Leisure footwear isn’t meant for performance – but it still needs to offer a lot of benefits. These are shoes that are comfortable to walk in, go with all kinds of clothes, and can handle more scenarios than you can shake a stick at.

Leisure-time running is one of the most popular physical activities practiced worldwide.2 However, it is also a sport with high rates of injury. The role of the shoe as the main interface between the foot and the ground may have a considerable impact on the risk of injuries.3 It is therefore important to have a proper selection of appropriate shoes.

The best choice of footwear can significantly reduce the risks of injuries and enhance the running enjoyment. However, it is important to remember that the most suitable shoes are those that fit and are appropriate for each individual runner. This will depend on the morphology and biomechanical characteristics of the foot and the specific characteristics of each activity.4

To avoid injuries, it is crucial to have a good understanding of the fundamental principles behind the design and manufacturing of running shoes.5 This includes a knowledge of the impact forces that are applied to the feet during the different phases of the gait cycle and the interaction between these forces and the different components of the shoe and the foot.

It is also important to understand that the shock-absorption properties of running shoes are influenced by different factors.5 These include the heel-to-toe drop, the material of the sole, and the geometry of the shoe.

Leisure shoes should be comfortable to walk in and provide a good grip on the ground. To this end, they tend to have a lower sole stiffness than Mtb race shoes and more of a trainer or lightweight-hiker style tread. If you are planning to use them with flat pedals, look for a grippy rubber cleat cover on the bottom or a removable hard plastic/rubber cover that is fixed to the inside of the shoe. This will protect the cleats from wearing and help to minimise the traction problems caused by cleats clogging up with dirt or shedding mud.

Leisure shoes are usually fitted with Velcro straps to keep them secure and are often padded all over. It is important to try on the shoes with the socks you intend to wear and check there is enough room in the front to wiggle your toes and a snug but not tight fit around the heel. Remember that feet swell when hot and after prolonged standing or walking, so you might need to try on a bigger size. Shoes with twin elasticated gussets allow for improved fit, especially for those with wide feet.