22 Best Walking Shoes, According to Podiatrists and Editors

Whether you’re running errands, taking long strolls, or standing all day.

If you’re a daily walker, frequent 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 and physical therapists, and dug through road-tested SELF Sneaker Award winners from past years to find the absolute best, comfiest footwear for all walks (heh) of life.

Our top picks

Best Overall: Hoka Bondi 8
Best Budget Pick: Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoe
Best for Maximum Cushioning: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14
Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru FLEX Via
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: Merrell Moab 3 Mid

How we chose the best walking shoes

It’s one thing to find a pair of shoes that look nice, but it’s another to find one that delivers the best strolling experience. Here are the key features we considered when making our selection.

Shock absorption: A shoe that cushions the impact of your steps (say, with a thick sole or foam padding) can reduce your risk of foot, ankle, and knee pain, Jossie Abraham, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at Hartford HealthCare Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut, tells SELF.
Support: 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.
Overall comfort: A good walking shoe should be built for regular use and feel good, even during long periods of wear. It should be breathable and at least somewhat flexible, and it should fit your foot correctly (more on that below).

What should you look for in a walking shoe?

In addition to the key features we mentioned earlier, It’s also important that your walking shoe of choice fits your foot’s length and width (check out SELF’s sneaker buying guide for detailed tips on how to find the best size). 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.

One important note as you select your size: Foot size can change as you age. “You would be surprised at how many people come to see me with toe pain and their shoes are too small!” Alicia Canzanese, DPM, ATC, a board-certified podiatrist, athletic trainer, and former collegiate track athlete, tells SELF. “If it’s been more than five years since you have taken the time to measure your feet, get your feet measured and sized. Many local running shoe stores (or your podiatrist’s office) will do this for you. Most retail stores like Dick’s will still have a Brannock device (the name of your traditional shoe size you step on) hiding somewhere, too.”

Rule of thumb: When you’re standing in your new shoe, there should be about the length of your thumbnail between the tip of your longest toe and the front of your shoe, says Dr. Canzanese.

Don’t just stand up in the shoes to do the thumbnail test though—you want to perform the specific activity you’re buying the shoes for, so walk around for a while. “Sometimes an option will feel perfect standing,” Kate Reese, general manager of Brooklyn Running Company, previously told SELF, but will later reveal deficiencies or fit issues after a few minutes of activity.

Dr. Abraham says you’ll also want to consider shoes with a mesh upper, which tends to be stretchier (they’re also more breathable compared to ones made of 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. If you’re struggling to find shoes with enough built-in arch support, or you have high arches or plantar fasciitis, putting over-the-counter or custom orthotics in your shoes can amp up the stability.

Consider how you feel after using the shoe, too. Even if a shoe feels good initially, if you find that your feet, knees, hips, or back are sore after standing or walking all day, your shoes are probably not providing ample support. Look out for hot spots, blisters, or cramped, bruised toes, too. These issues are signs that you either need a different fit that won’t cause chafing, or bigger or wider shoes.

Shop 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 editor-tested and expert-approved pairs.

Best Overall: Hoka Bondi 8

Pros

Well-cushioned
Good for walking and standing all day
Wide and supportive base

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. “Since I’ve started living in my Bondi 8s, I no longer feel the foot and calf pain that slowed me down in my old sneakers,” says one writer who reviewed the Hoka Bondi 8s for SELF. “I can run around without feeling the impact on my knees, making my favorite activities more enjoyable.”

One note: With the sole’s chunkiness, you might not want to wear them for activities where agility is your top priority. However, the Bondi isn’t especially heavy (“despite how bulky the shoe looks, it feels shockingly lightweight,” our reviewer says) and its breathable mesh upper encourages airflow, so your feet won’t feel fatigued or sweaty, even after long stints of standing and walking. Another SELF tester even took their pair for a spin at a four-hour concert with no complaints.

Original photo by SELF contributor Esther Carlstone

Original photo by SELF writer Esther Carlstone

Best Budget: Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoe

Ryka

Devotion X Walking Shoe

Pros

Great cushioning
Relatively affordable

Cons

Some reviewers say the shoe lacks durability

The four-layer, shock-absorbing sole on these Ryka sneakers will keep your feet happy for less than most other options on this list. APMA-approved, the Devotion X is designed specifically for a woman’s foot, and provides solid arch support, an extra padded heel, and a rocker-bottom to help naturally propel you forward as you walk.

SELF’s senior commerce editor loves the Devotion X’s marshmallow-y cushioning: “These are by far the softest, most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever worn—it’s like walking on air,” she says. “Plus, I have wide feet and the medium width fits me perfectly, with plenty of room in the toe box. Nice and roomy!”

Amazon reviewers are fans, too: “LOVE LOVE LOVE this particular style from Ryka. …this one has a very cushioned outsole,” one wrote. “I have super ornery feet and usually they are hurting by the end of the day, but I can wear these all day.”

Original photo by SELF editor Sarah Felbin

Best for High Arches: Vionic Walk Strider Sneaker

Vionic

Walk Strider Sneaker

Pros

Provides ample, but flexible, mid-foot support
Helps with overpronation

Cons

The Walk Strider, which won a Seal of Acceptance from the APMA, has all the features you could want for arch support and overall comfort. High-rebound cushioning in the sole pairs with anti-roll and lateral rigidity to offer a springy but stable ride, and the flexible, lightweight insole provides lift without feeling too hard on the foot.

“Even though I have high arches, I shy away from shoes that tout their ‘arch support’ because, more often than not, the insole’s crest hits at an uncomfortable part of my foot,” says SELF’s commerce director. “The Vionic’s instep, however, is just right. When wearing these sneakers, my feet feel held in a neutral position, helping me avoid over-pronation.”

Image may contain Clothing Footwear Shoe Sneaker and Person

Image may contain Clothing Footwear Shoe and Sneaker

Best for City Walking: Dr. Scholl’s Hannah Retro Sneaker

Dr Scholl’s

Hannah Retro Sneaker

Pros

Cute retro design
Springy foam insole
Bendy outsole moves with your foot

Cons

Runs on the small side
Not available in wide width

If you’ve filed Dr. Scholl’s away in your brain as a fuddy-duddy maker of orthotics, you’re seriously missing out. The brand’s current roster of shoes—including sneakers, loafers, wedges, boots, and more—are as cute and trendy as they are comfortable. (And that’s really saying something: Dr. Scholl’s was created by a podiatrist, after all.)

The Hannah Retro sneaker features what Dr. Scholl’s calls its “BLOOM” insole—a springy, cushy footbed made from plant-based EVA foam. “After falling in love with Dr. Scholl’s platform Time Off sneaker, I clambered to try as many shoes featuring the same padded insole as I could,” says SELF’s commerce director. “The Hannah Retro quickly stole my heart with its bouncy step and ‘80s-track-inspired aesthetic. It looks great with jeans, skirts, and athleisure and feels on-trend strutting about New York City.”

Image may contain Clothing Footwear Shoe Sneaker Grass and Plant

Best Walking Sandals: Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals

Pros

Sturdy and supportive
Easy to adjust

Cons

May feel too firm for some people

With an “ugly cool” gorpcore aesthetic—and a stamp of approval by the APMA—there’s plenty to love about this walking sandal from Chaco. Physical therapist Nick Cutri, PT, DPT, CSCS, specifically called out the sturdy arch support in its contoured footbed when he previously recommended it to SELF. Our senior commerce writer also swears by them for warm weather walks—in fact, they’re the only sandals she’s willingly to wear. “They don’t feel foamy or squishy, but that’s not to say they’re rock-hard, either,” she writes in her review. “The Z/1’s insole has some give to help absorb the impact of my footsteps, and it’s flexible enough to bend with my foot while I walk. It’s undeniably sturdy (and, at 11 ounces per shoe, pretty heavy) for a sandal, but I like how substantial it is.”

If you like your sandals to feel plush, the Z1 Classic may be a little firm or rigid for your liking, but it’s built to last. Case in point: “As a teenage camp counselor, these were my go-to sandals and I still have the same rugged pair a decade later,” another SELF tester says. “They are extremely durable and the sole has a hefty weight to it, which is helpful for walking in water. They never gave me blisters, but did give me some gnarly tan lines.”

Foot tan aside, the Z1’s straps earned points from Dr. Cutri, who appreciated their adjustable design—you can wear this sandal just about anywhere (including through water and over rocky paths) and trust that it’ll stay securely on your foot.

Original image by SELF senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin

Have more specific needs, like a shoe to relieve plantar fasciitis pain or boots that can stand up to rugged terrain? Check out the top-rated walking shoes below.

Best for Flat Feet: Hoka Arahi 7

Pros

Very supportive
Lightweight

Cons

Less cushioning
Some reviewers find the Arahi 7 stiffer than previous models

It isn’t just the Bondi that has podiatric bona fides: Most pairs of Hokas are approved by the APMA, including the Arahi 7, which is an excellent shoe for walkers with flat feet. It’s designed to prevent overpronation (a common issue for folks with lower or collapsed arches in which their feet tend to roll inward). It lacks some of the cushioning you’ll find in other Hokas, but that helps keep it nice and lightweight, as well as stable.

One thing to keep in mind when selecting your size: In our testers’ experience, the shoes run a little big.

Maximum Cushioning: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14

New Balance

Fresh Foam X 880v14

Pros

Thick, cloud-like sole,
Airy, lightweight feel

Cons

New Balance’s Fresh Foam line is known and loved for its bouncy soles, which are extra thick at the heel to ensure serious shock absorption and springy energy return, whether you’re strolling or picking up the pace. The upper is stretchy and breathable, and there’s no break-in period, per one Zappos reviewer.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru FLEX Via

Pros

Designed specifically to prevent plantar fasciitis and heel pain

Cons

May not work well for wide feet

Thanks to its heel-cradling design and impact-absorbing cushion, the Kuru FLEX Via may help ease foot pain, including the stabbing sensation in the heel that comes with plantar fasciitis. Another helpful feature is its impressive, dual-density arch support, built to keep your feet stable and comfy all day long. What’s more, it has a sectioned, grooved sole that provides a super flexible feel and effortless roll from heel to toe as you walk.

Reviewers appreciate that the FLEX Via has a supportive design without the look of a typical orthopedic shoe. Per one reviewer who has a horse farm and spends a lot of time on their feet, “these sneakers are a game changer.”

Best for Wide Feet: Altra Paradigm 7

Pros

Wide toe box
Plush cushioning
Stabilizing design

Cons

Zero heel-to-toe drop may not feel good for all walkers

Altras are known for two things: wide toe boxes that allow your feet to fully spread out, and zero drop, which means the heel and toe of the shoe are at the same height. The former will likely make these a great fit for folks with wider feet, while the latter is polarizing—you’ll either love the feeling (more like bare-foot walking) or hate it. “I have bunions and generally need to wear shoes with lots of cushion,” wrote one REI reviewer. “My podiatrist recommended this brand and model and I find that I don’t need to put my orthotics in them and don’t experience pain in my feet.”

Best for Narrow Feet: Nike Invincible 3

Pros

Highly cushioned
Breathable

Cons

Some reviewers report issues with durability

The Nike Invincible 3 won a 2023 Sneaker Award for Best Everyday Runner, and we think it would make an excellent everyday walker too, particularly for anyone with narrow feet. Nike shoes typically run slim, and these are no exception. The Invincible 3 is one of Nike’s most cushioned road runners, which means it will also keep your feet happy over miles of hoofing it. Our tester loved the plush yet responsive foam. The waffle outsole provides traction while the knit upper creates an airy, breathable feel.

Best Minimalist Walking Shoe: Adidas Ultraboost 1.0

Pros

Lightweight
Breathable
Flexible fit and feel
Responsive

Cons

Might not offer enough support or cushioning for some

Ultraboosts have long been a favorite of shoppers for their sleek, minimalist look, springy feel, lightweight upper, and overall comfort without the clunkiness of many super-padded walking shoes. A snug but stretchy recycled yarn upper hugs the feet and the molded heel counter helps prevent shifting.

“I work at a nursing home and these shoes are very comfortable,” wrote one Adidas reviewer. Another added that the Ultraboosts are “the most comfortable shoe” they own. “I work on my feet for 10 hours a day and it feels like I’m walking on clouds!”

Best for Travel: Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoe

Hoka

Clifton 9 Running Shoe

Pros

Cons

Sizing may be inconsistent (according to reviewers)

Released early last year, the Clifton 9 is yet another plush offering from Hoka, but it’s slimmer and lighter-weight than other models and previous iterations of the Clifton. The streamlined construction makes it one of the best shoes for traveling, with a breathable, lightweight design that won’t weigh you down during long walks through a new city (or your own neighborhood, if you don’t have a trip on the books). SELF’s executive editor noted that the Clifton 9 didn’t exacerbate her plantar fasciitis at all, even after walking all over New York City.

Best Hiking Sandals: Keen Newport H2 Sandal

Pros

Protective
Lots of traction

Cons

Not as adjustable as other hiking sandals

A good hiking sandal should be protective yet breathable, and the highly durable Keen Newport H2 strikes that balance. This shoe keeps you safe from roots and pebbles with a tough rubber toe cap; dries quickly after water crossings; and, perhaps most importantly, supports your feet with a comfy, molded insole and a high-traction rubber outsole. Though it doesn’t have as much adjustability as our fave Chaco, it features a bungee strap down the center of the foot that you can cinch. It’s also a high-quality option to slip on for day-to-day excursions: Travel photographer Kathryn Cooper previously told SELF that she’ll wear her pair “to the supermarket and on six-mile day hikes.”

Best for Long Distances: Asics GT-1000 12

Pros

Long-term comfort right out of the box
Supportive

Cons

This SELF Sneaker Award-winner stood out to our testers because it was lightweight yet well-cushioned, springy, and incredibly supportive—even when they were on their feet for hours at a time. None experienced any discomfort from chafing or blisters by the end of the day, and one tester even noticed that the GT-1000 12 molded to their foot with just a couple of wears (keep in mind that some online reviewers found that it ran a little narrow). The foam midsole adds to the support our testers loved, and provides a nice amount of padding. If you need a pair of walking shoes for all-day comfort, this is it.

Best for Spending All Day on Your Feet: Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0

Skechers

Max Cushioning Elite 2.0

Pros

Well-cushioned
Long-term comfort

Cons

One SELF Sneaker Award tester wrote that their Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0s provided “outstanding arch support” and kept their “arthritic knees cushioned and feeling amazing all day.” They also noted the ample padding throughout the shoe, which gives the sole a bit of lift (especially at the heel). This added height initially made another tester worry that her ankle would roll while wearing the Elite, but she found it to be secure and easy to wear for long periods of time. Not only is this a great shoe for standing—it’s also equipped with a moderate rocker sole to keep your momentum going when you’re on the move.

Best Waterproof Walking Shoes: Merrell Bravada 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Merrell

Bravada 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Pros

Lightweight and flexible, plenty of traction

Cons

Requires a break-in period

SELF previously deemed this sneaker-trail shoe hybrid one of the best waterproof walking shoes. The Merrell Bravada 2 is flexible and snug-fitting like a running shoe, but rugged like a hiking shoe (the sole’s rock plate protects your feet from hard, uneven terrain, while the ankle cuff provides light support). And, most importantly, it’s ready for the elements with a sealed waterproof internal membrane and grippy outsole. The Bravada 2 may feel tight or cause blisters at first, so give yourself a few wears before taking it out on a longer journey.

Best Casual Walking Shoes: Reebok Club C 85 Walking Shoe

Reebok

Club C 85 Walking Shoe

Pros

Cons

Not suited for extra-long distances

Years after taking home a SELF Sneaker Award, these classic-cool Reeboks remain a top-rated pick for short walks, running errands, and everyday wear. The shoe’s simple, timeless design has a cushy midsole that’ll pad your steps without feeling clunky. While we wouldn’t recommend these white sneakers for especially long or off-road walks, you can expect them to last a long time when you wear them for casual outings. (BTW, the sturdy leather upper softens with wear to get even more comfortable over time.)

Best for Overpronation: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe

Brooks

Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe

Pros

Stabilizing design
Well-cushioned

Cons

If you tend to overpronate when you walk, which, again, is when your foot rolls inward as you step, Dr. Abraham recommends this breathable, supportive sneaker from Brooks. SELF’s director of fitness and food has logged hundreds of miles in her pair, and calls the Adrenaline GTS 23 “a legit savior” for her feet and legs. “I’m an overpronator, and if I’m not careful about my shoe choice, I way-too-frequently end up sidelined with some annoying lower leg injuries.” She also finds that the shoe’s stability GuideRails (which are essentially two lines of firm foam that run along either side of the heel) help reduce excess motion while she’s on the move. “And,” she concludes, “I love its light, moderate cushioning that’s comfy without being too much.”

Best for Trails: Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Running Shoes

Nike

Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Running Shoes

Pros

Versatile and comfortable

Cons

Not suited for especially rocky or technical terrain

Nike’s Pegasus 4 has the versatility to carry you over leisurely trails and feel good on your feet when you return to civilization. That ability to perform well and look equally at-home on- or off-road is why it won a SELF Sneaker Award last year and continues to be a popular pick today. “I bought them for hilly and rocky terrain, but [they] can be used for walking and running on flat surfaces too,” one regular wearer tells SELF. The Pegasus 4 also earned high praise from SELF’s testers for its grippy sole, reliable (and breathable!) waterproofing, and cute design (one person mentioned getting lots of compliments while out and about). If you’re planning on checking off longer or more technical treks, a hiking boot is probably your best bet, but if you don’t need a ton of support and protection on your outdoor walks, a hiking sneaker or trail running shoe like Nike’s will do just fine.

Best Hiking Boot: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots

Merrell

Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots

Pros

Very comfortable
Durable
Protective

Cons

Most suitable for rugged trails—will feel too heavy on easy or paved paths

As we mentioned above, if you’re embarking on a steeper, rockier, or more difficult hike, you’ll need to level up from a shoe to a boot—and the Moab 3 is an exceptional choice. This crowd-pleasing hiker is highly recommended by outdoor experts for its rugged feel and versatility. “[The Moab is] extremely comfortable regardless of terrain and length of hike,” Myriam Bishop, a backpacking guide for Wildland Trekking Company, previously told SELF. It helps you maintain your footing, it protects your toes and heel, and supports your ankle with a mid-height shaft. If you want to get back to nature without worrying about blisters, chafing, or pain underfoot, the Moab 3 is a great pick.

Best for Sweaty Feet: On Cloud 5 Running Shoe

Pros

Cons

On makes some seriously springy walking shoes, and the popular Cloud 5 sneaker is no exception, thanks to its lightweight cushioning. Its upper is made of antimicrobial, breathable mesh, which makes it a great option for the warmer months or anyone with sweaty feet. The Cloud 5 is also a solid pick if you need a go-to shoe for long travel days—it’s light enough to pack away, available in plenty of cute colorways that’ll match a range of outfits, and easy to slip on for long days of sightseeing. A heads up before you order: On sneakers, including this style, tend to run small.

Best for Pregnancy: Allbirds Tree Loungers

Pros

Cons

Not especially supportive

Experts recommend that pregnant people look for breathable, flexible walking shoes that aren’t a chore to put on (because as your pregnancy progresses, you might not want to bend down to tie a bunch of laces). Allbirds’s machine washable Tree Lounger checks all those boxes. “I needed something to wear around the house to support my feet during pregnancy. These are perfect,” one reviewer wrote. “They are lightweight and breathable and provide the support I need.” (That said, you don’t have to be pregnant to enjoy this comfy-casual slip-on.) This type of footwear might not be as secure and supportive as you may prefer for longer walks, but it’s an easy-breezy option when you just want something comfy.

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