I've never been able to understand the athletic shoe craze. People have so many options nowadays. There are running shoes, jogging shoes, tennis shoes, cross trainers, and probably a few others that I'm forgetting about. But no matter what they are doing, they always choose the wrong one. Everyone wants to have athletic shoes, as if owning them will make you more athletic. Few people bother to get a pair of good walking shoes anymore.

Running and walking shoes are different in a number of ways. There is no good reason for men's running shoes to be popular. You see, very few of the people who wear them run. Walking shoes are made to have lots of padding. They are comfortable for long hikes or short strolls. They are kind of like hiking shoes, but a little bit less stiff. They hold out much better than running shoes, and even if you are an athlete, they make much more sense for everyday wear. Nonetheless, people have to have the new, fast, racy gym shoes.

I've always thought that you look more stylish with walking boots on. They don't have those silly cut out areas, or the racing stripes on them. They aren't made to look like race cars. They are made to look like footwear, which is what they are. Walking shoes are a little bit more formal than athletic shoes anyway. They are made for comfort, so they are great for everyday wear, but they are also conservative enough to wear at some dressier functions. You can even wear walking shoes to work. The thing is, a walking shoe doesn't look that much different from a dress shoe. Unless you are going to a wedding, it will do nicely.

Of course, if you can only own one pair of shoes, I recommend hiking shoes. Hiking shoes are a little bit beefier than walking shoes. They have firmer souls, and are a little bit stiffer. Nonetheless, they are supremely comfortable. On top of that, they take forever to wear out. You can wear them for months and months without having any trouble at all. The soul is so thick that it is almost impossible to go through. That is why they make such great footwear. You can't wear them to dressy occasions, but nonetheless, hiking shoes are great. I wear mine almost everywhere. I wear them even more often than my walking shoes, in fact.