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Compared to running, walking is a lower-impact activity, but it still can put a strain on your body — not just any sneaker will do. Comfortable, supportive walking shoes are essential for your everyday life, whether you walk miles for exercise, stand on your feet at work or take your dog out for walks. The best walking shoes need to be cushioned and offer enough stability for your feet while feeling lightweight and breathable.
To find the best styles that'll keep you moving comfortably, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tested over 75 walking shoes for men and walking shoes for women to find the best styles that everybody will love. We consulted podiatrists and sports medicine physicians to learn more about how to buy the right style for your feet. Plus, over 100 testers wore these shoes on walks, logging over 500 miles and hundreds of hours walking.
- Best Overall: Brooks Ghost 15
- Best Value: Under Armour Charged Assert 10
- Best for All Day: ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26 Running Shoe
- Best Cushioning: Hoka Clifton 9
- Best Lightweight: On Cloud 5
- Best Female Specific Fit: Ryka Womens Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe
- Best for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V13 Running Shoe
- Best for Fitness Walkers: ALTRA VIA Olympus 2 Road Running Shoe
- Best Slip-on: Kizik Athens Hands Free Mens or Womens Sneakers
- Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Glycerin 21 Neutral Running Shoe
- Best for Distance: Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
- Best for Walk to Run: Nike Pegasus 39 Sneakers
- Best Water Resistant: Clove Classic Shoes
- Best Sandals: Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals
Pros
Narrow, wide and extra-wide width options- Great for walking, running and gym workouts
- All testers found this pair comfortable
Cons
- Some testers wish this pair had thicker cushioning
The Brooks Ghost 15's continues to reign supreme in our testing for offering neutral support with excellent arch support. This pair is available in narrow, wide and extra-wide sizing to ensure a proper fit in the toe box. The larger heel drop helps lessen impact when striking the ground to minimize rear foot and Achilles tendon pain.
We found this pair comfortable when walking, running and even during gym workouts. I regularly reach for this pair when working out at the gym as they're comfortable to wear when walking on the treadmill and during a strength training session. Plus, compared to other more stable shoes, I like the sleeker appearance.
"The shoe felt supportive while standing for long periods of time (like at a concert) as well as when walking around a city,” said one tester. Another tester with chronic foot pain said she usually finds "no shoes comfortable to wear, but these are amazing."
All testers gave this pair high marks for comfort and fit. "The mesh material allows for a more breathable shoe, which is great for when I am using them for long distance walking," said one tester who wore this pair on multi-hour walks. Another tester even said, "My feet were never sore and I walked A LOT with these." This pair isn't suited for someone who prefers thick cushioning.
| Weight per shoe | 9.1oz |
|---|---|
| Heel drop | 12 mm |
2
Best Value
Under Armour Charged Assert 10
Pros
- Three widths and a variety of color options
- Affordable price
- Soft sock liner
Cons
- Some testers found the cushioning too firm
Most walking shoes retail for over $100, meanwhile this pair from Under Armour is about half that. It’s an extremely popular style with nearly 5,000 reviews on Amazon. Featuring a classic design, breathable knit upper and a soft sock liner, this pair is designed to be versatile enough for park strolls or fitness classes. We appreciate the three width options and the tons of colors to choose from, including neutrals, blues and purples.
Testers liked the thicker compression molded foam cushioning, but some found it too firm. “All the cushioning made my foot feel comfortable during casual wear — running errands and such,” reported one tester. He also said they’re “excellent shoes for standing at my standing desk for long periods of time."
| Weight per shoe | 9.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Heel drop | 10 mm |
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Pros
- Gel infused foam for better shock absorption
- Lightweight feel, according to testers
- Testers gave high marks for appearance
Cons
- Not designed for those who overpronate
In both our walking and running shoe tests, ASICS sneakers continue to be top performers. With ample cushioning, the foam is gel-infused for improved shock absorption. We love the addition of a padded back tab by the heel for extra comfort and ankle stability. Keep in mind this shoe isn’t designed for those who overpronate (meaning the foot rolls inward).
I found this pair just as comfortable out of the box as I did 10,000 steps later. I especially loved the lightweight feel and sleek design that paired beautifully with my activewear outfits, making this a great shoe to wear all day long.
Testers especially liked that these shoes were easy to slip on when heading out the door and they felt totally secure on walks. One tester said, "I love the cushioning and look of these sneakers.” Another added, "They are very lightweight given the amount of support they have."
| Weight per shoe | 9.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Heel drop | 8 mm |
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Pros
- Early meta stage rocker style to propel you forward
- Popular brand
- Testers gave this pair perfect scores for cushioning
Cons
- Some testers reported that the thicker cushioning felt unstable at times
HOKA is synonymous with comfortable cushioning — and for good reason. The brand’s signature cushioning is extremely popular among our testers and for helping to alleviate joint pain for comfortable walking mile after mile. The CMEVA foam and early meta stage rocker design helps propel you forward and maintain a responsive toe-off on walks and runs.
"They felt immediately comfortable from the first wear," said one tester. He added that they "don't flare up my plantar fasciitis and my feet feel actively supported during long periods of exercise."
Testers gave this pair perfect scores for comfortable cushioning with many saying this is their new go-to pair. One GH Institute analyst wears this pairs regularly on walks because of how well the shoes cushion and support her feet. “These shoes put a spring in my step,” said one tester who wore this pair on treadmill and road walks.
After interviewing dozens of walkers, HOKA was one of the most popular brands with survey respondents loving the plush cushioning, although some wished the shoes felt more stable and weren't so pricey.
| Weight per shoe | 8.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Heel drop | 5 mm |
Pros
- Easy on and off
- Sleek design
- Flexible sole
Cons
- Less supportive if you have foot pain
Stay light on your feet with this pair from On Running. You can choose between traditional and stretchy laces to easily slip them on when heading out the door. Designed for soft landings without a bulky foam midsole, this pair uses the brand’s CloudTec cushioning.
I appreciated that this shoe was instantly comfy out of the box. I wore it on long walks around my neighborhood and was impressed how comfortable it was with such a sleek, minimal design. We also tested the waterproof version of this shoe, which testers liked to wear in rainy weather, but sais it wasn’t as breathable.
Testers reported that this pair is easy to put on with multiple testers who highlighted the lightweight feel. "I like the flexible design of the sole, [which] allows the shoe to be a bit more responsive to whatever is underfoot," said one tester. He added, "They have a great look to them and feel very sturdy on my foot!" Some testers noted that because they're so flexible, they weren't supportive enough for their needs.
Another tester said, “The shoes are impressively lightweight and I thought they wouldn't offer enough support, but they were surprisingly comfortable.” I personally don't love the appearance of these shoes on my feet, but testers mostly liked their look.
| Weight per shoe | 8.8 oz |
|---|---|
| Heel drop | 7 mm |
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6
Best Female Specific Fit
Ryka Womens Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe
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Pros
- High scores for cushioning and support from testers
- Segmented outsole for improved traction
- Soft cushioning
Cons
- Foam didn't appear durable, according to podiatrists
Ryka shoes are designed using exclusively female foot models to ensure a proper fit for women walkers. This pair features a segmented outsole for improved traction on different types of terrain, even gym flooring,. When podiatrists evaluated this shoe, they noted that this pair is great for walking because it offers good mobility with soft cushioning, but one said the foam didn't appear as durable as other styles.
Testers gave this pair perfect scores for cushioning and support. One tester was especially impressed with "how lightweight and breathable these were," while another called them "sleek [and] stylish." One tester said wearing these shoes was akin to "walking on clouds."
| Weight per shoe | 8.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Heel drop | 11 mm |
7
Best for Wide Feet
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V13 Running Shoe
Pros
- Wide and extra-wide size options
- Stretchy, breathable knit upper
- Testers gave this pair perfect scores for fit, comfort and cushioning
Cons
- Some testers gave lower appearance scores for looking clunky
Avoid a cramped toe box by opting for wide shoes. This New Balance pair is available in wide and extra-wide sizing to prevent any crowding. Plus, they feature a stretchy knit upper that helps avoid pinching around bunions.
I have tested a few different New Balance sneakers and this pair has the thickest cushioning out of the lot. When wearing this pair, I feel like I have a spring in my step, propelling me forward for easy walking. However, I prefer the look of my other sneakers as these look a bit clunky, and several testers agreed.
Giving this pair perfect scores for fit, comfort and cushioning, testers logged over 60 hours walking in these sneakers. "I find myself reaching for this pair over all of my other running and walking shoes whenever I leave my home," reported one tester. "I felt like it gave me a boost on long walks and hill work," said another tester. "My feet felt less tired and it definitely gives a spring to the step." Another called them "very lightweight and breathable."
| Weight per shoe | 9.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Heel drop | 6 mm |
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8
Best for Fitness Walkers
ALTRA VIA Olympus 2 Road Running Shoe
Pros
- Design mimics your foot's natural shape
- Plush, soft cushioning
- Rocker design propels you forward
Cons
- Heavier
If you're a fitness walker who wants to invest in a pair of comfortable shoes, these Altra sneakers are worth checking out. When I evaluated these sneakers in the Lab, I immediately noticed their' unique shape; these shoes are designed to mimic your foot's natural shape to prevent any pinching or crowding in the toe box.
The rocker design is ideal for walkers as it helps propel you forward. This style has thicker, lightweight cushioning compared to Altra's other offerings with the brand's classic zero heel drop design.
"I really like the natural toe-box shape which helps a lot to let my foot relax and push off my toe," said one tester. Another added, "They are extremely comfortable and cushion my feet." She even said, "I do not have pain with them at the end of 12 hours, which can happen with other shoes I wear."
All testers gave high marks for comfort and many noted that the foam felt soft, but some didn't like the appearance. Plus, at 9.6 oz, the shoes is on the heavy side.
| Weight per shoe | 9.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Heel drop | 0 mm |
Pros
- Hands-free to put on
- Testers liked the convenient easy-on/off design
- Classic gender-neutral design
Cons
- Not very supportive
Kizik designs slip-on sneakers that are completely hands-free, ideal for anyone with mobility concerns. They feature the brand's signature flexible silicone cage on the heel that bounces back into place after you step into the shoe. This gender-neutral sneaker is available in a wide range of sizes with five color options.
All testers applauded how easy this pair is to put on and take off. "You really can just jump into them," reported one tester. "It's very convenient for when I realize I only have a minute to run to the school and pick up my daughter." Another tester with Parkinson's told us that Kizik sneakers are easier for him to get on than any of his other shoes.
"They fit me well and are comfortable for long walks," said one tester and another added, "They're also very comfortable, like walking on clouds." Some testers noted that this pair isn't as supportive as their usual sneakers, so they don't recommend wearing these while running.
| Weight per shoe | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Heel drop | Not listed |
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10
Best for Plantar Fasciitis
Brooks Glycerin 21 Neutral Running Shoe
Pros
- Excellent arch support
- Soft, plush cushioning
- Testers found them comfortable even after wearing them all day
Cons
- Lower appearance scores with one tester saying they looked "bulky"
Anyone with plantar fasciitis knows the difficulty of finding a truly comfortable shoe that supports your arches and reduces heel pain. This pair from Brooks came out on top among our testers with plantar fasciitis for offering excellent arch support and stability. While some Brooks shoes are firmer, this pair has soft, thick cushioning for a cloud-like feel with neutral support.
"The plush cushioning immediately felt comfortable from when I first put them on," said one tester after wearing this pair for over 50 hours. "They haven’t flared up my plantar fasciitis at all, even after many hours of wear and several miles." He even added, "On the days I wear this pair, my feet feel so much more comfortable by the end of the day."
While testers applauded the pair's comfortable feel, they received lower appearance scores and one said they looked "bulky."
| Weight per shoe | 9.8 oz |
|---|---|
| Heel drop | 10 mm |
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Pros
- Carbon fiber plate
- Responsive foam
- Breathable mesh upper
Cons
- No wide width option
If you're lacing up your shoes for a 10+ mile walk, make sure you have a pair that'll support your feet and feel responsive after long distances — like this Saucony pick. The responsive foam and carbon plate in the midsole helps return energy to your feet while propelling you forward, especially important when covering longer distances. This new launch is currently available in only limited sizing and colors with no wide widths.
"I liked the stability of the sneakers and they felt very supportive while running," reported one tester after wearing this pair on both walks and runs. "I also enjoyed the lightweight mesh fabric and how the tongue was attached to the body of the sneaker and wasn't a separate piece."
All testers agreed that this pair had an attractive design with ample cushioning that stayed in good condition after multiple runs. "I love how lightweight the shoes are; they feel like air," said one tester who especially liked wearing this pair when sprinting. "The strong mesh upper allows my feet to breathe easily."
| Weight per shoe | 7.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Heel drop | 8mm |
Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
