Which shoes should you choose for comfortable walking in the city?

Walking in the city—whether it’s for commuting, shopping or just strolling around—puts your feet to the test every day. Gone are the days when walking shoes were dull and only meant for hiking! Today’s urban walking shoes brilliantly combine style, maximum comfort, and smart technologies to perfectly match the pace and surfaces of city life.

How do you find the perfect pair that supports your arch, cushions every step on concrete, and fits seamlessly into your urban style? This complete guide will help you choose comfortable and stylish shoes—ideal for long days in the city or weekend getaways.

Key criteria for choosing your urban walking shoes

Choosing the right walking shoes for everyday use in the city means paying attention to both technical features and style. Here are the key points to look out for:

Comfort comes first

• Cushioning and Support: Unlike soft dirt paths, pavement and sidewalks are unforgiving. Good cushioning in the sole is essential to absorb impact and prevent fatigue. Arch support helps maintain proper posture and long-lasting comfort—even after hours of walking. A high-quality insole can make all the difference.
• Flexibility: The shoe should follow the natural movement of your foot as you walk. That’s why good flexibility is key.
• The Right Fit: Essential! Shoes that are too tight or too loose will ruin your comfort. Make sure to choose the size that suits your foot perfectly.
  

Lightweight and breathable for enjoyable walking

• Featherweight: When walking in the city, lightness is a real advantage. Lightweight shoes reduce fatigue and make every step feel more dynamic and enjoyable.
• Breathable Materials: In the city—especially in summer or on public transport—your feet can quickly overheat. Breathable materials (like mesh, canvas, or certain technical synthetics) allow air to circulate and moisture to escape, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.

Durability and grip on urban surfaces

• Wear Resistance: City shoes need to withstand constant friction on asphalt. Durable materials and solid construction ensure your pair will last over time.
• Proper Outsole: You don’t need the aggressive treads of hiking or trail shoes. However, good grip on both dry and wet surfaces (like damp sidewalks or cobblestones) is essential for safety. The outsole should provide stability and traction.

Style and versatility: everyday elegance

• Urban Design: City walking shoes should look good too! Their design should easily pair with different outfits—from casual jeans to something a bit dressier. Style is personal, but versatility is always a plus. Today, you’ll find trendy walking sneakers, elegant ankle boots, and more classic options as well.

Our Blackfox models: Versatility from garden to city

At Blackfox, we design footwear made to feel just as comfortable on city sidewalks as in garden paths. Our models combine functionality, comfort, and style.

• Preston Ankle Boots: With their sleek design, they rival classic walking boots. The synthetic rubber and polyester lining provide comfort, durability, and reliable moisture protection—making them ideal for city walks in any weather. An excellent choice for both women and men, depending on the model.
• River Shoes: Made from synthetic rubber, they’re ultra-light and flexible—perfect for dynamic, hassle-free walking in the city.

These models show that it’s possible to combine the needs of urban walking with the practicality required for leisure activities like gardening.

Urban walking shoes vs. hiking shoes: making the right choice

Should you go for a shoe made specifically for urban use, or can a hiking shoe do the job in the city too?

• Urban Shoes: They focus on lightness, flexibility, cushioning adapted to hard surfaces, and a more city-friendly style. The outsole provides good grip but is less rugged and less deeply treaded than that of a hiking shoe. They also tend to be more breathable.
• Hiking Shoes: They’re more rigid, more robust, with outsoles designed for rough terrain and better protection (often with a higher cut). However, they can be less comfortable and warmer for extended walking on pavement.

In general, for primarily urban use, urban walking shoes or a good pair of comfortable sneakers are the better choice. If you like the hiking style, there’s nothing stopping you from wearing them in the city—but keep in mind they’re not optimized for that environment.

Find your perfect pair for the city at Blackfox

Whether you’re looking for lightweight sneakers, durable ankle boots, or versatile shoes, Blackfox offers a wide range of men’s and women’s footwear designed for your everyday comfort. Our walking shoes are made to meet the demands of urban life while reflecting our expertise in leisure footwear—whether for gardening, DIY projects, or indoor use.

Browse our collection and find the perfect pair to carry you through every urban adventure—with style and comfort!