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The Best Walking Shoes for All-Day Comfort
- 1/22
The Best Walking Shoes for All-Day Comfort
Like a trusty work heel that you can actually commute in, a does-it-all pair of comfortable walking shoes is a necessary element of any hard-working wardrobe. Whether you’re standing on your feet all day for work, want something lightweight for your travels, or simply need an everyday pair of reliable shoes, it’s critical to support your feet with proper footwear no matter what your age.
According to Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Society, the ideal sneakers should tick off the following boxes: arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption. “These qualities are found in ‘good for you’ shoes,” says the board-certified podiatrist. Plus, a good fit can help stave off knee pain and lower-back pain.
And what about those common (and pesky) foot concerns? “People with flat feet need a bit more structure, stability, and support, while people with high arches need more padding and cushioning,” advises Sutera. For bunions, “avoid stiff, pointy, and narrow toe boxes. Go up in width, if necessary. Any shoes that can accommodate delicate areas and are adjustable are a plus.”
Just as you'd pick out a sports bra or beach water shoes, keep the activity in mind when selecting your footwear, as each style is specifically designed to aid and enhance your foot’s movement. And because we know you’re wondering: Running shoes can certainly be used for walking (but not vice versa). Running and walking shoes are both made for “forward motion,” says Sutera.
Without further ado, here are the most comfortable walking shoes to fit your active lifestyle, featuring tried-and-true brands like Skechers, Nike, and Hoka. Goodbye, foot fatigue!
- Best Overall Walking Shoes: Vionic Walker Classic
- Best Walking Shoes for Everyday: New Balance WW840V3 Walking Sneakers
- Best Slip-On Walking Shoes: Skechers Go Joy Walking Shoe
- Best Value Walking Shoes: TIOSEBON Athletic Walking Shoes
- Best Run to Walk Sneakers: Hoka Clifton 8 Sneakers
- Best Walking Shoes for Wide Feet: Easy Spirit Romy Sneakers
- Best Walking Shoes for Travel: Allbirds Tree Skippers
Getty Images - 2/22
Go Joy Walking Shoe
Skechers
amazon.com
$48.71
With more than 51,000 reviews on Amazon, this lightweight slip-on (also available in narrow and wide fit) is a bestseller for a reason. Designed specifically for walking, the shoes feature a high rebound insole and ample cushioning to help you hit your stride. Get going!
amazon.com - 3/22
Cotu White Classic Sneaker
Superga
amazon.com
$65.00
Step up your sneaker game with these classic white kicks from Superga. The canvas shoes are a favorite of Kate Middleton, who has been spotted wearing them on several occasions, including a visit to Canada, the London Marathon, and the Chelsea Flower Show.
Amazon - 4/22
Athletic Walking Shoes
Tiosebon
amazon.com
$33.14
Meet one of the top-selling walking shoes on Amazon. Customers agree that the breathable mesh upper and flexible rubber sole are a winning combination. It also comes in a plethora of fun colors so you can take your pick.
amazon.com - 5/22
Wander Up Sneaker
Dr. Scholl’s Shoes
amazon.com
$58.01
You can’t go wrong with a versatile black slip-on sneaker, especially when it features cool-fit memory foam and flexible elastic gore panels.
amazon.com - 6/22
Free Run 5.0 Shoes
nike
nike.com
$100.00
Constructed in a lightweight foam for a flexible, barely-there feeling, the sock-like fit is made to transition between running and walking.
nike.com - 7/22
The Sneaker
Rothy's
rothys.com
$125.00
Skip the “breaking in” phase of shoe-wearing with these fun printed slip-ons. This sustainably made (and washable) knit style is good-to-go straight from the box. PS: Meghan Markle is a fan of the brand.
rothys.com - 8/22
Walker Classic
Vionic
vionicshoes.com
$109.95
Boasting a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), this customer favorite walking shoe features a removable orthotic and a cushioned outsole.
vionicshoes.com - 9/22
Romy Sneaker
Easy Spirit
amazon.com
$53.94
Comfort shoe brand Easy Spirit offers a selection of walking shoes and one its most popular styles is this sneaker. Available in a plethora of colors and widths (even for extra wide feet), they are extra supportive thanks to the removable cushioned liner, padded collar, and durable outsole.
amazon.com - 10/22
Tree Skippers
Allbirds
allbirds.com
$100.00
Looking for a sustainable brand? Allbirds sneakers are made from sugar, wool, and fibers sourced from trees. Ever functional, this low-profile, flexible pair is ideal for warmer weather and is perfect for travel when you need something light (and machine washable).
allbirds.com - 11/22
Addiction™ Walker V-Strap 2
Brooks
zappos.com
$129.95
For the moments you don't feel like lacing up, opt for a style with tab closures. This leather Brooks design has arch support for stability and a removable insole to accommodate orthotics.
zappos.com - 12/22
Echo Knit Slip-on Sneakers
Ryka
zappos.com
$89.94
It doesn't get easier than this knit slip-on pair (also available in wide), which conceals an insole with ample arch and heel support. Plus, the bottoms are grooved for extra traction so you can take your walk worry-free.
zappos.com - 13/22
Women's Clifton 8
Hoka
hoka.com
$140.00
Hoka's lightweight running sneakers are just as suitable for walking both short and long distances. This pair, which has been approved by podiatrists for foot health, features a compression molded midsole for cushioning.
hoka.com - 14/22
Jupiter Slip-On Sneaker
BZees
nordstrom.com
$85.00
Think of these like a Mary Jane flat-meets-sneaker hybrid. The stretchy strap keeps your foot secure, while a memory foam footbed with arch support provides relief.
nordstrom.com - 15/22
WW840V3 Walking Sneakers
New Balance
newbalance.com
$129.99
With a chunky durable outsole, these New Balance kicks are designed specifically for walking on various surfaces. The breathable upper and cushioned insole will keep your feet satisfied all day.
newbalance.com - 16/22
Cloud Sneaker
On
on-running.com
$129.99
Swiss brand On is known for its sleek performance footwear, such as their signature Cloud design. With the lightweight foam for a cushioned landing and a molded heel cup for secure fit, these trainers are just as suitable for running as they are all-day walking.
on-running.com - 17/22
Walking Sneaker
Rockport
nordstrom.com
$110.00
Stay on the move in these side zip sneakers with shock absorption and a cushioned footbed with arch support.
nordstrom.com - 18/22
Maison EMOVE Walking Sandals
Easy Spirit
easyspirit.com
$79.00
If you prefer a pair of airy walking sandals for summer, try this floral style with adjustable straps (also available for wide feet). With a super cushiony footbed and shock absorption, it's suitable for your warm weather excursions.
easyspirit.com - 19/22
Kickoff Trainers in Colorblock Leather
Madewell
madewell.com
$98.00
And now, for an old-school look infused with all the modern technology to support your feet. This sustainable shoe is made with recycled cotton and leather, and features Madewell’s super-cushy Cloudlift insoles.
madewell.com - 20/22
Rally
FitFlop
zappos.com
$99.95
Lightweight and roomy (ideal for wide fit), these metallic sneakers have an ergonomic footbed that hugs your arches, as well as a slip-resistant bottom. Plus, the stylish metallic fabric will help you shine.
zappos.com - 21/22
Out N About™ Plus Lace
Sorel
zappos.com
$99.95
Don’t let rainy days stop your outdoor activities. Sorel’s waterproof lace sneakers, crafted in suede and breathable mesh, are built to keep you dry.
zappos.com - 22/22
Alpine Sneaker
Merrell
zappos.com
$89.95
These suede and nylon trainers give off major retro vibes. With their removable contoured footbed and a durable outsole for grippy traction, you’ll be walking the walk in no time.
zappos.com
