The 9 Best Walking Shoes of 2024 For Every Striding Style

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Walking your way to better health is a great idea, but doing so in a way that causes foot, leg or back pain can feel like trading one problem for another. The key to keeping it comfortable day after day, mile after mile, is to invest in the right footwear. The best walking shoes offer stability, cushioning and comfort for all your miles. Ahead we’ve pulled together a list of the best walking shoes to help you across the miles.

Our Picks for the Best Walking Shoes of 2024:

• Best Overall Shoes for Walking: Allbirds Tree Runners
• Best Walking Shoes for Travel: NoBull Trainer+
• Best Walking Shoes with Arch Support: Hoka Bondi 8
• Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: NoBull Runner+
• Best Cushioned Walking Shoes: Allbirds Tree Flyers 2
• Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Nike React InfinityRN 4
• Best Walking Shoes for Wide Feet: Hoka Clifton 9
• Best Budget Walking Shoes: adidas Supernova 2.0
• Best Shoes for Walking All Day: Allbirds Tree Runners

Best Overall Shoes for Walking: Allbirds Tree Runners

Key features:

• Weight: 13.3 ounces
• Materials include: High carbon rubber outsole; EVA midsole; SuperFabric and mesh upper
• Size range: 8–18 half and whole sizes; regular width
• Colors/Designs: 6 

The best overall walking shoes are ones that are naturally versatile. These shoes need to have good support, a comfortable cushion, lightweight, breathable material and need to be easy to clean. That’s why the Allbirds Tree Runners come in as our pick for the best walking shoes.

If you’re familiar with the Allbirds brand, you probably already know all about these versatile and stylish walking shoes (plus Allbirds also makes one of our favorite pairs of hiking shoes—its Trail Runners SWT).

After owning a pair of Tree Runners himself, Certified Personal Trainer Cory Kessler says, “These are some of the most lightweight, breathable shoes I’ve ever owned. The upper is made of tree fiber mesh which is smooth and soft compared to the polyester mesh you find on some other brands. Because it is so soft and flexible you do sacrifice some support on the top of your foot, but I found that tightening the laces kept my foot from slipping.”

“The foam sole is supportive but soft, and when I walk in them my steps feel slightly springy,” Kessler says. However, he warns that he has noticed that the insoles slide sometimes because they are removable and replaceable. The Tree Runners also have a simple look that goes well with casual clothes without looking too “sporty” like some other walking shoes on this list. 

Pros:

• Lightweight, breathable mesh keeps your feet cool
• Supportive foam soles that are also very comfortable
• Simple, casual style goes well with athletic clothes and casual clothes alike

Cons:

• Lacks support on the top of the foot
• Removable insoles are less grippy if your feet are sweaty

Best Walking Shoes for Travel: NoBull Trainer+

Key features:

• Weight: 13.3 ounces
• Materials include: High carbon rubber outsole; EVA midsole; SuperFabric and mesh upper
• Size range: 8–18 half and whole sizes; regular width
• Colors/Designs: 89

We like that the NoBull Trainer+ is stylish and comfortable. After all, no one wants to be an airport eyesore, and furthermore, it’s nice to feel good and put your best foot forward in the new locale you’re exploring. This shoe is practical and beautiful, with a thoughtful color and pattern variety, a sock liner that cozily conforms to the foot and a wide toe box so your toes can express themselves.

The shoe’s breathability also makes Trainer+ a great travel companion, since walking and wearing shoes for long periods can cause the feet to feel stuffy. While these are great for walking, the Trainer+ line is also equipped to lace up for higher impact activities as well, like running and HIIT workouts.

Pros:

• Suede tongue helps keep feet comfortable while you break in the shoe
• Highly durable rubber outsole and “SuperFabric” upper material
• Padded collar provides additional comfort and prevents friction

Cons:

• Minimal midsole cushioning may not be ideal for those who want additional support and cushioning

Best Walking Shoes with Arch Support: Hoka Bondi 8

Key features:

• Weight: 8.9 ounces
• Materials include: Durabrasion rubber outsole; foam midsole; engineered mesh upper
• Size range: 7–16 in whole sizes; regular, wide and extra-wide widths
• Colors/Designs: 24

The OrthoLite insoles in the Hoka Bondi 8 are why these shoes hit our list as the best walking shoes with arch support.

OrthoLite insoles are highly coveted in footwear because their compression set (or how much it does not rebound) is less than 5 percent over time. That means that with every wear—day after day, month after month—the cushioning, fit and support never change. Our tester Anthony O'Reilly says, "These are what I put on for my 10-mile walks, and the cushioning feels like a cloud. I can wear these for hours, but I'm curious to see how the upper holds up—it is exceptionally thin."

The Hoka Bondi 8 features an Ortholite hybrid sock liner—an OrthoLite insole that’s made from a combination of recycled rubber and waste foam. The upper's engineered mesh construction is breathable, and the memory foam collar cradles your ankles. The lightweight, resilient foam midsole offers a smooth and bouncy ride to round out the list of great features of the Hoka Bondi 8.

Pros:

• Available in regular, wide and extra-wide sizing
• Earned stamp of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
• Lightweight, vegan materials

Cons:

• Higher price tag
• Cushioning may be too much for some

Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: NoBull Runner+

Key features:

• Weight: 9.5 ounces
• Materials include: Rubber outsole; Pebax foam midsole; engineered mesh upper
• Size range: 8-16 half and whole sizes; regular width
• Colors/Designs: 36

The NoBull Runner+ has responsive cushioning that helps create an energy return with each step. The midsole is made with PEBAX foam—a high-performance technology that provides elasticity, rebound and support for flat feet to help walking feel smooth and stable.

This shoe incorporates a thin nylon plate into the midsole, acting as a springboard. It deforms slightly during footstrike, storing energy and releasing it as you push off the ground. These provide an extra bounce in your step and have a lightweight design for a sensation of effortless agility. O'Reilly has also tested the Runner+ and states, "I like these for walking, I feel like the contour of the midsole lurches me forward during my stride." 

The mesh upper lets air flow in all the right places so your feet stay cool. O'Reilly says he wishes the upper was more durable. "The toebox is just slightly reinforced, which may not hold up under serious mileage and frequent use," he states. There are two additional eyelets, and the laces cinch down nice and tight so your foot is secure. The padded tongue keeps the top of your foot comfortable, and the soft, durable padding around the heel and ankle protects from friction.

Related Post: The Best Shoes for Flat Feet

With 36 colors and patterns available, NoBull has tons of options to choose from. Many reviews on the NoBull website mention how comfortable the Runner+ is. One review notes, “This shoe is great—light and comfortable—was able to walk around all day with them on.” Several reviews note having issues with the shoe falling apart and working with NoBull to find a resolution. The brand offers a one-year warranty that protects against manufacturing defects.

Pros:

• Midsole and anatomical sock liner provide support
• Upper is light and breathable
• Outsole has a diamond tread pattern for flexibility and a dot pattern for grip

Cons:

• Expensive
• No wide size options

Best Cushioned Walking Shoes: Allbirds Tree Flyers 2

Key features:

• Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Materials include:  FSC-certified natural rubber outsole; SwiftFoam midsole; eucalyptus tree fiber knit upper
• Size range: 8–14 in half sizes; regular width
• Colors/Designs: 8

If you sit down with sore feet after a day spent walking around, cushioned walking shoes might be worth a try. Allbirds Tree Flyers are everything we love about a brand—lightweight, breathable, sustainable materials and a simple, fashionable look—with the added bonus of extra thick cushion and heel support.

The midsole on the Tree Flyers 2 is made of SwiftFoam, a thick, springy support cushion that helps transfer energy with every step. That means the foot will feel comfortable and supported at the same time. As you walk, the SwiftFoam midsole compresses to absorb the impact between your foot and the ground. As you lift your foot, the SwiftFoam expands, turning the absorbed impact into energy for your stride.

These cushioned running shoes are great for walking long distances and all-day wear. The supportive heel construction and springy midsole are designed to support the movement of your foot as you walk. Our tester and certified personal trainer Nicole Davis says, "These shoes feel lightweight while also feeling firm and stable. The deep lugs on the outsole are grippy and the upper is super breathable."

Pros:

• Thick, springy midsole support
• Flared outsole gives your foot more stability
• Available in men’s or women’s sizes

Cons:

• Bio-based outer material can be more difficult to keep clean
• Low heel collar may feel unstable

Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Nike React InfinityRN 4

Key features:

• Weight: 12.45 ounces
• Materials include: Carbon rubber outsole; Nike React foam midsole; mesh upper
• Size range: 6 to 15 in half sizes; regular width
• Colors/Designs: 12

If your plantar fasciitis tends to flare up when you're out and about, you might consider the Nike React Infinity 4.

Those with plantar fasciitis should wear supportive, cushioned shoes as often as possible, and the React Infinity 4 features high-rise cushioning that is soft and supportive. The sole is designed to support every phase of the stride—from cushioning the lift-off to softening the landing. The bottom is extra wide for additional stability. Our tester and marathon runner Dylan Van Duyne states the shoe is both comfortable and responsive. "The outsole provided the right amount of traction and durability, and the cushioned midsole is unbelievably soft," he says.

Related Post: The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

The Flyknit upper is knitted in a pattern that provides breathability and flexibility in the midfoot and forefoot, so as you walk, your feet feel cool and supported but move easily with each stride. Van Duyne states, "The upper hugs the foot and felt supportive when increasing speed." There is also an internal Flyknit band that acts as a rubber band around the midfoot for a secure fit. These shoes are ideal for walking short or long distances.

For more information, check out our in-depth Nike InfinityRN 4 review.

Pros:

• Padded collar provides additional cushioning
• Hybrid tongue has a sock-like feel
• Wide outsole has increased rubber for durability and grip

Cons:

• No heel tab
• Pricey

Best Walking Shoes for Wide Feet: Hoka Clifton 9

Key features:

• Weight: 8.7 ounces
• Materials include: Durabrasion rubber outsole; compression molded EVA midsole; engineered mesh upper
• Size range: 7-16 half and whole sizes; wide size options
• Colors/Designs: 19

With a nice selection of wide-width sizes, the Hoka Clifton 9 hits our list as the best for well, wide feet. This shoe comes in regular or wide fit, with sizes from seven to 16. Beyond its wide-width accommodations, the Hoka Clifton 9 has a host of design features, including a compression-molded EVA foam midsole that offers exceptional shock absorption and better rebound.

The sole has early-stage Meta-Rocker technology, a curved design that propels the foot forward while walking or running. Hoka placed the rocker point closer to the toe for added stability. The recycled polyester upper with minimal overlays and hotmelts allows for more flexibility than previous versions. These shoes also have a Durabrasion outsole that can withstand daily use and is lightweight, ideal for extended wear.

Pros:

• Outsole is durable for indoor or outdoor use
• Midsole and plush heels provide premium cushioning and support
• Made from vegan materials
• Padded tongue and collar provide additional comfort

Cons:

• Lack of overlays could decrease the upper’s durability

Best Budget Walking Shoes: adidas Supernova 2.0

Key features:

• Weight: 9.7 ounces
• Materials include: TPU outsole; Boost and Bounce midsole; knit upper
• Size range: 6-15 half and whole sizes; regular width
• Colors/Designs: 4

The adidas Supernova 2.0 has technology that provides enhanced comfort and durability for daily use at just $55 a pair. While many options on this list are at least $100, adidas offers a shoe at a fraction of the price—without skimping on the features and materials typically found in more expensive models. The midsole is a blend of the brand’s Boost and Bounce technologies—with Boost offering energy return, Bounce’s flexible cushioning in the midsole and cushioned pads inside the collar. The knit upper hugs your foot for an almost customized fit and has perforations in the midfoot and forefoot that increase ventilation.

Many reviewers on the adidas website note that the Supernova 2.0 is lightweight, comfortable and great for walking long distances. One reviewer states, “Super soft and comfortable shoes. I use it for walking and everyday use. [I] love how cushioned they feel, and the fact that it has a lower carbon footprint is always a plus.”

Pros:

• Knit upper and foam designed to feel supportive yet lightweight
• Affordable price
• TPU direct molding creates a strong bond between the upper and outsole

Cons:

• Some reviews mention that these shoes run small

Best Shoes for Walking All Day: Allbirds Tree Runners

Key features:

• Weight: 7.76 ounces
• Materials include: Rubber outsole; SweetFoam derived from sugarcane midsole; eucalyptus tree fiber knit upper
• Size range: 8 to 14 in whole sizes; regular width
• Colors/Designs: 13

Comfortable enough for all-day high mileage, the Allbirds Tree Runners are lightweight and breathable and offer plenty of cushioning—the trifecta for a good walking shoe.

This shoe has the brand’s SweetFoam midsole technology (so named because it’s made from Brazilian sugarcane), a Merino wool insole that’s infused with castor bean oil and a knit upper made from eucalyptus tree fiber. Altogether, you have a cushioned, moisture-wicking shoe with plenty of bounce and one that’s excellent for walking all day.

For those concerned about their carbon footprint, Allbirds Tree Runners are sustainably made with eco-friendly materials, including responsibly sourced eucalyptus fiber. The shoelaces are also made from plastic bottles.

Pros:

• Uses eco-friendly materials
• Insoles are replaceable to extend shoe life
• Lightweight and machine washable

Cons:

• Can wear out quickly with extensive use per customer reviews
• Narrow design may be uncomfortable for wide-footed wearers

What Are the Best Walking Shoes? 

Remember that your shoes bear the weight of your entire body. Couple that with a few miles in your day and walking will take a palpable toll on your feet, legs and back. While strolling may demand a little less from your feet than running or hiking, comfort is still crucial, especially if your pedometer or fitness tracker is regularly logging a couple thousand steps per day. The takeaway: If you do a lot of walking on any given day, you’ll probably want to invest in good walking shoes to mitigate the pain and discomfort you’ll feel without them.

Before you dive into the search for the best walking sneakers, consider your routine and lifestyle: the best pair is the one that suits your needs. Are you more concerned with expressing your maximalist personal style, or is comfort king? Are you walking on hard pavement, or a gym track with lots of give-and-take? These are all questions you want to keep in mind as you shoe shop. 

Walking Shoes Versus Running Shoes

Walking shoes and running shoes are not the same. A good walking shoe Is designed with body mechanics and stride path in mind. When you’re walking, your foot will typically strike the ground heel first and then roll through the step. To account for those mechanics, walking shoes are designed to allow a greater range of motion through the forefoot with more flexibility through the ball of the foot. Moreover, walking shoes typically have better arch support to protect your foot from impact.

On the other hand, running shoes often have less protection through the ball of the foot and more cushioning in the heel, which is typically the point of impact. Moreover, running shoes are often lighter and designed with breathable mesh uppers intended to keep your feet cool while performing an activity that typically generates a lot of heat. Running shoes are also more likely to have more ankle support as well.

Related Post: The Best Treadmill Running Shoes

How to Choose the Best Walking Shoes

How We Chose the Best Walking Shoes

When it comes to the best sneakers for walking, comfort is paramount: We heavily vetted customer feedback for the shoes and their reported comfort if our review team couldn’t personally attest to their feel. We looked at the materials for solid cushioning to support the natural rolling motion of the foot and sought durable builds that could go the distance.

Many of the best walking tennis shoes also came from dependable brands, like Hoka and Skechers—in the “fast fashion” apparel age, we find ourselves turning to trusted brands for key items like walking shoes. After all, investing in one of the best sneakers for walking is ultimately a lot less pricey than the bill from a podiatrist.

Not every brand and model will be the most comfortable walking shoe for everyone. Your walking style, the surfaces you walk on and your personal taste all play a role in finding a “sole mate,” so to speak. To minimize the likelihood of hobbling your way through foot pain in a new pair of walking shoes, you may also consider getting fitted for a walking shoe in person.

Stability

Stability is crucial for a walking shoe. Ultimately, you’re looking for a shoe that feels balanced and secure through the range of motion in your step.

Cushioning

The purpose of cushioning in a shoe is to absorb the force of the impact of your step. If you’re taking anywhere near 10,000 steps per day, you can see where cushioning becomes incredibly important for a walking shoe. Ideally, walking shoes should have a uniform level of cushioning throughout the footbed.

Cost

Like anything else in life, the cost will also be a determining factor when purchasing a pair of walking shoes. Most high-quality walking shoes will run you over $100, but if you’re just starting to increase your step count or are shopping on a budget, consider more cost-effective options that fall below that price point. 

How Long Do Walking Shoes Last?

The life of a walking shoe ultimately depends on how much you use it. A good rule of thumb, however, is that most shoes will last anywhere from 300 to 500 miles. If you're not sure where you are in terms of mileage, regular use should have you ready for a replacement every three to six months or so.

Signs that it's time to replace your walking shoes include:

• A worn-down tread pattern
• Pain or discomfort when walking
• Worn down heels
• Wrinkled or broken down uppers, soles and ankle collars

Walking Shoes FAQs

Should walking shoes be stiff or flexible?

The general rule of thumb: walking shoes should be less stiff, and more flexible, so your foot has enough room to comfortably move through the walking motion. Even a comfortable shoe may feel stiff initially. Be sure to give the sole enough time to break in.

How can I make my shoes more comfortable for walking all day? 

Proper lacing practices can also prevent blisters or other uncomfortable foot afflictions, and a more robust or molded insole can help walking shoes feel more comfortable.

Should walking shoes be a size bigger?

In some cases, yes. It’s very important that you choose walking shoes that don’t feel overly tight. Shoes with a narrow toe box and/or regular width may feel too narrow for some, and sizing up a half or full size can help.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're on your feet all day for work or your local wanderlust tends to get the best of you, a good walking shoe is never a bad investment. Walking shoes are designed to work with your body's mechanics to protect your feet and your body. A good walking shoe should offer stability, cushioning and all-day comfort. 

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.