“Are Air Jordans good for long distance walking?” is a question many people ask before a big trip. In fact, you can see this query in sneaker forums as well.
The thing about this question is that only those who have worn the Air Jordans for hours can answer it.
Well, we’ve done this and are now answering it in detail.
The truth is, Air Jordans are not a great choice for long-distance walking. They are suitable for short strolls only because they are a little heavier. You shouldn’t wear these sneakers for hours.
Want more info?
Then keep reading, as we’ve got all the details (including the pros and cons of Air Jordans).
Key Points
- Air Jordans are not an ideal choice for long-distance walking.
- These sneakers have great cushioning but can feel heavy over time.
- Poor breathability can cause sweaty feet and blisters in Air Jordans.
- For long distances, you should wear shoes that are designed specifically for walking.
- People with foot conditions should also not wear Air Jordans.
Are Air Jordans good for Long-distance Walking?
Air Jordans are not recommended for long-distance walking. We had worn them during trips and we regretted it. The reason is that Air Jordans are a bit heavier than most sneakers. Now, this may not seem like a big deal, but it really is.
How?
Well, if you wear heavier shoes for a long time, your feet will start to feel fatigued.
But wait. Some people have told us that they loved wearing Air Jordans for a walk. Well, we believe them, too. It’s because there are also a few benefits of wearing Air Jordans during a trip.
Let’s now discuss the pros and cons of wearing these sneakers for long walks.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Excellent cushioning |
Heavy |
|
Strong ankle support |
Lacks flexibility |
|
Stylish design |
Poor breathability |
|
Durable and long-lasting |
Can cause discomfort |
|
Good shock absorption |
Now, the details.
Pros of using Air Jordans for long distance walking
Air Jordan is, without a doubt, an exceptional sneakers. Thousands of shoe enthusiasts love it because of its design and features.
Let’s take a look at all the great things about it:
Great Cushioning
Air Jordans are famous for their excellent cushioning. The thick soles and padded insides help absorb shock. Due to these, each step feels softer. This is especially useful if you’re walking on hard surfaces like concrete.
Moreover, the cushioning helps protect your feet from any sudden impact. What can it be? Well, let’s say you are jogging and have to stop quickly. If you wear any ordinary shoes, chances are you will get injured. But if you wear Nike’s Air Jordan, you won’t feel a thing.
We’ve also found that this cushioning can be really comfortable for short to medium walks.
Ankle Support
One of the best things about Air Jordans is the ankle support they provide. Note that these sneakers are primarily made for basketball. That’s why they are designed to provide top-notch ankle support.
This feature becomes important when you have to walk on uneven terrain.
Examples of uneven terrains are:
- Rocky trails
- Mountain trails
- Urban rubble
- Snow-covered ground.
Stylish Design
Let’s be honest - Air Jordans look cool. If you read the reviews, you will realize that they are not just for sports but for casual wear too.
It’s understandable, too. They’re iconic and make a statement wherever you go.
But, as much as we love the style, there are several problems with Air Jordans.
Cons of Using Air Jordans for Long Distance Walking
There are some problems with Air Jordans, which is why most people don’t wear them for long walks. We also didn’t have a great experience when we wore these sneakers during a trip.
Let’s now look at the issues you will face if you wear Air Jordans for long distance walking:
Heavy Weight
Research in the Journal of Sports Sciences shows that the weight of your shoes has a big impact on how tired your muscles get. The study is mainly about leg muscles. According to the study, lighter shoes help reduce muscle fatigue and improve your performance.
Similarly, a study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that heavier shoes can cause muscle soreness and fatigue.
Here’s another interesting research about this. A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that heavier shoes make you inhale more oxygen. This means these shoes force you to put more effort.
Unfortunately, Air Jordans are heavier than many other shoes. Now, you know that this can be a problem for long walks. The extra weight can make your legs tired, especially after several miles.
According to a study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, adding just 100 grams of weight to a shoe can make walking 1% more tiring.
So, you may regret wearing Air Jordans just after a few hours.
Lack of Flexibility
Another downside of Air Jordans is their lack of flexibility. These shoes are built with a rigid structure to support quick, sharp movements in sports.
But walking is completely different than playing sports.
When it comes to walking, your feet need to move more naturally. A stiff shoe can make your feet feel cramped and uncomfortable.
That’s not all.
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, when shoes rub against your skin, blisters can appear. Over time, you may notice fluid-filled pockets. Wearing well-fitting, flexible shoes is key to preventing these painful blisters, especially during long walks.
Poor Breathability
Shoe breathability is another important factor for long-distance walking. Unfortunately, Air Jordans disappoint here as well. The thick materials that make them durable also trap heat. This is also why your feet sweat more if you wear Air Jordans.
Nobody likes walking around with sweaty, overheated feet.
So, due to these reasons, Air Jordans are not the smart choice for long distance walking.
While you’re considering Air Jordans for walking, you might also want to know if Hey Dudes are comfortable too. Get the details in Are Hey Dudes Made For Walking.
When To Wear Air Jordans? (Suitable Occasions)
In our experience, the best occasions to wear Air Jordans are:
- To play Basketball games.
- Casual outings (hanging out with friends, running errands, or casual dates).
- Parties
- Gym.
Are Air Jordans okay for a short walk?
Yes, Air Jordans are okay for a short walk. They’re comfortable and have good cushioning, which makes them suitable for quick trips. You can also wear them for a brief walk around the neighborhood or running errands.
Which Shoes to Wear If You Have to Go For Long Walks?
In our opinion, if you’re planning to do a lot of walking, it’s better to choose a lighter shoe. We recommend those that are designed specifically for “walking” or “jogging.”
If you want our recommendations, then we suggest these 4:
|
Shoe Name |
Best Feature |
|
Brooks Ghost 14 |
Superior cushioning for neutral runners |
|
New Balance 990v5 |
Exceptional stability and support |
|
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24 |
High shock absorption for long-distance running |
|
Skechers GOwalk 5 |
Lightweight design with responsive comfort |
We’ve tried all of these sneakers and now can say that they are indeed better than Air Jordans (when it comes to walking long distances).
Many people also ask us about Chacos. If you’re thinking about wearing them for long walks, we recommend you read this guide - Are Chacos a great Choice for Walking and Standing All Day?
Are Air Jordans suitable for people with foot conditions?
Air Jordans are generally not the best choice for people with foot conditions. They are designed for basketball. They do not provide any specialized support for foot issues.
If you’ve any foot conditions, these shoes can feel too stiff. Moreover, keep in mind that they lack proper arch support. Furthermore, they are heavy (as discussed above in detail).
Chances are these sneakers may worsen conditions like plantar fasciitis or flat feet.
For better comfort and support, we advise you to choose shoes specifically designed for your foot condition.
Here’s what we recommend:
|
Foot Condition |
Recommended Shoes |
|
Flat Feet |
Brooks Addiction Walker, Asics Gel-Kayano, New Balance 1540 |
|
High Arches |
Saucony Triumph, Brooks Ghost, Asics Gel-Nimbus |
|
Plantar Fasciitis |
Hoka One One Bondi, New Balance 990, Vionic Orthaheel |
|
Bunions |
Altra Escalante, New Balance 840, Orthofeet Coral |
|
Heel Spurs |
Brooks Adrenaline GTS, ASICS Gel-Resolution, Hoka Clifton |
|
Overpronation |
Saucony Guide, Asics Gel-Kayano, Brooks Beast |
|
Supination (Underpronation) |
Brooks Glycerin, Saucony Ride, New Balance 1080 |
|
Diabetes |
Orthofeet Asheville, Dr. Comfort Carter, Apex Ambulator |
|
Arthritis |
New Balance 928, Orthofeet Edgewater, Hoka One One Clifton |
|
Achilles Tendinitis |
Brooks Ariel, Hoka One One Bondi, ASICS Gel-Cumulus |
After learning about Air Jordans, you might also be curious about how comfortable Nike Air shoes are. Find out more in Is Nike Air Comfortable?
Final Words
Here’s the recap:
- Air Jordans are indeed great sneakers but they are not ideal for long-distance walking.
- They provide excellent ankle support but lack the flexibility needed for long walks.
- Breathability is another reason why you should not wear them for a long trip.
- For long-distance walks, lightweight and flexible shoes are your best bet.
Remember these points and keep taking care of your feet!
