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Release date 08/03/2010
The Asics, which scored an Excellent rating in fit and stability, have an innovative design that shifts the lacing system slightly off-center over the highest point of the instep for a snug fit. CR also recommends the Avia A333M for men $50, and the Ryka Radiant ($70) for women. Bargain hunters can try the men’s ProSpirit Jacorey (Target), $20, and the women’s Champion C9 Kacie (Target), $28, both CR Best Buys.
Full tests and ratings for walking shoes appear in the September issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale August 3. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.
To evaluate walking shoes, Consumer Reports bought 275 pairs of shoes, enlisted a panel of typical walkers, and had them crank out about 250 hours of outdoor walking for at least half of which was over a hard or paved surface. CR selected men’s and women’s versions of the same model, where available. CR tested for fit, cushioning, stability, flexibility, breathability, and weight. Prices for the shoes ranged from $20 to $135.
CR also evaluated some specialty shoes known as toners, which have unusual soles that claim to help tone your legs, glutes, and other muscles. Those toning claims were not tested although panelists did comment on any muscular or postural effects they experienced.
“With all shoes, fit is the most important thing, so if the shoe doesn’t fit properly you shouldn’t buy it,” said Gayle Williams, deputy editor, health and family, Consumer Reports. “Take a good walk around the store or when you get home to see if you can get used to them. If they are toners, walk around even longer.”
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2010 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2010 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.