We Tested a Bunch of Walking Shoes. These are the Best Pairs to Buy This Summer (2024)

Let's start with the most attractive thing about this shoe: the price point. At just £100, this is an entry-level shoe that offers tremendous value. If your primary need is a comfortable, supportive, durable, and cushioned walking shoe without breaking the bank, this is the one.

One noteworthy feature lies in the elevated midsole toward the centre, which boosts support and cushioning throughout impact points. While the lightweight foam in this shoe tends to be firm, resulting in a less plush ride, the addition of a small gel insert in the midsole makes for great impact absorption. This combination makes the shoe particularly well-suited for activities like daily walks, where maximum energy return isn't the primary focus.

Despite its focus on comfort, the Gel-Pulse 15 doesn't compromise on stability. Motion control is achieved through design elements including bumpers on the sides forming a heel cup to balance the foot during landing and takeoff. The rigid heel counter and sides provide further support, minimising excessive movement of the heel and ankle.

For casual walks and everyday wear, the Gel-Pulse 15's double-layered engineered mesh upper provides a comfortable fit, although it may not be the most breathable option for intense runs or hot weather. Nonetheless, the large, soft cushioned pads in the tongue and heel collar add to the overall comfort of the shoe.

Hoka is known for high-stack foam and cushioned rides, and the latest iteration of the Clifton doesn’t disappoint in providing both—each stride in them is a satisfyingly plush step.

'I come back to the Clifton every year because it's such a solid shoe. The 9 is a great example of this: It's cushioned, but not overly soft; it feels snappy off the road, but it's not an overpowering energy return for an everyday running shoe,' says Williams. 'I lace these up for everything from hard treadmill workouts to, yes, long walks.'

This shoe boasts a thoughtful balance of soft and light. In fact, at just under 9 ounces, it's one of the lightest shoes on this list. The brand's signature curved outer sole helps to rock you forward with each step, keeping you comfortable so you can enjoy walking more.

'The Hoka Clifton is back for its [ninth] edition and is lighter and softer than ever,' says Dr. Mendeszoon. 'The Clifton has a re-done upper and the same plush ride that we have come to expect from Hoka, which feels great underfoot when walking.'

Fashion meets functionality with this shoe. It showcases a stylish design while seamlessly integrating waterproof features, exceptional durability, and a rocker bottom that ensures a buttery-smooth walking experience. It not only performs well, but looks good doing it.

It's explicitly designed for outdoor activities, making it an ideal choice for those who do most of their walking in nature. Thanks to its waterproof attributes, my feet stay snug and dry, even in the face of challenging weather conditions. Whether I'm trudging through rain-soaked paths or navigating puddles, these shoes provide unwavering protection for my feet.

Let's talk Keen's newly patented 'constant curve' construction. This design is engineered to encourage a forward momentum to the wearer's stride, similar to most Hoka models. The rocker bottom facilitates a smooth transition from heel strike to toe-off, which Keen hopes can make walking a more enjoyable for wearers. Based on my personal experience with these shoes, I'd say they've succeeded. I find myself walking faster and expending less effort, especially during long or uphill walks.

Over the years, Asics has continually improved the Gel-Nimbus series, and the 26th version is a standout. The addition of new lightweight foam cushioning technology in the midsole provides a plush, protective, and soft ride that keeps your feet comfortable during long walks. They also offer excellent energy return and a pretty snappy feel, making them one of our favourite shoes to run in, too.

The highlight in this shoe, after all, is its maximum cushioning in the forefoot and rearfoot. Complemented by foam cushioning and a 10 mm heel drop that slightly pitches the foot forward, each step forward feels cushioned and propelled in these shoes.

The outsole of these shoes has been upgraded for improved durability, and I can attest that this pair lasted me longer than the 25s. Plus, the tread design provides a reliable grip, even in wet conditions.

The adjusted toe box offers more room than most neutral shoes, which is ideal for those who constantly feel like their toes are crammed while walking.

These shoes are classified as having neutral support, meaning they're ideal for individuals with a neutral gait. If you struggle with overpronation or adequate arch support, you can easily insert customised insoles in these for a perfect fit and added stability.

For peop[le like me who grapple with overpronation and the resulting knee pain, the Arahi 7 is a staple in the walking shoe rotation. It's designed for stability, but it doesn't compromise on serious cushioning. 'This shoe is a bit of a zebra,' as Mendeszoon puts it, meaning it's a rare find. It keeps my feet supported in the right position during each stride, much like a stability shoe, while also offering a high stack and a ton of cushioning.

The Arahi incorporates Hoka's J-Frame technology, which you can think of like supportive bumpers around the sides of your foot, to help guide your foot in a more efficient and stable way. It's called a 'J-Frame' because the shape of the support roughly resembles the letter 'J' and is particularly helpful for those who overpronate (roll their foot inward excessively) while walking or running.

Despite its maximalist appearance, the Arahi surprises me with a lightweight feel for its size. The upper materials make it a fairly breathable shoe, ensuring my feet stay cool and dry even in hot weather. The relatively wider toe box, at least for Hoka standards, accommodates those who need more room in the forefoot.

Plus, it boasts the seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association, indicating that a committee of discerning podiatrists rigorously tested and found that the design promotes good foot health.

Two defining features set Altra shoes apart: a roomy toe box and a zero-drop platform. This combination ensures an anatomic fit and promotes a natural gait. Your feet enjoy greater freedom to move naturally, allowing your toes to flex and bend as you walk, which encourages better biomechanics and can reduce strain on your foot's structures.

The Via Olympus 2 elevates comfort with its super pillowy midsole and updated, wide-base footbed. What makes this shoe stand out from other Altra shoes we love is its maximalist approach to cushioning. The midsole delivers an unexpected level of bounce, making the shoe feel lighter than its listed weight. It excels at providing maximum cushioning for my daily walks, ensuring each step is comfortable and well-supported.

If you're planning long walks, you'll appreciate how the shoe's roomy toe box accommodates the natural expansion that occurs during extended physical activity.

In the words of Mendeszoon, 'The Altra Via Olympus 2 combines an anatomical toe box with ample cushioning, making it a perfect choice for those who crave both comfort and space. It may take some time to get accustomed to its unique zero-drop, max cushioned design, but the benefits it offers for your feet are well worth it.'

Lightweight shoes for paved sidewalks and city walking? Yes, please. The Cloud X3 stands out with its flexible build and feather-light 243-gram weight. These trainers excel not only in walks but also look good for casual wearing.

The roomy toe box ensures your toes can splay naturally and comfortably, regardless of the walk's length. It's no surprise that the Cloud X3s are widely popular—they boast a sleek appearance and consistently deliver outstanding performance for all types of walking.

Despite the inclusion of bouncy Cloudtec cushioning, which consists of individual hollow chambers made of a special foam material, you'll notice that the shoe maintains a relatively firm feel. Don't anticipate the plushiness of a max cushioned trainer, but do expect these to adapt to your specific stride to provide a customised level of support.

The laces on this model do tend to run a little long, which is no biggie, but can be annoying for those with narrow feet like mine.

The star of the Glycerin 21 show is its super-soft foam cushioning and perfectly neutral fit. Mendeszoon highly recommends it for neutral gaits, and here's why.

This shoe falls into the neutral category because it doesn't rely on traditional stability methods. The sole maintains a wider profile, and the midfoot a reasonable width, contributing to a somewhat more stable platform by design.

Overall, the shoe delivers a highly neutral ride. It's not inherently unstable, but it doesn't provide substantial stability either. As a result, individuals who don't require extra stability, such as neutral runners, may find this shoe to be a good match.

The Brooks Glycerin series has been a consistent favourite among runners and walkers alike for over 20 years. Much like the Asics GEL-Nimbus, this shoe offers great cushioning, thanks to its nitrogen-infused, soft foam midsole. This material also makes for a fairly quick response, making your transition from ground contact to toe-off efficient and smooth.

It's also a very durable shoe. I've been walking and running 10-20 miles per week in these shoes for five months, and have yet to see any serious signs of degradation.

How We Selected

With the help of Bradley Schaeffer, DPM, and Mark J. Mendeszoon, DPM, we meticulously evaluated contenders based on factors such as fit, comfort, support, weight, and cushioning. Additionally, considerations such as price point were factored in, recognising that some walking shoes offer better overall value than others. Through rigorous testing and consultation with fitness and podiatry professionals, we've curated a selection of the best men's walking shoes, ranging from iconic straightforward classics to supremely cushioned options, ensuring that only the highest-quality products make it to this comprehensive guide.

What to Consider When Buying Walking Shoes

Whether you're a casual stroller, an avid walker, or a fitness enthusiast, finding the right pair of walking shoes is essential for optimal performance and foot health. Let's delve into the key factors to consider to help you make an informed decision.

Stability

Look for walking shoes with support and stability features labeled for your specific foot type. 'Consider your foot type and [walking] gait,' Schaeffer advises. 'The goal is to keep your lower body in alignment as much as possible.' Features such as a firm heel counter, a supportive midsole, and a secure lacing system can provide the stability you need for comfortable walking and to keep your feet properly aligned.

If the shoe itself doesn’t offer enough support, Schaeffer recommends adding an insert.

Cushioning

'Cushioning absorbs shock and helps to avoid tissue irritation and damage,' explains Schaeffer. It's important to choose walking shoes with sufficient cushioning to absorb impact and shock with each step. Look for shoes with cushioned insoles and midsoles made from materials like foam or gel to ensure a comfortable walking experience, especially for longer walks or on hard surfaces.

Decide if you prefer soft cushioning for impact absorption and comfort or a more responsive feel. Some shoes offer a balance between the two, so choose based on your preferences and walking style.

Weight

If you're in the market for a walking shoe to take you long distances frequently, be sure the models you're considering are relatively lightweight. Unless we're talking about a stability or trail shoe, which feature additional materials for added durability and support, that means under 11 ounces.

Upper

Pay attention to the upper material of the walking shoes, as it can affect comfort, breathability, and durability. Opt for shoes with breathable and flexible uppers made from materials like mesh or knit fabric to help keep your feet cool and comfortable. Additionally, keep an eye out for features like padded collars and tongues for even more comfort and support.

How to Determine Your Foot Type

Understanding your foot type is essential for finding the right walking shoes that offer optimal comfort and support. There are three primary arch types based on arch height: neutral, high, and flat. To determine your arch type, you can start with a simple 'wet test', Mendeszoon recommends. Wet your feet and stand on a surface like concrete, sand, or a flattened paper bag. Examine the imprint left by your foot.

If your foot leaves a complete, flat imprint, you likely have low arches and would benefit from arch support or stability shoes. If the imprint shows the heel, outer side of the foot, ball of the foot, and toes, but not the arch, you might have a neutral or high arch.

While the wet test provides a basic idea, factors such as weight, biomechanics, and overall fitness also contribute to determining your arch type accurately. For a more detailed analysis, consider visiting a local chiropractic clinic, podiatry practice, or high-quality running shoe store. Some locations offer foot scans that provide intricate information about your feet and arches.

Are Running Shoes Good for Walking?

Yes, running shoes can absolutely be worn for walking, according to Mendeszoon. In fact, they may offer some added benefit compared to conventional walking shoes.

Running shoes are designed to absorb the impact of running, which means they can also provide good shock absorption when walking. Many people choose to wear running shoes for walking because of added support and flexibility, too.

One downside: Running shoes tend to be heavier and less breathable than walking shoes due to a more durable design. So, it's important to note that they may not be the best choice for long-distance walking.

How to Know When it's Time to Replace Walking Shoes

It's important to replace your walking shoes regularly to ensure adequate support and cushioning, probably more frequently than you think. As a general rule of thumb, it's recommended to replace walking shoes every 300 to 500 miles.

The specific lifespan of a given shoe depends on a few factors, including frequency and intensity of use, quality of the shoe, and the type of surface you typically walk on. There are a few signs to look out for that may indicate it's time to replace your shoes:

Visible wear and tear: Check the soles of your shoes for signs of wear, such as thinning or holes. Also, check the upper part of the shoe for any tears or holes.

Reduced cushioning: If your shoes no longer feel as cushioned as they once did, it may be a sign that the midsole has worn down and it's time to replace them.

Pain or discomfort: If you're experiencing foot or joint pain when walking, it could be a sign that your shoes are no longer providing adequate support.

Unpleasant odors: Over time, shoes can accumulate moisture and bacteria, which can lead to unpleasant odors. If your shoes have a persistent odor that can't be eliminated, it may be time to replace them.

Ultimately, it's important to listen to your body and pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain when walking. If you notice any of the above signs, it's a good idea to start looking for a new pair of walking shoes.