I walk 30 miles per week on the treadmill and prefer a very lightweight running shoe or training shoe. I like a bouncy sole, but it cant be too thick or spongy. I know walking shoes and running shoes are cushioned differently, but treadmills are already cushioned and I don't feel like I need a lot of extra padding.

I can't imagine putting on my Merrell hikers for these walks. I have a fairly brisk walking pace - 4.5 mph - and a fairly steep incline. The hikers would feel like bricks on my feet.

I looked into shoes when I started walking more and read that Hoka Clifton’s are good - good cushion, but better heel drop for walkers, I think.

I have found that Merrell products suit me for my different activities. I wear the Merrell Antora 2 for the treadmill and dog walking. I wear the Moab 3 waterproof for hiking in milder weather and the Moab 3 Mid for hiking in winter weather.

I have a friend who hiked the full AT at age 56 and she swears by Hokas.

Anonymous wrote:Since I don’t run I don’t see the need to spend a lot of money on running shoes. However, there is significantly more information on running shoes and recommendations for them online as opposed to alternative walking or hiking shoes.

Please recommend a supportive walking or hiking shoe for a 60 year old female who has had back surgery and bad knees. I don’t wear orthotics, but do overpronate. I’d like good support and shock absorbency. Would a hiking shoe be better than a walking shoe?

Look into New Balance- they make walking shoes. I personally like Brooks and wear the Ghost running shoes even for walking. I have bad knees and overpronate as well, plus I have a wide toe box. These are supportive and comfortable.

For me personally, a running shoe is a running shoe. There is a very different footfall when you run version when you walk. When I walk outside I use either ankle hiking boots for rough terrain, and a sneaker like one for biking paths. For me a shoe like a merrill - really provides arch support and comfort. But its very personal - I don't like a narrow toe bed, and I need arch support. I have found that outside I want a shoe with real tread, but on a treadmill I find a shoe tread makes me trip. I would try on various brands and see what feels comfortable

Since I don’t run I don’t see the need to spend a lot of money on running shoes. However, there is significantly more information on running shoes and recommendations for them online as opposed to alternative walking or hiking shoes.

Please recommend a supportive walking or hiking shoe for a 60 year old female who has had back surgery and bad knees. I don’t wear orthotics, but do overpronate. I’d like good support and shock absorbency. Would a hiking shoe be better than a walking shoe?