I test walking shoes for Fit&Well's best walking shoes guide and I've been keeping my eyes peeled for discounts on my favorite shoes as we head into sales season, to see if I can spot anything worth your time. I've spotted the men's version of the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8, my pick of the best walking shoe for grip, currently reduced by 21% at REI.
New Balance produces comfortable, well-designed shoes and I've never rated one below a four out of five stars.
The Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 is designed for off-road running but I found it's a great all-round shoe with superior grip. They're my favorite walking shoes for off-road walks, but are also great to keep you upright on slick concrete.
If you're looking for a shoe that can comfortably carry you both on a countryside ramble and an inner-city wander, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 is worth looking at.
When testing these shoes, I liked the extra toe protection from the toe cap, which goes higher up the side of the foot than in most shoes I've tested.
These shoes are also winners if you're looking for a shoe with a more structured upper, but still want some flexibility. My main bugbear with highly-structured hiking shoes is that they tend to be heavy, rigid and compress my feet. While this can be helpful to stop your ankles rolling on uneven terrain, I much prefer soft uppers that flex with my foot. The Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 offers a middle ground. Your ankles are suitably supported, but your foot can still flex, making the Hierro v8 both comfortable and practical.
-
My osteopath recommended this one move to stretch and strengthen tight hip flexors and I still swear by itOvercome tight hip flexors with this simple solution
-
A Pilates instructor says these four stretches are "better than a massage" for tight musclespilates Satisfying, effective exercises that will mobilize the entire body
