Cheap vs Expensive Walking Shoes — Is It Worth It? (8 Tested)

Are cheap walking shoes actually as comfortable as expensive ones? In this video I compare budget vs premium walking shoes from Skechers, On, New Balance, Brooks and ASICS to see whether spending more money really improves comfort, cushioning and durability. Check the latest prices of the shoes on Amazon: ON Cloud 6: Mens: https://geni.us/cloud6mbf Womens: https://geni.us/cloud6wbf Skechers Glide Step Pro: Mens: https://geni.us/gspmbf Womens: https://geni.us/gspwbf New Balance 880v15: Mens: https://geni.us/bwg3g Womens: https://geni.us/tv3xEH4 New Balance 680: Mens: https://geni.us/9m4AcPl Womens: https://geni.us/tx2HP2A Brooks Launch 12: Mens: https://geni.us/eMghr Womens: https://geni.us/XCBc Brooks Ghost 17: Mens: https://geni.us/U23GHzh Womens: https://geni.us/DVYE Asics Gel Pulse 17 Mens: https://geni.us/GLDep Womens: https://geni.us/0FMYJ Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 Mens: https://geni.us/1eu4Ku Womens: https://geni.us/52zisDR Get my monthly shortlist (best shoes + genuine deals): https://flawless-shoe-reviews.kit.com/newsletter I tested 8 popular walking shoes to find out if budget shoes around $70–$90 can compete with premium models costing $150–$200. Budget vs Premium Walking Shoes – What’s the Difference? Almost every shoe brand sells two versions of the same type of walking shoe. A budget model usually costs around $70–$90, while a premium version often costs $140–$200. But what do you actually get for the extra money? Better cushioning? More durable outsoles? A more comfortable upper? Or are you mostly paying for branding? To find out, I compared four popular budget vs premium pairs: • Skechers Glide Step Pro 2.0 vs On Cloud 6 • New Balance 680 vs New Balance 880 • Brooks Launch 12 vs Brooks Ghost 17 • ASICS Gel Pulse 17 vs ASICS Gel Cumulus 28 I looked at: Cushioning and midsole foam Outsole durability and grip Stability and platform width Upper comfort and fit Best use cases for walking Key Takeaways Some budget walking shoes were surprisingly comfortable. The Skechers Glide Step Pro offered very soft cushioning and great value for the price. The ASICS Gel Pulse also stood out among the cheaper options because it uses FF Blast cushioning that previously appeared in older premium ASICS models. However, the premium shoes like the Brooks Ghost and ASICS Cumulus generally offered: • Softer cushioning • Better durability • More refined uppers • Greater comfort for long walks If you mainly walk short distances, a budget shoe may be perfectly fine. But if you spend hours walking or standing, premium shoes often provide a noticeably better experience. Free Newsletter If you enjoy shoe comparisons like this, I also send out a monthly newsletter sharing: • The best new walking and running shoes • Deals on top footwear • Shoes worth avoiding Sign up here: https://flawless-shoe-reviews.kit.com/newsletter ___________________________________________________________________ FIND ME ON: SUBSCRIBE – ⁨@james_mccormack⁩ INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/flawless_shoe_reviews/ CONTACT – hello@james-mccormack.com ✉️ Love shoe reviews like this? Get my monthly picks and updates here: https://flawless-shoe-reviews.kit.com/newsletter Visit our website for more reviews: https://flawlessshoereviews.com/reviews/ Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue creating content. Thank you for your support! Medical Disclaimer The content in this video is for informational and educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have seen in this video. If you would like to book an appointment with James then you can do so through his website: flawlessphysio.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flawless_shoe_reviews/