Meet my non-negotiable walking companions

September is a busy month for fundraising. Myself, and so many of my friends, are raising funds for various causes over the coming weeks across various walking challenges championed by our favourite charities. I know people running marathons, or 10k events, all in the name of both good causes and determination. Personally, I've chosen a 10,000 steps-per-day challenge, a trial I haven't volunteered for since 2021.  

Back then I was working full-time from my parents' house amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Outside of work hours, I had nothing better to do than walk. This time, I'm in the office four days a week and managing much more life admin than when I lived at home. I need to find ways to incentivise the movement and make it easier. 

Since I started reviewing products, my walking game has levelled up, given how much research I put into my purchases now. So, these are the two recommendations I'd make to everyone walking or running for charity this time of year.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Fitbit Inspire 2 Fitness Tracker

$128 on Amazon

My checklist for a good step tracker is pretty simple. I want something small and lightweight that I can forget I'm wearing, with Bluetooth connectivity, long battery life, and the ability to count steps. As someone who has had her iPhone on 'Do Not Disturb' since 2013, Apple Watches seem redundant. So, Fitbit is my exercise companion of choice.

I bought the Fitbit Inspire 2 on a 2022 interstate trip when I wanted to know how many steps I was doing each day. It still works perfectly, and I've had no desire to upgrade to newer versions of the same watch given it does everything I need.

What I love about it:

• The simplicity: I've never had a problem with the Inspire 2. It connects seamlessly to my iPhone via Bluetooth, and the app syncs efficiently whenever I go in to log steps. 

• The features: I don't use my watch for much other than checking the time and logging my steps, and it has so many features that I'm probably missing out on. However, the ability to set a countdown timer has been invaluable – I use it to remind myself to drink water, especially when doing 10,000 steps a day. Also, it buzzes when I get a text message and shows me the contents, which is pretty useful when I need it.

• The price: Usually $149, you can get the my watch for just $128. Even the most affordable Apple or Samsung watches would cost hundreds more. While some understandably prefer to have the matching brand as their smartphone, those prioritising convenience first will love this Fitbit.

Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 Shoes

$259.99 on The Athlete's Foot$259.99 on Rebel$260 on Asics

I was overdue for new walking/running shoes when I bought these Asics in June. After finding my previous Saucony pair a bit disappointing, I was ready to try something new. My physiotherapist recommended Asics, and while the Kayanos are the most popular pair, I decided to go for the slightly more affordable Gel-Nimbus shoes.

What I love about them:

• The comfort: These are the best workout shoes I've ever owned – not to be clichéd, but they evoke the feeling of walking on clouds. Asics has used their trademarked FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning, which is both lightweight and soft, and designed to have less impact on the environment.

• The support: The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 Shoes have a super-thick sole that's very supportive. In the past when I've worn shoes with a similar design I've felt unbalanced, like I'm going to topple over from the height. However, I barely notice it with the Asics given how well they mould to my feet, providing a stable walking experience.

• The grip: The unstable feeling from my last pair of shoes was made worse by a lack of grip on the sole. The rubber outsole on these shoes is made from Asicsgrip, which combines rubber and specially engineered lugs to give a good grip on whichever surface you're running or walking on. 

• The colours: Mine are mostly black with splashes of pale pink and neon green. I like that they don't show any dirt but also aren't all one colour. There are also Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 Shoes available.

Any dislikes?

These shoes were really expensive, even with an end-of-financial-year discount. If you're after a pair for yourself, I'd recommend keeping an eye out for sales. However, they're such good shoes that I probably would have paid full price for them, given I wear them daily. The cost-per-wear lowers significantly and quickly.

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