The Walking Company is a specialty shoe retailer focused on comfort and orthopedic footwear
The Walking Company operates physical stores and an online shop selling shoes, insoles, and foot care products. The chain specializes in brands and styles designed for people with foot pain, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and other conditions that make ordinary shoes uncomfortable. Unlike a general shoe store, staff are trained to discuss fit, arch support, and cushioning rather than just style.
The company carries its own house brands alongside established orthopedic and comfort shoe makers. Prices run higher than mall shoe stores but lower than custom orthotics or specialty medical suppliers. Most locations offer in-store fitting, though availability varies by store and staff informed is not may provide to match a podiatrist's knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- The Walking Company stocks shoes from brands like New Balance, Vionic, Clarks, and Rockport, all positioned toward comfort rather than fashion-first design.
- In-store staff can discuss arch support and fit, but their recommendations are sales-based, not medical — a podiatrist's input is still valuable before you shop.
- The company offers return windows (typically 30 to 60 days depending on location and purchase method) so you can test shoes at home before committing.
- Online shopping lets you browse the full catalog, but you lose the chance to try shoes on or ask staff questions in real time.
What brands and shoe types The Walking Company carries
The store stocks walking shoes, casual slip-ons, sandals, and dress shoes across multiple price points. Common brands include New Balance, Vionic (known for orthopedic sandals and casual shoes), Clarks, Rockport, Saucony, and Merrell. The Walking Company also sells its own label shoes and insoles.
Most shoes in the store feature cushioned midsoles, arch support, and wider toe boxes than fashion-oriented retailers carry. Sandals often have contoured footbeds rather than flat soles. The range includes men's, women's, and children's sizes, though selection varies by location and online inventory changes regularly.
How to find a store location and what to expect when you visit
The Walking Company has locations in most U.S. states, though not in every city. Use the store locator on their website to find the nearest location, hours, and phone number. Some stores are in shopping centers; others are standalone. Calling ahead can tell you whether they have your size and style in stock before you drive there.
When you visit, staff can measure your foot, watch you walk, and discuss where you feel pain or pressure. They can show you shoes with different arch heights and cushioning levels. This conversation is useful for narrowing options, but it is not a medical assessment — if you have been diagnosed with a specific condition by a doctor or podiatrist, bring that information with you so staff understand what you need.
Shopping online versus in-store
Online shopping gives you access to the full catalog and the ability to browse at your own pace. You can read customer reviews, compare prices across brands, and order from home. The downside is you cannot try shoes on or feel the cushioning and support yourself. Many people order multiple sizes or styles online and return what does not work, which works within the return policy but adds time and shipping costs.
In-store shopping lets you try shoes when ready and get real-time feedback from staff. You leave with shoes that fit that day rather than waiting for shipping. The trade-off is smaller inventory at any one location and less time to compare options. Some people use both: they visit a store to understand what they need, then order online if the store does not have their size.
Return policy and what to do if shoes do not work
The Walking Company typically allows returns within 30 to 60 days of purchase, depending on your location and whether you bought in-store or online. Shoes must be unworn or gently worn (the exact standard varies by store). Keep your receipt and original packaging if possible. Online returns usually require you to ship shoes back; in-store purchases can often be returned to any location.
If shoes hurt after a few days of wear, contact the store or customer service before the return window closes. Staff can sometimes suggest adjustments — different insoles, a size change, or a different style that might work better. If nothing works, returning them is straightforward, though you may not recover shipping costs if you ordered online.
How The Walking Company compares to other shoe shopping options
General shoe retailers like Payless or department stores carry comfort shoes but do not specialize in them and staff usually cannot discuss orthopedic features. Online-only comfort shoe sites like Zappos or Amazon offer wider selection and lower prices but no in-person fitting. Podiatrists and orthopedic clinics can recommend specific shoes and sometimes sell them directly, but prices are usually higher and selection is limited to what the clinic stocks.
The Walking Company sits in the middle: more knowledgeable than a general retailer, more accessible than a medical office, and more expensive than a pure online seller. It works best if you want to try shoes on before buying, value staff input on fit, and are willing to pay a premium for that service. If price is your main concern or you already know exactly what shoe you want, shopping online elsewhere may save money.
What to bring and how to prepare for a store visit
Wear the socks or hosiery you normally wear with shoes, since thickness affects fit. If you have orthotics or custom insoles, bring them — staff can check whether they fit in the shoes you are trying. Bring any paperwork from a doctor or podiatrist that describes your foot condition or pain pattern. Wear comfortable clothing that lets you walk around the store easily.
If you know your shoe size in one brand, that information is useful but not definitive — sizes vary across manufacturers. If you have had shoes that worked well in the past, remember the brand and style so you can ask staff whether they carry something similar. Avoid shopping when you are tired or in pain, since your feet swell and feel different at different times of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Walking Company sell custom orthotics or insoles made to my feet?
No. The Walking Company sells over-the-counter insoles and shoe inserts from brands like Superfeet and Powerstep, but does not make custom orthotics. For custom orthotics, you need a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist who can take a mold of your foot. Some of those providers can recommend shoes that work well with custom insoles.
Can I return shoes if I have worn them outside?
Most locations allow returns of gently worn shoes within the return window, but "gently worn" is defined by each store. A few wears indoors or on clean surfaces usually qualifies. Heavy outdoor wear, dirt, or visible damage typically does not. Call your store or check your receipt for the exact policy before you wear shoes outside.
What if my foot size is between two sizes?
Staff can help you try both sizes and see which feels better. For some people, going up a half size prevents toe crowding; for others, a snug fit with thicker socks works better. There is no single right answer — it depends on the shoe design and your foot shape. Trying both in the store is the best way to decide.
Are The Walking Company shoes covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans do not cover shoes from retail stores. Some plans cover custom orthotics or shoes prescribed by a podiatrist, but those usually come through a medical provider, not a retail shop. Check your plan or ask your doctor whether shoes are covered under your benefits before you shop.
How often should I replace orthopedic shoes?
Most cushioned shoes last 300 to 500 miles of walking before the midsole breaks down and support decreases. For daily wear, that is typically 6 to 12 months depending on how much you walk. If shoes start to feel less supportive or you notice new pain, it may be time to replace them rather than repair them.