If you enjoy walking for all its benefits, then finding the best walking shoes needs to be on top of your list of priorities! Whether you’re a regular power walker or just starting out, having the right pair of walking shoes can make those feet enjoy it all the more.
Walking has many health benefits, but it’s incredibly important to buy walking shoes that fit you properly to avoid blisters, discomfort or other issues.
But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect pair for your needs. No one pair of walking shoes is perfect for everyone, but there are a few things to keep in mind when finding the one that’s right for you.
Below you’ll find a list of our top 10 recommendations, along with tips on what to look for when choosing the right pair. As running coaches, we also spend a whole lot of time taking walks with friends and for workouts ourselves.
10 Best Walking Shoes
Here are the 10 best walking shoes that we’ve tested and tried over the years. Truly I take at least one walk a day and when we’re on vacation I’m putting in well over 30,000 steps. So I put the miles on shoes to find out what feels good.
I’m sure you’ll easily be able to find a pair that fits your needs from this list:
1. Overall Best Walking Shoes: Brooks Ghost 18
The Brooks Ghost 18 still delivers everything a runner could ask for: just the right amount of cushion in midsole, a durable rubber outsole and a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet feeling comfortable mile after mile.
The Ghost 18 keeps the same DNA LOFT v3 cushioning from the Ghost 17, but Brooks made some real improvements to the upper to include the new soft flat-knit tongue, new sockliner for a softer inside, better breathability, and a slightly roomier toe box. Nothing earth-shattering, but the kind of updates that add up over miles.
This is useful to many runners who end up with lower back pain while running in a too cushioned shoe.
The Ghost 18 is your dependable daily training shoe. If you want something that’s going to hold up run after run without making you think too hard about it, this is it. It’s not your race shoe; it’s not your speed workout shoe. It’s the one you reach for the rest of the time, and it does that job really well.
- Weight: 10.2 oz Men’s, 9.2 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 36mm
- Heel Drop: 10mm
- Available in 6 colors
- Available in Narrow, Standard, Wide (2E), and Extra Wide (4E)
- Available at BrooksRunning.com for $150
- Read our full review of the Brooks Ghost 18 here >>
2. Most Stylish for Long Days on Your Feet: On Cloudsurfer
I’d be lying if I said, I didn’t just love the look of this shoe. It shows why many fell in love with this Swiss brand. There’s some thought that goes in to the style whether for an athlete or everyday wear!
This shoe is cushioned and versatile enough that I’d highly recommend it for runners who incorporate walking into their routines.
If you’re planning to head out for a long day of walking, it’s going to be supportive and comfortable enough to get you through 30k+ steps and your legs still feel fresh the next day. 
If you’re looking for a light, cushioned, and comfortable daily trainer that can also easily translate to streetwear, here it is.
- Weight: 9.2 oz Men’s, 7.9 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 9mm
- Available in 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at On.com for $160
- Read our full review of the On Cloudsurfer 2 here >>
3. Runner-up Stylish for Long Days on Your Feet- Ryka Devo X Max
Sorry, fellas this shoe is for the ladies. Since Ryka shoes are designed for women, the structure of the shoe is a little different than most. You’ll find that there’s a wider forefoot and a narrower heel for a more secure fit.
Each pair of shoes, regardless of the activity, is going to be based on the Ryka Q technology. “Our game-changing tech is based on the ‘Q Angle’, the inside angle of the quadriceps muscle that is 3-4% great in women than men, which impacts a women’s stance and weight distribution on her feet.”
The Devo X Max is honestly a shoe that can do it all all day wear, power walks, HIIT workouts, and even run/walk intervals. 
It’s a shoe that I grab quite often when I’m heading out for my daily steps. It’s super comfortable but feels supportive in all the right places.
- Weight: 8.6 oz Women’s only
- Heel drop: 10 mm
- Available in 14 colors
- Available in wide for specific colors
- Available from Ryka.com for $90
4. Casual Go Anywhere Shoes: On Cloudtilt
if we had to pick on shoe from this list to wear for a long day on our feet it would be this one. In fact, we’ve worn it for super long days and found that for a non-running shoe, it provided the cushion we so desperately wanted!
Do you never untie their shoes? You won’t even have to worry about it with these! There’s a knotted bungee lace set up so you can easily take them on and off, plus never worry about them coming untied on the go.
If you’re caught walking around and it starts to rain, be cautious on slippery surfaces, as there’s not much grip. You don’t want to find yourself slipping and sliding around.
If you’re on the fence about what size to pick, go a half size up from your casual shoes, just like you would with a pair of running shoes.
- Weight: 10.6 oz Men’s, 8 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 7 mm
- Available in 7 colors (and some limited edition options)
- Not available in wide
- Available from On.com for $160
- Read our full review of the On Cloudtilt here >>
5. Runner-up casual go anywhere shoe: Tracksmith Elliot
Brands are trying to come out with shoes that fit every category, including comfortable, casual, and stylish. While we know many of you enjoy running in the Tracksmith Elliot, Coach Amanda and Coach Stacey both love wearing these as an everyday, go anywhere shoe.
They’re great for every season and can be paired with almost any outfit.
There’s just enough cushion to keep your feet happy after a long day on your feet. Bonus points because it’s a great shoe to throw on if you’re travelling…since it’s a running shoe it has your back incase you have to run to catch your flight!
- Weight: 9.2 oz Men’s,
- Heel drop: 9m
- Available in 9 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available on Tracksmith for $198
Looking for more casual and stylish shoes? We recently put together a list of our favorite fashionable athletic shoes!
6. Best Cushioned Walking Shoes: Hoka Bondi 9
You just can’t go wrong with the Hoka Bondi if you’re looking for maximum cushioning in a walking shoe – you’ll truly feel like you’re walking on pillows!
The Hoka Bondi can be found on a lot of our best shoe lists. It’s just an all-around good shoe.
These shoes have the perfect combo of being not too plush but not too firm.
Also, they’re excellent in terms of lateral stability and support, making them a good choice for walkers who need a firm, stable shoe.
I would definitely recommend these shoes, especially to people who want a well-cushioned walking shoe.
If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis, the well-cushioned heel area and overall support will come in handy.
Even with all that cushioning and stability, the Hoka Bondi manages to feel surprisingly light. The durable rubber outsole provides reliable traction during long walks and lends to the shoe’s stability and durability.
- Weight: 10.5 oz Men’s, 9.3 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 5 mm
- Available in 6 colors
- Available in wide and extra wide (in limited colors)
- Available on Hoka.com for $170
- Read our full review of the Hoka Bondi 9 here >>
7. Most Supportive Walking Shoes: On Cloudmonster 3
Technically at 35mm we no longer consider this a max cushioned running shoe. And that’s where the confusion comes in for some runners, this really falls in the moderate cushioned category now and thus is right on in terms of not being too soft or plush.
The Cloudmonster 3 also retains the rocker shape and propulsive Speedboard to help keep you rolling forward. Neither of these feels as dramatic as you’d find in a race day carbon plated shoe, but they nonetheless keep the shoe feeling responsive rather than flat.
The additional layer of Cloudtec foam adds just a little more weight as compared to previous Cloudmonsters, but the extra 5mm of cushioning seems to be worth it. And at the general easy run pace or even marathon pace, the slight change in weight is unlikely to be noticed.
- Weight: 10.8 oz Men’s, 8.5 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 35 mm
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- Available in 10 Colors
- Available in regular and wide widths
- Available on.com for $190
8. Best Walking Shoes for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
New Balance’s Fresh Foam is every bit as lovely as it sounds. These shoes feel fabulous when you slip them on and yet maintain good responsiveness. In fact, I’ve been running A LOT of miles in the NB 1080 model and recommend it frequently as well.
From top to bottom the More v6 has been built up to make running enjoyable, especially when running on tired legs. You won’t get any ground feel or a light and nimble running experience, but you’ll get plenty of cushion that is gentle on your legs from short to long runs.
Stability shouldn’t be an issue with the More v6, despite its stack height. The base of the shoe is wide, and the midsole sidewalls cup your heel and midfoot to offer some stability and guidance through your stride.
And we can’t believe we’re saying this, but at 40mm it’s actually not as high as the average 45mm max cushioned shoe we’re testing, yet it feels every bit as cushioned and comfortable. Plus, the 4mm drop is a big win as so many others are 10mm which can lead to knee pain for many runners.
- Weight: 8.5 ounces Women’s 7 / 10.8 ounces ounces Men’s 9
- Stack Height: 40mm of Fresh Foam X
- Heel to Toe Drop: 4mm drop
- Available in wide sizes, 2E & 4E
- 5 colorways available
- Available for $160 at newbalance.com
- Read our full review of the NB More v6 here >>
9. Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: ASICS Gel-Kayano 32
The Asics Gel Kayano is an excellent choice for those with flat feet or who tend to overpronate. This means the shoe is going to feel a bit firmer to provide that support on the inside of your foot to keep it from collapsing inward.
These shoes offer superior support to reduce fatigue, as well as a secure fit that won’t slip or slide while in motion. On top of that, the heel-locking system helps keep your foot in place, providing even more stability and comfort on longer walks.
The old hard medial post that made shoes so firm has been replaced with their new 4D Guidance system, which combined with their new Flytefoam Blast Plus Eco foam results in a much softer and more comfortable stability shoe.
The ASICS GEL Kayano was first released in 1993 and due to its popularity is now on the 32nd edition!
Trust me, these are incredibly walking shoes that are especially ideal for anyone with flat feet.
- Weight: 10.7 oz Men’s, 9.1 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 40 mm
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Available in nine colors
- Available in wide and narrow
- Available at Asics.com for $165.00
- Read our full review of the Asics Gel Kayno 32 here >>
Looking for more flat feet walking shoes? Check out our list of the best flat feet running shoes here.
10. Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: KURU Atom 2
KURU is a brand that designs heel-first footwear to match your foot’s natural biomechanics. Instead of adding a bunch of extra inserts to your shoes, it’s already built in for you!
This shoe features a KURUSOLE. The curved, heel-cupping design gives your heel pad a little extra support and forms to your foot. If you’re someone who deals with plantar fasciitis, this is exactly the kind of structure that can make a big difference.
If you’re someone who walks around a lot for work or just enjoys daily walks, these are going to keep your feet comfortable from start to finish.
Plus, for being a specialty shoe, they don’t look too bad either! 
It’s going to have a firmer feel underfoot, but that’s important to support your feet if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis. You want the cushion to absorb the shock and not strain the PF. Kuru nailed it with the layering of the KURUCLOUD+, KURUSOLE and the ULTIMATE INSOLES.
- Weight: 13.1 oz Men’s, 11.4 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 10 mm
- 4 colors available
- Available in wide
- Available from kurufootwear.com for $165
- Check out our full review of the Kuru Atom 2 here >>
We’ve actually rounded up an entire list of the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Can I Wear the Same Shoes for Running and Walking?
You should have a different pair of shoes for walking and a different pair of running.
Running has a different footstrike than walking. While walking, your heel will undoubtedly strike first, followed by a roll into the forefoot to lift off the ground.
In running, your heel may strike first, but it is extremely quick before rolling forward. Plus, the way your foot rolls most likely differs between a fast-paced run and a walk.
These different movements put different stresses on your feet and legs, so you need shoes that have a different focus for each of these.
Many great running shoes are also great for walking, it’s just important that you have different pairs for each activity at all times.
Running shoes typically have more cushioning and support in the heel and forefoot to absorb the impact of running, which puts more pressure on these areas.
They also often have a lower heel-to-toe drop (the difference in height between the heel and toe) to encourage a more natural stride.
Walking shoes, on the other hand, are designed to provide more support in the midsole to help with shock absorption, as well as a more flexible sole to accommodate the rolling motion of the foot during walking.
They also typically have a higher heel-to-toe drop to accommodate the heel-first striking pattern of walking.
You also don’t want to wear out your running shoe faster than necessary or develop a foot pattern that could cause your foot to pronate.
How Long Do Walking Shoes Last?
Usually, you can walk 350 to 500 miles in a pair of shoes before the support, cushioning, and shock absorption wear out. This makes you more likely to get injured.
If you wear them every day, they should last you roughly six to eight months. Even though the shoes might look fine, they will need to be replaced by then.
Whew that’s a ton of information around the best walking shoes. And honestly, I could probably add more to the list. But let’s keep it simple to start.
Looking for more walking tips?
- Keys to Walking for Weight Loss
- Best Treadmill Walking Workouts
- How Many Steps in A Mile
- Average Walking Speed
- Best New Balance Walking Shoes
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