The Best Shoes for Walking at SEMA
SEMA is the largest car show and convention on the planet and is located in Las Vegas every year. SEMA takes up almost 5 million square feet of space, and if you are steps counter, you will get your share. With that being said, good shoes are key to an enjoyable experience. Poor-fitting and uncomfortable footwear can ruin your days at SEMA, so we wanted to put together our list of shoes we have had success with at SEMA.
The list below is not in any order and would be different for everyone, as we all have different postures, gaits, and styles. We also wanted to note that many SEMA veterans bring two pairs of shoes and also find comfortable socks for logging the miles of steps you will put on every day at the show. We average 21,000 steps every day at SEMA, and that is nothing abnormal, so we always wear new shoes when we attend the show. One last caveat is that while you are walking a great amount, you are also standing in place for long periods of time, so you may need to find a more supportive shoe for your liking.
Our Favorite Walking Shoes for SEMA!
On Cloud
One of the most popular shoes we see at SEMA and have worn ourselves is from ON. Brad and I normally rock this brand of shoe at car shows because they are extremely well-made, comfortable, and come in many colorways to fit your style. We normally rock an all black colorway on our feet and really enjoy the On Cloud 6 Sneakers. These On Cloud shoes fit well, are extremely light, and breathe efficiently to keep your feet dry. We have these in our daily arsenal because they look good and just work. You cannot go wrong with these sneakers at SEMA, and you will not regret buying a pair.
HOKA
HOKA is one of the most popular walking shoes and one of the originators of the big cushion foundation you see on many walking shoe brands. We see a lot of attendees at SEMA wearing the HOKA Bondi 9 at SEMA. They are extremely comfortable for long distances, add a little height for stepping over uneven surfaces at the show, and reduce fatigue greatly. They are a popular choice and come in many colorways, so you can find a pair you vibe with. They can run as high as $200 but are worth their weight in gold. They are not as stylish as others on this list, but they are still a top contender when comfort reigns supreme.
Brooks
The Brooks Revel 8 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe is a great shoe for big car shows like SEMA. They are lightweight and offer extremely solid support for long bouts of standing and walking. They are well priced at around $100 and come in many sizes and widths to really dial in your comfort level. They are not quite as tall as HOKAs but look similar in design. We have worn many Brooks in the past, while we detail as they make some good waterproof options that don't look silly. This is a great choice if you want an affordable shoe that offers a way to get two pairs for the price of a higher-level shoe on this list.
New Balance
As we mentioned before, there are now many brands that are leveraging the big thick sole, like the HOKA brand. One of the best to do it has been New Balance, and last year at SEMA, these were my MVPs. After 4 days of hoofing the halls, my feet were fine and I did not see any fatigue or stiffness. The New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4Running Shoe was fantastic, and at only $89.95, it is extremely hard to beat from any higher-priced shoe. They look a lot like the HOKAs listed above, but at half the price, it was a no-brainer for me to try them. I would buy them again in a heartbeat and would recommend them to anyone going to SEMA or Disney, for that matter, as I wore mine to both. Overall, a great walking shoe that can be used for running, and just a total package that would be an excellent option for anyone.
ANTA
I am an avid hiker and backpacker, and I scour the forums and Facebook groups like I do for detailing products. When looking for recommendations on new walking shoes, this brand that I had never heard of was making a buzz. It is ANTA, and the ANTA PG7 Running Shoes is what I wore to SEMA this year. I bought them ahead of time for a trial run, and they are amazing. I bought the all black colorway, and they blew me away. Coming in at only $60, I was floored. I thought to myself, there is no way these will be good, but I was pleasantly surprised. I am glad I followed the reviews' recommendations on these and might buy another pair next year. At $60 per pair I could buy 3 pairs for the price of a pair HOKAs and would have a fresh pair each day walking the show.
