Wearing comfortable footwear is vital if you’re walking through the city streets. Uncomfortable shoes can lead to all kinds of problems like blisters, friction, and rubbing. When your shoes rub repeatedly in the same place it causes a friction point. This continuous friction will eventually cause a blister to form and those can take weeks to fully heal.
 
You should always have enough room to comfortably fit one finger between your heel and the material of your shoe. This will prevent overcrowding and lessen the chance of rubbing. It’s also important that there is enough room in both the heel and toe areas because cramping your feet will lead to pain and fatigue.
 
In the toe box, there should be enough room to wiggle your toes comfortably without touching the material. The heel area should never feel cramped and there should be no rubbing against your skin.
 
It’s also important that the shoes were made properly to help prevent possible issues. The seams should all be smooth and none should be protruding out farther than the others. If a seam or stitching sticks out it increases the risk of rubbing against your skin and causing blisters to form.

Shock absorption is an important feature that your footwear needs to provide, especially pairs designed for walking. When you step down onto a hard surface like concrete repeatedly it sends massive amounts of kinetic energy through your body in waves, starting at the feet. These shock waves travel through your body, starting at the heel and working their way up through the rest of your body and through the kinetic chain, eventually reaching your knees, hips, and lower back.
 
A well-cushioned shoe will help to dissipate the waves of shock, effectively lessening the negative effects on your body. When you’re buying a pair of walking shoes they should be well-cushioned, but never over-cushioned. Too much padding can have negative implications too because it requires more energy transfer with every step you take. Imagine continuously walking through water, which would get pretty tiring after a while, that’s what happens when your shoes have too much foam or other padding material.
 
EVA is an excellent cushioning material because it’s very lightweight and a little goes quite a way. That means less is needed for effective shock absorption, canceling out the negative reactions that come from over-cushioned footwear.
 
Without proper shock absorbers, walking on pavement will cause all sorts of problems like shin splints, achy feet, lower limb fatigue, and more. It can also worsen the painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis which will make it difficult to walk. So the next pair of walking shoes you buy should provide just the right level of cushioning to properly absorb shock without weighing you down.

When it comes to walking through the city there are all sorts of terrain that you’ll encounter. Whether its flat pavement, inclined hills, or even just a flight of stairs, you need a shoe that’s ready to take on whatever comes your way. Your shoes should be able to handle the following kinds of issues commonly found in the city;

Weather:

City goers are used to the varied types of weather seen on a day to day basis. One minute it’s sunny and warm, the next it’s raining cats and dogs. Your shoes need to be comfortable in any type of weather while also offering the kind of protection you need to stay safe in a sea of potential dangers. Slippery sidewalks and flooring pose a big issue which is why you need a pair that has an outsole made from rubber. Rubber is an excellent choice because it’s waterproof and provides excellent traction on both wet and slippery surfaces and is equally as comfortable to wear in dryer conditions.

Terrain:

While you might be thinking that a nice paved walkway is an ideal place for walking, pavement presents its own set of issues. Cement has no elasticity so every step you take will pound your joints and muscles, sending waves of shock through your feet and legs. For this reason, an athletic style of footwear is your best bet while cruising through the city streets because these shoes are well padded. You’ll also encounter flooring that’s slippery so you need to have a grippy sole in order to prevent accidental slips or falls. Stairs and escalators are a common occurrence so ensure that your shoes are flexible enough to move with you rather than against you.

Stylish Appearance:

Let’s face it, while functionality is important, so too is appearance! This is especially true in a big city where everyone wants to look their best. So it’s all about finding the right combination of both comfort and fashion. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma are a good choice because they’re very athletic while also presenting in a stylish way.

Certain styles of footwear are better equipped for walking on the city streets while others won't offer the kind of protection and cushioning you need to prevent foot pain and lower limb fatigue. Athletic style shoes are the best choice for walking on paved surfaces like city streets and shopping malls because they have extra cushioning to help absorb shock. Even though walking is a low impact motion there will still be shock waves felt with every step because cement has no elasticity.

When you're choosing an athletic shoe, try to look for a pair that has enough padding, but not so much so that it will weigh you down. EVA is an excellent choice because it's lightweight and flexible while still providing a solid kind of cushioning.

If you run into an area with cobblestone streets, your best bet will be a trail hiking shoe. This style has an extra plate in the sole that makes it so you can't feel the stones beneath your feet. These shoes are made for walking on surfaces with stones and other debris and will best protect your feet from uneven sidewalks.

During the warmer months opting for an athletic style sandal like the designs from Keen or Teva will help to keep you the most comfortable. Athletic style sandals offer better support, cushioning, and protective qualities than normal options do and are designed to enhance your overall walking experience.

Styles of footwear that are best avoided when you're walking the city streets are those with a poor outsole or limited cushioning. Ballet flats, flip-flops, and other similar styles will leave you with tired and achy feet once the day is done.

Whether you’re traveling, sight-seeing, or simply strolling through the shopping district, walking on pavement is tough on your shoes! That’s why it’s important that your footwear is made well so that it’s able to withstand the tough wear and tear. There are certain design aspects that can help to extend the lifespan of your shoes which include; proper stitching, attention to detail, and careful craftsmanship.

When a shoe is made there are two ways that the sole can be attached: with stitching or glue. Glued soles are much more likely to fall off and are notorious for coming loose with continued stress. Whereas, a pair with the sole sewn to the upper unit will be much more durable and will be able to take the strain of repeatedly walking on a paved surface.