The best Nike walking shoes depending on the expected use, the type of terrain, and the environments you will be using them on as Nike offers plenty of exceptional walking shoes. Therefore, before you make your final purchase, you should figure out the intended use to select the best walking shoe that will give you the maximum cushion, breathability, support, and treads for your use. In addition, the Nike walking shoe differs from the Nike running shoe in terms of flexibility as the walking shoe has more flexibility in its sole, whereas the running shoes have a stiff sole.
Whether you are walking as leisure or part of an exercise, investing in the right and well-designed pair of walking shoes is crucial to ensure you enjoy your walks, and to ease your search, we have listed the best Nike walking shoes with their pros and cons. The article also includes a detailed buying guide that will help you navigate the buying process by knowing what to look out for.
1. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36
- 36 Pegasus has more perforations and engineered mesh in the upper for targeted breathability across high-heat areas.
- A slimmer heel collar and tongue reduce bulk without compromising comfort, while exposed Flywire cables give you a snug fit at higher speeds.
- Full-length Zoom Air unit provides a smooth, responsive ride.
- High resiliency sockliner adapts to the contour of your foot for support while waffle pistons on outsole help absorb impact and provide multi-surface traction
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is a suitable men's and women's pair ideal for any individuals bothered by the heel shelf feature in most shoes. It is made of a flexible mesh upper, and instead of having a heel shelf, it comes with a beveled heel that will give you an amazing walk experience and combined with a rubber outsole that will provide a solid grip for maximum traction. In addition, the breathable upper, made of a synthetic and mesh material, is designed with some perforations that make the shoes breathable and look more appealing while being ideal for long walks.
Nike Air Zoom 36 comes with laces that use the fly-wire cable to give you an elastic fit, and this means the laces can accommodate your foot even when you swell without damaging the shoe or loosening it. It also features a tongue made from React technology stitched to the sides to avoid slipping, and the laces g through the hoop in the tongue to offer a more secure fit. However, it's not the best for people with big toes, and it can be quite uncomfortable because it's shallow in the toe area, so you have to size up if you have wide feet.
2. Nike Tanjun Sneaker
- The mesh and synthetic upper is flexible and breathable
- The injected unit sole provides ultra light cushioning
- The durable midsole also doubles as an outsole
- The injected unit sole provides ultra-light cushioning
The Nike Tanjun sneaker is a great walking shoe with the Tanjun name meaning simple in Japanese, and it will carry you from taking a walk, going to the gym, or having a casual night. It is a lightweight, breathable, and well-cushioned shoe available for both men and women and comes in a streamlined design that will add a sleek edge to your casual or workout clothes. In addition, the women's and men's footwear comes with a midsole and an outsole that contributes to how lightweight the shoe will be, and this will also provide extra cushioning with a good amount of shock absorbency.
Nike Tanjun sneakers have a comfortable rubber outsole unit that easily absorbs shock for a comfortable walk with a mesh upper that ensures your feet stay comfortable during sweaty walks. The Nike walking shoe also molds itself to fit your feet's curves providing a good amount of stability and support, and is ideal for walks on flat surfaces. However, this shoe will not do so well on rocky and uneven surfaces, and the cushioning is not as good as with the Nike Air models.
3. Nike Monarch IV
- Nike shoes men: The Nike air Monarch iv (4E) training shoe for men sets you up for a comfortable training session with durable leather on top for support
- Durable leather: men's sneakers are made with leather upper features for durability and support, while perforations provide airflow during every shoe wear
- Cushioned comfort & durable support: a lightweight foam midsole with full-length encapsulated Air-Sole unit cushions every stride, providing all day comfort in your Nike shoes
- Rubber outsole: Men's Nike shoes are designed with a solid rubber outsole that is durable and provides traction over varied surfaces
- Lifestyle/gym shoe: whether you're looking for Lifestyle sneakers for men or new gym shoes, the Nike air Monarch iv is the perfect shoe to meet all your needs
Nike Monarch IV is a classic older design and is not popular among most millennials, but it's a favorite for the older generation. The walking shoe was designed to cater to people who were once hardcore athletes and now prefer a less intense exercise, and it is a very practical walking shoe as it's made of a leather upper that is still modern and stylish. The sole is what gives the shoe a classic look, and it has a foam midsole that is cushioned further and a rubber outsole that provides maximum traction.
Nike Monarch IV can be used as everyday wear and can also be suitable for power walks and strength training thanks to the soft cushioning, supportive insole, and outer sole. Notably, the shoe is suitable for wide feet since it comes in a medium to wide fitting, making it ideal not to make your feet get cramped.
4. Nike Revolution 4
- mesh
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
- Mesh upper for optimal breathability
Nike Revolution 4 is among the newest designs from Nike, and it is a combination of a mesh upper with a Phylon midsole. The light, springy Phylon gives a high cushioning level while preventing the sole from being too heavy. The durable rubber sole offers maximum traction and has embedded pods that add a soft, springy feel to your steps, where the pressure is released when the spring is back up. On the other hand, the mesh knit upper makes the shoe both breathable and lightweight, and even without the Air technology, the shoe still makes you feel like you are walking on air.
Nike Men's Revolution 4 sneakers feature a FlyEase variant with a hidden zipper under its Velcro strap, and the zipper unzips to the shoe's side, making it easy to slide off your shoes. The walk shoes are available for both men and women and come in medium width.
5. Nike Air Max 270
Nike Air Max 270 is from the Air Max line, designed with the Air system in the midsole and throughout the shoe's length, and it features a new system where the air bubbles are not hidden for a plush and springy experience. Walking and running shoes feature a window cut in their midsole that allows you to see the Air technology and gives you a feeling of walking on air. In addition, Nike Air Max 270 provides good cushioning as you move for both men and women, and the dual-density foam sole combined with the insole cocoon in the Air pod located in the center provides comfort and stability to your foot.
Nike Air Max 270 is the best shoe for a customer not working with a budget to keep your feet breathable, comfortable, and well-cushioned for both power and casual walks. It has an upper made from both mesh and synthetic materials that give the sneakers a snug fit and breathable. Additionally, the sneakers have asymmetrical lacing hoops that secure the shoe against your foot, preventing your tongue from slipping the shoe from the sides. Keep in mind that the shoe's heel does rise against Achilles for people with a flat foot in pain and high arches.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Nike Walking Shoe
1. Comfort
The best Nike walking shoes feature several comfort technologies such as plush foam cushioning and moisture-wicking linings that ensure your feet stay comfortable and cool.
2. Shock Absorbency
Most Nike shoes feature impressive shock absorption capabilities, and some models feature air bubbles in the midsoles, while others have a Lunarlon foam midsole.
3. Uppers
Most of the best Nike walking shoes come with synthetic uppers, a flexible mesh, or Flyknit uppers that make the shoe breathable and super lightweight. The upper ensures the flexible fit conforms to the shape of your feet, giving you a super comfortable fit with all Nike walking and running shoes. Breathable mesh upper will help improve airflow around your feet without sacrificing support, and like Flyknit uppers, they hug your feet like a sock and flexes as you move.
The walking shoe you decide to choose should have a light and breathable material that fits well, as the upper offers support by protecting your foot from sliding off or twisting off the cushioned platform. The uppers also keep your feet stylish as it displays the attractive overlays, color choices and contrasting toning laces and they can help you make a fashion statement.
4. Outsole
All Nike's running and walking shoes are made from a thick rubber outsole, with some walking footwear offering firm support and others offering more flexible support. Ensure you check what the Nike shoe you want is offering and pick according to you your needs because a comfortable shoe depends on a shoe flexing in the right way.
5. Type of Technology
The best Nike walking shoes use different technologies, and you should be able to choose the best walking shoe for your feet depending on your walking needs. Some of the popular technologies include:
a). ACG (All Conditions Gear)
This is tested, and it can withstand all weather conditions, and it is ideal for trail walkers, hikers, and adventurers.
b). Flyknit
This type features a snug upper fit that hugs your foot without restricting natural flexibility and movement.
c). Shield
The type is suitable and durable for wear during light rain as these are water-repellant, but they are not ideal for walking in puddles.
d). Air
The Air technology offers the most cushioning of all Nike walking shoes, and they are very cloud-like and responsive.
e). Free
The type is suitable for minimalist walkers and runners, and it is as natural as it could be
f). Zoom
The Zoom technology is lightweight and easy to walk around with while still offering maximum response and adding power and speed to your walks. The Zoom combines pressurized air and elastic fibers for a responsive cushioning system and is suitable for the high-impact runner.
g). Nike React Foam
The Nike react technology is a soft, springy foam that is bouncy and responsive, and supportive enough to ensure you are comfortable on the road. Nike React foam was developed with over 400 different combinations, and it is very durable, giving you more miles from your walking shoes.
6. Arch Support
Nike walking shoes are available to cater for the three arch types, and depending on your arch type, and there is an appropriate walking shoe you should opt for.
a). High Arches
This is not a common arch type, and the high arches will need high arch support and extra cushioning in the rearfoot and forefoot area.
b). Low Arch
The low arch is more popular, and this arch type can sometimes lead to foot problems like overpronation and for this arch type, you need to find a walking shoe with emotional control and stability features that will offer good arch support.
c). Neutral Arch
This type of arch is the most general type in men and women, and this type needs a good balance of cushioning and stability and less significant arch support. The neutral arch does not need a specific shoe and can wear any well-cushioned Nike walking shoe.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Nike Walking Shoes
1. Do Nike shoes last long?
Since Nike is a premium brand, their shoes are made with high-quality materials better than cheaper brands. The Nike company also spends a lot of money developing the technology for their shoes and making them last for a long time. However, how long they will support your foot depends on how often you will be wearing them. This means that your shoe structure might look okay from the outside, but the support structures may have broken down, and you might not be able to notice immediately.
2. What makes Nike walking shoes different from others?
Nike is different from other walking shoe brands for many reasons, including the algorithm, technology they rely on to design their shoes, and how much they take feedback from their customers and athletes. The brand also has a high input and top-flight performance from each design. All their designs are made from the input of pros, making them design shoes that will help walkers and runners minimize injury, run or walk faster while remaining comfortable durable.
Nike walking shoes also use technology that is tested with athletes without compromising the product's quality. In addition, the new technology provides a wide variety of products that will best fit your walking needs and generally boost the health of your foot.