Gas prices hit $4.48 as Americans walk more

A new KURU Footwear survey of 1,000 U.S. adults finds rising gas prices are pushing people to drive less and walk more. The shift shows up in daily errands, step counts and skipped trips as the national average for regular gasoline reaches $4.48 a gallon.

Why it matters: - Higher gas prices are changing how Americans get around, with most respondents cutting back on driving and turning to walking for daily travel. - The shift has real-world effects beyond transportation, including higher daily step counts and fewer car trips for routine errands.

What happened: - AAA says the national average price for regular gasoline reached $4.48 a gallon this week, about 40% higher than a year ago. - KURU Footwear surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults in June 2026 about driving and walking habits. - 73% of respondents said rising fuel costs are changing how they get around every day. - 72% said they are driving less than they did a year ago.

The details: - 76% of respondents said they have cut back on non-essential car trips in the past six months. - 59% said they have skipped a trip or outing entirely because of gas costs. - 49% said they have walked to places they would have previously driven to. - Walking was the top response to higher gas prices, chosen by 51% of respondents. - Other responses included working from home at 23%, public transit at 22%, carpooling at 22% and cycling at 14%. - Among respondents who track steps, median daily step counts rose from 7,039 in May 2025 to 7,500 in May 2026. - That increase equals 461 more steps a day, or 6.5%. - 48% of respondents with step-tracking data said they are walking more in 2026 than in 2025. - Most of the extra walking is tied to errands and routine travel, not workouts. - 65% said they are walking to the grocery store instead of driving. - 53% said they are walking for local errands. - 48% said they are walking to a coffee shop or restaurant. - 48% said they are walking to a friend or family member's home.

Between the lines: - The survey suggests gas prices are nudging consumers toward small, repeated behavior changes rather than a full transportation overhaul. - The biggest impact appears in everyday trips, where walking is easier to substitute for driving than longer commutes. - KURU Footwear framed the survey around foot health, which points to a separate question: whether more walking is helping activity levels while also increasing demand for supportive footwear.

What's next: - The survey and methodology are available in the full report. - KURU Footwear says the findings are part of its broader mission to help Americans "Heel Better™" with footwear designed to relieve foot pain. - The company says it has sold more than 3 million pairs since launching its technology in 2008 and has received more than 50,000 five-star reviews. - KURU Footwear says customers have used its shoes for foot pain conditions including plantar fasciitis. - Media contact: Victoria Schmid, pr@kurufootwear.com.