Walking or running on a treadmill is a favorite workout of many, regardless of body type and age.
It is a popular exercise because of its convenience. You can use it any time of the day, whether it’s sunny or rainy outside.
What’s more, you do not need to mind most of what you wear as long as you are comfortable.
That said, you have to pay close attention to your shoes. What is the best shoe for walking on a treadmill?
To give you a better idea, we’ll talk about the ways you can make walking on a treadmill more comfortable and effective.
Is Walking on a Treadmill an Effective Exercise?
The merits of outdoor physical activities are undeniable. The problem is that not all busybodies can go outdoors and enjoy the fresh air while exercising.
Some prefer working out indoors because it is safer and more convenient.
If your running terrain outdoors is flat, you have little to no problem when it comes to the type of shoe you wear.
However, if the terrain is not comfortable for your feet, the outdoor trail can become very risky for your health.
This is when using a treadmill is better than walking or running outdoors. You can even emulate the hill’s incline through the treadmill’s settings.
As mentioned, treadmills are also great because you can use them any time you want.
If you are working out purely outdoors, your routine may be affected when weather conditions do not allow you to work out.
Without a treadmill, running or walking in the rain, snow, or extreme heat will be not only hard but also unsafe.
Another great benefit of a using treadmill is keeping you safe from outdoor dangers.
There are unsafe neighborhoods with higher rates of criminalities that keep you from exercising outdoors.
When you use a treadmill, you maintain a consistent workout routine unhindered by outside factors. As a result, you will have a more effective and safer workout.
Why You Need Different Shoes for Walking on a Treadmill
The surface is the primary difference between walking outdoors and walking on a treadmill.
The ground has a harder and more unforgiving surface. In contrast, a treadmill has a hint of cushioning to protect your feet from many things you will otherwise experience outside.
Although the surface hardness of treadmills varies, they are all a little easier on your feet than walking on an outdoor surface.
Also, the shoes you wear outdoors will wear a lot quicker than when you use them on a treadmill.
This is why you will find several differences between shoes made for walking outdoors versus those for indoor activities.
Are Shoes Important When Walking on a Treadmill?
Before we dive into those factors, let us first take a look at why you need proper shoes when using a treadmill.
Like most physical activities, you must wear the right pair of footwear when walking on a treadmill to ensure comfort.
A comfortable pair of walking shoes lowers your risk of developing foot injuries, keeping you more motivated to work out.
In addition to comfort, you will also benefit from wearing walking shoes on a treadmill because they offer ample support.
Not only will you feel comfortable in your every step but also secure.
That said, you can only enjoy these benefits if you find the right pair to use on a treadmill.
Finding the Best Shoes for Walking on a Treadmill
Knowing the importance of wearing proper footwear when walking on a treadmill is one thing.
However, understanding the qualities to look for to ensure safety, support, and comfort is another.
There are a lot of factors to consider when identifying what is the best shoe for walking on a treadmill.
The qualities are pretty basic, but they will help you pick the shoes you need.
Below is a list of the things to consider when looking for the perfect pair:
1. Weight
You need to take a long and hard look at the weight of the shoes when choosing your ideal pair.
It is common knowledge that the weight of the shoes significantly affects your training output or the efficiency of your workout routine.
You do not want a pair of heavy shoes hindering you from moving and affecting your overall productivity.
When you have lightweight shoes, you are less likely to get tired quickly and will probably get more mileage from your walk.
That said, ultra-lightweight shoes also have their problems. Usually, the cushioning is compromised to achieve less weight.
So, it would be best to consider this when choosing your pair of shoes for treadmill use. Think about your preferences and the problems your feet experienced in the past.
2. Fit
If you are new to working out, it may be a little bit harder for you to find the perfect pair of walking shoes.
Most shoe models look similar, and it is nearly impossible for the uninformed to spot any differences.
Before hyper-focusing on the design, you should focus on the fit first.
Fit does not only mean knowing the correct shoe size for your feet. More importantly, the shoes should feel comfortable on your feet when you wear them.
The shoes should not be too tight to restrict your movement and blood flow.
In short, the perfect-fitting shoes will be comfortable while also being securely locked around your feet.
No amount of speed on a treadmill should be able to remove the shoes from your feet accidentally.
The tricky part is when you’re buying your shoes online, where you don’t get to actually try them on.
In this instance, you must look into all sorts of second-hand information, such as user reviews, before adding it to your cart.
3. Flexibility
Flexibility is another determining factor when looking for walking shoes for treadmill use.
Before anything else, you must know your routine by heart and how your feet move when using a treadmill.
Moreover, keep in mind that walking versus running on a treadmill will have different requirements.
Some shoes are good only for running, others for walking, while there are models good for both.
When choosing a pair of shoes based on flexibility, the shoe should have enough room for the heel and toe to move while the arch remains secure and in place.
It should also be flexible enough to twist and bend a little bit, ensuring your feet have the freedom to move and maneuver.
In short, you need to get the perfect balance between rigidity and flexibility.
It is also important that you know what your feet needs; after all, we all have different foot shapes and widths.
Your arches must have the proper support to avoid most injuries.
4. Comfort and Cushioning
Walking shoes need cushioning to keep you protected from all kinds of foot injuries.
Even though the treadmill itself has a cushioning element on its surface, it is best to choose walking shoes with cushioning.
The ideal amount of cushioning will give you the best comfort in meeting your daily workout goals without sacrificing your safety and health.
5. Budget
Your budget is another important consideration when buying a pair of shoes.
It isn’t easy to find a shoe that checks all these criteria, such as your preference, fit, flexibility, and price.
However, you should know that there are excellent shoe choices for every budget—that is, if you know where to look and what to look for.
The quality of the shoes needs to be on par or even greater in relation to their price. That is when you will know that the shoe is a good deal.
What Is the Best Shoe for Walking on a Treadmill?
Comparison Chart
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Now that you know which factors to keep in mind when looking for treadmill shoes, you are more than ready to start your search for the right pair.
Below is a list of top-rated shoe models for walking on a treadmill:
1. Saucony Kinvara 9
Saucony might be a little new to the scene, but it is definitely one of the more established brands when talking about sporting equipment.
The Saucony Kinvara 9 won multiple awards for its quality and features, so it is only natural that it is the number one pick on our list.
These shoes have a lightweight build that looks and feels amazing when used on a treadmill.
In fact, the Kinvara 9 fits perfectly, with some describing them as almost like wearing a sock.
The heel provides superior support to the wearer, giving you a natural stride while running or walking.
What’s more, Saucony uses EVERUN technology to provide enough cushioning.
This technology is lively and responsive, dampening the impact of your foot landings and launching your feet for the next stride.
Because of this innovative cushioning technology, you will find that the shoe is very comfortable and efficient for walking on a treadmill.
You will have no issues concerning mobility, plus you will get the ideal amount of support.
All in all, there’s no doubt that these Saucony Kinvara 9 shoes will help you achieve your daily goals with less fatigue.
2. Saucony Men’s Kinvara 14 Sneaker
Saucony blends performance, style, and innovation in the Men’s Kinvara 14 athletic footwear. As the latest iteration in the Kinvara series, these sneakers are poised to captivate runners with a focus on lightweight design, responsive cushioning, and versatile functionality.
The Kinvara 14 stands out with its lightweight construction. It offers a feather-light feel for runners seeking agility and speed. The engineered mesh upper not only contributes to the overall lightness but also enhances breathability. This facilitates optimal ventilation during runs.
At the heart of the Kinvara 14 is Saucony’s signature EVERUN midsole technology. This innovation provides responsive cushioning. It offers a balance between comfort and energy. The midsole design adapts to the unique stride of each runner. It delivers a personalized and supportive experience.
The outsole features strategic rubber placements. These optimize traction on various surfaces. Whether on the road or tackling trails, this sneaker offers a reliable grip. Additionally, the durability of the outsole ensures a prolonged lifespan, making these sneakers a solid investment for avid runners.
Beyond performance, the Kinvara 14 boasts modern aesthetics. It has a customizable lacing system. This allows for a personalized and secure fit, which accommodates a range of foot shapes.
The Saucony Men’s Kinvara 14 Sneaker impresses with its lightweight performance. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking speed and agility.
The EVERUN Midsole technology adds to its allure. It provides responsive and personalized cushioning tailored to each runner’s unique stride.
The sneakers showcase versatile traction, ensuring a reliable grip on diverse surfaces.
Their durable construction guarantees long-lasting performance. Aesthetically, the Kinvara 14 stands out with its modern and stylish design.
On the flip side, there are some considerations to note. While the moderate arch support suits many, it may not cater to all foot arch types.
Secondly, the price range falls in the mid to high category, which might be a factor for budget-conscious consumers.
3. Adidas Adizero Adios 4
The number three on our list comes from a very well-established brand, Adidas.
Adidas is arguably the number one brand in the shoe business and has a reputation as the best shoe manufacturer worldwide.
The Adidas Adizero Adios 4 is the brand’s top recommendation for walking shoes for treadmill use.
Omori, a master shoemaker from Japan, designed this specific shoe model, and the best athletes around the world use it.
Marathon runners wear them because of the locked-down feature, perfect for people who run at incredible speeds.
The cushioning is lightweight and responsive, making them ideal for indoor workouts.
The Adizero Adios 4 provides the ideal balance between breathability, support, and fit.
It also features the Boost technology developed by Adidas, which provides a cloud-like softness while also giving a pushback to your feet.
This technology allows the wearer to have a more efficient exercise routine.
Overall, the Adidas Adizero Adios 4 shoes are comfortable and lightweight, and they provide support in all the right places.
4. Skechers Go Walk 4
Skechers is a shoe brand that needs no introduction. After all, it is way up there alongside the most trusted shoe manufacturers of all time.
The Skechers Go Walk 4 is a shoe model made specifically for walking on a treadmill.
That said, this means we don’t advise running with these on because they don’t have laces to secure the shoes on your feet.
Grading it solely for its performance in walking, it will definitely receive a perfect score.
These shoes have a mesh design that will allow you to quickly and easily slide your feet in. Plus, they are also very lightweight.
There is no memory foam insole, but these shoes have a heel cup with memory foam technology.
With the Skechers Go Walk 4 on, you will have a more comfortable and productive workout.
The Best Shoes for Walking on a Treadmill
Walking is a simple exercise, but there are still things to consider to maximize the effort you put into your steps.
Sadly, people tend to focus only on the routine and not on their shoes. In reality, your shoes are just as important as the actual workout.
With the knowledge you learned here, we hope you now share the same opinion.
In the end, we can only give you the best shoe options for walking on a treadmill. It is up to you to decide which pair meets your needs and preferences.
I recently started a new exercise regime and do not have suitable footwear, so I found this post to be very helpful. I thought I would be able to use the same pair of shoes for all the activities that I plan, but I can now see that I will need different shoes for using a treadmill.
Would shoes for walking on the treadmill also be suitable for jogging in the park? How important is it to have memory foam in the soles of the shoes? Would that make for a more comfortable experience? Thank you.
Hi, LineCowley, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
All of these shoes are good for jogging except Skechers Go Walk 4. I would only use it for a walk.
The memory foam footbed provides impressive comfort and cushioning to help keep you comfortable. And having it in the sole gives you great support.
So the benefits are so many that yes, in my opinion, it is crucial.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
Thank you for doing this review about this Best Shoe for Walking on a Treadmill. After reading your post, I can see how important it is to wear the appropriate gear, especially as we get older. Not having the appropriate equipment can make us feel a lot of pain. I check the Saucony Kinvara 9 on Amazon, and they look pretty good and have great colors, but at the moment, they don’t have my wife’s size. I will check back in a couple of days, and hopefully, they’ll have it in stock again.
Do you have a recommended sock that is comfortable for wearing with these shoes?
Thank you
Hi, GVporras, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
It sometimes happens that some goods aren’t in stock for a limited time on Amazon. Believe it is the Covid effect that it is a little more, me feeling, than usual.
But it usually comes after not so long time, and I am sure that Saucony will be there soon. To great shoes to be taken out!
Yes, in this article are many good socks. Look, for example, at the SB SOX.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
I recently started going to the gym again after a long period of time due to Covid, and my go-to exercise machine is the treadmill. I’ve exercised wearing crocs, and that was quite an uncomfortable move from my side. I love indoor workouts, as an introvert, it helps manage my social anxiety, and it helps me focus. Now, what I didn’t know was how important shoes, specifically the type of shoes, that a person needs to wear to walk on a treadmill comfortably. I will definitely keep this in mind when searching for new shoes!
Hi, Stephanie, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
You learn something new every day. Indeed, I was under the impression that I could just use my pair of under armor chargers when I start a gym. Thanks to your post, I know the importance of having the right attire to get my body back in shape. Will have a look at the Adidas adios 4 being old school and loving the brand from past experiences. Do I need to factor in my weight when choosing the ideal shoe for running the treadmill?
Hi, Daniel Demba, and thank you.
I am an Adidas fan, too, for the same reason! Today I like many others too, but Adidas shoes fit me best when I started running and training.
Thank you for your kind words.
You must mostly wear the right shoes for you, even running on a treadmill. Weight is part of it to have in mind.
I was reading an interesting post about it which you can see here.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
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