably as important when it comes to a comfortable walk. Instead of slipping into a pair of cheap socks from a superstore look for something with soft cushioning, support, ventilation and a great wicking material like the Saucony sock. They are a bit pricey but I love these and I love that they never slip down into my shoe (BIGGEST pet peeve). (Mens)
Waterproofing spray: Kiwi Sneaker Protector
Regardless of what shoe I buy the first thing I do is coat them in the Kiwi Protector and let them dry completely. This magic in a bottle repels water, dirt, oil and prevents staining. I will do just about anything to make my shoes last a few more months and this helps keep the shoe from looking dingy.
Shoe Deodorizer: Lumi
I am no stranger to the stinky running shoe especially after doing 15 walks in 80-degree weather, wowza. If you tell me your shoes don’t stink I would call you a liar. Moving on, I’ve tried the newspaper trick, the dryer sheets, and every kind of fabric refresher out there and they all just masked the smell for about 10 minutes. Then a local gym owner mentioned the Lumi Outdoors Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray while we were talking about stinky lockers and I LOVE this product. It is made with essential oils and it is a bit potent; I recommend spraying at night and letting them fully dry.
Just for fun…
(Yes, I know Bob’s is a Sketchers brand but they are so cute & it’s a great cause!)
While most dog walkers are women, there are a lot of guys who walk, you left us out in your blog
Walt,
Great point! Not intentional- I will add the men’s equivalent. 🙂
Thank you!
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