A great strolling sneaker could make all of the distinction in serving to preserve you and your toes protected throughout a stroll, hike, or health stroll. Based on Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and founding father of Gotham Footcare in New York Metropolis, sporting the improper sneakers when strolling can result in points like early-onset arthritis, runner’s knee, and plantar fasciitis, which is a standard 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 assist, cushioning, and correct match are three essential options to search for.
To decide on the most effective 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 evaluation this story for accuracy, together with the right way to discover comfy, well-fitting strolling sneakers when buying on-line.
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-14 (normal width) | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Drop: 7 millimeters | Closure: Laces | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber and foam outsole | Our General Ranking: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers who stroll for health and wish a stability of cushioning and responsiveness.
Why We Love Them
Designed for supportive landings, On Operating’s Cloud 5 Shoe simply delivers and is our high decide for the most effective males’s strolling shoe available on the market. Whether or not you stroll for health or should be in your toes for a very long time, this shoe could be very comfy, due to 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. After we examined these sneakers, we particularly appreciated the pace lacing system, which allowed us to shortly 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 cosy, safe match, and the froth cushioning gives comfy landings with out including weight to the shoe, which is particularly nice for these with plantar fasciitis. The outsole has distinctive pods that compress with every step to assist take in influence. Throughout our take a look at walks, we discovered the shoe had simply the correct quantity of responsiveness to assist propel us ahead, and we felt totally supported all the time. A set of conventional laces is included within the field when you’re not a fan of pace laces, and the sneakers additionally are available in a water-resistant model.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we seen that the light-colored sneakers acquired soiled shortly. Whereas this did not hassle us, it is one thing to bear in mind when you hate cleansing your sneakers after put on.
Most Beneficial 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 residence, and I actually felt like they propelled me to maneuver. I used to be a lot sooner than in another sneakers I’ve worn up to now.” —Brian Sanford, Verywell Match product tester
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Good for various terrain
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Breathable
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Simple to scrub
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 3-16 (normal width) | Weight: Not listed | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Foam | Our General 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 scorching, an easy-to-wear, breathable shoe is simply what you want. We advocate Kane’s Revive Shoe, a restoration shoe with a perforated foam higher for breathability and a simple slip-on model. We admire the ample room within the forefoot of those sneakers, which provides our toes loads of room to unfold out. Made with a snug, renewable sugar-cane foam, these sneakers assist preserve your heels and toes shielded from blisters and chafing.
When strolling in these sneakers, we have 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 particularly useful when navigating moist or uneven surfaces. Throughout testing, we famous that the built-in arch assist had simply the correct quantity of cushioning, and the insole molded properly to our toes. These sneakers are straightforward to scrub and can preserve your toes cool and sweat-free.
Potential Flaws
- Since these sneakers are designed for informal put on as an alternative of lengthy walks, they do not have as a lot cushioning as different choices on our listing.
- These sneakers do not have laces, so there is not any solution to modify their match past ordering the correct measurement.
Most Beneficial Perception
“The sneakers felt good and match effectively after I first put them on. It felt as if I used to be strolling on air as a result of these sneakers are mild and provide a whole lot of airflow with the cutouts on the highest. This saved my toes cool and saved 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 (normal width) | Weight: Not listed | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Leather-based and mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General 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 when you want a shoe that may deal with mild mountaineering, tenting, and extra. We additionally discovered them versatile and classy sufficient to put on for all-day errands and strolling round city. The leather-based and mesh higher is comfy and breathable, and we particularly like that it is also waterproof. The sneakers are very sturdy, due to the abrasion-resistant rubber outsole that is grooved for good traction. Plus, they function an anti-odor therapy so your toes all the time really feel recent, even after all-day put on.
After we examined these sneakers, we felt the sunshine foam midsole supplied strong cushioning with out including weight. We particularly admire the additional cushioning beneath 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 straightforward 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 will not be splendid for some.
Most Beneficial Perception
“I appreciated the high-quality leather-based touches and the agency rubber soles. These positively look and feel like top-of-the-line mountaineering 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 assist
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Machine-washable
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 3-14 (normal width) | Weight: 4.6 ounces | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Slide-in | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Foam | Our General Ranking: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers who want additional assist 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 strong assist and distinctive sturdiness. These sneakers have cushioned, supportive footbeds and have the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which suggests they have been acknowledged for selling foot well being. When sporting these slides, we particularly appreciated the glorious arch assist and barely elevated heel that takes the strain off our toes throughout longer strolls.
Throughout testing, we seen that these slides have been moisture- and odor-resistant, they usually’re straightforward to scrub by merely hosing them off or tossing them within the washer. We felt they absorbed influence effectively and have 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 comfy 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
- Despite the fact that we examined the right measurement, the tip of the slide caught out sufficient to typically catch beneath our toes whereas strolling.
- When sporting these slides, our toes felt sweaty throughout longer walks and in hotter climate. These slides will not be the best choice for many who get sweaty simply.
Most Beneficial Perception
“The match was actually nice on the onset, as anticipated. The heel was elevated, and it supplied actually substantial arch assist. I put on a 9½, and I don’t assume 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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Finances-friendly
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Numerous colour choices
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 6.5-14 (normal width) | Weight: 10 ounces | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Cushioning: Plush | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers needing a snug, budget-friendly shoe that is straightforward to slide on for mild, every day actions.
Why We Love Them
There are lots of slip-on strolling sneakers available on the market, however Adidas’s Lite Racer Adapt 7.0 tops our listing as the most effective as a result of it is very cushioned, versatile, and budget-friendly. Throughout testing, we wore these sneakers round city, to the fitness center, and to yoga class as a result of they have been so straightforward 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 matches snugly round our midfoot and heel whereas nonetheless leaving loads of room within the toe field. Our toes felt utterly cushioned and supported, which saved us comfy all day. Even throughout longer walks, we did not expertise any knee or ankle ache, and we felt like we might simply put on these sneakers on extra intense health walks. These sneakers are out there in lots of colour choices and look trendy 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 Beneficial Perception
“The heel could be very secure. It actually appears like a standard tennis shoe, and you are not capable of inform that it’s 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 (normal width) | Weight: 12.9 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters | Closure: Slip-on with toggle laces | Cushioning: Mild to reasonable | Supplies: Mesh and knit higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Ranking: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers wanting a trendy, breathable shoe that is straightforward to regulate.
Why We Love Them
For a trendy, versatile pair of out of doors strolling sneakers, we advocate Hoka’s Hopara 2 Sneakers. We beloved how nice these sneakers appeared and felt throughout testing, plus we additionally loved the compliments we acquired whereas sporting them. These sneakers carried out nice for informal every day put on, together with a calming bike trip and attending an out of doors live performance. We seen that the cushioning felt comfy, and the heel was supportive and secure. We additionally admire 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 strong traction, and we felt comfy tackling numerous terrains, together with uneven floor. Due to the mesh higher, this shoe gives loads of airflow and water drainage, in addition to safety from rocks or particles when you occur to be out in additional rugged terrain.
Potential Flaws
- Because of the open mesh higher, these sneakers do not have a whole lot of lateral, or periphery, assist.
- The cushioning in these sneakers is mild to reasonable and will not be sufficient for some wearers, particularly those that plan on performing extra intense actions.
Most Beneficial Perception
“These look nice and are very distinctive. They appear trendy with a pair of shorts and actually helped end off a summer season informal look.” —Ryan Sisson, Verywell Match product tester
Bonus Favorites
Though we did not take a look at the next strolling sneakers for males, we nonetheless assume they are a strong 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 (normal, large, 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 reasonable assist in a spread of widths.
Why We Love Them
Discovering supportive sneakers that match effectively will be difficult when 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 normal, large, and extra-wide widths. The froth sole is mushy 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 real, which gives a strong 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 gives simply sufficient propulsion to assist push you ahead with out feeling such as you’re bouncing. The only real is large, notably on the heel, which helps with stability and stability. We additionally admire 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 listing. Nevertheless, we really feel that the shoe’s high quality and options align with its worth.
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-15 (medium and large 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 comfy in your sneakers is essential for walks of any size, it’s particularly essential while you’re planning on strolling for longer distances. Brooks’s Glycerin GTS 21s have thick, mushy cushioning that makes them straightforward 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 assist to assist restrict extra movement and preserve you in correct alignment.
Despite the fact that these sneakers have plush cushioning and have the mushy 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 comfortable match. They preserve your ankles locked in throughout walks and work nice on all terrain—particularly with the broad outsole that gives strong stability and traction. Plus, the knit higher is breathable, so that they work nice for anybody who tends to get sweaty simply.
Potential Flaws
- These are probably the most costly pairs of sneakers on our listing. Nevertheless, we expect the options align with its worth, particularly the plush cushioning and general high quality.
- Some wearers notice 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, normal, large, 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 strong assist for frequent foot circumstances, like flat toes or plantar fasciitis.
Why We Love Them
Plantar fasciitis could make strolling round really feel tough, uncomfortable, or painful. Brooks’s Habit Walker 2 Sneakers may help with their strong arch assist and built-in stability system, which helps forestall the foot from rolling inward. These APMA-approved sneakers additionally function reasonable cushioning that’s balanced throughout your entire foot and a mesh interior liner to promote airflow so your toes keep comfy, even throughout longer walks.
The leather-based higher is sturdy sufficient to offer some lateral assist. We additionally like that the sneakers are trendy 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 listing.
- The leather-based higher is sturdy however not very breathable, so these sneakers will not be splendid for anybody who will get sweaty simply.
We Additionally Examined These Strolling Sneakers for Males
We examined over 90 strolling and mountaineering sneakers, however solely 9 impressed us sufficient to make this listing. Whereas we preferred a few of these pairs’ options, they did not stack up in opposition to our different favorites:
- Zamberlan’s 215 Salathe GTX RR is comfy and straightforward to slip on and off. Nevertheless, its bulkier building is finest fitted to mountaineering, and we didn’t discover it breathable sufficient for longer walks.Â
- Asics’ Metaspeed Sky+ matches nice and gives glorious cushioning. However the pair lacked stability on take a look at walks and did not provide sufficient assist, particularly for walkers with unhealthy knees.Â
- Hoka’s Solimar saved our toes locked in place and labored effectively to accommodate toes that overpronate. Nevertheless, 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.Â
What to Search for When Purchasing for Strolling Sneakers for Males
- Foot Kind: Cunha recommends taking note of the damage sample of your sneakers, which may point out your foot kind and assist decide which strolling sneakers are finest for you. When your sneakers present put on on the highest periphery, you’re doubtless 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 suggests even weight distribution throughout your foot. On this case, you will need sneakers with reasonable stability that present each cushioning and assist. Lastly, in case your sneakers present put on on the highest interior 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, attempt 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 correct 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 an alternative, it will probably result in arch ache or plantar fasciitis. To test 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 when you plan on standing or strolling for a chronic interval, says Cunha.
- Arch Help: Cunha recommends discovering sneakers with an arch included into its design to offer assist, shock absorption, and most consolation. A skinny, flat sole gives no assist and might result in heel ache, notably plantar fasciitis, which may trigger knee and again ache, says Cunha.Â
How We Examined and Chosen the Greatest Strolling Sneakers for Males
To seek out the most effective strolling sneakers for males available on the market, we sought steerage from two podiatrists and one bodily therapist to realize insights into foot varieties and what options to search for when buying. 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. After we take a look at strolling sneakers, we consider every pair based mostly on these key standards.
- Match: After we first attempt on the sneakers, we notice in the event that they match true to measurement and if there’s a thumb’s width of house between our toe and the top of the shoe. We ask ourselves if the shoe feels too unfastened or too tight. We additionally notice if the toe field is large sufficient to wiggle our toes and if our toes slide round or keep put. We prioritize sneakers that match our measurement as anticipated.
- Stability: After we stroll in every pair of sneakers, we notice whether or not our ankles and knees really feel supported and secure. We take into account whether or not the sneakers present sufficient shock assist and stability with every step. We additionally notice whether or not the steadiness of the shoe modifications with completely different surfaces, reminiscent of grass, gravel, or concrete.
- Responsiveness: After sporting the sneakers for at the very least three hours, we consider how effectively they assist propel us ahead with every step. We notice how springy and bouncy the shoe feels and whether or not the curve of the only real helps with propulsion. After sporting the sneakers for a number of hours, we notice whether or not our legs really feel recent or heavy and fatigued.
- Cushioning: To judge the cushioning, we notice whether or not it feels pillowy or agency, how effectively it absorbs shock, whether or not we really feel ache or strain factors anyplace, 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 mild or heavy? Do the sneakers really feel breathable? Is the higher material mushy and versatile or stiff and inflexible? Are there any seams or stitching that chafe or irritate? After our take a look at walks, we notice whether or not our toes keep comfy or get sweaty and overheated. We additionally take into account whether or not we develop any blisters or scorching spots.
- High quality: To judge high quality, we notice 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 take a look at to find out whether or not the sneakers bend the place they need to—beneath the ball of the foot. On the finish of the testing interval, we notice 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 test the value. Based mostly on the sneakers’ efficiency, we notice if they’re pretty priced or if we might solely purchase them on sale. We additionally take into account whether or not we might advocate the sneakers to family and friends.
Our Consultants
We consulted consultants at each stage of testing and researching for this text. They supplied insights into what key options to search for when selecting the most effective strolling sneakers for males and steerage 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 Heart
- Karena Wu, DPT, bodily therapist and proprietor of ActiveCare Bodily Remedy in New York Metropolis
Often Requested Questions
What’s one of the best ways to interrupt in new sneakers?
A great shoe shouldn’t require a lot breaking in and must be pretty comfy from the beginning, says Wu. If that’s not the case, although, she says you might wish to attempt sporting them round the home, steadily growing how lengthy you put on them, and sporting them with thicker socks. Another choice is to make use of a hair dryer to heat up the sneakers for 2 to a few minutes to assist them increase, 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 usually lighter, extra breathable, and have extra cushioning. Most strolling sneakers are typically 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?
Based on Tulpule, you need to typically 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 incessantly.
How a lot does a top quality pair of strolling sneakers for males value?
You may count on to pay anyplace from $50 to $200 for a top quality pair of strolling sneakers. Extra budget-friendly choices could not have sufficient assist and cushioning to maintain you feeling mild in your toes all day lengthy. Costlier pairs could have fashion-forward options or extra know-how 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 continually tries new sneakers to assist him carry out his finest whereas retaining his toes feeling their finest. He additionally walks extensively, so he is aware of how priceless a correct pair of strolling sneakers will be when strolling on unforgiving pavement.
Extra reporting contributed by Michelle Parente
Michelle Parente, CYT, is an authorized yoga sculpt trainer and skilled health author obsessed 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.