Which shoes for walking? The guide to finding the perfect pair for your feet.

Whether you're heading out for a refreshing hike in nature, a peaceful walk through the forest or an active stroll in the city, the enjoyment of the activity largely depends on what’s on your feet. Seasoned walkers and hiking enthusiasts know it well: choosing the right walking shoes is essential. A well-suited pair ensures optimal comfort kilometre after kilometre, keeps you safe on varied terrain, offers long-lasting durability, and helps prevent fatigue and injury.

Investing in a quality pair of walking shoes means investing in your well-being and performance. Poorly fitted or unsuitable shoes can quickly turn an enjoyable outing into a painful ordeal — with blisters, sore feet, back pain and more.

This Blackfox guide is here to help you choose the best walking or leisure shoes for your needs, with a focus on the key criteria: support, grip, protection, comfort and durability.

The key criteria for choosing the right walking shoes

Choosing a pair of walking shoes is not something to take lightly. To ensure comfort, safety and enjoyment during your outings, make sure to assess your specific needs based on the following technical criteria:

• Your type of use and terrain: This is the essential starting point.
  

• Urban / everyday walking: Do you mostly walk in town, on hard surfaces like asphalt? Then comfort, cushioning and a touch of style matter.
• Casual walks & easy hikes: Do you walk on country trails or gentle forest paths? Then grip, lightness and good comfort are key.
• Mountain hikes or challenging terrain: Do you tackle technical, rocky trails with elevation changes? Then stability, ankle support, a sturdy sole and enhanced protection are essential.
  

• Outsole (Grip and Stability): Your key to safety.
  

• Grip: Look for a non-slip sole with lugs designed to match the type of terrain you walk on. Good traction is essential on wet, muddy or uneven ground.
• Stability: The stiffness of the sole affects how stable your foot feels. A stiffer sole is better suited for uneven terrain and when carrying loads like a backpack.

• Cushioning: Crucial for absorbing the repeated impact of walking, it helps protect your joints (ankles, knees, hips) and your back. It's especially important on hard surfaces and for long distances.
  
• Foot and ankle support:
  

• Fit: The shoe should wrap around your foot snugly without squeezing it, to prevent rubbing and blisters. Be sure to choose the right size — allow some room for foot swelling. Men’s and women’s models are available to suit different foot shapes.
• Upper: Low-cut for lightness and freedom of movement (ideal for city walks or easy terrain); Mid-cut for better support and added protection on mixed trails; High-cut for maximum ankle support during demanding hikes or when carrying a heavy backpack.

• Waterproofing and breathability: The perfect balance!
  

• Waterproofing: Keeps your feet dry in the rain, morning dew or puddles. It’s essential for comfort and to prevent getting chilled. Waterproofing can come from the material itself (such as synthetic rubber) or from dedicated membranes (like Gore-Tex).
• Breathability: Allows sweat to escape, keeping your feet drier from the inside. Important for comfort, especially in warm weather or during intense activity.

• Lightness: Every gram counts over time! Lightweight walking shoes help reduce fatigue and make walking more enjoyable.
  
• Durability and toughness: Choose strong materials and quality construction so your shoes can withstand trail abrasion and many miles of use.
  

Materials and technologies: What advantages do they bring to your walking shoes?

The materials and innovations used in walking shoe design have a direct impact on performance and comfort:

• For the upper (the part that wraps around the foot):
  

• Leather: Very strong and durable, provides excellent support. However, it's less lightweight and may be less breathable if not treated.
• Synthetics (Mesh, Nylon, etc.): Lightweight, breathable and quick-drying. However, they may be less durable than leather if not high quality or reinforced.
• Synthetic rubber / Polymers (SEBS, EVA, etc.): A preferred choice at Blackfox for their versatility. These materials are flexible, lightweight, naturally waterproof, highly durable and easy to maintain. An excellent all-round option for leisure walking, nature outings and various outdoor activities. Our Preston and Howson models are great examples.
  

• For waterproofing / breathability:
  

• Membranes (Gore-Tex – GTX, etc.): A technical layer added to block external moisture while allowing water vapor (sweat) to escape.
• Inherently waterproof materials: Like the synthetic rubber used in some Blackfox shoes, providing reliable protection against moisture.

• For the soles:
  

• Outsoles: Often made of rubber for grip and abrasion resistance. The lug pattern is crucial and varies depending on the intended terrain.
• Midsoles: Made of EVA or PU to provide cushioning and stability.
• Insoles (footbeds): Contribute to overall comfort, may offer arch support, and are sometimes anti-odour treated or removable for use with orthopedic insoles.
  

• Linings: Interior comfort also depends on the lining: thin and breathable (mesh, cotton) for summer or intense activity; warmer and insulating (fleece, synthetic fur) for winter or cold-weather walking.
  

Which Blackfox shoes should you choose for your type of walking or leisure activity?

At Blackfox, we design versatile footwear made to support you in your favorite outdoor activities — from leisure walking to nature outings and light hikes. Our focus: comfort, durability and practicality.

• For versatile walking (City, Countryside, Leisure): The Preston ankle boot
  

• Ideal if: You're looking for a stylish and comfortable pair for daily wear, city walks or strolls on easy paths and trails.
• Key features: Its suede-look material gives it a stylish touch. It’s lightweight, flexible, easy to slip on and clean. The sole provides grip suited to less demanding terrain. An excellent choice for everyday leisure walking, available in both men's and women's versions.

• For nature walks and wet terrain: The Howson ankle boot
  

• Ideal if: Your walks take you through forest trails, muddy country paths or damp terrain, or if you're simply looking for added protection during your outdoor activities.
• Key features: Designed to be tough and waterproof, it keeps your feet dry. Its lugged sole provides better grip on soft or slippery ground. It offers good support while remaining comfortable for medium-length walks.

• Other Blackfox leisure options: For more specific needs, check out our lightweight boots or closed garden clogs — perfect for outdoor activities where comfort and easy maintenance come first.

Our goal is to provide you with reliable, comfortable footwear that will quickly become essential for all your walking and leisure outings.

Ready to find your perfect pair of walking shoes?

As you’ve seen, choosing the right pair of walking shoes is essential to fully enjoy every step — safely and in maximum comfort. Take the time to consider how you’ll use them, the types of terrain you’ll encounter, and the technical features that matter most to you (grip, support, waterproofing, cushioning…).

Check out the detailed product pages on our Blackfox website to compare models, sizes, and read reviews from other users. It’s a goldmine of information to help you make the best possible choice.

Start exploring our selection of walking and leisure shoes for men and women today, and get ready for your next outdoor adventure — with the comfort and quality of Blackfox!