If you’re a beginner Nordic walker or if you mostly take short Nordic walking trips around your neighbourhood, running shoes or walking shoes will work just fine.
But if you attend weekly Nordic walking classes, walk on dirt trails or gravel, walk for 60-plus minutes, or walk in cold or rainy weather, your best choice will always be day hiking shoes.
Compared to running shoes, day hiking shoes offer several benefits:
The lightweight, rugged and slightly wider sole helps with balance and stability and helps to stave off fatigue.
The gusseted tongue (its sides are sewn to the upper part of the shoe) helps keep out small stones.
The mid-cut design at the ankle provides ankle support and helps keep out small stones.
The rubber toe cap acts like a bumper protecting your toes and helps keep feet dry and warm in snow, dewy grass and puddles.
The breathable yet water-resistant uppers let sweat evaporate while keeping out snow, rain and dew.
For more info, check out this article from Mountain Equipment Coop.
Want to keep active while enjoying the outdoors? My Nordic walking group classes are an opportunity to keep fit, meet new people and explore beautiful Mount Pleasant Cemetery, High Park and other lovely Toronto locations.. Private and semi-private lessons are also always available!
