The Best Alternatives to Nike Walking Shoes for Men
If you've ever looked to buy an athletic shoe, you probably went to the Nike store first. As one of the biggest brands worldwide, Nike makes some of the best exercise shoes you can get your hands on. You can always trust Nike to offer the best walking shoes for men thanks to their excellent arch support, cushioning, and style.
Below are some factors that make Nike walking shoes a great go-to option.
1. Design technology
If there is one thing you can't deny about Nike is that they invest in the most innovative technology for high-quality shoes. When buying any Nike athletic shoe, you can choose from different technologies used when designing the upper, midsole, insoles, and outsoles. Some of the most well known Nike walking shoes use:
- Nike Air technology for cushioning and responsiveness
- Nike Zoom technology for lightweight walking shoes
- Nike Phylon foam technology
- Nike React technology for the best soles
- Nike FlyKnit technology for comfortable uppers
- Nike Shield technology for waterproof shoes
2. Comfort
One of the most important walking shoe features is how comfortable you feel during and after walks. Nike shoes rely on ample cushioning for insoles and outsoles. The shoes are ideal for different pronations as they are molded onto different lasts and come with different motion control features to prevent muscle, joint, or even back injuries.
3. Miles
Another advantage of using a Nike walking shoe is that it's far more durable than other options in the market. When your exercise routine involves logging in hundreds of miles, your walking shoe needs to withstand that kind of aggressive use.
As such, Nike walking shoes come with a durable outsole designed to support your arch and arrest landing impact for healthier heels, ankles, muscles, and joints.
4. Trail
Unlike many shoe brands that concentrate on walking shoes fit for pavements or smooth roads, you can decide to hit the trails without worrying about dirt or unforeseen injuries. If you want to log in more successful miles, walking on uneven trails with specially designed Nike Trail walking shoes offers the best fitness results for your body.
Pros of Nike walking shoes for men
- Very stylish
- Lightweight
- Ideal for different terrains from pavements to rocks
- Designed with the best technology for foot support and comfort
- All Nike walking shoes come with a 60-day fit trial
- Different size and colour options
Cons of Nike walking shoes for men
- Some designs are outdated
- Very few waterproof options
Best Alternative to Nike Walking Shoes for Men: Vessi
While your Nike walking shoes are a great option, some people prefer more sustainable options. If this is you, Vessi might be a good alternative. Vessi is a Canadian company that specializes in making waterproof, stylish, and 100% cruelty-free athletic shoes.
Why Vessi?
All Vessi shoes are 100% vegan and manufactured to be breathable and waterproof. While the shoes prevent water from seeping in they are still very breathable. The waterproofing technology they use is a patented knit material woven into the upper fabric rather than a water-repelling coating. Which is what's used by other brands.
These walking shoes also come with flexible rubber soles that sport a herringbone grip for added traction. Great for walking on different floor types, including wet surfaces. Additionally, they feature removable insoles which also have antibacterial properties to help eliminate bad odours.
Vessi walking sneakers come in different designs, colour choices, and sizes for men. Whichever shoe you choose, you are guaranteed all-day comfort. They are lightweight, durable, and fit to wear for morning walks, runs, to the office, or any situation in between.
For the best walking shoes for men, we will review three options from Vessi that are as good as Nike walking shoes. Read on to learn their pros and cons and a few features you need to consider before you buy any walking shoes.
1. Vessi Everyday Sneakers
This sneaker from Vessi is designed to offer better arch support no matter the surface you walk on. The sole, made of rubber with a herringbone grip for better traction, is flexible and thick to suit all types of pronation.
The last is semi-curved, which is ideal when walking on pavements. The design helps with an easier transition from landing to take-off. In addition, the rubber sole easily folds at the midfoot to promote faster walking.
These lightweight walking shoes are great for use any day of the year. You will enjoy them during winter, wet weather, and even summer. The breathable upper features Dyma-Tex knit technology that repels water while allowing maximum airflow. If you have used a shoe with Nike's Flyknit upper, this flexible, soft Vessi upper will hug your foot just as well.
Another great feature of Vessi shoes is that you don't need socks to wear these shoes. They come with removable insoles, and you also won't need to worry about sweating or odours.
You also won't need special walking shoes for different seasons any longer if you choose this excellent Nike alternative. They are affordable, come in different colours, both women's and men's sizes, and offer a stylish design that will compliment all your outfits.
Pros
- Stylish
- Thick rubber outsole with motion control for landing shock absorption
- Herringbone grip for extra traction on wet or slippery surfaces
- Available in different colours and sizes
- 100% waterproof mesh upper also promotes breathability
- Manufactured with 100% vegan materials
- Cruelty-free
- Best for all pronations
- Removable insoles
- Easy to clean
- Best shoes for walking, running or training in all weathers
Cons
- Not machine washable
2. Vessi CityScape Sneakers
Have you been looking for a versatile city walking shoe? If so, this Cityscape sneaker from Vessi might be the best option for you. It comes in different colours, as well as both women and men sizes. It features a simple, stylish design you will love for your outfits. Like all Vessi shoes, it's lightweight and 100% waterproof and also comes with a flexible rubber sole for easy step transition.
The herringbone grip is best for traction on slippery surfaces, while the removable insoles allow you to replace them with sturdier ones for motion control. For the sole, this shoe comes with the lightest sole of all Vessi shoes, designed in a curved shape for responsive properties.
The breathable upper is designed to be a slip-on design, so it is easier to wear. Additionally, you can customize the fit with the laces. These are the best walking or running shoes when you need to tackle water puddles or rainy weather.
Pros
- Available in several colours
- Different sizes for men and women
- Comes with a wave grip rubber sole
- 100% waterproof
- Removable insoles with antibacterial properties
- Cruelty-free and 100% vegan
- Stylish design to complement your outfits
Cons
- Not machine washable
3. Vessi Weekend Sneakers
When you going on a relaxing weekend walk, you might as well put fashion above all. For that, you need a stylish sneaker to keep your feet protected from elements like water and dirt. Even injuries! The Vessi Weekend sneaker is designed in different colours and limited-edition options. Like a white design with LGBTQ+ Pride inspired laces.
It is 100% waterproof, comes with breathable knit, and a durable upper design that includes a faux leather heel counter. You won't need to worry about pronation as the insoles are removable and you can easily replace them with other ones that encourage motion control.
The shoes come with a rubber sole that features tread patterns that zone water and rocks for anti-slip protection. The sole itself is thick for extra stability whether walking on a paved surface, rocky terrain, or muddy beaches.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Machine washable
- Different colour options
- Ideal for long walks
- Creature-free and 100% vegan
- Lightweight
- Stylish design
- Breathable upper and durable soles
Cons
- Can not be machine dried
Factors to Consider When Buying Walking Shoes for Men
When buying your next pair of walking shoes, the most important features you need to look for are comfort, stability, durability, and style. To get a walking shoe that guarantees these features, it's useful to understand your foot's shape, size, and arch.
Then, it's easier to know which parts of your walking shoes are most important to you: toe box, upper, soles, outsoles, and insoles. Remember that you do not necessarily need the most expensive shoe, or fancy gear and accessories, to enjoy a good walk. All you need is a shoe that adapts to your foot, and not the other way around.
Read on to understand the importance of choosing the right cushioning, size, and shape of your walking shoes.
1. Your foot basics
When buying walking shoes, you need to understand how different aspects of your feet should inform your shopping.
- Foot size. As you grow older, the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your feet stretch and your feet get bigger. This is a natural process, meaning you should measure both your feet every few months. It is best to get the measurements from an expert who can tell your exact length, width, and even foot arch.
- Fatty pads. Your foot is protected by fatty pads surrounding your heel muscles, tendons, and ligaments. With time they start thinning, which means you will require external padding. Padding, or cushioning, helps with shock absorption when your foot lands, thereby reducing the risk of injuries and discomfort.
- Arch. You also need to understand your foot arch. It could be in one of the three main categories; neutral, low arch, or high arch. While an expert can shed some light on this, you can also perform a simple test at home to get an idea. Just dip your feet in the water, then take careful steps on a dry floor. Then, observe your footprints to see which part of the foot carries the most weight when you land.
2. Your walking environment
Equally important is understanding the environment you will be walking in. When choosing your next shoe observe the paths you will walk on, the weather in your area, and how many miles you will be walking. For example, if your area is prone to rainfall you will need waterproof shoes. Vessi is a great option for that.
On the other hand, if you walk on snowy surfaces, you need to pay more attention to the outsole and tread pattern. If you enjoy frequent walks you'll need durable soles, ample cushioning, and other protective features. Choose soft, flexible soles, padded insoles, and a lace-up design to ensure you get the best fit.
3. Potential Discomfort
By choosing the right walking shoes, you are avoiding any discomfort that could lead to pain. The wrong walking shoes will predispose you to heel, knee, ankle, and even back pain. If you already live with these conditions, you need better motion control properties like guide rails, curved or semi-curved lasts, and ample cushioning.
Other conditions such as bunions and toe arthritis call for wider toe boxes, so make sure the brand you pick (like Nike or Vessi) offers versatile width sizes. If you do not have these conditions, your best course of action is choosing walking shoes for your feet, terrain, and gait.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Shoes for Men
a) What is the difference between walking and running shoes?
The only difference between these two shoes is how easy it will be for you to transition from landing and to the next step. In short, running shoes offer a faster heel-to-toe movement, thus requiring excellent flex grooves and padding to absorb shock.
b) Can I use my walking shoes for running?
Your walking shoes are designed for slower heel-to-toe movements. While it is possible to run in them, you will experience a lower response when taking off, leading to poor performance and fatigue.
c) Are Vessi walking shoes good for long walks?
You can trust your favourite Vessi sneakers for long walks. They are made with rubber soles that fold easily for fast take-off. Additionally, you'll never go home with soaked feet if you come across water puddles because Vessis are 100% waterproof.
d) Do Vessi walking shoes support different pronations?
Vessi shoes are designed for better support for all arch types. The Vessi Weekend sneaker comes with motion control properties for under-pronators and overpronators. If you're looking for a different type of support, the insoles are removable which allows you to replace them for others you like better.
e) Where can I buy Vessi walking shoes for men?
To buy your sustainable, waterproof, and stylish Vessi walking shoes for men, head over to their online store and choose between their three shoe options.
