For World Walking Day
Walking is one of the simplest and most natural forms of exercise, but modern technology takes this experience to a whole new level. In honor of World Walking Day, I’ve gathered some of the smartest gadgets that not only make walking more practical but also more fun and effective. From step counting to posture correction and motivating features, these tools are guaranteed to spice up your walks!
Special Gadgets: Smart Insoles
Honestly, when I first heard these existed, I didn’t believe it. Smart insoles? Like, really? Insoles? Mind-blowing.
Smart insoles are among the latest innovations. These thin, lightweight inserts are equipped with sensors that track your steps in real time, analyze your gait, and even monitor your posture.
How do they work?
The insoles communicate with a smartphone app via built-in sensors, giving you detailed insights into your movement. For instance, they’ll show you if you’re putting uneven pressure on your feet or if you need to improve your posture. Definitely essential in today’s world.
Some of the top products:
NURVV Run
Key Features:
Goes beyond step counting: analyzes stride length, ground contact time, and pronation (how your foot rolls).
32 pressure sensors capturing 1,000 measurements per second.
Real-time app data: running power, gait symmetry, and footstrike details.
App Benefits:
Live coaching (audio + haptic feedback).
Injury-prevention tips.
GPS watch integration.
Hardware Specs:
Waterproof (IP65).
Battery life: ~5 hours.
Durability: up to ~1,500 miles.
Built-in GPS pods attach to shoes.
Best For: Advanced walkers/runners seeking deep performance analysis—ideal for injury prevention or performance improvement.
Price: Around $300 / £250.
Arion
Key Features:
Customizable insoles delivering real-time feedback and virtual coaching.
Ultra-thin (3 mm) with pressure sensors and IMU chips (accelerometer, gyroscope).
Bluetooth 5 and GPS enabled.
Tracks: foot strike, cadence, stride length, balance, contact time, stability, vertical oscillation.
App Benefits:
AI coaching with personalized insights.
Pressure distribution heat maps.
Integration with training platforms.
Hardware Specs:
Fully hidden inside the shoe (no external pods).
Waterproof with long-lasting battery.
Best For: Runners/walkers who want biomechanical insights without bulk—ideal for injury-prone users and tech enthusiasts.
Price: $139–$229 / £110–£180.
Why try them?
Smart insoles are ideal for those who want precise performance tracking while protecting joints through proper posture.
Smartwatches and Fitness Bands: Your Best Walking Companions
Smart insoles blew my mind, but these next devices are the real must-haves if you’re serious about tracking progress—even if it’s just simple walking.
Smartwatches and fitness bands have become indispensable companions for an active lifestyle. Beyond step counting, they bring tons of features to support your movement.
Key functions:
- Step counting: Track your daily steps to hit your goal (e.g., 10,000).
- Heart rate monitoring: See real-time heart rhythm and walk intensity.
- Calories burned: Great for weight loss or fitness goals.
- GPS tracking: View routes, distances, and speeds on a map.
- Motivation: Reminders to move, virtual challenges, and achievement rewards.
Highlighted Models
Apple Watch Series 10
Stylish, multifunctional, accurate – this smartwatch is more than just a step counter.
Detailed breakdown
- Large OLED always-on display
- S10 chip
- ECG, SpO2, temperature sensor
- Sleep apnea notifications, ovulation retrospective
- Fitness+ guided walks, Maps navigation, haptic feedback
- 18-hour battery, waterproof (50m)
Best for: iOS users wanting a fashionable smartwatch packed with features.
Price: $399 / £399+ (42mm)
Fitbit Charge 6
Lightweight, affordable, and packed with fitness features.
Detailed breakdown
- AMOLED screen
- GPS, 40+ sport modes
- Accurate heart monitoring, SpO2, stress tracking, ECG
- Google Maps, Wallet, and YouTube Music integration
- Daily Readiness Score for motivation
- 7-day battery, waterproof (50m)
Best for: Beginners and mid-level walkers who want advanced tracking at a reasonable price.
Price: $159 / £139 (from $99), includes 6 months Fitbit Premium in 2025.
Garmin Vivosmart 5
Compact yet powerful – designed for discreet but reliable tracking.
Detailed breakdown
- OLED touchscreen
- Heart rate, SpO2, sleep score
- VO2 Max and Fitness Age insights
- 14 sport modes (uses phone GPS)
- Body Battery and stress monitoring
- 7-day battery, waterproof (5 ATM)
- No subscription required
Best for: Walkers who want essentials in a slim, discreet band.
Price: $149 / £129
Amazfit Band 7
Super affordable with incredible battery life.
Detailed breakdown
- Slim AMOLED display
- 24/7 heart rate, SpO2, sleep & stress tracking
- 120+ sport modes (auto-detect walking/running)
- Calorie burn and women’s cycle tracking
- PAI health score
- No built-in GPS (uses phone’s)
- 18-day battery, lightweight (28g), waterproof (5 ATM)
- Zepp app sync for challenges & sleep analysis
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners or casual walkers wanting reliable tracking.
Price: $50 / £40 (often under $50)
Our Favorites
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Price (approx., GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 | Step counting, heart rate, calories, SpO2, 150+ sport modes (auto-detect walking/running), 60Hz AMOLED display, sleep/stress tracking, female cycle tracking, GPS-compatible app. Battery: 16 days, waterproof (5 ATM). | Beginners looking for a budget-friendly, long-lasting fitness band for daily walks – lightweight (27g), with motivating achievements. | £29.99 |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | Step counting, heart rate (EDA stress), calories, GPS, readiness score, SpO2, sleep/ECG. Battery: 7 days, auto exercise recognition. | Walking/running enthusiasts who want premium data (stress, ECG) – Charge 6 offers even better GPS. | £99.99 |
| Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) | Step counting, heart rate, calories, GPS for routes, achievements, crash detection, sleep tracking. Battery: 18 hours, Retina display. | iOS users who want a smartwatch with walking motivation – great for navigation, but shorter battery life. | £199 |
| Garmin Vivosmart 5 | Step counting, heart rate, calories, sleep/stress tracking, phone GPS, Body Battery. Battery: 7 days. | Discreet walkers who like Garmin’s app – reliable for basics, but no built-in GPS. | £79.99 |
| Amazfit Active 2 | AMOLED screen, built-in GPS, heart rate/ECG, stress/sleep tracking, 160+ sports modes, Bluetooth calling, AI fitness coach via Zepp app. Battery: 10–14 days, waterproof (5 ATM). Sleek black design. | Style-conscious walkers wanting a chic band–watch hybrid with deep health insights. | ~£80 |
| Amazfit Bip 6 | Large color display, built-in GPS, heart rate, sleep analysis, 100+ sports modes (auto-detect walking), voice assistant, music control. Battery: 14 days, waterproof (5 ATM). | Newbies wanting affordable smartwatch features – perfect for urban walkers needing GPS routes and notifications. | ~£80 |
Why choose them?
Smartwatches and bands don’t just collect data—they motivate you to improve daily. And hey, they’re also stylish accessories, which is never a bad bonus. 😉
Tips for Walking: How to Get the Most from Gadgets
- Set realistic goals: Start with 5,000–7,000 steps and gradually increase.
- Use apps: Explore training plans and challenges in companion apps.
- Watch your posture: Use smart insoles’ feedback to prevent injuries.
- Mix fashion with function: Pick a watch/band that matches your style.
Final Thoughts
World Walking Day is the perfect excuse to refresh your walking routine. With smart insoles and fitness trackers, walking becomes not only healthier but also more fun. Whether it’s a chill evening stroll or a challenging hike, these gadgets help make every step count. Let’s walk!
Follow us at Style and Byte for more tech & lifestyle content—and share which gadget you’d use to upgrade your walks!