We Tested the Best Walking Shoes—These 13 Will Keep You Comfortable All Day Long

Best Overall

Adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoe

$190 $83 at Amazon $104 at Zappos View on Shoppremiumoutlets.com

Key Specs:

Weight: 9.2 ounces | Closure: Slip-on with laces | Materials: Knit upper, rubber sole | Cushioning Type: EVA foam | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers of all fitness levels who need a well-cushioned shoe with plenty of wiggle room.

Why We Love Them

Adidas' Ultraboost Light boasts exceptional comfort, lightweight breathability, springy responsiveness, and solid stability, making it an easy top pick. The fit is spot-on and what we expected when ordering true to size. We love that the convenient slip-on style also has laces, especially if your narrower foot needs a more fitted upper. Still, the stretchy, breathable upper also gives enough room for wide feet. And thanks to the wide toe box, we could comfortably splay our toes without worrying about blisters or chafing.

During test walks, we found the shoes kept our feet secure and stable—no risk of ankle rolling here. We also appreciated the supportive midsole, which provides great shock absorption and springy responsiveness. We walked faster, with smoother transitions, in these lightweight shoes. The cushioning is bouncy and plush, and we noticed the shoes were just as springy after a month of testing. Overall, these shoes are well worth the investment.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Adidas.

Potential Flaws

• In testing, we found that the arch support may not be firm enough for some wearers.

Best Budget

Asics Gel-Venture 9

$65 at Amazon $60 at Zappos $75 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs:

Weight: 10.5 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, rubber sole | Cushioning Type: Foam insole, GEL cushioning system in heel | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best if you need a supportive, inexpensive shoe for plantar fasciitis or other foot pain.

Why We Love Them

Asics' GEL-Venture 9 Running Shoe is a solid, budget-friendly shoe that supports exercise and all-day wear. During testing, we found that the gel cushioning offers excellent shock absorption on treadmills, pavement, grass, and crushed gravel, especially in the heel area. One tester, who has plantar fasciitis, felt so supported in these shoes that she didn't need additional condition-specific inserts. Plus, the shoes fit true to size and feel snug, with plenty of room in the toe box for added stability.

The heel is slightly elevated, which relieves pressure and pain on our feet. And the solid arch support, springy cushioning, and slight rocker design promote effortless transitions. We felt like we could keep going on long walks without our feet getting tired. We're also impressed with the durable, grippy outsole, which provides reliable traction, even when walking in wet conditions.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and Asics.

Potential Flaws

• The soles were very firm, which we were comfortable with, but they may be too rigid for some wearers.

Best for Men

Brooks Glycerin GTS 21

$160 at Amazon $160 at Zappos $160 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs:

Weight: 10.1 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: Foam | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best if you prefer thick, pillow-like cushioning and plenty of shock absorption for long walks.

Why We Love Them

Comfortable and versatile, Brooks' Glycerin GTS 21 Shoes are a clear choice for our men’s top pick. When we first tried them on, we immediately noticed the thick, plush, well-cushioned midsole. And we were impressed by the fit, which is snug in all the right places while offering plenty of room in the toe box. We tested the GTS 20, but the 21 has similar features, plus two more millimeters of added foam and a more breathable upper. They're also available in wide sizes if you have wide feet or need more room for orthotics.

During testing, the shoe's responsive padding supported our ankles and knees. We felt no knee pain, and the shock absorption was highly protective. Although they're designed for running, we also enjoy wearing these sneakers while walking and doing cardio classes. The light, breathable upper is also fairly water-repellent: After getting caught in the rain, we were pleasantly surprised by how quickly these dried without feeling soggy or weighed down.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and Brooks.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes are one of the priciest options on our list, but we think they're worth the investment.

Best for Women

Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoe

$110 $80 at Amazon $80 at Nordstrom $110 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs:

Weight: 8.7 ounces | Closure: Slip-on with laces | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: EVA foam | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers who need a super plush yet lightweight shoe designed specifically for walking.

Why We Love Them

Made for high-performance walking, Ryka's Devotion X Walking Shoe is a solid pick if you're on your feet all day, walk long distances, or live a busy lifestyle. The anatomically shaped insole provides ample arch and heel support, keeping our feet comfortable and fatigue-free all day long. Plus, the rubber outsole delivers enough traction and protection to trek on all types of terrain safely. We tested these shoes on sand, cement, sidewalks, grass, and gym floors.

During test walks, our feet felt supported, with no instability in the feet, ankles, or knees. We were able to wear these shoes for hours without any pain. We love the soft yet firm cushioning, which provides great shock absorption and impact protection without feeling bulky. And despite all that cushioning, the lightweight shoes promote quick and effortless transitions. We also liked how breathable they felt—we tested in hot, humid weather and our feet never got sweaty.

Potential Flaws

• The shoes fit snug around our heel and midsole but felt a little extra-large and bulky in the toe box. If you have narrow feet, these might be too wide for you.

Best for High Arches

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14

$139 at Amazon $140 at Zappos $140 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs:

Weight: 7.4 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: Moderate foam | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers that need a stable shoe with extra support for daily fitness walks.

Why We Love Them

New Balance shoes are known for being super supportive, and the Fresh Foam X 880v14 is no exception. They feature neutral cushioning and a wide heel that add even more support. We tested the previous version of the shoe, and this version is slightly firmer for greater stability and lighter for a more effortless stride. During test walks, we felt like we were walking on air in these shoes. Plus, they're available in four widths and carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting foot health.

When we first tried the shoes on, they fit true to size—hugging our heels but offering plenty of room in the toe box. One of our testers, who suffers from plantar fasciitis, felt no pain at the end of the day, even without special inserts. However, we appreciate that these shoes are roomy enough to accommodate inserts for plantar fasciitis or other foot ailments. We also love that they provided just enough bounce and shock absorption to make fast walking and light jogging even more enjoyable. 

Also available in men's sizes at New Balance and Dick's Sporting Goods.

Potential Flaws

• The wider design of this shoe provides excellent stability but may feel clunky if you're used to a more narrow shoe. 

Best for Wide Feet

Vionic Tokyo Sneaker

$109 at Zappos $70 $37 at Nordstromrack.com View on Legend-footwear.com

Key Specs:

Weight: 8 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Synthetic upper, leather and rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: EVA foam | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They're For

Best if you have wide or extra-wide feet and prefer firm arch support.

Why We Love Them

If you have wide feet, you need a shoe that can accommodate your foot shape to be comfortable without pinching or squeezing. Vionic's Tokyo Shoes are wide enough to make wide feet feel good. They have ample cushioning in the heel that keeps us comfy on treadmills, trails, and more. We also found the heel cup to be very supportive and snug, with a slight elevation that takes the pressure off the balls of our feet.

During testing, the firm but flexible insole provided additional support and stability throughout our walks. One tester, who is prone to plantar fasciitis, discovered that the shoe's cushioning, particularly in the heel area, offered excellent protection against symptoms. We also noticed that the curved sole promotes smooth transitions to the next step. And the mesh upper is one of the most breathable we've seen, keeping us cool, dry, and extra-comfy on long walks. 

Potential Flaws

• The laces often came undone during long walks, which was just a minor inconvenience worth noting.
• If you prefer plush cushioning, these will feel too firm for you.

Best for Hiking

Altra Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoe

$140 at Amazon $140 at Zappos $140 at REI

Key Specs:

Weight: 9.2 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber sole | Cushioning Type: Foam midsole cushioning | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They're For

Best for hikers who need a rugged shoe for lots of outdoor walks on varied trails and terrain.

Why We Love Them

Altra's Lone Peak 8 trail shoe is our top pick for hiking offering excellent support and cushioning. The fit is near perfect: It hugs our feet in all the right places without pinching or squeezing anywhere. The shoes’ padding feels extremely comfortable during walks, providing good energy return and putting a spring in our step for long hikes. And the zero-drop design let's you keep maximum contact with the ground with every step. We also appreciate that the upper is made of rip-stop mesh to protect from debris.

This pair has maximum lateral stability, thanks to platform inserts that position your heel and forefoot in the correct alignment to help correct rolling or overpronation. We're also impressed by the shoe’s slip-resistant outsole, which provides good traction on wet and dry surfaces. We love that it has a roomy fit and comes in two different widths, so it can accommodate orthotics or insoles for flat feet if needed.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and REI.

Potential Flaws

• The zero-drop design—meaning the heel and toe are the same height off the ground—makes the shoe less responsive than some others on our list.

Best for Everyday

Allbirds Women's Plant Pacers

$135 at Nordstrom

Key Specs:

Weight: Not stated | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Faux leather upper, rubber sole | Cushioning Type: Sugar-cane based foam | Our Overall Rating: 4.9

Who They're For

Best for wearers who need durable shoes that will stand up to daily wear.

Why We Love Them

Allbirds Plant Pacer Shoes have a sleek style and are easy to clean, thanks to their faux leather upper, making them an easy choice for everyday wear. They fit well, with plenty of room in the toe box, and have comfortable cushioning. The inside is soft and snug enough to wear these shoes comfortably with or without socks. We also love that Allbirds is committed to reducing its environmental impact and using renewable resources for its products (including this shoe).

The insole is removable if you need to add inserts, like for flat feet or plantar fasciitis. And the balanced cushioning and shock absorption are ideal for long days on your feet or running errands. During testing, we noted that the solid, flat sole is also flexible, making these comfy for lots of walking. Our feet didn't feel sore or painful at all at the end of the day.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes has a faux leather upper so they are not as breathable as some others on our list.
• While testing, we found that the tongue felt slightly stiff and rigid against the top of our foot. Still, these were exceptionally comfortable for all-day wear.

Best Cushioned

Kizik Roamer

$100 at Nordstrom View on Kizik.com

Key Specs:

Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Knit upper, rubber sole | Cushioning Type: Foam | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers that need lots of cushioning for long walks and all-day wear.

Why We Love Them

Kizik's Roamer Hands-Free Shoes have enough cushioning to make us feel like we're walking on clouds. The fit is true to size, and our feet didn't slide around inside them. We love the convenient slip-on design, making it easy to step in and out of these shoes quickly. One of our testers suffers from bunions and found these shoes to be wide enough not to irritate or chafe during weeks of walking.

During testing, we noticed that these felt breathable and stable, with plenty of impact protection for long walks and hours on our feet. Another plus: We found these shoes to be quite sleek and stylish.

Also available in men's sizes at Kizik.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes are probably not responsive enough for higher-impact activities, but the cushioning makes them a good daily walking shoe.

Most Responsive

Nike Motiva Walking Shoes

$110 at Amazon $83 at Nordstrom $110 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs:

Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Not listed | Cushioning Type: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers who want a performance shoe for lots of fitness walking.

Why We Love Them

Nike's Motiva Women's Walking Shoes feature a unique exaggerated rocker sole that delivers smooth and springy responsiveness for quick and effortless transitions between strides. One of our testers, who usually drags her feet during walks, found the shoe's significant rocker shape actively propelled her forward with a bouncy feel. We found our feet stayed firmly in place inside these shoes, and we appreciated the heel support.

The shoe's midsole cushioning felt soft and supportive, keeping our feet stable during short and long walks. The wide and roomy toe box, which offers ample room for toes to splay out, also helped to keep our feet stable. Even with all the built-in stability, the shoes have a good bounce-back feel with each step. And we found the lightweight and breathable shoes to be super comfortable, too—like a spa for your feet, one tester said.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Nike.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes may run large so you may want to consider sizing down.
  

Best for Bunions

Orthofeet Kita Hands-free Sneakers

$120 at Amazon $135 at Orthofeet.com

Key Specs:

Weight: 9.7 ounces | Closure: Slip-on with laces | Materials: Knit upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: Foam | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers that need stretchy, soft shoes to accommodate various foot ailments.

Why We Love Them

With a roomy toe box, three-width options, and a foam-lined interior, Orthofeet's Kita Hands-Free Sneakers are a great choice if you have wide feet or bunions. When we tried them on, we appreciated the true-to-size, completely customizable fit. The shoes come with an orthotic insole, fitting spacers, and an arch booster insert so that you can find the right level of support. We especially appreciate the hands-free, slip-in design that only requires you to adjust the laces once.

After logging many miles in these shoes, we never experienced any knee or ankle instability. The cushioned, supportive insole provides ample shock absorption and quick heel-to-toe transitions. Most importantly, the shoes are super comfortable. One tester, who has bunions and plantar fasciitis, said these are her new go-to walking shoes.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes occasionally made our feet feel hot, but only in particularly high temperatures.

Best Slip-On

Skechers Go Walk Flex Alani

$65 $49 at Amazon $49 at Zappos

Key Specs:

Weight: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on with laces | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: Foam | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers looking for an easy shoe for daily walking.

Why We Love Them

Whether you live a busy lifestyle or take your sneakers on the go, purchasing a pair of slip-ons can save you time and (in this case) money. Skechers' Go Walk Flex Alani shoes are budget-friendly and offer all-day comfort and fatigue-free feet. One tester even compared wearing these shoes to walking effortlessly on a cloud. And we like that once we get our foot in the shoe, the upper is form-fitting for a snug feel. Plus, these shoes are easy to care for because they're machine washable.

Despite having a limited range of sizes, we found a true-to-size fit that hugged our feet in all the right places. Thanks to the wide toe box, our toes had plenty of room to splay, which helped with overall stability. During test walks, the thick, supportive, and cushioned midsole also helped keep our feet stable and deliver shock absorption and impact protection on all types of terrains. We found that the curved design of the shoe helped with speedy and seamless transitions between strides, propelling us to walk even faster than usual.

Potential Flaws

• The laces on these shoes are not adjustable.

Best Waterproof

Vessi Cityscape Shoes

$105 at Vessi.com

Key Specs:

Weight: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Materials: Knit upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers that need shoes for wet climates or conditions.

Why We Love Them

The best waterproof sneakers often look quite clunky and can cost you over budget, which is why we love Vessi's Cityscape Classic Waterproof Sneakers—they're sleek and budget-friendly. Waterproof shoes are a great choice if you live in a wet climate or hike near bodies of water, and an essential feature when trekking on wet surfaces is a grippy outsole. Luckily, we found that these waterproof shoes offer excellent traction to prevent any slipping and sliding.

During test walks, the lightweight cushioning provided support without weighing our feet down. We love the excellent shock absorption, solid arch support, and springy midsole responsiveness, which added to the shoes' overall comfort. We also appreciate the breathable knit upper, which is waterproof but still allows for much-needed airflow to prevent overheating and odor.

Also available in men's sizes at Vessi.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes may run small so consider sizing up when ordering.