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?
- The best walking shoes
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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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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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
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
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Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in this article.
Walking Shoes:
Walking shoes are designed to provide comfort and support for individuals who engage in regular walking activities. They are suitable for various purposes, such as exploring the neighborhood, hiking, working on your feet all day, or trying a new walking workout. The article mentions several categories of walking shoes, including the best overall, budget pick, maximum cushioning, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, walking sandals, long distances, and hiking boots.
What to Look for in a Walking Shoe:
According to podiatrists, a good walking shoe should have the following features:
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Shock Absorption: A walking shoe should cushion the impact of your steps to reduce the risk of foot, ankle, and knee pain. Look for shoes with adequate padding and cushioning.
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Wide Base and Support: The shoe should have a wide base and provide support through the midfoot and arch. These design elements help reduce strain on the lower body.
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Proper Fit: It's important to choose a walking shoe that fits your foot in terms of both length and width. The shoes should not make your toes feel cramped, and people with wider feet should look for footwear that comes in multiple widths or has a wider-set toe box. Shoes with a mesh upper can provide more space and breathability compared to rigid materials like leather.
Best Walking Shoes:
The article mentions several top picks for walking shoes. Here are a few examples:
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Hoka Bondi 8: This shoe is known for its excellent cushioning and comfort. It has a thick and wide sole that provides ample padding and helps prevent knee and foot pain. The breathable mesh upper ensures airflow, making it suitable for long hours of standing and walking.
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Ryka Sky Walk Walking Shoe: This shoe is a budget-friendly option that offers good support and comfort. It has a secure heel, supportive arch, and a comfortable fit. However, some reviewers found that it may run a little small.
Please note that the information provided above is based on this article. It's always a good idea to try on shoes and consult with a podiatrist or footwear specialist to find the best walking shoes for your specific needs and foot shape.
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