So how do you choose? To keep you on track, Consumer Reports just tested 25 pairs of walking shoes, both men's and women's. Included in the tests, five shoes that claim to tone muscles - the Earth Kinetics, Sketchers Shape-Ups, and, for women, Reebok's Easy Tone Reeinspire. Testers had panelists describe how they felt.
Consumer Reports, Peter Anzalone said, "Most of the panelists said they could feel with the Earth Kinetics and Sketchers working their muscles, but not so much with the Reeboks. Also, these shoes may not be great for people with balance issues because they work differently than traditional shoes and may be unstable."
And testers put all the shoes through a battery of tests, including ones from New Balance, Nike, and Reebok. The test assesses flexibility. Testers evaluated the shoes' stability and cushioning at an outside lab. Consumer Reports also had staffers walk in the shoes for about 250 hours in total.
In the end, Consumer Reports top rated the $100.00 Asics Gel-Tech Walker Neo for both men and women
Consumer Reports says getting a good pair of walking shoes can take some work. You may need to try on several before you find a comfortable fit. And walk around in them for a little bit to be sure they're right for you.
