Walking Clothes and Shoes
What to Wear and Why - Plus Walking 101's Top Picks
Some times you may do your walking downtown during your lunch break, wearing business attire and dress shoes, or along a beach while vacationing, barefoot and clad in a swimsuit. Mostly, however, you'll probably be walking in venues like your neighborhood, a high school track, a local park, or a nearby hiking trail, and wearing appropriately comfortable clothes and shoes.
Weather will dictate what you should wear while out walking for the most part. With the exception of during extreme inclement weather, when you can walk inside at a gym or mall or on your own treadmill so as not to interrupt your routine, there is nothing to prevent you from walking outside year round as long as you dress accordingly. One factor in the choice of walking apparel will be the intensity of your walking regimen. Because your body temperature will rise as your exercise level increases, in order not to overheat it is sometimes advisable to dress in layers that can be removed as necessary.
Choosing the best shoes to wear while walking is often influenced by weather conditions and terrain. Whereas the most important features to be considered when selecting walking shoes are comfort and support, sturdiness and insulation may also factor in depending upon where and when they'll be used. For instance, should you reside in an area with severe winter weather conditions, the prospect of keeping your feet warm during cold weather sojourns likely will lead you to purchase outdoor shoes designed for such conditions. And if your walking adventures eventually escalate to hikes in rugged terrain, a pair of sturdy hiking shoes or boots will probably be an investment worth making.
Even if you don't normally wear hats, they should be part of your walking wardrobe. When you are out in really cold weather, a significant amount of body heat is lost through the top of your head, so a hat will help you stay warm. On the other end of the spectrum, if you go out walking during hot weather, a hat can help keep you from overheating. Also, fair-skinned walkers and walkers predisposed to skin cancer should augment sunscreen with a wide-brimmed UV protective hat whenever they are out walking in the sun.
A large contingent of walkers just wear whatever comfortable clothes happen to be in their wardrobe and an old pair of sneakers when they go out for a walk. But there is no shortage of designer sports apparel and footwear available for those with a flair for fashion. And for very serious walking enthusiasts, there is an amazing array of performance-enhancing accoutrements and high-tech walking shoes from which to choose.
Check Out Walking 101's Top Picks
UV PROTECTIVE SUN HATS
Unisex Adult Tortuga UV Sun Protective Bucket Hat
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Wear the UV Protective Tortuga Bucket Hat to the beach, out for a hike, and for any and every outdoors occasion. It is rated UPF 50+ for sun protection and features an adjustable chin strap. One Size Fits All.
Walking Clothes - UV Protective Sun Hats
UV Protection Outdoor Flap Cap
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The UV 45+ Khaki Extreme Condition Flap Hat is made from a unique blend of UV protective cotton and nylon. This extreme outdoor hat features a 3 1/2 inch wide foam brim with an 8 1/2 inch long veil with adjustable back string, to provide you with just the right fit to allow maximum protection from whatever elements you may encounter. In addition to the four paneled mesh lined crown keeping your head cool, this hat also features metal lined ventilation holes on each side, an inner terry sweatband and zipper ice pack pocket, all constructed and designed to provide you with maximum circulation and refreshing coolness at all times. It is also fitted with an elastic band and metal buckle to allow you to choose the perfect size for your head and provide you with a snug stay-on fit.
Walking Clothes - UV Protective Sun Hats
Tilley Endurables T4MO Eco-Airflo Hat
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Tilley's Eco-AIRFLO certified organic cotton broad-brimmed hat is extremely lightweight, breathable and eco-friendly. The wide down-sloping brim affords excellent protection from the elements - rain or shine (UPF 50+), while the 3/4" mesh panel in the crown provides superior ventilation on hot days or during strenuous outdoor activities. Organically grown cotton requires no toxic chemicals, synthetic fertilizers or pesticides to produce, and the fabric has a soft, yet rugged, sueded finish.
Walking Clothes - UV Protective Sun Hats
Women's Bahia UV Sun Protective Wide Brim Casual Hat
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The Bahia is a stylish wide brimmed hat that provides the ultimate sun protection. Cotton outside, polyester lined. One size fits all; UPF 50+ sun protection.
Walking Clothes - UV Protective Sun Hats
Tilley Endurables TTMC Airflo Cap
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Tilley's Tuckaway Cap features a hideaway, Legionnaire-style cape offering three different levels of sun protection (UPF 50+). Constructed of lightweight Supplex nylon, the AIRFLO mesh ventilation panels will keep you cool and comfortable no matter what your pursuit.
Walking Clothes - UV Protective Sun Hats
WOMEN'S WALKING SHOES
Reebok Women's EasyTone Reeinspire Walking Shoe
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The Reebok EasyTone Reeinspire is designed to help give definition to your legs and butt. Simply walk and let the balance pods under your shoe do the rest. The slight instability created by the pods feels similar to walking on sand and forces your muscles to work a little harder, toning you up as you strut your stuff. The EasyTone technology improves muscle tone in the hamstrings, calves and glutes up to 28 percent - not bad considering all you have to do is walk around as usual. The synthetic leather and mesh upper with a walking-inspired design offers the ultimate in lightweight breathability and style. The specially designed, women's-specific last ensures a better fit for women's feet. SmoothFit seamless technology ensures minimal rub and decreases irritation because all of the seams are either hidden or eliminated. To complete the style, a removable sockliner provides antibacterial properties and accommodates orthotics while the non-marking rubber sole offers great traction.
Walking Clothes - Women's Walking Shoes
New Balance Women's WW615 Walking Fitness Shoe
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Featuring Stride Bar technology to guide your foot through a healthy walking gait, the New Balance 615 women's walking shoe offers light stability and serious cushioning to keep everyday walkers going and to help new walkers get moving.
Walking Clothes - Women's Walking Shoes
Avia Women's A333 Walking Shoe
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AVIA's A333 walking shoe is a sure bet for your exercise routine. The leather upper features sporty overlays and breathable mesh, while Archrocker technology provides the best possible walk by supporting the arch and preventing foot fatigue and aches.
Walking Clothes - Women's Walking Shoes
Reebok Women's Easytone Go Outside II Walking Shoe
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The Reebok Lady Easytone Go Outside Fitness Shoe is designed to tone key leg muscles while you walk. EasyTone combines incredible comfort with muscle building-toning benefits to create the perfect shoe. Balance Pods - create natural instability, much like walking on a sandy beach, which encourages toning through increased muscle activation in three key areas of the leg. This gives you 28 percent more of a workout for your bottom and 11 percent more for your hamstrings and calves. Breathable mesh upper - for ultra-lightweight support but still keeping you feet cool and comfortable. High abrasion rubber outsole - helps to make the shoe last longer as it doesn't wear out as quick. Ultra comfortable moulded sockliner - helps to wick sweat away fronm your feet keeping your feet nice and cool and dry.
Walking Clothes - Women's Walking Shoes
Skechers Women's Shape Ups - Power Pressed Fitness Walking Shoe
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Shape Ups are designed to get you fit while you walk, work, shop, and more. They have as much a place in your life as your boots, sandals, and dress casuals, and can retrain your muscles, helping you walk with a positive impact. Used properly, Shape Ups change the way you approach your daily activities. Used regularly, they will enhance the way you feel and look; muscles get toned, calories are burned and your posture improves.
Walking Clothes - Women's Walking Shoes
Spira Women's Classic Leather Walking Shoe
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The women's Spira Classic Leather Walking shoe boasts patented WaveSpring technology in both the heel and forefoot providing maximum cushioning and energy return ideal for serious or casual walkers or people who are on their feet all day. The full-grain leather upper offers comfort and durability and the high-abrasion carbon rubber outsole delivers durability and is wet/dry slip-resistant as well as "SR Rated" for safety.
Walking Clothes - Women's Walking Shoes
Easy Spirit Women's Romy Sneaker
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The Romy sneaker will keep your feet comfortable and protected in your busy lifestyle. Its thickly padded lining and insole will give you full support whether you're hitting the gym or just going grocery shopping. And with its flexible rubber sole with lots of traction, treading on any surface will be a breeze. It is the perfect athletic shoe for walking or light running.
Walking Clothes - Women's Walking Shoes
MEN'S WALKING SHOES
Rockport Men's World Tour Classic Walking Shoe
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Whether you're on the trail or the sidewalk, the Rockport men's World Tour Classic walking shoe offers support and style. Featuring a mid-height rise, gently distressed leather upper, and solid-rubber outsole, this shoe has a special design that grips a variety of surfaces. And don't worry about mud, the full-grain leather upper is a cinch to clean. Pair these shoes with jeans or active wear and stroll the streets. The WT Classic casual shoe for men from Rockport offers a simple, versatile and comfortable design with a padded tongue and collar and a Strobel construction. A Walking Platform provides excellent rear-foot stability, fore-foot flexibility and long-term comfort. It includes a removable, contoured EVA footbed for added cushioning and a fiberlon shank for support.
Walking Clothes - Men's Walking Shoes
New Balance Men's MW576 Walking Shoe
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Take each step with an enhanced sense of security thanks to a stability rollbar that minimizes rear-foot movement, lessening the chance of the foot rolling too much inward or outward. Stay active, stay steady on your feet, and stay on the move. The New Balance 576 men's walking shoe is all about comfort. It's crafted using a full-grain leather upper that is soft and comfortable. The Walking Strike Path outsole keeps your foot stable during your walks, while the reflective details provide excellent visibility for your safety in low-light conditions.
Walking Clothes - Men's Walking Shoes
Tenevis Men's Cardiff Walking Shoe
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The Cardiff is without a doubt the most comfortable walking shoe you will ever wear - right out of the box without any breaking in period. The pliant uppers provide snug, comfortable support while the polyurethane foam inner soles cushion the lower foot and literally put a bounce in your step. Their firm slip-resistant outer soles make it easy to be surefooted on nearly any terrain under any weather condition. Because these shoes effectively reduce the load on joints and decrease muscle fatigue, they are a good choice for on-the-job and exercise walking as well as hiking.
Jim Loftin - Walking101.com Publisher
Walking Clothes - Men's Walking Shoes
MBT Men's Chapa Trail Shoe
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This fun athletic footwear features top-stitching, pumped up color contrasts, and pull-on loops - and the patented MBT Sensor sole that'll work core muscle groups every time you wear them. A GORE-TEX membrane adds breathable waterproofing. * Activates neglected muscles. * Improves posture and gait. * Tones and shapes the body. * Can help with back, hip, leg and foot problems. * Reduces stress on knee and hip joints.
Walking Clothes - Men's Walking Shoes
WOMEN'S HIKING SHOES AND BOOTS
Hi-Tec Women's Sofala Mid WP Light Hiking Shoe
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When wet weather threatens, these waterproof Sofala Shoes lock out raindrops and puddle splashes for all-day comfort. They are built with a durable carbon rubber MDT hiking outsole to provide unbeatable traction for treks over rugged terrain. The moisture-wicking lining will keep your feet dry so you don't slip and slide as you hike. Features include: lightweight, compression-molded EVA midsole for shock-absorbing cushion; Comfort-Tec contoured sockliner for comfort; board lasted with steel shank for added rigidity and support; and rustproof brass hardware.
Walking Clothes - Wonen's Hiking Shoes and Boots
KEEN Voyageur Women's Hiking Shoe
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Keep your cool under pressure with the Voyageur from KEEN. Mesh lining replaces a waterproof barrier for continual airflow. The rugged outsole finds a sure grip on rough terrain with multi-directional lugs. An ESS shank is built in for torsional stability, letting you keep your mind on the task at hand. * leather. * 4 mm multi-directional lugs. * Dual Density Compression Molded EVA Midsole. * Non-marking rubber outsole. * Patented toe protection. * Removable metatomical Footbed.
Walking Clothes - Wonen's Hiking Shoes and Boots
Vasque Women's Wasatch GTX Hiking Boot
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The Wasatch GTX from Vasque is made for serious backpacking. The Vibram Contact outsole provides the traction you need on the roughest terrain, while the waterproof nubuck leather upper keeps you dry. Three-bar knit nylon linings and a volume-fit insole help keep you going for the duration.
Walking Clothes - Wonen's Hiking Shoes and Boots
MEN'S HIKING SHOES AND BOOTS
Oakley Men's Sabot Mid Hiking Boot
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There's no trail or climb that you can't handle in the durable Sabot hiking boot from Oakley. This thickly-padded shoe features full traction for steady stepping over rocks and other harsh surfaces. The lace-up design provides a custom fit while the mid-cut keeps you feeling stable while moving freely for some serious all-day hiking.
Walking Clothes - Men's Hiking Shoes and Boots
Hi-Tec Men's Natal Mid WP Light Hiking Shoe
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Take to the trails like never before in Hi-Tec's Natal hiker. The upper features breathable suede and durable nylon, with rustproof brass hardware in case your adventure takes a wet turn. The design is also board-lasted with a steel shank for added rigidity, while the carbon rubber cupsole delivers long-lasting quality. * Lightweight feel. * Ample support. * Available in W - I - D - E sizes. * Contoured EVA insoles provide a cushy cradle for every step. * Carbon rubber hiking outsoles with multi-directional traction provide the same reliable grip whether you're going up or downhill. * Toe and heel abrasion for protection. * Soft padded collar.
Walking Clothes - Men's Hiking Shoes and Boots
WOMEN'S EXTREME WEATHER HATS
Women's Outdoor Research Blizzard Hat
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Snug your head into the Blizzard Hat's hand-knit blend of wool and acrylic that traps heat while providing breathability. Keep sweat from dripping into your eyes with a moisture-wicking Motion Fleece ear band. Styled with hanging tassels and a pom-pom on top.
Walking Clothes - Women's Extreme Weather Hats
MEN'S EXTREME WEATHER HATS
Men's Outdoor Research Highpoint Cap
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The Outdoor Research Highpoint Cap will keep the elements out while sweat and inside moisture escapes through waterproof, windproof, and vapor-permeable Pertex Endurance nylon shell fabric. It insulates your head with a warm fleece interior and ear flaps that flip up and attach to side magnets for added warmth and protection. Stuff it inside your pocket or at the bottom of the bag, the lightweight nylon shell is easily compressible and features a folding brim for easy storage. Don't let angry winds take it away as you cinch it tight with the external drawcord adjustment.
Walking Clothes - Women's Extreme Weather Hats
WOMEN'S SHORTS
Danskin Women's Cotton Stretch Drawcord Short
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The drawcord short is a versatile piece you can mix n' match with tees and tanks for fitness and casual wear. 95 percent Cotton, 5 percent Spandex; drawcord ribbed waist; approximate inseam length: 5 inches.
Walking Clothes - Women's Shorts
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