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Verywell
Fit / Peter Ardito
Walking is a great form of exercise with lots of health benefits, but wearing the right shoes is key to staying comfortable and injury-free. Whether you walk for fitness or simply spend a significant amount of time on your feet, you need shoes that offer quality all-around cushioning and support to prevent fatigue and soreness.
Tested & Approved
Ryka Devotion Plus 3 is our women's best overall pick because it's lightweight, durable, and has a comfortable fit. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 is our best men's pick for its support and built-in blister protection.
A good walking shoe should fit well right away without having to break it in. “You shouldn't be feeling any pinching or trouble moving your toes,” Ami A. Sheth, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist in California, says. Shoe styles with a wide range of sizes, including half sizes and widths, will help you find the best fit for you.
When reviewing walking shoes, in addition to fit, we evaluated the level of support and cushioning a shoe provides, its breathability, blister protection, and the overall durability of the shoe. We also asked experts for recommendations and consulted the American Podiatric Medical Association’s list of shoes that received their Seal of Acceptance.Next, we put the top shoes through our testing regimen and spent more than 80 hours wearing and walking in those shoes on pavement, trails, and the treadmill.
Based on our research and testing, here are the best walking shoes on the market.
Amazon
Our Ratings
Cushioning
4.5/5
Responsiveness
4.5/5
Lateral Stability
4.5/5
Fit
5/5
Value
4.5/5
Pros
Lightweight and breathable
Wide toebox
Good shock absorption
Cons
Laces are not easy to change
Not warm enough for cold weather walking
The Ryka Devotion Plus 3 walking shoe stood out during our testing as an ideal option for fitness walkers or women who are on their feet for most of the day. Right out of the box, the shoe offered a comfortable fit and felt supportive, especially in the arch area, which is one of the reasons we gave it our women’s best overall spot.
During test walks, it provided good shock absorption and plush comfort from start to finish. Our tester was also impressed with the shoe’s roomy toe box, which prevented any irritation and contributed to the shoe’s perfect score of 5 out of 5 for blister protection.
The upper is also very breathable, making the shoes a good choice for walking in warmer weather. Ventilation on both the front and sides of the shoe provided good air flow, keeping our tester’s feet dry and cool. The rear of the foot offered a snug fit and locked-in feel, and our tester didn’t notice any sliding or slipping out of the shoe, so she gave the shoe a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for fit.
Price at time of publish: $100
Weight: 10 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Rubber sole, synthetic and mesh upper | Cushioning Type: Molded EVA midsole and full-length RE-ZORB platform
What Our Testers Say
“These shoes are a comfortable option for walkers or anyone who spends hours at a time on their feet. They’re the perfect blend of cushioning and support, and the wide forefoot offers plenty of room for toes to spread, reducing the risk of any irritation.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester
Zappos
Our Ratings
Cushioning
4.5/5
Responsiveness
4.5/5
Lateral Stability
4/5
Fit
5/5
Value
4.5/5
Pros
Excellent fit
Suitable for walking or running
Lightweight yet supportive
Cons
Some may not like that it’s not very deep
Expensive
The extremely comfortable and versatile Brooks Glycerin GTS shoes were a clear choice for our men’s top pick. Our tester noticed that these shoes felt comfortable right out of the box, with no break-in period needed. The flexible, comfortable upper and padded collar provide an exceptional fit, helping to earn the shoe a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in that category.
The shoes’ DNA Loft cushioning is suitable for walking or running and dynamically adapts to each step with a soft yet responsive feel, earning them a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for responsiveness. During test walks, the shoe offered good shock absorption and felt supportive, but still lightweight. Our tester was also impressed with the shoe’s blister protection, noting that the shoe’s breathable mesh and wide toebox helped prevent irritation or rubbing during test walks.
A durable, grippy tread adds to the overall appeal for fitness walkers or anyone who needs a sturdy, comfortable shoe for all-day wear.
Price at time of publish: $150
Weight: 10 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Textile and synthetic upper; rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: DNA Loft
What Our Testers Say
“I was very impressed with the overall performance of this shoe. It’s a true everyday walking or running shoe. The foam feels pillow-soft, yet is very responsive and springy.” — Brad Luff, Verywell Fit product tester
Dick's Sporting Goods
Our Ratings
Fit
4/5
Cushioning / Knee protection
4.5/5
Comfort
4.5/5
Responsiveness
4/5
Stability
4/5
Pros
Lightweight and breathable
Excellent shock absorption
Good traction
Cons
Shoelaces may not be durable
Runs small
For a reasonably-priced shoe that’s comfortable and supportive for exercise or all-day wear, the GEL-Venture 8 running shoe is a solid choice. During testing, this shoe performed well for treadmill walks as well as on pavement and smooth trails. Our tester noted that the shoe’s GEL cushioning had excellent shock absorption, especially in the heel area, earning it a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 in that category.
The shoe also stood out in the category of blister protection, thanks to the breathable mesh and wider sizes for a roomy toe box. However, the sizes do run small, so be sure to order a size up for best fit.
Our tester was also impressed with the shoe’s durable, grippy outsole that provided good traction, even when walking during wet conditions. We like that it even has enough protection and support for walks or hikes on moderate trails, making it a very versatile option at a budget-friendly price.
Price at time of publish: $70
Weight: 8.9 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, rubber sole | Cushioning Type: Foam insole,GEL cushioning system in heel
What Our Testers Say
“For such an affordable shoe, I was really impressed with the quality of the materials and the durable shoe construction. This shoe is built to last and the cushioning and shock absorption make it a nice choice for walking or all-day wear.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester
Road Runner
Our Ratings
Cushioning
5/5
Responsiveness
4/5
Lateral Stability
3/5
Fit
5/5
Value
4.5/5
Pros
Plush but lightweight cushioning
Good blister protection
Streamlined, low-profile
Cons
Lateral support is lacking
Not protective enough for extreme cold
If you have wide feet or a history of blisters and bunions, you’ll like the wide-size options for New Balance’s 1080v11 Fresh Foam shoes. They offer plenty of room for your toes to spread, as well as just the right amount of cushioning and support for walking, earning them a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for cushioning, upper comfort, and fit.
The full-length Fresh Foam midsole offers ample cushioning, without feeling heavy or bulky. Our tester noticed the cloud-like feel immediately and the shoe still felt very comfortable at the end of a long walk.
The snug fit and smooth, breathable fabric helped reduce rubbing and moisture accumulation, which earned the shoe a high rating of 5 out of 5 in blister protection. Our tester also really appreciated the shoe’s rear design, which hugs the back of the foot for a supportive fit and makes it easy to get the shoes on and off.
Price at time of publish: $150
Weight: 8.1 ounces | Materials: Knit and mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Fresh Foam | Closure: Lace-up
What Our Testers Say
“I love that this shoe offers plush comfort, without feeling too heavy or bulky. It’s ideal for those who want good cushioning, as well as a custom-like fit in a wide size.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester
Zappos
Our Ratings
Cushioning
5/5
Responsiveness
4/5
Lateral Stability
4.5/5
Fit
4.5/5
Value
4.5/5
Pros
Very durable
Good stability
Lightweight
Cons
Runs large
Expensive
If you need maximum cushioning in a walking shoe, you can’t go wrong with the Hoka One One Bondi. During testing, it provided plush comfort and stellar shock absorption, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for cushioning. In addition, the shoe scored high in the lateral stability and support category, making it a good choice for walkers who need a firm, stable shoe.
Our tester noted that the Bondi has a lightweight feel, which is difficult to pull off in a shoe with that much cushioning and stability. The sturdy rubber outsole offered reliable traction during test walks and added to the shoe’s durability and stability. With a thick, wide sole, the Bondi is not the most attractive option, but we think its comfort and performance definitely make up for the lack of style.
Price at time of publish: $160
Weight: 11 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Synthetic upper,rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: EVA foam
What Our Testers Say
“I’d definitely recommend these shoes, especially to those looking for a well-cushioned walking shoe. As someone who is prone to plantar fasciitis, I really appreciated the well-cushioned heel area and the overall support. I felt like my feet were well-protected, no matter how much I was walking.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester
Vivonic
Our Ratings
Fit
5/5
Cushioning / Knee protection
4/5
Comfort
5/5
Responsiveness
4/5
Stability
4/5
Pros
Very breathable
Good support and cushioning in heel area
Flexible yet stable
Cons
Runs small
Some prefer a cushier feel
If you have a history of plantar fasciitis, you can protect yourself by wearing a walking shoe that has ample cushioning in the heel area, like the Vionic Tokyo shoe. It performed well during treadmill and outdoor walks, offering good protection and earning perfect scores of 5 out of 5 in both upper comfort and fit.
During testing, the firm but flexible insole offered additional support and stability, from start to finish of walks. Our tester found the heel counter to be effective at locking down the rear of the foot, helping to prevent any slipping or movement.
With lightweight mesh throughout the shoe, the Tokyo was one of the most breathable ones that we tested, which boosted its blister protection rating. Our tester noted that even the shoe’s tongue was mesh and lightweight, helping to keep feet cool and comfortable. We like the Tokyo as a lightweight but supportive option for fitness walking, traveling, or all-day casual wear.
Price at time of publish: $130
Weight: 8 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Synthetic upper,leather andrubber outsole | Cushioning Type: EVA foam
What Our Testers Say
“I’ve been prone to plantar fasciitis and the shoe’s cushioning, especially in the heel area, and overall support offer great protection. I also love how breathable these shoes felt, keeping my feet dry and comfortable.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester
Zappos
Our Ratings
Cushioning
5/5
-
Responsiveness
4.5/5
Lateral Stability
5/5
Fit
4/5
Value
5/5
Pros
Excellent support
Good traction
Available in range of widths
Cons
May run small
Limited colors
Offering excellent support and cushioning, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a great pick for walkers with flat feet. During test walks, the shoes’ cushioning felt extremely comfortable, providing good energy return and responsiveness. The shoe also excelled in the area of lateral support and stability, thanks to the progressive diagonal rollbar that provides maximum support and helps to correct overpronation. It earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in lateral stability and support, one of the highest scores for that category. Our tester was also impressed with the shoe’s slip-resistant outsole, which provided good traction on wet and dry surfaces.
The shoe has a roomy fit and comes in a few different widths, so it can accommodate orthotics or insoles if needed. Our tester points out that the leather is soft and comfortable, but the style may not work for those who prefer a sporty look. However, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a comfortable, durable, and supportive option for fitness walking or all-day wear.
Price at time of publish: $130
Weight: 15 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole | Cushioning Type: BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning
What Our Testers Say
“This shoe is very well-suited for walking or for those who are on their feet all day. The sole of the shoe is slip-resistant in wet and dry conditions, which is a nice feature not offered by all walking shoes.” — Brad Luff, Verywell Fit product tester
REI
Our Ratings
Cushioning
4.5/5
Responsiveness
4/5
Lateral Stability
4/5
Fit
4/5
Value
4/5
Pros
Good stability
Good traction
Very durable
Cons
Wide fit may not work for everyone
Heavy
We like this rugged shoe from KEEN for heading off the beaten path for trail walking or light to moderate hikes. It features excellent stability and traction, and it scored high in both cushioning and upper comfort in our testing, earning a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for both categories. The leather-and-mesh upper offers the right balance of protection and breathability, and our tester noted that the water-resistant design was convenient for traversing in wet conditions.
Our tester also liked the shoe’s low-profile design for easy mobility and good flexibility. During testing, the shoe’s all-terrain rubber outsoles provided excellent grip and added to the shoe’s overall stability. What’s more, it boasts good blister protection, thanks to the vented panels and smooth interior.
The shoe also features an internal shank and rubber toe cover that can shield your feet from trail hazards. All that protection adds some weight, so this shoe is the heaviest we tested and some might find it a bit too bulky for casual wear.
Price at time of publish: $155
Weight: 1 pound 2 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Nubuck leather,rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: EVA foam
What Our Testers Say
“Keen makes an excellent product and this shoe stays true to that tradition. It has nice lateral support, comfort, and confidence-inspiring stability.” — Brad Luff, Verywell Fit product tester
Allbrids
Our Ratings
Cushioning
4.5/5
Responsiveness
4.5/5
Lateral Stability
4/5
Fit
4/5
Value
4.5/5
Pros
Very breathable
Cloud-like comfort
Made with sustainable materials
Cons
Not available in half sizes
Traction could be improved
For walking in warm weather, Allbirds Tree Runners are lightweight and extremely breathable, while still offering cushioned comfort. During test walks, the shoe felt flexible and bouncy with each step. Our tester was also impressed with the sleek, minimalist design that still manages to feel supportive.
The upper is very breathable with minimal seams, helping to earn the shoe a high blister protection rating of 5 out of 5. We also love that the shoe is made with sustainable, eco-friendly materials such as eucalyptus tree fiber, castor bean oil, and Brazilian sugarcane. The shoe’s insole is designed with thermoregulating Merino wool, which helps to wick away sweat and reduce odors. Even better, if they need a little refresh, these shoes can be machine-washed.
The grip on the Tree Runners’ outsole wasn’t as good as some of the other shoes we tested, so it may not be suitable for trail walking or wet conditions. However, this shoe is a great option for fitness walking, travel, or all-day casual wear, especially in hot conditions when you want a lightweight, breathable shoe.
Price at time of publish: $105
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Eucalyptus pulp, Merino wool, natural rubber | Cushioning Type: SweetFoam
What Our Testers Say
“I would recommend these shoes to walkers or anyone who needs a comfortable shoe for spending hours at a time on their feet. They’re perfect if you want a lightweight and supportive walking shoe that’s not wide and bulky.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester
Zappos
Our Ratings
Cushioning
4.5/5
Responsiveness
4.5/5
Lateral Stability
4.5/5
Fit
4/5
Value
4.5/5
Pros
Stylish enough for casual wear
Very responsive
Odor and stain protection
Cons
Toebox is a bit narrow
Could use a little more traction
If you have high arches, your feet will appreciate a flexible but supportive shoe for walking. These Dansko shoes deliver in those areas, with lightweight cushioning that provides stellar comfort, support, and shock absorption. During testing, they felt comfortable and flexible right out of the box, with no break-in period needed. The padded collar added to the overall comfort, hugging the back of the foot for a snug, locked-in feel, and earning the shoes a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for upper comfort.
Our tester, who has high arches, noted that the shoe provides cushioning and support right where it’s needed most. Unfortunately, the shoe doesn’t come in wide sizes and the toebox might be a bit too narrow for some, which hurt the shoe’s blister protection rating. Overall, the shoe provided good flexibility and impact protection for walking and could definitely be used for other activities or all-day casual wear.
Price at time of publish: $140
Heading
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Synthetic upper,rubber sole Cushioning Type: EVA foam
What Our Testers Say
“If you have high arches, these shoes are a great option for flexible, lightweight support and cushioning. As someone with high arches, my feet felt well-protected and comfortable, no matter how far I was walking.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester
Best Women's Overall: Rykä Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe | Amazon | 4.9
| 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Best Men's Overall: Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 | Amazon | 4.8
| 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 |
Best Budget: Asics GEL-Venture 8 | Amazon | 4.5
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 | ||
Best for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11 | Amazon | 4.5
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4.5 |
Best Cushioned: Hoka Bondi 7 | Dick's | 4.5
| 5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Vionic Tokyo Sneaker | Amazon | 4.4
| 4 | 5 | 4.5 | ||
Best for Flat Feet: Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Shoe | Amazon | 4.8
| 5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
Best for Hiking: Keen Targhee Vent Hiking Shoes | Amazon | 4.3
| 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Best Lightweight: Allbirds Tree Runners | 4.6
| 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | |
Best for High Arches: Dansko Pace Walking Shoes | Amazon | 4.3
| 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Final Verdict
Earning our top spot as our best women’s walking shoe, the Rykä Devotion Plus 3 shoe is a comfortable and supportive shoe for fitness walking, travel, and casual wear. And if you’re looking for a less expensive but still durable and high-quality option, the Asics GEL Venture 8 shoe is a solid choice as well.
With the perfect combination of comfort and stability, we recommend Brooks’ Glycerin GTS 19 shoe as a men’s option for those who are looking for a reliable, all-day wear walking shoe.
How We Rated the Walking Shoes
4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best walking shoes we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These walking shoes are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great walking shoes, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These walking shoes are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend walking shoes with this rating; you won't find any on our list.
How We Selected and Tested the Walking Shoes
To develop our best walking shoes list, we tested ten shoes by walking in them outside on roads, trails, and on the treadmill. Our testers walked at least 15 miles in each of the ten shoes, and tested them during both short and long walks—totaling over 80 hours of testing. They did at least one walk on the treadmill in each of the shoes to evaluate performance on a softer surface. To test the hiking shoe, our tester wore it for a walk on a moderate trail. Our testers also wore the shoes for casual wear to assess overall comfort and support. To evaluate the shoe’s traction and weather protection, the testers did a walk in wet weather conditions.
Each shoe was assessed for cushioning, fit, responsiveness, upper comfort, lateral stability and support, and blister protection, and we scored each attribute with a rating of 1 to 5. We also gave each shoe a value score, which considers the shoe attributes in relation to their price.
What to Look for in Walking Shoes
Fit
A good pair of walking shoes should fit comfortably right out of the box—no break-in period required. Make sure there’s at least a half-inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
It's best to go to a store and try on several options to get a feel for the right size and desired roominess. Everyone's feet are different, so brands that work for some walkers may not work best for you and vice versa. If you wear custom orthotics or inserts, look for a shoe that’s deep enough to accommodate them or has removable insoles.
Cushioning
A good pair of walking shoes will have gel, foam, or air midsole cushioning, which reduces impact and helps with shock absorption as you’re walking.
“Look for walking shoes with good shock absorption and minimal friction against the skin,” Emmanuel Fuzaylov, DPM, a podiatrist in New York City, says.
Support
Support is key when choosing a walking shoe, especially for those who have a history of foot pain and issues. “The shoe should have a good sturdy sole that is flexible at the toes only, not through the midfoot, and one that you cannot wring out like a dishrag,” Dr. Sheth says.
Make sure there’s enough support in the arch area, too. “Over time, flat shoes with no arch support may cause plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and ankle pain,” Dr. Fuzaylov says.
Durability
Walking shoes should be durable enough for all-day wear, but more lightweight than most running shoes. Stick with shoes from quality brands that specialize in walking (and running) shoes and look for sturdy rubber outsoles. What should be avoided are court shoes and cross trainers, which are designed for more lateral movements.
Breathability
If you do a lot of fitness walking, especially in warm weather, you’ll want a shoe that won’t make you overheat. “It should be made of a breathable material such as mesh or a leather material,” Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist based in Ohio, says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Running Shoes Good for Walking?
The short answer is that yes, running shoes can be used for walking. However, it’s important to understand some key differences between running and walking shoes to decide if you want to wear running shoes for walking. Running shoes are usually lightweight to allow for quick movement, while walking shoes are typically heavier to help maintain stability.
You’ll get more cushioning in the heel and forefoot with running shoes, which also means that they have less flexibility. Walking shoes generally have more flex at the forefoot, allowing walkers to push off with their toes and have a better range of motion. Running shoes are also usually more breathable than walking shoes since running makes your feet hotter.
Whether you choose running shoes or walking shoes really depends on the type of walking you do. If you’re going to be doing a combination of running and walking or you walk a lot in hot weather, go with a pair of running shoes.
How Long Do Walking Shoes Last?
In general, walking shoes last about 350 to 500 miles before the support, cushioning, and shock absorption are worn out, leaving you susceptible to injury. For most people, that’s about six to eight months, if you wear them regularly. Even though the shoes may appear to be in good condition, they’re ready to be replaced by then.
How to Walk Without Creasing Your Shoes
Walking properly can help prevent your shoes from creasing. For example, walking up on your toes or on your heels can lead to creases in your shoes, so practice landing on the ball of your foot instead.
Wearing shoes that are too loose may also lead to creasing. Make sure your shoes are tied so that your foot is snug and not sliding around. When selecting walking shoes, get the proper fit. “The width of the shoe should be wide enough that you can wiggle your toes without too much motion in the forefoot,” Dr. Mendeszoon says.
When you’re not wearing your shoes, you can stuff them with socks to help retain their shape and avoid creasing.
How to Stop Shoes from Squeaking When Walking
Squeaky shoes when walking are often caused by wearing wet shoes, so it’s important to dry out your shoes when they get wet. First, remove the insoles or inserts and then let them air dry. To speed up the process, you can stuff them with balled-up newspaper to absorb the moisture. Don’t put wet shoes in the dryer or under a heater, as that can damage or warp the shoes.
The squeaking may also be caused by friction between the soles and insoles. You can solve that issue by sprinkling baby or talcum powder underneath the inner sole. If the insoles aren’t removable, sprinkle the powder along the seams of the insoles.
If your shoes squeak on certain types of floors that are slick, another trick is to rub the sole of the shoe with sandpaper. The bottoms of the shoes won’t be so smooth and polished, so they’ll be less likely to squeak.
How Much Do Quality Walking Shoes Cost?
Quality walking shoes can cost between $70-$160 or more. Pricier shoes will typically be more durable and are often made with features to help walkers with specific issues, like flat feet or plantar fasciitis. Budget-friendlier walking shoes are better suited for healthy walkers with no specific foot or gait issues.
It may be worth spending a little more on a walking shoe for a pair that will last longer, especially if you plan to use the shoes in rough conditions. The cheapest walking shoe on our list was $70 when we published this list, while our top recommendations, the Ryka Devotion Plus 3 and the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19, were $100 and $150 respectively.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a running coach, marathon runner, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching and recommending running and walking shoes. To walk in comfort and reduce injury risk, she suggests getting properly fitted for walking shoes and replacing them regularly.