There are many Strategist writers who belong to the unofficial Strategist running club — and there are many Strategist writers who are very much not part of the club. Many of those writers, however, do see the beauty in a leisurely amble, weekend hike, or post-dinner constitutional. No matter the format or the distance of the walk, a good pair of walking shoes can make the difference between a pleasant stroll and one that ends in an achy lower back, sweaty feet, and blisters galore.
To help you find the best walking shoes, we combed through our (prolific) inventory of footwear stories and consulted several experts — including podiatrists, physical therapists, and experienced hikers — to assemble a list of the boots, sneakers, sandals, loafers, and flats that will support your feet for hours on end. Read on to see the best walking shoes you can buy right now.
Update on August 21, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
What we’re looking for
Support
If you want a shoe you can walk in for more than a few blocks, it’s crucial to look for a sole that’s the right shape and provides enough support, especially for the mid-foot and arch, says Karena Wu, a physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York and India. “A rigid sole offers more stability,” Wu says, while “a thicker midsole has more cushioning, and a rocker sole will allow for ease in the gait cycle (moving from heel to toe-off).” Lara Heimann, a physical therapist and CEO and founder of LYT Yoga, notes that “depending on the individual, cushioning plays a key role in shock absorption as the foot impacts the ground and might include featured molding around the heel to add more support.”
Materials
The climate you’re in will, to an extent, dictate what kind of materials and breathability you’re looking for. But it’s also about your unique comfort level and feet. “For example, if you’re someone with sweaty feet traveling to Thailand in the summer, you’ll want to avoid leather and choose a perforated suede or netting,” says Candice Criscione, founder of MomInItaly.com and TheTuscanMom.com, who spent ten years traveling around the world as a hiking, cycling, and cultural guide.
Width
Regardless of how narrow or wide your entire foot is, “the toe box should be roomy enough to allow for your forefoot to sit comfortably in the shoe without any pressure or friction,” Wu says. Heimann adds that an appropriately wide toe box gives “the forefoot more or less room, placing more or less strain on the big-toe joint.” Beyond comfort, a too-narrow toe box can lead to or exacerbate conditions like bunions and plantar fasciitis.
If you want to be sure you’re getting the right width, Nelya Lobkova, a board-certified podiatrist at Step Up Footwear, suggests a quick drawing test: Grab a pencil and step on a piece of paper on the floor to trace the outline of your foot. Next, using a red pen, trace the outline of the sneaker you’re considering over the drawing of your foot — the red pen should encompass the pencil at all times, Lobkova says, otherwise the foot is wider than the sneaker. We’ve indicated which widths are available for each shoe below. Standard and medium are used interchangeably, but we’ve gone with the former for this guide for consistency.
Best walking shoe overall
Support: Medium | Materials: Breathable mesh | Width: Moderate toe box and multiple widths
New Balance “offers the most versatility to meet the various attributes” we should look for in walking shoes, Heimann says. “They generally have a gracious toe box, have some type of pronation control and arch support, can be lightweight and durable with excellent cushioning, and are often favored by podiatrists.” Both Criscione and Lobkova singled out the 990v6 in particular, with Criscione highlighting the shoe’s “perfect” balance of support and cushioning. “You really can walk all day in these, and your feet will still be happy at the end of the day,” she says. Lobkova similarly notes the substantial cushioning in the midsole as well as the Ortholite insert, which she says has firmer arch support than other insole shoes.
The toe box tends to work well for people with wide feet, though this shoe also comes in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide. The upper is mostly mesh, letting your feet breathe even when you’re clocking thousands of steps. And the construction — the mesh-and-suede upper and the polyurethane midsole — is built for the long haul. “They last for years and are stylish enough to wear in exercise or regular situations,” Criscione says.
If the 990s aren’t your style, men’s fashion columnist Chris Black recommends New Balance 574s (for fashionably strolling around Italy) and New Balance 860V2s (for 40-year-olds looking for a comfortable and mature sneaker).
Best (less-expensive) walking shoe
Support: Moderate | Materials: Breathable mesh and cooling insole | Width: Standard
These slip-ons from Skechers’ GOwalk line provide value way beyond what you might expect from a $65 price point and the “good arch buildup” Wu says the brand is known for. Like the New Balances above, these include an Ortholite insole as well as a solidly cushioned midsole that can keep you comfortably upright for hours on end.
Kevin Mercier, a professional travel blogger who’s walked all around the globe, is getting ready to order his second pair of GOwalk Maxes, which he calls “inexpensive but not cheaply made.” “I honestly don’t know where to begin with how comfortable they’ve made my travels,” he says. “I don’t have enough good things to say about this pair. They’re lightweight and come with an extra padded heel for comfortable walking.” (The women’s GOwalk Joy style features the same cushioning and insole.)
The breathable mesh and insole also make for a lightweight shoe Mercier says is “perfect for hot summer days and can even be used as slippers.” While you may not be keen on actually wearing these indoors, the fact that they’re slip-ons makes them extra handy for getting out the door quickly.
Best walking shoe for uneven terrain
Support: Medium | Materials: Breathable mesh upper | Width: Standard
If your walks are taking you off-road (or off-sidewalk), a walking shoe designed for trekking through uneven terrain may be best. These low-top hiking shoes are designed specifically for walking and are our favorite women’s hiking shoes. Stephanie Harper, an outdoors enthusiast based in Asheville, North Carolina, reports, “They’re lightweight and form to your foot without risking stability.” With a waterproof membrane and thick rubber soles, the shoes will keep your feet dry and on stable footing in inclement weather.
Best walking shoe for narrow feet
Support: Maximum | Materials: Breathable mesh | Width: Narrow
If you have especially narrow feet, you might consider a pair of Nikes as the brand is generally regarded as fitting that type of foot well, says Strategist health and fitness writer Jeremy Rellosa. Strategist contributor Emma Sarran Webster is loyal to the brand for that reason and says she has “worn countless styles in its standard width, and they’ve always been just right” on her narrow feet. Rellosa included this pair in his guides to the best workout shoes for men and the best running shoes for men, and Sarran Webster is also a fan. Although the Pegasus is technically a running shoe, she says, “it works just as well for walking — especially if you need or want significant cushioning that almost feels like you’re getting a slight bounce with every step.” While the pair is not as breathable as the ultralightweight Skechers above, she says, “I’ve never had a problem with overheating — and I’ve worn them in warm weather far more frequently than cold.”
Best walking shoe for wide feet
Support: Minimal | Materials: Breathable mesh | Width: Wide toe box
The Lone Peak falls under Altra’s “Original Footshape Fit” category, which the brand notes is the roomiest fit. But what really sets the brand apart is that, even in its narrowest styles, the toe box is intentionally spacious, a feature Rellosa says he particularly appreciates. He’s been wearing Altras for almost four years now and notes the splayed-out toebox “gives a lot of wiggle room — vital for increasing circulation whether you’re walking or running.” But he’s not the only fan of the shoe: Harrison Bacordo, a hiker who completed the Pacific Crest Trail in September, says they’re popular for thru-hikers. Rellosa and Bacordo indeed wear theirs for hiking and trail walking, but if you tend to feel like your feet aren’t getting enough space, these may be worth it for any terrain. One note: While the Lone Peaks have moderate cushioning, their “zero drop” design (the heel and toe sit at the same level to promote a natural gait) means there isn’t built-in arch support.
Best walking shoe for bunions and plantar fasciitis
Support: Maximum | Materials: Breathable mesh | Width: Multiple
To prevent a common walking injury like plantar fasciitis, there needs to be cushioning in the midsole to prevent impact on the heel, Lobkova says — and if HOKAs are known for one thing, it’s just that. “HOKA has the tremendous cushioning and foot support to help offset the heel pain,” Wu says, noting that they feel like “walking on clouds.”
They’re accommodating of bunions in addition to other common foot conditions. Criscione, who was diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma, a condition that can “feel as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoe,” says she was frustrated when she couldn’t walk without excruciating pain. She tried athletic taping, icing, and many different styles of shoes before discovering the Bondi. “The day I put them on,” she says, “I was walking again! I love that they’re roomy for my bunions, and they’re so comfortable even if I’m walking all day. And they’ve held up after who knows how many miles in multiple countries.”
Best walking sandal
Support: Medium | Materials: LUVSEAT™ polyurethane footbed and midsole and polyester straps | Width: Multiple
The American Podiatric Medical Association has recognized every model in the Z/1 series for promoting foot health. Undoubtedly, the comfort and support they provide for walking comes at least partly from their simple design. Matt Schonwald, a certified ski-mountaineering and avalanche guide and founder of BC Adventure Guides, recommends the Chacos specifically for their lack of extra features: “I do not like bells and whistles — they usually cause blisters, fall apart, or just underperform.” Paul Ronto of RunRepeat says the grippy sole is heavy duty and dense, giving you “confidence that your feet will grip on to the slickest surfaces.” And while the sandal’s design is pared down, Chaco also has a fully customizable option so you can choose everything from the logo badge to the sole to the footbed.
Best waterproof walking boot
Support: Maximum | Material: Breathable mesh panels | Width: Standard
Unless you only walk in dry, sunny conditions, it’s a good idea to have a pair of sturdy, all-weather walking shoes in your closet. Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths put these Gelert waterproof boots to the test at Glastonbury, which covers about 900 acres, and found them to be “absurdly comfortable.” “With springy cushioning across the ball and heel, my feet only really started to ache once I was hitting the 25,000-step mark,” she says. “Although they’re waterproof, there are several mesh panels so that your feet can have a breather, and the padding around the ankles was something I really appreciated as the weekend drew on.” She recommends going a half-size up if you’re worried about having space for thick socks.
If you don’t plan on tromping around festival grounds, Griffiths says she also wears these boots on her daily after-work walks. They’ve accumulated a few creases and some dust, she says, but “they’re still just as comfortable as the first time I tried them on.”
[Editor’s note: Gelert has an international shipping charge.]
Best cushioned walking boot
Support: Maximum | Material: Breathable mesh panels and GORE-TEX waterproof leather | Width: Standard
HikingGuy.com founder Cris Hazzard says these Hoka boots are great shoes for “when either your foot’s injured and you need something with extra cushion, or if you don’t have the miles on your legs, but have signed up for a long trail.” The soles have a plush EVA top for comfort and a bottom layer of rubberized foam for support and durability. Hazzard describes them as “very forgiving, very cushy — it’s like walking on a little mattress.” And although they look chunky, the boots are incredibly lightweight and super-agile, says Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens, who adds that she loves them for winter hiking. We even named them our favorite chunky-sole women’s hiking boot in our guide to the best women’s hiking boots.
Best stylish boot for walking
Support: Medium | Materials: Leather | Width: Standard
Few professionals are as well versed as restaurant hosts and food-industry pros in finding shoes that feel as good as they look when you’re standing for hours at a stretch. For boots that prioritize style along with comfort, Daryl Nuhn, owner and operator of Prima Brooklyn, wore this pair of Campers when she worked at Cosme and needed shoes that were slightly more dressed up but still had ample support. She has been wearing hers for five years and says they’re still one of her go-to shoes. Plus, she says, they have zero break-in time.
Best slip-on walking shoe
Support: Medium | Materials: Breathable mesh | Width: Standard
It’s rare to find a sneaker this supportive without laces, but On’s “speed lacing system” means you can quickly slip the shoes on (and off). As for comfort, Strategist managing editor Kelsie Schrader has clocked something like 1,000 miles in her On Clouds (an earlier version that she was gifted) and still stands by their aptly named cloudlike comfort. “I found these provided plenty of cushion and a nice bounce, but it wasn’t so soft that I didn’t have any support,” she says of the “simultaneously rigid and almost plush shoe.” “I like how the shape is slightly curved; I feel like that shape promotes good heel-to-toe form.”
While they’re a sturdy and well-supported sneaker, the Clouds are still plenty breathable, thanks to the (recycled) antimicrobial mesh upper that Schrader says is great for walking in warmer weather yet durable enough to withstand running-induced ripping. She does note that the foam sole has flattened near the heel, but attributes that to the fact that she’s “worn the hell out of them.”
Support: Medium | Materials: Suede leather upper and breathable mesh collar | Width: Standard
Sandy Liang has written about her collection of slip-on Merrells plenty of times, including when she took her Moc 3s on a Normal People–inspired tour of coastal Ireland. “I love these for walking around all day. They hug my feet and make them so happy,” she says. “There aren’t laces, so I pop them off in the car and shove my loaves back in when it’s time to walk.” With a grippy rubber outsole for traction and foam insoles for stability and comfort, the roomy, utilitarian shoes contrast against Liang’s feminine designs, as she frequently styles them — she even wore a version at her recent wedding.
Best walking shoe for cold weather
Support: Moderate | Materials: Mild breathability | Width: Standard
Two of our experts swear by Blundstones, multiple styles of which have also appeared in our roundups of the best ankle and Chelsea boots. “I was able to walk miles in them with no break-in period at all,” says Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio of her Classic 550 Chelseas. “I would not call them ‘cushioned’ the same way a sneaker would be, but they are still totally comfortable. Plus I love a pull tab for getting them on easily.”
Schrader, meanwhile, has found her high-top version to be supremely comfortable and durable — even after wearing them extensively over the past year and a half, including on a long weekend during which she walked no less than 15 miles each day. Schrader says she felt fine and even found the brand’s claims about their “double-shock-absorption soles” and tech that reduces fatigue all to be true. Given that they’re leather, they’re not super-breathable, though they’re comfortable enough that Schrader wears them as her primary footwear in fall, winter, and spring. “I thought long and hard about investing over $200 in a shoe, but I’d do it again without thinking if anything ever happens to my current pair,” she says.
Best walking shoe for heel comfort
Support: Maximum | Materials: Breathable knit | Width: Standard
Trolio, who owns an earlier version of these sneakers, says they do a great job of protecting against painful blisters caused by rubbing, thanks to a well-designed heel tab that curves slightly away from the back of your foot. It not only makes them easy to pull on, Trolio says, but is also very soft and smooth and helps prevent friction between your foot and the shoe. And though these are technically meant for running, Trolio swears by them for long-distance walking. “I like that they are especially cushioned and bouncy under the heel,” she says, noting that the upper material is breathable and flexible while still feeling secure.
Best low-profile walking shoe
Support: Medium | Materials: Mild breathability | Width: Standard
These sneakers are a Strategist staff favorite, and while they may not look like much in terms of structure and support, those who have put the Feiyue Fe Los to the test can vouch for them. “This summer I had an improv class near midtown that I was perpetually late to, so I was putting in the miles on the pavement trying to hustle to get there,” Rellosa says. “I remember feeling the cushion on these $30 shoes and being really impressed at how comfortably it felt to move and walk around in them on unforgiving NYC pavement.” If you tend to get really sweaty feet, though, they may not be the best option. As Rellosa notes, because the shoes are mostly canvas, they’re not the most breathable — though you do have the benefit of a low top, giving your ankles some air.
Best ultra-cushioned walking shoe
Support: Maximum | Materials: Moderate breathability | Width: Standard
Hoka is known for the chunky cushioned soles on its shoes, which many people swear by for their springy comfort. Nuhn reaches for her Arahi 7 sneakers instead of her Camper boots when she doesn’t care about looking cute. “I can walk forever in my Arahis,” she says. “They wouldn’t be considered fashionable, or even ironically fashionable, but they are the best shoes I’ve found for long bouts on my feet.”
Best platform walking shoes
Support: Medium | Materials: Canvas | Width: Standard
Washington, D.C.–based organizer Nina Sarhan wears these platform Keds during protests, saying “they’re great for miles on the roads back and forth.” The lace-ups have soft yet sturdy foam insoles, and Sarhan says the cushion and arch support are major keys to helping her stay on her feet for a long time — plus not only do the thick soles absorb the shock of each step, they also add an extra inch of height.
Best flats for walking
Support: Minimal | Materials: Recycled breathable knit | Width: Narrow
“I came back to the hotel without a single blister — and not one glare from any well-dressed Italians as far as I could tell,” Strategist contributor Erika Veurink says after walking 15,000 steps around Florence in her Rothy’s Mary Janes. The square-toed slipper didn’t even require a breaking-in period, Veurink says, thanks to the soft, flexible back made of recycled water bottles. And though Veurink says the flats are “fancier than sneakers and more flattering than clogs,” they are, in fact, machine washable.
Support: Medium | Materials: Breathable knit | Width: Standard
For a more affordable alternative, writer Misty White Sidell suggests the Sec Vs by Portugese orthopedic brand Arcopedico, which she calls her “perfect everyday flat.” After picking them up in Milan, she wore them everywhere — to important meetings and on walks — and with everything — a silk-linen vintage Armani suit and fitness clothes. “All the while, the flats’ knit material didn’t stretch out, and their soles didn’t erode when faced with scorching-hot asphalt,” she says. “Plus they’re made with a material that prevents bacteria from stinking up the shoes and they can be machine washed.”
Best heels for walking
Support: Medium | Materials: Rubber | Width: Multiple
Yes, there are more practical shoes for walking than heels, but if you’ve been out all night and need to walk home, you don’t want to get stuck with an especially uncomfortable pair. These three-inch heels are the answer. Strategist contributor Gaby Grossman bought this pair, which have a crossover strap in the front and a sturdy block heel, after realizing that she had a slew of weddings coming up and needed something she could dance in. “The minute I put them on, I knew these were the ones,” she writes. “They felt so supportive and cushioned that after my try-on at home, I kept them on — walking around my apartment all night with ease.” As the wedding season progressed, Grossman bought the heels in a few more colors. And one Halloween when she lent her friend a pair after a heel catastrophe, the friend said, “These are like walking on clouds!”
Best women’s loafer for walking
Support: Medium | Materials: Leather | Width: Wide toe-box
If you’re in the market for a shoe you can wear to comfortably bop around a city, bring on a packing-light vacation, or wear to and from work, these casual loafers will do the trick. They’re notable for their great price point and their slip-on design with padded insoles and a generous toe box. They have more than 12,000 glowing reviews — and plenty of those specifically reference how comfortable they are. “I have neuropathic pain in my feet with most shoes and socks, but wearing these barefoot has significantly decreased the amount of nerve pain I have in my feet,” one reviewer, who has ordered seven — yes, seven — pairs, writes.
Support: Medium | Materials: Leather | Width: Multiple
“Anything an Adidas Samba can do, a Siesta can do better,” Strategist contributor Isabel Slone says. She started wearing “the most geriatric-looking shoe in recorded human history” after developing a pinched nerve in her foot and says their comfort comes from the shock-absorbent soles and highly cushioned footbed. “I know I can comfortably wear them on days when the pedometer hits 20,000 steps,” she says, adding that they’re essentially interchangeable with sneakers. Because they come in five widths — extra-narrow, narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide — they can accommodate many types of feet.
Best clogs for walking
Support: Medium | Materials: Treadlite by UGG™ foam | Width: Standard
We’ve long been fans of UGG’s Tasman X clogs, which Veurink first spotted in the depths of her TikTok algorithm and then on a chic server at Margot in Fort Greene (it was obviously a sign to purchase them). However, in reporting her story about restaurant-host-approved shoes, Veurink found that Nuhn was also a fan. “They’re honestly life-changing,” Nuhn said. “I feel like working service — at a certain point, it doesn’t matter what shoes you’re wearing. Your feet just hurt. But these have amazing arch support, and they’re not heavy like other clogs.” In Veurink’s testing, she found that sizing up prevented any chafing and that the washable inserts were a handy extra feature.
Best walking shoes for kids
Support: Medium | Materials: Breathable mesh upper | Width: Standard
These ASICS sneakers come in grade-school and preschool sizing with the biggest difference between the versions being lace closure versus Velcro closure. Paige Lauren, founder of the eponymous children’s clothing brand and mother of an 8-year-old, recommends the pair of sneakers for children because of the great arch and ankle support, cushioning, and stability. “My son is very sporty, and these ASICS have been our go-to shoe for school and part of his uniform since he was 5 years old,” she says. “He had growing pains with other shoes, but when he wears these, he has none of the aches and pains.”
Some more walking shoes we’ve written about
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