Best running and walking shoes with Velcro

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Running and walking shoes with laces work perfectly well, so why go to the trouble of finding Velcro-fitted footwear?

People with disabilities may lack the dexterity or hand-eye coordination to tie laces. Even temporary hand injuries limit the use of fingers.

Age-related arthritis also makes tying laces difficult.

Lacing shoes with gloved hands is also hard. This happens during winters, and also in industrial environments where work-gloves need to be worn. It is no surprise that the aerospace industry was one of the first customers of Velcro; it helped astronauts manage their bulky suits.

Slip-on shoes usually lack the required levels of fit security, so a hook-and-loop closure is the next best thing.

So let’s go find some running and walking shoes with straps. How hard can that be?

As it turns out, there aren’t many options.

Generally speaking, strap-based closure systems add bulk to shoe uppers – both from a visual and weight point of view.

The wide straps break the continuity of the upper design and make the shoe look bulky – no brand wants that. Velcro straps are usually affixed over a synthetic or leather base, and that adds weight.

There’s a functional impact too. Athletic footwear – especially the running kind – need flexible uppers that work dynamically with the foot. Putting a couple of hook-and-loop straps on the shoe affects the range of movement.

Also, clocking serious miles on a running shoe will stretch and loosen the straps over time. Throw in some dirt from the outdoor workouts, and the efficacy of the fastening system becomes compromised.

That is why running shoe brands prefer a BOA dial-lacing system rather than a strap-based fastening.

Nike released its ‘Flyease’ assortment a few years ago, and they’ve tried to work around the limitations of a traditional hook-and-loop system with clever design thinking. The Flyease has been re-labelled as ‘Easy On’, and we see fewer Nike shoes with Velcro than just a year ago.

On the other hand, there are abundant choices within the athleisure/sneaker assortment. From dual-Velcro Nike Air Jordans 1 and adidas Stansmith to the staid SAS High Street, there are many casual shoes with a hook-and-loop system.

1) Nike Pegasus FlyEase

The Pegasus 40 isn’t offered in a ‘Flyease’ variant; the previous model – the Pegasus 39 – is. That doesn’t make much difference though, as both the 39 and 40 use the same midsole.

Instead of regular lacing, elasticated cords and a large midfoot Velcro make wearing the shoe easy. The tongue is unattached on one side, so unhooking the strap instantly creates a larger opening for the foot to get into.

On the top, the elasticated cords can be fastened quickly by tugging on the large tab that is a part of the hook-and-loop setup.

The Flyease modifications aside, this Pegasus 39 variant also has a molded toe-bumper for increased protection and support. The ride quality is the same as the standard Pegasus 39 and 40, so here’s our review if you want to know more.

Even with all the Flyease extras, there is no additional price mark-up over the regular Pegasus. The Peg Flyease also sells in an extra wide.

2) Brooks Addiction Walker V Strap 2

Brooks sells the Addiction Walker in two flavors; we’ve covered the laced edition in one of our other guides.

The featured variant has an upper with dual fastening straps for ease of entry and egress. The rest of the shoe is the same as the laced version – the V Strap’s upper is made of leather that adds comfort and durability. The interiors are made comfortable by the soft-touch lining materials and foam quilting on the heel and tongue.

The high-volume midsole has a wide geometry for cushioned support. The V Walker 2 comes standard with a slip-resistant outsole that is certified to SATRA TM144:2011 standards.

3) Skechers GoWalk Arch Fit – Hook and Loop

The GoWalk Arch Fit is the quintessential Skechers shoe. It’s affordable, lightweight, and comfortable enough for most low-impact activities. That includes walking too – as if the name ‘GoWalk’ wasn’t clue enough.

The combination of the single-density EVA foam midsole and drop-in footbed offer everyday ride comfort.

Two rows of wide hook-and-loop straps keep the foot locked in without having to fidget with laces. The mesh and synthetic leather upper is pretty basic but fits well and gets the job done. There are several colors available, including all-black and all-white versions.

4) New Balance Men’s 577 Hook and Loop

This is an excellent lace-free walking shoe below the $100 price segment. The all-leather and comfortably-fitting upper can be fastened through the two straps and is also available in four widths, three colors, and a women’s version.

A full-length Polyurethane midsole delivers firm, resilient cushioning, and all-day support. The full-contact outsole geometry is specifically designed for walking.

Certain variants of the 577 are assembled in the United States.

5) New Balance hook and loop leather 928v3

Available in both Men’s and Women’s versions, the strapped version of the 928 is a robust – yet heavy and extra firm – walking shoe. Both the 577 and 928 are stiff walking shoes, so it would help to temper your expectations. These will not be as soft as, say, a Skechers walking shoe.

With its standard-fitting upper comes the option of five widths, ranging from a narrow to extra-extra-large.

Two Velcro straps loop through a wide receptacle for a quick yet secure fastening experience.

The 928’s outsole rubber is non-marking, meaning it leaves no streak/marks on the smooth floors.

6) Nike Air Jordan 1 Easy On

The Air Jordan 1 needs no introduction, so we’ll get to the gist of it. Here’s an interesting take on the iconic silhouette; replacing the standard laced-up version is an AJ 1 model that relies 100% on a hook-and-loop closure.

Don’t let the ‘decoy laces’ fool you. Those are fixed, and the actual fastening system is a wide Velcro strap that goes over the midfoot. There’s a second Velcro strap that goes around the ankle – or instep – depending on whether you have the Hi or Lo model. We like this design, as it combines a ‘faux lace’ aesthetic with a functional hook-and-loop closure.

The rest of the sneaker is a straight lift from the regular model. A rubber cupsole hides a full-length Nike Air bag for comfort, and the leather upper panels give the sneaker its distinct color-blocked design.

7) adidas Stansmith Hook and Loop

The Stansmith needs no introduction, but here’s a brief one. First introduced in the mid-sixties for the Tennis player Robert Haillet, the Stansmith burst into the mainstream after its endorsement by the eponymous Tennis star during the 70s.

Over the years, this shoe has gone on to become a fashion staple. Its clean design lines and everyday comfort make it an excellent lifestyle sneaker.

The rubber cupsole has a great grip over the roads while adding miles to the shoe’s life. This shoe retails at $85, so it’s pretty good value as well.

This style icon is now available in a triple hook-and-loop closure and synthetic leather upper that’s made partly of recycled materials (adidas Primegreen).

The wide Velcro straps make this particular Stansmith a very easy shoe to wear. Just be mindful of the fit, though – the insides run snug.

8) Vans Old Skool V

The Vans Old Skool V could be that one shoe to do it all. This is a skateboarding product, so it’s got performance shoe levels of build quality and comfort. Depending on the color, the upper is available in multiple material combinations.

The featured variant combines leather and ballistic Nylon in an all-black combination; it’s almost dressy. The other colors use suede and canvas. The triple strap closure is a nod to Old Skool’s performance skate roots. Three straps do an excellent job of securing the foot while spreading the cinching pressure evenly.

Powering the cushioning is the insole and multiple layers of foam. The Old Skool has a full-length gum rubber outsole for great traction.

9) SAS High Street V

None of the other shoes on this guide are made Stateside, so the SAS High Street V is what you get if you want an US-made walking shoe.

The SAS High Street isn’t what anyone would call Avant Garde fashion, but it uses quality upper materials to build a durable walking shoe.

The exterior is made entirely of premium leather, and that includes the two Velcro straps. Once the leather upper breaks in after a few days, the SAS High Street V turns into a comfortable shoe for everyday walks.

The insides are padded with mesh lining and foam fill for a secure and comfortable fit. The High Street V doesn’t use a foam midsole, and instead uses a Polyurethane foam cupsole for cushioning.