For quick errands, long strolls, or standing all day.
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Courtesy of the brands / Wesley Hall
If you’re a daily walker, constant errands-runner, or somebody who prioritizes comfort around the clock, your feet deserve the best walking shoes you can find. We’re here to help make your search as seamless as possible, whether you’re in the market for a pair you can wear while exploring the neighborhood, hiking, working on your feet all day, or trying a new walking workout. We spoke with podiatrists to learn more about how a good walking shoe should fit and feel, then we rounded up the best options from expert picks, SELF-award-winning reviews, and top-rated shoe brands.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Hoka Bondi 8
- Best Budget Pick: Ryka Sky Walk Walking Shoe
- Best for Maximum Cushioning: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
- Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Quantum
- Best for Flat Feet: Hoka Arahi 7
- Best Walking Sandals: Chaco Z1 Classic Sandal
- Best for Long Distances: Asics GT-1000 12
- Best Hiking Boot: Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid
Jump to:
What should you look for in a walking shoe?
A walking shoe should be built for regular use, with features to keep you comfortable even after long periods of wear. That’s why shock absorption is one of the first things you should look for, Jossie Abraham, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at Hartford HealthCare Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut, tells SELF. A shoe that cushions the impact of your steps will feel better and can also reduce your risk of foot, ankle, and knee pain, she says. In addition to a decent amount of padding, the shoe should have a wide base and support through the midfoot and arch. Both of these design elements can further reduce strain on your lower body.
It’s also important that your walking shoe of choice fits your foot in terms of both length and width (check out SELF’s sneaker buying guide for detailed tips on how to find the best fit). According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, your shoes shouldn’t make your toes feel cramped or like they can’t wiggle. People with wider feet should look for footwear that comes in multiple widths or has a wider-set toe box. Dr. Abraham says you’ll want to consider shoes with a mesh upper, which allows more space and breathability compared to more rigid materials like leather. Ultimately, you don’t want to feel like your foot is fighting against the structure of the shoe—rather, you want a pair of shoes that’ll mimic the shape of your foot.
The best walking shoes
If it’s time to find some new sneaks that you’ll feel excited to lace up, then take a look at these excellent pairs, including editor-approved sneakers, shoes for plantar fasciitis, supportive options for folks with flat feet, cloudlike kicks that are well-suited for spending long hours standing, and even some sandals and trail shoes that fit the bill, too.ing long hours standing, and even some sandals and trail shoes that fit the bill too.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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1
Hoka
Bondi 8
Best Overall
- Pros: Well-cushioned, good for walking and standing
- Cons: Somewhat unwieldy given how tall and chunky they are
Recommended by Dr. Abraham, approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for supporting foot health, and a 2023 SELF Sneaker Award–winner, the ever-popular Bondi 8 from Hoka is one of the most comfortable walking shoes you can try right now. It’s exceedingly cushy, with a thick and wide sole that puts plenty of padding between your foot and the ground. Not only do you get a nice amount of lift from that extra cushioning, but it may also help prevent knee and foot pain. One note: With that chunkiness, you might not want to wear them for activities where agility is your top priority. However, the Bondi isn’t especially heavy and its breathable mesh upper encourages airflow, so your feet won’t feel fatigued or sweaty, even after long stints of standing and walking. One SELF tester even took their pair for a spin at a four-hour concert with no complaints.
- Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: mesh, polyester, EVA foam, rubber | Weight: 8.90 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 25 options
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2
Ryka
Sky Walking Shoe
Best Budget Pick
- Pros: Relatively affordable, supportive
- Cons: May run small, not as cushioned as other options on this list
For a shoe with no break-in period that also won’t break the bank, try Ryka’s Sky Walk sneaker. Reviewers stated that it’s comfy and ready for long, blister-free walks straight out of the box. Many also noted the shoe’s impressive fit: The heel feels secure; the forefoot doesn’t pinch; and the arch is supportive step after step (that said, some reviewers found that it ran a little small). It won’t provide the luxe, cushy feeling of a Hoka or have the grippy performance of a Merrell hiking shoe like the Bravada 2 below, but the Sky Walk will nonetheless stand up to lots of wear and keep your dogs from barking.
- Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: mesh, leather, memory foam, EVA, rubber | Weight: 8.50 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 9 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 15 options
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3
New Balance
Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
Best for Maximum Cushioning
- Pros: Highly padded, bouncy ride
- Cons: May run large
In addition to winning the award for Best Road-Running Shoe in SELF’s 2022 Sneaker Awards, the snug and supportive Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 is also one of our favorite walking shoes from New Balance. Its sole is loaded with foam and gets extra thick at the heel to ensure serious shock absorption and bounce, even when you’re picking up the pace. We also love its stretchy and breathable upper, and the medium-wide toe box—which should accommodate a variety of foot shapes, as well as those who deal with bunions. Be aware that it may run large.
- Available sizes: 5 to 13 | Available widths: narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide | Materials: mesh, synthetic fabric, foam, rubber | Weight: 9 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 34 options
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4
Kuru
Quantum
Best for Plantar Fasciitis
- Pros: Designed specifically to prevent plantar fasciitis and foot pain, supportive
- Cons: On the heavier side
Don’t let its somewhat clunky look dissuade you: Thanks to its heel-cradling design with plenty of impact-absorbing cushion, the Kuru Quantum may help ease foot pain, including the stabbing sensation in the heel that comes with plantar fasciitis. Another helpful feature is its impressive arch support—the foam insole actually molds to the shape of your foot for a completely custom fit. What’s more, it has a stable structure that won’t let your foot slip around or roll inward.
- Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium or wide | Materials: mesh, synthetic fabric, foam, EVA foam, rubber | Weight: 10.50 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 6.30 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 9 options
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5
Hoka
Arahi 7
Best for Flat Feet
- Pros: Very supportive, lightweight
- Cons: Lower cushioning, some reviewers find the Arahi 7 stiffer than previous models
It isn’t just the Bondi that has podiatric bona fides: Most pairs of Hokas are approved by the APMA, including the Arahi 7, which is an excellent shoe for walkers with flat feet. It’s designed to prevent overpronation (a common issue for folks with lower or collapsed arches in which their feet tend to roll inward). Given the shoe’s more stable feel, it lacks some of the cushioning you’ll find in other Hokas, but that helps keep it nice and lightweight. One thing to keep in mind when selecting your size: According to some reviewers, the Arahi 7 runs narrow.
- Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: synthetic fabric, EVA, rubber | Weight: 8.10 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 8 options
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6
Vionic
Walker Classic
Best for High Arches
Dr. Abraham recommends Vionic sneakers, and the water-repellent Walker Classic is a popular (and APMA-approved) pick from the brand—especially among people who need ample arch support. “They are supportive in all the right ways for my high arches, plantar fasciitis, and lower back/hip issues,” one reviewer wrote. “I can walk my dogs now without my muscles tightening up from not being supported properly.” Others noted that the Walker Classic’s midfoot is on the firmer side, but that stiff, sturdy design, though not the comfiest, did support their arches over time. It has removable midsole inserts, so it’s also a great option if you use orthotics.
- Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: leather, suede leather, mesh, EVA, rubber | Weight: 13 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 12.70 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 23 options
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7
Hoka
Clifton 9 Running Shoe
Best for Travel
- Pros: Breathable, lightweight
- Cons: Sizing may be inconsistent (according to reviewers)
Released last year, the Clifton 9 is yet another plush offering from Hoka, but it’s slimmer and lighter-weight than previous iterations (some reviewers note that it may run smaller than older Cliftons, too). The streamlined construction makes it one of the best shoes for traveling, with a breathable, lightweight design that won’t weigh you down during long walks through a new city (or your own neighborhood, if you don’t have a trip on the books). SELF’s executive editor noted that the Clifton 9 didn’t exacerbate her plantar fasciitis at all, even after walking all over New York City.
- Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: mesh, EVA foam, rubber | Weight: 7.30 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 17 options
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8
Chaco
Z/1 Classic Sandals
Best Walking Sandals
- Pros: Supportive, sturdy
- Cons: May feel too firm for some people
With an “ugly cool” gorpcore aesthetic—and a stamp of approval by the APMA—there’s plenty to love about this walking sandal from Chaco. Physical therapist Nick Cutri, PT, DPT, CSCS, specifically called out the sturdy arch support (which is part of the naturally contoured footbed) when he previously recommended it to SELF. If you like your sandals to feel plush, the Z1 Classic may be a little firm or rigid for your liking, but it’s built to last. Dr. Cutri also noted that it has a pleasantly minimalist, adjustable design, which allows you to wear the sandal just about anywhere. It’s quick-drying, so you can hit the beach, pool, or lake without worrying about soggy straps; it’s also sturdy, with a slightly lugged, high-traction sole, to help you safely traverse rocky paths.
- Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: polyurethane, rubber | Weight: 11 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 6.35 millimeters | Closure style: strap | Colors: 26 options
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9
Keen
Newport H2 Sandal
Best Hiking Sandals
- Pros: Protective, lots of traction
- Cons: Not as adjustable as other hiking sandals
A good hiking sandal should be protective yet breathable, and the highly durable Keen Newport H2 strikes that balance. This shoe keeps you safe from roots and pebbles with a tough rubber toe cap; dries quickly after water crossings; and, perhaps most importantly, supports your feet with a comfy, molded insole and a high-traction rubber outsole. Though it doesn’t have as much adjustability as a Chaco, it features a bungee strap down the center of the foot that you can cinch. It’s also a high-quality option to slip on for day-to-day excursions: Travel photographer Kathryn Cooper previously told SELF that she’ll wear her pair “to the supermarket and on six-mile day hikes.”
- Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium | Materials: polyester, synthetic fabric, EVA, rubber | Weight: 11.35 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 11 millimeters | Closure style: bungee straps | Colors: 16 options
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10
Asics
GT-1000 12
Best for Long Distances
- Pros: Long-term comfort right out of the box, supportive
- Cons: May run narrow
This SELF Sneaker Award-winner stood out to our testers because it was lightweight yet well-cushioned, springy, and incredibly supportive—even when they were on their feet for hours at a time. None experienced any discomfort from chafing or blisters by the end of the day, and one tester even noticed that the GT-1000 12 molded to their foot with just a couple of wears (keep in mind that some online reviewers found that it ran a little narrow). The foam midsole adds to the support our testers loved, and provides a nice amount of padding. If you need a pair of walking shoes for all-day comfort, this is it.
- Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: polyester, mesh, foam, rubber | Weight: 8.30 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 13 options
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11
Skechers
Max Cushioning Elite 2.0
Best for Spending All Day on Your Feet
- Pros: Well-cushioned, long-term comfort
- Cons: May run small and narrow
One SELF Sneaker Award tester wrote that their Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0s provided “outstanding arch support” and kept their “arthritic knees cushioned and feeling amazing all day.” They also noted the ample padding throughout the shoe, which gives the sole a bit of lift (especially at the heel). This added height initially made another tester worry that her ankle would roll while wearing the Elite, but she found it to be secure and easy to wear for long periods of time. Not only is this a great shoe for standing—it’s also equipped with a moderate rocker sole to keep your momentum going when you’re on the move.
- Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: mesh, foam, rubber | Weight: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 6 options
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12
Merrell
Bravada 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Best Waterproof Walking Shoes
- Pros: Lightweight and flexible, plenty of traction
- Cons: Requires a break-in period
SELF previously deemed this sneaker-trail shoe hybrid one of the best waterproof walking shoes. The Merrell Bravada 2 is flexible and snug-fitting like a running shoe, but rugged like a hiking shoe (the sole’s rock plate protects your feet from hard, uneven terrain, while the ankle cuff provides light support). And, most importantly, it’s ready for the elements with a sealed waterproof internal membrane and grippy outsole. The Bravada 2 may feel tight or cause blisters at first, so give yourself a few wears before taking it out on a longer journey.
- Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: synthetic fabric, mesh, EVA, nylon, rubber | Weight: 8.85 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 9 options
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13
Reebok
Club C 85 Walking Shoe
Best Casual Walking Shoes
- Pros: Stylish, well-padded
- Cons: Not suited for long periods of wear
Years after taking home a SELF Sneaker Award, these classic-cool Reeboks remain a top-rated pick for short walks, running errands, and everyday wear. The shoe’s simple, timeless design has a cushy midsole that’ll pad your steps without feeling clunky. While we wouldn’t recommend these white sneakers for especially long or off-road walks, you can expect them to last a long time when you wear them for casual outings. (Btw, the sturdy leather upper softens with wear to get even more comfortable over time.)
- Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium | Materials: leather, EVA | Weight: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A | Closure style: laces | Colors: 7 options
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14
Brooks
Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe
Best for Overpronation
- Pros: Stabilizing design, well-cushioned
- Cons: Not particularly bouncy
If you tend to overpronate when you walk, which, again, is when your foot rolls inward as you step, Dr. Abraham recommends this breathable, supportive sneaker from Brooks. It has a comfortable yet highly stable design, with internal “GuideRails” (which are essentially two lines of firm foam that run along either side of the heel) that help reduce extra motion and minimize the likelihood of your feet rolling. It also has a thick, cushioned sole to absorb impact. All that padding and internal structure does add some weight to the shoe, and you may notice that it lacks some springiness.
- Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide | Materials: mesh, foam, nylon, rubber | Weight: 9 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 12 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 19 options
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15
Nike
Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
Best for Trails
- Pros: Versatile and comfortable
- Cons: Not suited for especially rocky or technical terrain
Nike’s Pegasus 4 has the versatility to carry you over leisurely trails and feel good on your feet when you return to civilization. That ability to perform well and look equally at-home on- or off-road is partly why it won a SELF Sneaker Award last year. It also earned high praise from SELF’s testers for its grippy sole, reliable (and breathable!) waterproofing, and cute design (one person mentioned getting lots of compliments while out and about). If you’re planning on checking off longer or more technical treks, a hiking boot is probably your best bet, but if you don’t need a ton of support and protection on your outdoor walks, a hiking sneaker or trail running shoe like Nike’s will do just fine.
- Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium | Materials: mesh, Gore-Tex membrane, foam, rubber | Weight: 8.25 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 9.5 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 12 options
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16
Keen
Targhee III Waterproof Mid
Best Hiking Boot
- Pros: Protective, durable
- Cons: On the heavier side
Keen’s SELF Sneaker Award–winning hiking boot is a solid option for both newbies and more experienced hikers looking for a workhorse boot for the trails. It’s waterproof, supportive through the foot and the ankle, and outfitted with high-traction lugs along the sole. You won’t exactly feel light on your feet in the heavier Targhee III (one tester reported it felt clunky at first, until they found their rhythm), but you will feel safe from rocks and roots underfoot. Despite its heft, this boot is quite comfortable—it’s actually designed to have zero break-in period. Keen also makes a version of the Targhee III for wide feet.
- Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: regular | Materials: leather, mesh, EVA, rubber | Weight: 14.46 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 10 to 15 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 3 options
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17
On
Cloud 5 Running Shoe
Best for Sweaty Feet
- Pros: Lightweight, breathable
- Cons: May run small
On makes some seriously springy walking shoes, and the popular Cloud 5 sneaker is no exception, thanks to its lightweight cushioning. Its upper is made of antimicrobial, breathable mesh, which makes it a great option for the warmer months or anyone with sweaty feet. The Cloud 5 is also a solid pick if you need a go-to shoe for long travel days—it’s light enough to pack away, available in plenty of cute colorways that’ll match a range of outfits, and easy to slip on for long days of sightseeing. A heads up before you order: On sneakers, including this style, tend to run small.
- Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium | Materials: polyester, foam, rubber | Weight: 7.16 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 7 millimeters | Closure style: speed laces (which allow you to slip the shoe on) and an optional set of traditional laces | Colors: 18 options
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18
Allbirds
Tree Loungers
Best for Pregnancy
- Pros: Flexible, slip-ons
- Cons: Not particularly supportive
Experts recommend that pregnant people look for breathable, flexible walking shoes that aren’t a chore to put on (because as your pregnancy progresses, you might not want to bend down to tie a bunch of laces). Allbirds’s machine washable Tree Lounger checks all the boxes. “I needed something to wear around the house to support my feet during pregnancy. These are perfect,” one reviewer wrote. “They are lightweight and breathable and provide the support I need.” (That said, you don’t have to be pregnant to enjoy this comfy-casual slip-on.) This type of footwear might not be as secure and supportive as you may prefer for longer walks, but it’s an easy-breezy option when you just want something comfy.
- Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium | Materials: eucalyptus tree fiber, EVA, foam | Weight: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A | Closure style: slip-on | Colors: 6 options
Sara Coughlin is a writer and editor with ample experience covering health and wellness trends. As SELF’s senior commerce writer, she’s taken a special interest in skin care, outdoor recreation, sleep, fitness gear and apparel, and more.
Sarah joined the SELF team in November 2019 as the editorial assistant, and is now the team’s commerce writer. When she’s not working, she’s a part-time cycling instructor and full-time Plant Person. She’s also passionate about environmental justice, sustainability, nutrition, the internet, and fiction. Sarah lives in Brooklyn with her… Read more
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
