By Sara Coughlin and Sarah Madaus
If you’re a daily stroller, eager leaf peeper, constant errands runner, or somebody who just wants to be comfortable 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, running errands, or trying a new walking workout. We spoke with podiatrists to learn more about how a good walking shoe should fit and feel, then we rounded up the best options based on top expert picks, SELF-award-winning reviews, and top-rated shoe brands. Elastic Flats Shoes Quotes
Ideally a walking shoe should be built for regular use, with features to keep you comfortable even after long periods of wear. That’s why shock absorption is one of the first things you should look for, Jossie Abraham, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at Hartford HealthCare Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut, tells SELF. A shoe that cushions the impact of your steps will feel comfier and can also reduce your risk of foot, ankle, and knee pain, she says. In addition to a decent amount of padding, 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.
It’s also important that your walking shoe of choice fits your foot in terms of both length and width (check out SELF’s sneaker buying guide for detailed tips). According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, your shoes shouldn’t make your toes feel cramped or like they can’t wiggle. So people with wider feet, for example, should look for footwear that comes in multiple widths or has wider-set toe boxes. Dr. Abraham says you can also consider shoes with a mesh upper, which allows more space and breathability compared to 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 it’s high time to find some new sneaks that you’ll feel excited to lace up before walks, then take a look at some of the excellent pairs we’ve found. Below, we’ve included editor-approved sneakers, shoes for plantar fasciitis, pairs for folks with flat feet, cloudlike kicks that are well-suited for spending long hours standing, and even some sandals and trail shoes that fit the bill too.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Recommended by Dr. Abraham (and a 2023 Sneaker Award–winner, to boot), 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. Given that chunkiness, you might not want to wear them for activities where agility is your top priority. However, the Bondi isn’t especially heavy and its breathable mesh upper encourages airflow, so your feet won’t feel fatigued or sweaty, even after long stints of standing and walking. One SELF tester even took their pair for a spin at a four-hour concert with no complaints.
For a shoe with no break-in period that also won’t break the bank, try Ryka’s Sky Walk sneaker. Reviewers stated that it’s comfy and ready for long walks straight out of the box, without causing any blisters. Many also noted the shoe’s impressive fit: The heel feels secure; the forefoot doesn’t pinch; and the arch is supportive step after step (that said, some reviewers found that it ran a little small). It won’t provide the luxe, cushy feeling of a Hoka or have the grippy performance of a Merrell hiking shoe like the Bravada 2 below, but the Sky Walk will nonetheless stand up to lots of wear and keep your dogs from barking.
Most pairs of Hokas are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, or APMA, for supporting foot health. So it’s no surprise that Hoka makes an excellent shoe for walkers with flat feet. The Arahi 6 is designed to support without feeling overly stiff, so your foot remains secure, but can still bend and flex as needed. Given its more stable feel, it lacks some of the cushioning you’ll find in other Hokas, but that helps keep it nice and lightweight. Running experts have also recommended this model to SELF in the past, specifically because it also helps keep the ankle steady when on the move. One thing to keep in mind when selecting your size is that some reviewers noted that the Arahi 6 runs narrow.
With an “ugly cool” gorpcore design—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 (which is part of the naturally contoured footbed) when he previously recommended it to SELF. If you like your sandals to feel plush, the Z1 Classic may feel a little firm or rigid for your liking, but it’s built to last. Dr. Cutri also noted that it has a pleasantly minimalist, adjustable design, which allows you to wear the sandal just about anywhere: It’s quick-drying, so you can hit the beach, pool, or lake without worrying about soggy straps; it’s also sturdy, with a slightly lugged, high-traction sole, to help you safely traverse rocky paths.
Dr. Abraham recommends Vionic sneakers, and the water-repellent Walker Classic is a popular pick from the brand—especially among people who need ample arch support. “They are supportive in all the right ways for my high arches, plantar fasciitis, and lower back/hip issues,” one reviewer wrote. “I can walk my dogs now without my muscles tightening up from not being supported properly.” Others noted that the Walker Classic’s midfoot is on the firmer side, but that stiff, sturdy design further supported their arches over time. Its sole is removable, so it’s also a great option if you use orthotics.
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
In addition to winning the award for Best Road-Running Shoe in SELF's 2022 Sneaker Awards, the snug and supportive Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 is also one of our favorite overall walking shoes from New Balance. Its sole is loaded with foam and gets extra thick at the heel to ensure serious shock absorption and bounce, even when you’re picking up the pace. We also love its stretchy and breathable upper, as well as the medium-wide toe box—which should accommodate a variety of foot shapes, as well as those who deal with bunions. Please note that it may run large.
Don’t let its somewhat clunky look dissuade you: Thanks to its heel-cradling design with plenty of impact-absorbing cushion, the Kuru Quantum may help ease foot pain, including the stabbing sensation in the heel that comes with plantar fasciitis. Another helpful feature is its impressive arch support—the foam insole actually molds to the shape of your foot, for a completely custom fit. What’s more, it has a highly stable structure that won’t let your foot slip around or roll inward.
Released earlier this year, the Clifton 9 is yet another plush offering from Hoka, but it’s slimmer and lighter-weight than previous iterations (some reviewers note that it may run smaller than older Cliftons, too). The streamlined design makes one of the best shoes for traveling. That’s because this breathable, lightweight shoe will stay comfy and 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.
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
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 a 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.”
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 snug or cause blisters during the break-in period, so give yourself a few wears before taking it out on a longer journey.
Years after taking home a SELF Sneaker Award, this classic-cool Reebok sneaker remains a top-rated pick for short walks, running errands, and everyday wear. The shoe's simple, timeless design has a cushy EVA midsole that’ll pad your steps without feeling clunky. While we wouldn’t recommend the Club C 85 for especially long or off-road walks, you can expect it to last a long time when you wear it for casual outings. Plus, it never hurts to have a great pair of white sneakers on hand. (Btw, the sturdy leather upper gets satisfyingly softer with wear.)
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
If you tend to overpronate when you walk, which is when your foot rolls inward, Dr. Abraham recommends this breathable, supportive sneaker from Brooks. Its comfortable yet highly stable design minimizes the likelihood of your feet rolling. Plus, the thick, cushioned sole on the Adrenaline GTS 23 absorbs impact when walking, and its internal “GuideRails” (which are essentially two lines of firm foam that run along either side of the heel) are made to help reduce extra motion. All that cushioning and internal structure does add some weight to the shoe overall, and you may notice that it lacks some springiness.
A hiking boot is best for longer or more technical treks, but if you don’t need much protection a hiking sneaker can carry you over leisurely trails and feel good on your feet when you return to civilization. Nike’s Pegasus 4 has that level of versatility down pat, feeling equally comfortable on- and off-road—and that’s partly why it won a Sneaker Award this year. It 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).
Keen’s SELF Sneaker Award–winning hiking boot is a solid option for both newbies and more experienced hikers looking for a workhorse boot for the trails. It’s waterproof, supportive through the foot and the ankle, and outfitted with high-traction lugs along the sole. You won’t exactly feel light on your feet in the heavier Targhee III (one tester reported it felt clunky at first, until they found their rhythm), but you will feel safe from rocks and roots underfoot. Despite its heft, this boot is quite comfortable—it’s actually designed to have zero break-in period. Keen also makes a version of the Targhee III for wide feet.
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
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. 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.
This Sneaker Award-winner stood out (pun intended) because our SELF testers discovered 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 for your footsteps, too. If you need a pair of walking shoes for all-day comfort, this is it.
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 the 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 feel as secure and supportive as you may prefer for longer walks, but it’s an easy-breezy option when you just want something comfy.
Eva Sandals Factory SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.