24 Best Walking Shoes 2023

Most of us walk every day (“hot girl” style or not), but how much strain could it be putting on our bodies? If you’ve ever walked a long (or even long-ish) distance in the wrong shoes, you know the answer.

I’ve certainly been there: Over the years, I’ve clocked countless miles around my own city and while exploring new vacation destinations on foot. And on more than one occasion, I’ve headed out the door without giving much thought to my footwear — only to regret my decision hours later when my toes were uncomfortably crunched, my body was screaming in pain from my soles to my lower back, and my feet were sweating profusely.

Good walking shoes, on the other hand, can keep you moving all day with nary an ache or blister. To help you find the best, 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, 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.

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 midfoot and arch, says Karena Wu, a physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York City 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, also 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.”

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.

Everyone’s feet are different, so it’s important to find one that suits your own width. That said, 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.

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 990v5 in particular, with Criscione highlighting the shoe’s “perfect” balance between 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.

Support: Moderate | Materials: Breathable mesh and cooling insole | Width: Medium

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.

Support: Maximum | Materials: Waterproof Gore-Tex | Width: Standard

As someone who’s injury prone, I insist on wearing a trail-running shoe even when walking on minimally uneven or slippery terrain. And I’m not the only one: Leslie Gilmour, the experienced hiker and travel blogger behind Outdoor Scott, recommends the trail-runner-inspired Salomon X Raise 2 Gore-Tex for such scenarios, noting the “exceptional cushioning that provides all-around comfort and prevents blisters and hot spots” as its biggest selling point.

But despite their cushiness, these Salomons are also extremely durable and protective, Gilmour says, with unique TPU reinforcements around the toe area that absorb impact and protect your feet from sharp rocks on the trail. “Fantastic support and stability are also guaranteed,” he says, as well as “very reliable” traction on rocky and muddy surfaces. The Gore-Tex membrane, meanwhile, ensures your feet will stay dry even if you get caught in the rain or step in a puddle.

Support: Maximum | Materials: Moderate breathability | Width: Narrow

When you have especially narrow feet like I do, you develop a loyalty to the few brands that fit, such as Nike. I’ve worn countless styles in its standard width, and they’ve always been just right — the same goes for the Air Zoom Pegasus, the most recent model of which is the 39. (I bought the Air Zoom Pegasus 36 trail shoe a few years ago, which has since been discontinued.) Yes, it’s a running shoe, but 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. And while it’s not as breathable as, say, the ultra-lightweight Skechers above, I’ve never had a problem with overheating — and I’ve worn them in warm weather far more frequently than cold.

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 Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa — who’s been wearing Altras for three years now and has previously written about the Lone Peak’s many redeeming qualities — says he particularly appreciates. “That’s basically why Altra is such a popular brand for hikers, because their toes can splay out,” he says. “When I used to live in Santa Fe, you could pretty much guarantee that you’d spot someone wearing a pair of Lone Peaks on any hike you went on nearby.” Rellosa indeed wears his 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.

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 also accommodating of bunions — one Zappos reviewer even says their “bunion loves them” — and potentially other injuries. 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.”

Support: Medium | Materials: Open-air breathability | Width: Narrow

“Teva’s sandals are the best walking sandals because they offer versatility in their materials, great cushioning, and fit that supports the natural arches, plus straps that are durable and adjustable,” Heimann says. I can personally attest to all those points, particularly with the brand’s Sanborn line. While planning a long international trip in which I could only bring a carry-on, I did hours of research on the best single pair of sandals I could bring before settling on Teva Sanborn Universals (the style isn’t widely available anymore, but the Mia is a very close version).

I wore them for countless miles through airports, cities, and on trails and beaches on that trip and in the years since. The cushioned footbed means my soles don’t get that telltale ache that comes from walking in flat shoes all day, the padded heel strap keeps me from developing blisters, and the adjustable top straps easily fit my narrow feet. And, of course, as outdoor-adventure sandals, they’re plenty airy and water-friendly. Pro tip: If you’re looking for Sanborn-esque comfort but with Teva’s classic Universal strap style, the Hurricane XL2s are practically a dupe for the Sanborn Universals.

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.”

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.

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 been wearing her On Clouds (an earlier version that she was gifted) for three years — and with something like 1,000 miles on them, she 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” — and she’s planning to stick with the same style when it’s time for a replacement.

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.

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.

Support: Maximum | Materials: Breathable knit | Width: Medium

Trolio says these sneakers 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.

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.

Support: Maximum | Materials: Moderate breathability | Width: Standard

“I love a cushy, ‘90s-dad-at-the-barbecue sneaker, and these are definitely on the chunky end of the spectrum,” Strategist writer Erin Schwartz says of the Li-Ning’s thick insole, which is balanced by a fairly breathable mesh-and-leather upper. As for durability, they note that the tongue and collar’s fabric components have frayed slightly, “but that’s after about a year and a half of frequent use and hiking and beach trips, so that feels like par for the course.” Schwartz adds that the Li-Nings offer much more than just comfort and stability, as they can be worn to walk 5,000 steps in a day while anchoring to a stylish outfit that can go from the office to after-work plans. Plus, they add that these aren’t “a sneaker that you see a gazillion people wearing.”

Support: Mild | Materials: Lightweight eucalyptus fiber | Width: Medium

Allbirds changed the comfortable-shoe game when the brand launched its highly recognizable (and environmentally friendly) wool sneakers. But while the Wool Runners are good looking and plenty cozy (seriously — I’ve had mine for years, and I always look forward to wearing them as soon as I feel the first chill in the air), the Tree Pipers are more versatile for wearing year-round. They’re sustainably made from eucalyptus-tree fibers, making them both lightweight and breathable, and the slightly contoured insole is made from sugarcane. If you tend to need more substantial arch support, you may want to go with the Tree Runners or Tree Dashers, though Keri Baugh, a travel writer who runs the blog Bon Voyage With Kids, has put the Pipers to the test with great success. “I wore my AllBirds Tree Pipers all through our week at Disney World, some days walking over 22,000 steps, or eight miles,” she says. “I didn’t get a single blister, had no foot, back, or knee pain, and they were supportive and comfortable.”

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.

“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.

For a more affordable alternative, Easy Spirit’s flats come recommended to us by nurse Sorah Edeltuch, who puts on her gel-based Getcity flats when she needs a more polished option than sneakers. “I get so many compliments when I wear them to work,” she says. Although Edeltuch’s exact Getcity style is no longer in stock, these lightweight Gessica ballerinas are built on the same cushiony base and have a similar sleek look. “They feel like you’re walking on supportive pillows,” Edeltuch says.

Support: Moderate | Materials: Moderate breathability | 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. In a previous version of this story, the VenusCelias were named the best-rated (less expensive) women’s walking shoe for not only their great price point, but also their slip-on design with padded insoles and a generous toe box. They have nearly 2,000 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.

“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 — slim, narrow, medium, wide, and double wide — they can accommodate many types of feet.

Support: Moderate | Materials: Minimal breathability | Width: Standard

These suede loafers are more of a splurge, but if you wear them as much as Strategist contributor Chadner Navarro has, they just might be worth it. “There’s memory foam throughout the footbed that cushions every step,” he writes, adding that he’s worn them for everything from running errands and walking around a food festival to attending “dressed-up” events. These loafers are made of water-repellent suede, so they’re not necessarily the most breathable, though you do have the benefit of being able to fold the heel down and wearing them as mules to give your feet a little extra air.

Stride Rite’s Soft Motion line is a staple among Strategist writer Lauren Ro’s friends, including one mom whose daughter wore only that brand when she started walking (upon her local shoe store’s recommendation). The shoes have memory-foam insoles and protective rubber outsoles, which the brand says provide a comfortable yet sturdy foundation for small feet. The Soft Motion line comes in a variety of styles, from strappy Mary Janes to these jaunty hiking boots with Velcro closures for a secure fit.

These Adidas Cloudfoams come in kid and adult sizes, and mom Bianca Dottin says the cushioned sneakers live up to their name. “My kids rave about how comfy they are,” she says. “I have the adult version as well, and I can walk in them for hours without any complaints.” The brand says the slip-ons’ synthetic uppers provide durability, while the outsoles are designed with rubber for traction. Plus, at $55 a pair, they’re budget-friendly.

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