The Walking Company in Baltimore: Specialty Footwear with Fitting Expertise
The Walking Company is a specialty shoe retailer focused on comfort and clinical fit, stocked with brands like New Balance, Saucony, Clarks, and Dansko across running, walking, and everyday categories. Located in Canton, it operates as a standalone store rather than a mall anchor, positioning itself against both big-box options like Dick's Sporting Goods and independent local sneaker shops by centering on gait analysis and podiatry-adjacent knowledge.
What The Walking Company actually is
This is not a fashion-first shoe store. The Walking Company's inventory prioritizes orthopedic and performance footwear over trend, with a stated focus on fit and foot health. The store carries widths and sizes that mass retailers often don't stock, including extended sizes in many lines. Staff are trained to perform basic gait assessments rather than just ringing up a sale, which changes the nature of a visit from transactional to consultative.
Brands, categories, and pricing
The Walking Company stocks New Balance, Saucony, Brooks, ASICS, Clarks, Dansko, Rockport, and Vionic across running shoes, walking shoes, casual comfort footwear, and sandals. Price points range from $70 for basic Clarks slip-ons to $150 for premium running shoes like New Balance or Brooks models. Dress shoes and specialty categories like orthopedic sandals typically fall between $100 and $140. The store occasionally runs sales on clearance stock, though pricing on current-season inventory is generally fixed. Verify current promotions and brand availability by calling ahead, as inventory shifts seasonally.
How it compares to other Baltimore shoe options
The Walking Company occupies a different space than Foot Locker (mall-based, youth and performance sneaker focused), Payless (if still operating in the area, budget-oriented and trend-driven), and independent boutiques like Cross Keys sneaker shops (which emphasize limited releases and fashion over fit). It also differs from general sporting goods retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods, where shoe selection is broader but staff knowledge tends toward sales rather than gait assessment. Choose The Walking Company if you need width options, have foot pain or postural concerns, or want a staff conversation before buying. Choose a sneaker boutique if you're after limited-edition releases. Choose Dick's or a department store if you want speed and trend-forward styles.
Who suits this store and who doesn't
The Walking Company serves people with specific fit needs: wide feet, high arches, pronation issues, or a history of foot pain. It appeals to older adults, long-distance runners, people with orthopedic prescriptions, and anyone who has struggled finding shoes that don't hurt. It does not serve fashion-forward shoppers seeking statement pieces, trend chasers, or people who prioritize style over function. If you need dressy heels or avant-garde sneakers, this store will disappoint.
What to expect on a first visit
Arrive without a specific shoe in mind if you want the full gait assessment. A staff member will ask about your typical foot pain or discomfort, how much time you spend on your feet, and what activities you do. They may watch you walk to identify pronation patterns (overpronation, underpronation, or neutral stride). This conversation takes 10 to 15 minutes and informs which shoes they pull for you to try. You'll likely leave with 3 to 5 options. If you already know what you want, you can browse independently and ask for a size check. Try-on is unhurried; staff won't rush you. Plan for 30 to 45 minutes if this is your first fitting; 15 minutes if you're replacing a shoe you already know.
Hours, location, and parking
The Walking Company operates in Canton, with street parking available on nearby blocks and a small lot adjacent to the storefront. Hours are typically Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., but confirm before a weekday visit, as hours can vary seasonally. The store is accessible from the Avenue or via foot from Fells Point.
The Walking Company fills a gap that Baltimore's mass retailers leave open: it treats shoe-buying as a health decision rather than a commodity purchase, and it stocks inventory for people whose feet don't fit standard shoe molds.
