strolling sneaker could make all of the distinction in serving to preserve you and your toes protected throughout a stroll, hike, or health stroll. In accordance with Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and founding father of Gotham Footcare in New York Metropolis, sporting the fallacious sneakers when strolling can result in points like early-onset arthritis, runner’s knee, and plantar fasciitis, which is a typical reason for heel discomfort. When selecting a very good pair of strolling sneakers, Dr. Karena Wu, a bodily therapist and proprietor of ActiveCare Bodily Remedy in New York Metropolis and India, says that help, cushioning, and correct match are three essential options to search for.
To decide on one of the best strolling sneakers for males, we diligently researched and examined 90 pairs in The Verywell Testing Lab and in our every day lives, specializing in elements like match, cushioning, consolation, responsiveness, stability, general high quality, and extra. We additionally had a strolling coach, ACE-certified group health teacher, and RRCA-certified working coach from our Evaluate Board overview this story for accuracy, together with tips on how to discover snug, well-fitting strolling sneakers when procuring on-line.
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-14 (commonplace width) | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Drop: 7 millimeters | Closure: Laces | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber and foam outsole | Our Total Ranking: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers who stroll for health and want a steadiness of cushioning and responsiveness.
Why We Love Them
Designed for supportive landings, On Working’s Cloud 5 Shoe simply delivers and is our high choose for one of the best males’s strolling shoe available on the market. Whether or not you stroll for health or must be in your toes for a very long time, this shoe may be very snug, because of its breathable, antimicrobial mesh higher that helps preserve toes cool. We additionally love its versatile, supportive foam cushioning, which retains toes recent for hours of standing. Once we examined these sneakers, we particularly appreciated the pace lacing system, which allowed us to rapidly slip our toes out and in of the sneakers. We additionally love how effectively they match us proper out of the field.
The heel is molded for a comfortable, safe match, and the froth cushioning gives snug landings with out including weight to the shoe, which is very nice for these with plantar fasciitis. The outsole has distinctive pods that compress with every step to assist take in affect. Throughout our check walks, we discovered the shoe had simply the correct amount of responsiveness to assist propel us ahead, and we felt absolutely supported your complete time. A set of conventional laces is included within the field in the event you’re not a fan of pace laces, and the sneakers additionally are available in a water-proof model.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we seen that the light-colored sneakers acquired soiled rapidly. Whereas this did not hassle us, it is one thing to remember in the event you hate cleansing your sneakers after put on.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“I really feel just like the curves on the shoe’s sole actually assist make it ‘springy.’ Once I first acquired them, I wore them round my house, and I actually felt like they propelled me to maneuver. I used to be a lot quicker than in another sneakers I’ve worn prior to now.” —Brian Sanford, Verywell Match product tester
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Good for diverse terrain
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Breathable
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Straightforward to wash
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 3-16 (commonplace width) | Weight: Not listed | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Foam | Our Total Ranking: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for walkers who want a supportive, breathable, and quick-drying shoe for strolls alongside the seaside or different warm-weather areas.
Why We Love Them
When the climate turns sizzling, an easy-to-wear, breathable shoe is simply what you want. We suggest Kane’s Revive Shoe, a restoration shoe with a perforated foam higher for breathability and a straightforward slip-on type. We recognize the ample room within the forefoot of those sneakers, which supplies our toes loads of room to unfold out. Made with a cushty, renewable sugar-cane foam, these sneakers assist preserve your heels and toes protected against blisters and chafing.
When strolling in these sneakers, we had been impressed by their capacity to seamlessly transition between surfaces—from concrete to sand and grass. Due to the outsized channels on the outsoles, they provide nice traction, which is very useful when navigating moist or uneven surfaces. Throughout testing, we famous that the built-in arch help had simply the correct quantity of cushioning, and the insole molded properly to our toes. These sneakers are simple to wash and can preserve your toes cool and sweat-free.
Potential Flaws
- Since these sneakers are designed for informal put on as a substitute of lengthy walks, they do not have as a lot cushioning as different choices on our record.
- These sneakers do not have laces, so there is no approach to alter their match past ordering the fitting measurement.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“The sneakers felt good and match effectively once I first put them on. It felt as if I used to be strolling on air as a result of these sneakers are gentle and provide a variety of airflow with the cutouts on the highest. This stored my toes cool and stored me from overheating or getting sweaty.” —Craigory Christopher, Verywell Match product tester
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Waterproof
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Additional heel cushioning
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Anti-odor therapy
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-14 (commonplace width) | Weight: Not listed | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Leather-based and mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Total Ranking: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers who want a rugged, waterproof shoe for his or her stroll to work or via the wilderness.
Why We Love Them
Teva’s Canyonview Mountain climbing Sneakers are our best choice for trails in the event you want a shoe that may deal with gentle mountain climbing, tenting, and extra. We additionally discovered them versatile and trendy sufficient to put on for all-day errands and strolling round city. The leather-based and mesh higher is snug and breathable, and we particularly like that it is also waterproof. The sneakers are very sturdy, because of the abrasion-resistant rubber outsole that is grooved for good traction. Plus, they function an anti-odor therapy so your toes at all times really feel recent, even after all-day put on.
Once we examined these sneakers, we felt the sunshine foam midsole supplied stable cushioning with out including weight. We particularly recognize the additional cushioning below the heel, which gave us a pleasant springy really feel with every step. This function helped propel us ahead throughout hikes and walks. Plus, the curve of the outsole helped make transitions simple and seamless. We expect the Canyonview sneakers provide nice worth for his or her versatility.
Potential Flaws
- These sneakers solely are available in darkish, earth-tone colours, which is probably not ultimate for some.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“I appreciated the high-quality leather-based touches and the agency rubber soles. These undoubtedly appear and feel like top-of-the-line mountain climbing sneakers whereas additionally being aesthetically pleasing sufficient to put on on walks with out wanting like I am taking a mountain expedition via city.” —Jess Hoffert, Verywell Match product tester
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APMA Seal of Acceptance
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Good arch help
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Machine-washable
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 3-14 (commonplace width) | Weight: 4.6 ounces | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Slide-in | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Foam | Our Total Ranking: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers who want additional help when strolling round the home or who need easy-to-clean sandals for hotter climate.
Why We Love Them
Oofos’ Ooahh Slide Sandals are our best choice for high quality males’s slides as a result of they provide stable help and distinctive sturdiness. These sneakers have cushioned, supportive footbeds and have the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which implies they have been acknowledged for selling foot well being. When sporting these slides, we particularly appreciated the wonderful arch help and barely elevated heel that takes the strain off our toes throughout longer strolls.
Throughout testing, we seen that these slides had been moisture- and odor-resistant, they usually’re simple to wash by merely hosing them off or tossing them within the washer. We felt they absorbed affect effectively and had been springy sufficient to assist propel us ahead. We additionally like how the molded footbed cradles our toes and promotes correct alignment. Due to the grooved outsole, additionally they have nice traction, which helps us really feel snug whether or not we put on them indoors or exterior on numerous terrains. These high-quality slides can be found in a number of colours.
Potential Flaws
- Regardless that we examined the proper measurement, the tip of the slide caught out sufficient to generally catch below our toes whereas strolling.
- When sporting these slides, our toes felt sweaty throughout longer walks and in hotter climate. These slides is probably not the most suitable choice for individuals who get sweaty simply.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“The match was actually nice on the onset, as anticipated. The heel was elevated, and it supplied actually substantial arch help. I put on a 9½, and I don’t suppose I might measurement down or up. It was true to measurement.” —Greg Dupree, Verywell Match product tester
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Plush cushioning
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Price range-friendly
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A number of coloration choices
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 6.5-14 (commonplace width) | Weight: 10 ounces | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Cushioning: Plush | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Total Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers needing a cushty, budget-friendly shoe that is simple to slide on for gentle, every day actions.
Why We Love Them
There are numerous slip-on strolling sneakers available on the market, however Adidas’s Lite Racer Adapt 7.0 tops our record as one of the best as a result of it’s extremely cushioned, versatile, and budget-friendly. Throughout testing, we wore these sneakers round city, to the gymnasium, and to yoga class as a result of they had been so simple to slide on and off. We even felt agile sufficient to run in these sneakers comfortably.
We additionally seen that the higher is sock-like and suits snugly round our midfoot and heel whereas nonetheless leaving loads of room within the toe field. Our toes felt utterly cushioned and supported, which stored us snug all day. Even throughout longer walks, we did not expertise any knee or ankle ache, and we felt like we may simply put on these sneakers on extra intense health walks. These sneakers are out there in lots of coloration choices and look fashionable sufficient to put on whereas working errands.
Potential Flaws
- Whereas our typical measurement match us effectively, some wearers famous that the sneakers felt too small they usually needed to measurement up.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“The heel may be very secure. It actually appears like a standard tennis shoe, and you are not capable of inform that it is not except you look intently on the laces.” —Smith Carpenter, Verywell Match product tester
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Breathable
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Very sturdy
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Nice traction
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-14 (commonplace width) | Weight: 12.9 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters | Closure: Slip-on with toggle laces | Cushioning: Mild to average | Supplies: Mesh and knit higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Total Ranking: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers wanting a classy, breathable shoe that is simple to regulate.
Why We Love Them
For a classy, versatile pair of out of doors strolling sneakers, we suggest Hoka’s Hopara 2 Sneakers. We beloved how nice these sneakers seemed and felt throughout testing, plus we additionally loved the compliments we obtained whereas sporting them. These sneakers carried out nice for informal every day put on, together with a soothing bike journey and attending an outside live performance. We seen that the cushioning felt snug, and the heel was supportive and secure. We additionally recognize that they really feel very sturdy and high-quality.
We discovered these sneakers match true to measurement, and the toggle lacing and hook-and-loop heel strap helped us customise the match additional. The grippy rubber outsole supplied stable traction, and we felt snug tackling numerous terrains, together with uneven floor. Due to the mesh higher, this shoe presents loads of airflow and water drainage, in addition to safety from rocks or particles in the event you occur to be out in additional rugged terrain.
Potential Flaws
- Because of the open mesh higher, these sneakers do not have a variety of lateral, or periphery, help.
- The cushioning in these sneakers is gentle to average and is probably not sufficient for some wearers, particularly those that plan on performing extra intense actions.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“These look nice and are very distinctive. They appear fashionable with a pair of shorts and actually helped end off a summer time informal look.” —Ryan Sisson, Verywell Match product tester
Bonus Favorites
Though we did not check the next strolling sneakers for males, we nonetheless suppose they are a stable purchase after thorough analysis. Every pair has options, supplies, and costs corresponding to the sneakers we personally examined.
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-16 (commonplace, huge, extra-wide widths) | Weight: 11.1 ounces | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam midsole and outsole
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers who want a high-quality shoe that gives average help in a variety of widths.
Why We Love Them
Discovering supportive sneakers that match effectively might be difficult if in case you have wider toes. We love New Steadiness’s FuelCell Walker Elite Sneakers as a result of they’re particularly designed for strolling and out there in commonplace, huge, and extra-wide widths. The froth sole is smooth and comfortable, however nonetheless agency sufficient to offer loads of stability. There’s additionally a stabilizing plate that runs via the center of the only, which gives a stable platform to push off of with every step.
Like lots of New Steadiness’s sneakers, these sneakers have the APMA Seal of Acceptance for selling good foot well being. The cushioning presents simply sufficient propulsion to assist push you ahead with out feeling such as you’re bouncing. The only is huge, significantly on the heel, which helps with steadiness and stability. We additionally recognize the outsole sample, which is designed to assist information your foot via a pure gait sample.
Potential Flaws
- These sneakers are one of many pricier pairs on our record. Nonetheless, we really feel that the shoe’s high quality and options align with its worth.
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-15 (medium and huge widths) | Weight: 10.5 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Closure: Laces | Cushioning: Plush | Supplies: Recycled mesh higher, foam midsole and outsole
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers who want most cushioning for lengthy walks or who’re on their toes all day.
Why We Love Them
Whereas feeling snug in your sneakers is necessary for walks of any size, it’s particularly essential once you’re planning on strolling for longer distances. Brooks’s Glycerin GTS 21s have thick, smooth cushioning that makes them simple to put on on longer walks. Their mixture of softness and stability works particularly effectively for anybody liable to hip or knee ache. Plus, these sneakers present lateral help to assist restrict extra movement and preserve you in correct alignment.
Regardless that these sneakers have plush cushioning and have the smooth padding you may solely discover in Brooks sneakers, they’re nonetheless springy and secure. These sneakers have a built-in bootie that is stretchy and surrounds your foot for a cosy match. They preserve your ankles locked in throughout walks and work nice on all terrain—particularly with the broad outsole that gives stable steadiness and traction. Plus, the knit higher is breathable, in order that they work nice for anybody who tends to get sweaty simply.
Potential Flaws
- These are one of the crucial costly pairs of sneakers on our record. Nonetheless, we expect the options align with its worth, particularly the plush cushioning and general high quality.
- Some wearers word that the higher on the GTS 21 is stiff and inflexible, which can not work effectively for everybody.
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-15 (slender, commonplace, huge, extra-wide widths) | Weight: 14.5 ounces | Drop: 12 millimeters | Closure: Laces | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Leather-based higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers who want stable help for widespread foot circumstances, like flat toes or plantar fasciitis.
Why We Love Them
Plantar fasciitis could make strolling round really feel troublesome, uncomfortable, or painful. Brooks’s Habit Walker 2 Sneakers can assist with their stable arch help and built-in stability system, which helps forestall the foot from rolling inward. These APMA-approved sneakers additionally function average cushioning that’s balanced throughout your entire foot and a mesh inside liner to promote airflow so your toes keep snug, even throughout longer walks.
The leather-based higher is sturdy sufficient to offer some lateral help. We additionally like that the sneakers are fashionable sufficient for work, errands, informal put on, and extra. The outsoles are anti-slip and abrasion-resistant, so you may really feel assured sporting these sneakers on any floor—dry or moist.
Potential Flaws
- These sneakers are heavier in comparison with most different sneakers on our record.
- The leather-based higher is sturdy however not very breathable, so these sneakers is probably not ultimate for anybody who will get sweaty simply.
We Additionally Examined These Strolling Sneakers for Males
We examined over 90 strolling and mountain climbing sneakers, however solely 9 impressed us sufficient to make this record. Whereas we appreciated a few of these pairs’ options, they did not stack up in opposition to our different favorites:
- Zamberlan’s 215 Salathe GTX RR is snug and simple to slip on and off. Nonetheless, its bulkier development is greatest fitted to mountain climbing, and we didn’t discover it breathable sufficient for longer walks.
- Asics’ Metaspeed Sky+ suits nice and presents wonderful cushioning. However the pair lacked stability on check walks and did not provide sufficient help, particularly for walkers with unhealthy knees.
- Hoka’s Solimar stored our toes locked in place and labored effectively to accommodate toes that overpronate. Nonetheless, we discovered them to be a bit slender, and their lack of cushioning makes them really feel extra like a Converse than an opulent strolling shoe.
What to Search for When Looking for Strolling Sneakers for Males
- Foot Sort: Cunha recommends being attentive to the wear and tear sample of your sneakers, which might point out your foot kind and assist decide which strolling sneakers are greatest for you. When your sneakers present put on on the highest periphery, you’re seemingly a supinator or underpronator. Walkers who underpronate ought to search for sneakers with extra cushioning and shock absorption. When your sneakers are evenly worn all through, this means even weight distribution throughout your foot. On this case, you may need sneakers with average stability that present each cushioning and help. Lastly, in case your sneakers present put on on the highest inside edge, it is a signal of overpronation, and you’ll profit from motion-control sneakers or high-stability sneakers that promote higher alignment as you stroll.
- Match: When shopping for sneakers, strive them on on the finish of the day for a extra correct match, says Cunha. Your toes swell all through the day, so discovering the fitting match on the finish of the day will guarantee consolation irrespective of how lengthy you’re in your toes.
- Flex Level: Cunha says that for optimum consolation, the shoe’s flex level ought to match the bending level of your foot—on the ball. When it doesn’t align appropriately or when a shoe bends on the arch as a substitute, it will possibly result in arch ache or plantar fasciitis. To verify the flex level of your shoe, maintain it by the heel and press the toe of the shoe onto the bottom. The purpose the place the shoe bends and creases is the flex level.
- Materials: It’s advisable to discover a shoe that gives as a lot safety and sturdiness as attainable with out sacrificing consolation or flexibility. A breathable shoe is perfect, particularly in the event you plan on standing or strolling for a chronic interval, says Cunha.
- Arch Help: Cunha recommends discovering sneakers with an arch integrated into its design to offer help, shock absorption, and most consolation. A skinny, flat sole gives no help and may result in heel ache, significantly plantar fasciitis, which might trigger knee and again ache, says Cunha.
How We Examined and Chosen the Greatest Strolling Sneakers for Males
To search out one of the best strolling sneakers for males available on the market, we sought steering from two podiatrists and one bodily therapist to achieve insights into foot sorts and what options to search for when procuring. We then researched dozens of pairs of strolling sneakers, contemplating particulars like cushioning, stability, sturdiness, and extra. Then, we examined 90 pairs of strolling sneakers for males in The Verywell Testing Lab and in our every day lives. Once we check strolling sneakers, we consider every pair based mostly on these key standards.
- Match: Once we first strive on the sneakers, we word in the event that they match true to measurement and if there’s a thumb’s width of area between our toe and the top of the shoe. We ask ourselves if the shoe feels too unfastened or too tight. We additionally word if the toe field is huge sufficient to wiggle our toes and if our toes slide round or keep put. We prioritize sneakers that match our measurement as anticipated.
- Stability: Once we stroll in every pair of sneakers, we word whether or not our ankles and knees really feel supported and secure. We contemplate whether or not the sneakers present sufficient shock help and steadiness with every step. We additionally word whether or not the soundness of the shoe adjustments with completely different surfaces, resembling grass, gravel, or concrete.
- Responsiveness: After sporting the sneakers for at the least three hours, we consider how effectively they assist propel us ahead with every step. We word how springy and bouncy the shoe feels and whether or not the curve of the only helps with propulsion. After sporting the sneakers for a number of hours, we word whether or not our legs really feel recent or heavy and fatigued.
- Cushioning: To judge the cushioning, we word whether or not it feels pillowy or agency, how effectively it absorbs shock, whether or not we really feel ache or strain factors wherever, and whether or not the cushioning is evenly distributed all through the shoe. After the testing interval, we consider if the cushioning has held up over time, together with whether or not it has deflated or compressed.
- Consolation: The primary time we put the sneakers on, we ask ourselves: Do they really feel gentle or heavy? Do the sneakers really feel breathable? Is the higher cloth smooth and versatile or stiff and inflexible? Are there any seams or stitching that chafe or irritate? After our check walks, we word whether or not our toes keep snug or get sweaty and overheated. We additionally contemplate whether or not we develop any blisters or sizzling spots.
- High quality: To judge high quality, we word whether or not the sneakers arrive in good situation and whether or not the supplies are sturdy and high-quality. We additionally carry out a bend check to find out whether or not the sneakers bend the place they need to—below the ball of the foot. On the finish of the testing interval, we word any put on and tear on the sneakers.
- Worth: To find out the worth of every pair of strolling sneakers, we wait till the top of the testing interval, after evaluating all different standards, to verify the worth. Based mostly on the sneakers’ efficiency, we word if they’re pretty priced or if we’d solely purchase them on sale. We additionally contemplate whether or not we’d suggest the sneakers to family and friends.
Our Specialists
We consulted specialists at each stage of testing and researching for this text. They supplied insights into what key options to search for when selecting one of the best strolling sneakers for males and steering on our testing course of.
- Miguel Cunha, DPM, podiatrist and founding father of Gotham Footcare in New York Metropolis
- Saylee Tulpule, DPM, podiatrist at MedStar Washington Hospital Middle
- Karena Wu, DPT, bodily therapist and proprietor of ActiveCare Bodily Remedy in New York Metropolis
Regularly Requested Questions
What’s one of the simplest ways to interrupt in new sneakers?
shoe shouldn’t require a lot breaking in and ought to be pretty snug from the beginning, says Wu. If that’s not the case, although, she says you could need to strive sporting them round the home, progressively rising how lengthy you put on them, and sporting them with thicker socks. An alternative choice is to make use of a hair dryer to heat up the sneakers for 2 to 3 minutes to assist them broaden, recommends Cunha.
Are trainers good for strolling?
Sure, some trainers can be utilized for strolling, however there are some key variations between them. Trainers are sometimes lighter, extra breathable, and have extra cushioning. Most strolling sneakers are usually extra versatile on the forefoot, permitting walkers to have a greater vary of movement whereas pushing off with their toes.
How lengthy do strolling sneakers final?
In accordance with Tulpule, you must usually change your strolling sneakers after 300 to 400 miles or six to eight months, whichever comes first. Even when strolling sneakers seem like in good situation, they need to get replaced often.
How a lot does a top quality pair of strolling sneakers for males price?
You possibly can anticipate to pay wherever from $50 to $200 for a top quality pair of strolling sneakers. Extra budget-friendly choices could not have sufficient help and cushioning to maintain you feeling gentle in your toes all day lengthy. Costlier pairs could have fashion-forward options or extra expertise that does not truly improve the sneakers’ consolation.
Why Belief Verywell Match
Jack Byram is a contract author who covers well being and wellness. As an train fanatic, Jack consistently tries new sneakers to assist him carry out his greatest whereas holding his toes feeling their greatest. He additionally walks extensively, so he is aware of how precious a correct pair of strolling sneakers might be when strolling on unforgiving pavement.
Further reporting contributed by Michelle Parente
Michelle Parente, CYT, is an authorized yoga sculpt instructor and skilled health author captivated with making dependable product suggestions. She goals to stroll 10,000 steps per day so she is aware of the significance of investing in a top quality pair of strolling sneakers.