If you enjoy walking for all its benefits, then finding the best walking shoes needs to be on top of your list of priorities! Whether you’re a regular power walker or just starting out, having the right pair of walking shoes can make those feet enjoy it all the more.

Walking has many health benefits, but it’s incredibly important to buy walking shoes that fit you properly to avoid blisters, discomfort or other issues.

But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect pair for your needs. No one pair of walking shoes is perfect for everyone, but there are a few things to keep in mind when finding the one that’s right for you.

Below you’ll find a list of our top 10 recommendations, along with tips on what to look for when choosing the right pair. As running coaches, we also spend a whole lot of time taking walks with friends and for workouts ourselves.

10 Best Walking Shoes

Here are the 10 best walking shoes that we’ve tested and tried over the years. Truly I take at least one walk a day and when we’re on vacation I’m putting in well over 30,000 steps. So I put the miles on shoes to find out what feels good.

I’m sure you’ll easily be able to find a pair that fits your needs from this list:

1. Overall Best Walking Shoes: Brooks Ghost

This is a shoe that’s found on so many of our lists. It’s been around for a while, and there’s a good reason for it because it’s just a great shoe.

The most recent model, the Ghost 17, had a big change to its heel-to-toe drop, going from 12mm to now a 10mm heel drop, which our team is thrilled about.

The feel underfoot is going to be a mix between soft and firm; it’s a shoe that you can use for everything from a power walk to just out and about for errands.

The sole feature of Brooks ‘ DNA Loft v3 foam with nitrogen in the heel and forefoot to give a little bit more of a pop and a softer feeling underfoot.Ghost 17 Review

The Ghost is available in various widths so there’s a perfect fit for everyone!

2. Most Stylish for Long Days on Your Feet: On Cloudsurfer

I’d be lying if I said, I didn’t just love the look of this shoe. It shows why many fell in love with this Swiss brand. There’s some thought that goes in to the style whether for an athlete or everyday wear!

This shoe is cushioned and versatile enough that I’d highly recommend it for runners who incorporate walking into their routines.

If you’re planning to head out for a long day of walking, it’s going to be supportive and comfortable enough to get you through 30k+ steps and your legs still feel fresh the next day. On Cloudsurfer 2 Review

If you’re looking for a light, cushioned, and comfortable daily trainer that can also easily translate to streetwear, here it is.

3. Runner-up Stylish for Long Days on Your Feet- Ryka Devo X Max 

Sorry, fellas this shoe is for the ladies. Since Ryka shoes are designed for women, the structure of the shoe is a little different than most. You’ll find that there’s a wider forefoot and a narrower heel for a more secure fit.

Each pair of shoes, regardless of the activity, is going to be based on the Ryka Q technology.  “Our game-changing tech is based on the ‘Q Angle’, the inside angle of the quadriceps muscle that is 3-4% great in women than men, which impacts a women’s stance and weight distribution on her feet.”

The Devo X Max is honestly a shoe that can do it all all day wear, power walks, HIIT workouts, and even run/walk intervals. Ryka Podflow Walking Shoe

It’s a shoe that I grab quite often when I’m heading out for my daily steps. It’s super comfortable but feels supportive in all the right places.

  • Weight:  8.6 oz Women’s only
  • Heel drop:  10 mm
  •  Available in 14 colors
  • Available in wide for specific colors
  • Available from Ryka.com for $90

4. Casual Go Anywhere Shoes: Allbirds Tree Dasher

The Allbird Tree Dasher is a game-changer for those seeking a lightweight and comfortable active shoe.

Designed with the environment in mind, these sneakers feature a breathable upper made from eucalyptus tree fibers, allowing your feet to stay cool and dry even during intense workouts.

The fit of the Tree Dasher is snug yet flexible, providing ample support without sacrificing freedom of movement.

The shoe’s cushioned insole, combined with the responsive sole, offers a cushioned and responsive feel with each stride.

It’s not a plush feeling, but you absolutely know it’s a cushioned shoe and the flared heel is designed to provide more stability.

allbirds running shoes

When it comes to fashion, the Allbird Tree Dasher strikes a perfect balance between sporty and stylish. The sleek design and minimal branding make them a versatile option for everyday wear.

Additionally, the Tree Dasher incorporates reflective details, enhancing visibility during low-light conditions for added safety.

5. Runner-up casual go anywhere shoe: Tracksmith Elliot

Brands are trying to come out with shoes that fit every category, including comfortable, casual, and stylish.  While we know many of you enjoy running in the Tracksmith Elliot, Coach Amanda and Coach Stacey both love wearing these as an everyday, go anywhere shoe.

They’re great for every season and can be paired with almost any outfit.

There’s just enough cushion to keep your feet happy after a long day on your feet. Bonus points because it’s a great shoe to throw on if you’re travelling…since it’s a running shoe it has your back incase you have to run to catch your flight!

Tracksmith Running Shoe

Looking for more casual and stylish shoes? We recently put together a list of our favorite fashionable athletic shoes!

6. Best Cushioned Walking Shoes: Hoka Bondi

You just can’t go wrong with the Hoka Bondi if you’re looking for maximum cushioning in a walking shoe – you’ll truly feel like you’re walking on pillows!

The Hoka Bondi can be found on a lot of our best shoe lists. It’s just an all-around good shoe.

These shoes have the perfect combo of being not too plush but not too firm.

Also, they’re excellent in terms of lateral stability and support, making them a good choice for walkers who need a firm, stable shoe.Hoka Bondi 9 Fit

I would definitely recommend these shoes, especially to people who want a well-cushioned walking shoe.

If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis, the well-cushioned heel area and overall support will come in handy.

Even with all that cushioning and stability, the Hoka Bondi manages to feel surprisingly light. The durable rubber outsole provides reliable traction during long walks and lends to the shoe’s stability and durability.

7. Most Supportive Walking Shoes: On Cloudmonster

Not only do I like running in these, but my husband has a pair now and thinks they feel great for walks. Which he is forced to do when I drag him to running events. :)

For On the cushion is more about the absorbing of impact, rather than what you might think of as traditional plush cushion. That’s not a bad thing, just different expectations.

And for those wearing it all day that additional firmness is actually benefit as it can prevent low back pain.

This absolutely felt like the most cushioned On running shoe I’ve tested. Making it a good daily trainer.

On Cloudmonster ReviewThis shoe is probably the closest from On Running to any of the HOKA walking shoes that I recommend. It feels just a bit wider, a bit taller midsole and stable.

On has also stated they are moving this show out of their running line up as they think it’s a more ideal fit for everyday wear compared to their newer crazy cushioned shoes.

  • Weight: 10.6 oz Men’s, 8.11 oz Women’s
  • Heel drop: 6 mm
  • Stylish neutral, moderate cushion
  • Comes in 7 colors
  • Available in most sizes and colors from on.com for $160
  • Read our complete On Cloudmonster review >>

8. Best Walking Shoes for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5

New Balance’s Fresh Foam is every bit as lovely as it sounds. These shoes feel fabulous when you slip them on and yet maintain good responsiveness. In fact, I’ve been running A LOT of miles in the NB 1080 model and recommend it frequently as well.

With a roomy area for your mid-foot, it still has a good heel cupping to help prevent your foot from sliding out.

NB Fresh Foam More v5 Overview

This is a maximal road shoe, meaning it has a higher stack height from toe to heel. If you’ve never run in a shoe like that, trust me within a few minutes you don’t notice anything different (except the great cushion here!).

That taller stack height provides a slightly wider base and more stability without in any way being a stability shoe.

9. Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: ASICS Gel-Kayano

The Asics Gel Kayano is an excellent choice for those with flat feet or who tend to overpronate. This means the shoe is going to feel a bit firmer to provide that support on the inside of your foot to keep it from collapsing inward.

These shoes offer superior support to reduce fatigue, as well as a secure fit that won’t slip or slide while in motion. On top of that, the heel-locking system helps keep your foot in place, providing even more stability and comfort on longer walks.ASICS Gel Kayano 32 Overview

The old hard medial post that made shoes so firm has been replaced with their new 4D Guidance system, which combined with their new Flytefoam Blast Plus Eco foam results in a much softer and more comfortable stability shoe.

The ASICS GEL Kayano was first released in 1993 and due to its popularity is now on the 32nd edition!

Trust me, these are incredibly walking shoes that are especially ideal for anyone with flat feet.

Looking for more flat feet walking shoes? Check out our list of the best flat feet running shoes here.

10. Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: KURU Atom 2

KURU is a brand that designs heel-first footwear to match your foot’s natural biomechanics. Instead of adding a bunch of extra inserts to your shoes, it’s already built in for you!

This shoe features a KURUSOLE. The curved, heel-cupping design gives your heel pad a little extra support and forms to your foot. If you’re someone who deals with plantar fasciitis, this is exactly the kind of structure that can make a big difference.

If you’re someone who walks around a lot for work or just enjoys daily walks, these are going to keep your feet comfortable from start to finish.

Plus, for being a specialty shoe, they don’t look too bad either! KURU Atom 2 Review

It’s going to have a firmer feel underfoot, but that’s important to support your feet if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis. You want the cushion to absorb the shock and not strain the PF. Kuru nailed it with the layering of the KURUCLOUD+, KURUSOLE and the ULTIMATE INSOLES.

We’ve actually rounded up an entire list of the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Can I Wear the Same Shoes for Running and Walking?

You should have a different pair of shoes for walking and a different pair of running.

Running has a different footstrike than walking. While walking, your heel will undoubtedly strike first, followed by a roll into the forefoot to lift off the ground.

In running, your heel may strike first, but it is extremely quick before rolling forward. Plus, the way your foot rolls most likely differs between a fast-paced run and a walk.

These different movements put different stresses on your feet and legs, so you need shoes that have a different focus for each of these.

image from @nomorelonelyruns_

Many great running shoes are also great for walking, it’s just important that you have different pairs for each activity at all times.

Running shoes typically have more cushioning and support in the heel and forefoot to absorb the impact of running, which puts more pressure on these areas.

They also often have a lower heel-to-toe drop (the difference in height between the heel and toe) to encourage a more natural stride.

Heel toe drop

Walking shoes, on the other hand, are designed to provide more support in the midsole to help with shock absorption, as well as a more flexible sole to accommodate the rolling motion of the foot during walking.

They also typically have a higher heel-to-toe drop to accommodate the heel-first striking pattern of walking.

You also don’t want to wear out your running shoe faster than necessary or develop a foot pattern that could cause your foot to pronate.

How Long Do Walking Shoes Last?

Usually, you can walk 350 to 500 miles in a pair of shoes before the support, cushioning, and shock absorption wear out. This makes you more likely to get injured.

If you wear them every day, they should last you roughly six to eight months. Even though the shoes might look fine, they will need to be replaced by then.

Whew that’s a ton of information around the best walking shoes. And honestly, I could probably add more to the list. But let’s keep it simple to start.

Looking for more walking tips?

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