The Best Walking Shoes of 2024, According to Podiatrists, Fitness Instructors, and More Experts We Asked

Best Overall

Hoka Women's Bondi 8

$165 at Nordstrom $165 at Zappos $165 at Hoka.com

The Bondi 8 more than meets the high standards that typify Hoka's best shoes. During our testing, we found them to be the perfect weight and cushioning for walking, with a heel that's cupped perfectly and doesn't rub against your ankles. The padded heel notch helped prevent any blisters from forming during the testing period. Because of the thick sole absorption, we also would recommend these to anyone with plantar fasciitis in need of walking or running shoes.

A favorite of a virtual fitness trainer and nutritionist Vanessa Liu, this shoe provides plenty of cushioning and a grippy sole without being too bulky. Plus, Liu says it can handle a variety of surfaces, including grass, dirt, gravel, and tarmac — which we found true in our tests, despite not technically being categorized as trail shoes. 

Size Range: Women’s 5-12; men’s 7-16 | Material: Engineered mesh construction, recycled content lining mesh, Ortholite hybrid sock liner, Durabrasion rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 23

Best Budget

Saucony Women's Cohesion 13

$48 at Amazon View on Saucony.com View on Academy.com

With excellent arch support, the right amount of cushioned comfort, and durability, this pair of walking shoes supports your ankles with each step, according to Lara Heimann, a physical therapist, yoga instructor, and creator of LYT Method. “This is a great technical athletic shoe for stability and cushioning,” she says. Besides serving up support, Heimann says this pair has the edge of being made by a company with a proven record of producing high-quality shoes that address needs.

Size Range: Women's 5-12; men's 7-15 | Material: Versarun cushioning, segmented rubber outsoles, breathable mesh upper | Fit: True to size | Colors: 14

Best Lightweight Cushion

Hoka Women's Clifton 9

$145 at Nordstrom $145 at Zappos $145 at Hoka.com

Hoka enthusiasts may also appreciate these walking shoes, as while they are bold and beautiful, their lightweight cushioning makes you feel like you��re stepping on clouds. They are also a favorite of Carrie Dorr, CEO of O44 and founder of Pure Barre.

The Cliftons also earned high praises in our testing, being one of the most comfortable shoes we tested. The fit was perfect and they felt flexible, supportive, responsive, and super stable. Because these are lighter than the Hoka Bondi, we recommend them for longer distances — both walking and running.

Size Range: Women’s 5-12; men’s 7-16 (regular and wide) | Material: Breathable upper mesh, EVA foam, high abrasion rubber sole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 21

Best Arch Support

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 880v12

View on Roadrunnersports.com

“The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12 is arguably the best multipurpose shoe for arch support,” performance and injury expert Dr. Rami Hashish tells PEOPLE. “Its soft foam compound, dual-layer midsole, rubber outsole, external heel counter, and mesh upper contour to the shape of your foot while being breathable and lightweight." Because of these added features, he suggests this pair to keep you supported through walking, running, and even hardcore training. 

Size Range: Women’s 5-13; men’s 7-16 | Material: Top-bed foam cushioning, underfoot Fresh Foam X, double layer knit, engineered upper, blown rubber outsole | Fit: True to Size | Colors: 17

Best for Flat Feet

Keen Women's Versacore Speed Shoe

View on Amazon $130 at Nordstrom $130 at Zappos

For an everyday walking shoe for flat feet, we also love these Keen sneakers. The shoes fit true to size, but there is a bit more wiggle room in the toe box. This felt weird at first — and made us think that it actually wasn’t a good fit — but after a couple of wears, we’re convinced this is what makes them so comfy. The shoes are also designed with a high-rebound foam that provides shock resistance and helped prevent pain throughout the entire testing period. 

The rubber soles are also constructed with an all-terrain design so they feel incredibly durable and sturdy, no matter the weather or pavement condition. The padding in the soles also provides a spring back effect and extra cushioning that feels supportive and comfortable on the feet, even after walking miles. 

Size Range: 5-12 | Material: Foam strobel board, all terrain rubber, mesh | Fit: True to size | Colors: 5

Best Slip-Ons for Flat Feet

Orthofeet Francis Walking Shoe

$105 at Amazon $140 at Zappos View on Orthofeet.com

When shopping for comfortable shoes, the fit is everything. These Orthofeet sneakers left a lasting impression on us thanks to their impressive size range — which includes five different widths — and additional spacers to customize the fit. 

During testing, we immediately noticed a difference in overall comfort and found that the sneakers help with motion control and keep the feet snugly in place for better alignment while walking. This ultimately prevents aches and pains, especially if you walk a ton.

Size Range: 5-12 (narrow, medium, wide, X-wide, 2X-wide) | Material: Synthetic | Fit: True to size | Colors: 5

Best Waterproof

Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles

$125 at Amazon $125 at Allbirds.com $125 at Dick's

Promising comfort and exceptional waterproof protection, this stylish pair will take your rainy day workouts to new heights. Sure, they are technically running shoes, but because they provide arch support and traction while keeping your feet dry, they take the winning slot for this category. Their stylish design also makes them a favorite of fitness expert Dr. Robin Barrett.

Size Range: Women’s 5-11; men’s 8-14 | Material: Merino wool upper, water-repellent Puddle Guard technology | Fit: True to size | Colors: 15

Best Traction

Merrell Women's Moab Speed 2

$140 at Amazon $140 at Nordstrom $140 at Zappos

These sneakers from Merrell boast a versatile design with moderate traction for stability and comfort. Constructed with Lightweight FlexPlate technology and Vibram TC5+ outsoles for the best traction on most terrain conditions, we were highly impressed by how well the sneakers gripped onto the floor while also supporting the soles with extra cushion, shock absorption, and arch support. 

The fit is our least favorite thing about these shoes, as we found the toe box a bit too snug and would have preferred to size up. However, this surprisingly didn’t impact comfort levels, and we were still able to walk miles without foot, sole, or joint pain. 

Size Range: 5-11 (medium and wide) | Material: Nylon, mesh, EVA | Fit: We recommend sizing up | Colors: 6

Best Sandal

NAOT Kayla Sandal

$140 at Amazon $140 at Nordstrom $140 at Zappos

If you are planning to walk in a sandal, then you should look for shoes that provide similar arch support to a walking (or tennis) shoe, says Dr. Timothy Oldani. In fact, arch-support sandals can be a game changer for those on their feet all day.

To keep your feet supported next time you take a long stroll down the beach, Dr. Oldani recommends grabbing this pair, as it has everything from arch support to shock absorption. Plus, you can walk assured knowing this pair has been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Size Range: Women’s 4-13 | Material: Anatomic cork and latex footbed wrapped in suede | Fit: True to Size | Colors: 26

Best for Bunions

Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe

$60 at Amazon $65 at Nordstrom View on Roadrunnersports.com

Not only is this is one reviewer-approved shoe (it currently has over 6,000 5-star ratings), it earned high marks during our own testing, too. When walking in these sneakers, we found them to be impressively lightweight and bouncy with very smooth transition between steps.

Because of their generous width, these would be great for anyone with bunions; they're also a good choice for those with arthritis in their big toe since these are super bendy everywhere except the sole around the toe box. However, there is one thing to note: There isn't as much cushioning in the ball of the foot as we would like, making these better suited for short walks on even terrain versus long distance walks. You could add extra comfort and cushioning to accommodate longer treks with some insoles.

Size Range: Women’s 5-12 | Material: Breathable engineered mesh, soft Lycra-lined tongue collar with built-in cushion, eight-piece rubber sole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 7

Best Lightweight

On Running Men's Cloud X 3

$112 at Nordstrom View on On.com $112 at REI

Because flat feet need adequate support, you’ll want to find a stable shoe supportive enough for everyday walking, says certified surgical podiatrist Dr. Nelya Lobkova. If you're looking for a walking shoe for flat feet, this one is durable with an 8-millimeter drop and supports walking, running, and interval training activities. Plus, it keeps things sustainable with recycled materials and boasts a Speedboard flex plate, which energizes every step.

We hit the pavement to put these popular On Cloud sneakers to the test, and we were surprised how comfortable they were (fitting perfectly) and that they caused zero blisters on someone who is prone to them. They kept our feet warm but not sweaty, so these are great for year-round wear (although we wouldn't recommend them in the snow or ice, of course).

Size Range: Women’s 5-11; men's 7-14 | Material: 3-layer mesh upper made with 90-95% recycled content, CloudTec sole cushioning | Fit: True to size | Colors: 3

Best Cushioned

New Balance Made in USA 990v5 Core

$299 at Amazon $150 at Nordstrom $185 at Dick's

Beyond the significant cushion and shock absorption in the midsole, these sneakers boast a firm heel counter and high-quality construction, making them a supportive pair that’ll last you years to come, according to Dr. Bruce Pinker. And yes, while these sneakers are technically running shoes, their solid construction makes them an excellent choice for walkers.

Size Range: Women’s 5-13; men’s 7-19 | Material: Pigskin and mesh upper, Encap midsole rim, dual-density collar foam at ankles, blown rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 1

Best for Nurses

Altra Men's VIA Olympus

$70 at Amazon $170 at Zappos View on Roadrunnersports.com

Because nurses spend more time on their feet than most people, a walking shoe that can handle walking and periods of running is best recommended, says physical therapist Jessica McManus. While this Altra pair is relatively expensive, it offers a true-to-size fit and has a nice, wide-toe box, making it one investment shoe not to pass up. “These features can help prevent things like bunions and keep the muscle around the ankles, knee, and hip working more efficiently and effectively,” McManus tells PEOPLE.

Size Range: Women’s 5.5-12; men's 7-14 | Material: Ultra-lightweight and breathable upper, Altra EGO Max midsole foam, Max cushioned interior, and Rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 5

Best Trail Shoes

Teva Terrawave Sneaker

$150 at Nordstrom $105 at Zappos View on Teva.com

If you're looking for a great Teva shoe, outdoor lovers, rejoice. We've found your newest adventure buddy: the Terrawave Sneakers from Teva. These durable sneakers are made for the trails: A sturdy, heavy-traction outsole keeps your feet protected from the brambles below.

Shopping writer Alyssa Brascia put these to the test in the great outdoors — hiking mountainous trails, zip-lining, and exploring downtown cities — only to end each wear with completely comfortable feet. As a former dancer, Brascia is no stranger to sore feet, and that was certainly never a concern with the Terrawaves.

Size Range: Women’s 5-15.5; men's 3.5-14 | Material: MAX-COMF insole, premium leather upper, recycled polyester, Sorona polymer (polyester alternative), sugarcane EVA midsole, recycled mesh, recycled plastic webbing | Fit: True to size | Colors: 4

Best for Travel

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2

$135 at Amazon $135 at Nordstrom $135 at Allbirds.com

Since traveling can mean spending more time on your feet, comfort and weight are two top factors to consider when shopping for a walking shoe, says chiropractor and certified strength and conditioning expert Dr. Matt Tanneberg.

If you’re after shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and lightweight, add this pair to your wishlist. They are also waterproof and machine washable, making them easy to clean and maintain once you arrive home from your destination. One thing to note: If you have high arches and need more support, consider other options we tested.

Size Range: Women’s 5-11; men’s 8-14 | Material: FSC-certified Tencel Lyocell upper, sugarcane-based green EVA midsole, natural rubber outsole, castor bean oil-based insole foam, ZQ merino wool heel lining | Fit: True to Size | Colors: 18

Best Slip-Ons

Vionic Brisk Jada Slip-On Sneaker

$47 at Amazon

These Vionic sneakers are worth the buy if you're in need of a hassle-free pair of slip-on shoes. Not only do they ditch the shoelaces, but they also provide plenty of stability in the rearfoot, good arch support in the midfoot, and cushioning in the forefoot, says Dr. Dave Candy. Despite the convenient slip-on design, Dr. Candy says that “this shoe still provides enough support to help control foot motion while walking."

Size Range: Women’s 6-10 | Material: Textile and man-made upper, cushioned midsole, textile-covered EVA orthotic insole, EVA footbed, rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 5

Best Investment

New Balance 993 Core

View on Amazon View on Newbalance.com

If you are looking for a pair of walking shoes built to last, New Balance (which has been making shoes for decades) is a great brand to stick with, according to Dr. Pinker. While the brand has a variety of shoes to choose from, this is the pair that can handle just about everything — and has the construction to last. “While this is a running sneaker, it is excellent for walkers,” says Dr. Pinker.

Size Range: Women’s 5-13; men’s 6-16 | Material: Abzorb midsole, premium suede/mesh upper, Acteva cushioning, full-length rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 3

Best for Wide Feet

Brooks Addiction Walker 2

$130 at Amazon $130 at Zappos $130 at Brooksrunning.com

With four width sizes (including wide and extra wide), thick cushioning, plus a handy heel cup, this walking shoe is essential for those with wider feet, according to Liu.

During our tests, we found this to be true; these sneakers fit snugly without feeling constricting, and they indeed did cup the feet perfectly without leaving any room on the sides for the feet to slide around. Because the midsole of this walking shoe has soft and thick cushioning, Liu suggests these can be great shoes for over-pronation, what happens when your feet roll towards the inside as you walk.

Size Range: Women’s 5-12; men's 7-15 | Material: Leather upper, extended progressive diagonal rollbar, BioMoGo DNA cushioning, slip-resistant sole | Fit: Buy a half size up from your true size | Colors: 2

Best for Wide Feet (Cheaper)

Nike Pegasus 39

$109 at Nordstrom View on Roadrunnersports.com View on Fleetfeet.com

We found these Nike sneakers to be great shoes for walking on either standard or folding treadmills due to their responsiveness and comfort. Because of the thick, durable soles, we expect these to endure lots and lots of steps before needing to be replaced. The cushioning was appealing because it was soft yet still provided adequate support, and they also offered a good amount of responsiveness — although they definitely weren't the bounciest shoe we tested.

While available in both wide and regular versions, even the regular versions will feel wide for those with narrower feet, making these a better choice for anyone needing wider walking shoes. They run a bit large, too, so we recommend buying a half size down.

Size Range: Women’s 5-12 (regular, wide); Men's 6-18 | Material: Removable cushioned insole, synthetic and textile upper and lining, rubber sole | Fit: Runs large, buy a half size down | Colors: 7

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Aetrex Danika Arch Support Sneaker

$140 at Amazon View on Aetrex.com

If you have plantar fasciitis and are looking for a comfortable walking shoe for flat feet, these arch support sneakers are designed with built-in arch support that supports the soles’ natural alignment and actively relieves heel discomfort and pain. They’re also lightweight with metatarsal support and added cushioning so it feels like you’re walking on clouds. 

During testing, we were immediately impressed by the comfortable fit and found that they align perfectly with the arches of our feet (even though they are flat). In addition to their fit, we found that they work best for motion control and can keep the feet straight for proper alignment while walking.

Size Range: 5-12 | Material: Mesh, lightweight UltraSky, rubber | Fit: True to size | Colors: 12

Best Breathable

Asics Men's GT-2000 10

$75 at Amazon View on Nordstromrack.com View on Dsw.com

If you're trying to avoid hot and sweaty feet while out walking, we recommend the Asics GT-2000 10 for its breathable upper and lightweight design that won't make you feel overheated. According to our tests, we felt these sneakers fit well, providing enough tightness and support without being constricting.

The breathable mesh upper is made from 30 percent recycled polyester, feels ultra-lightweight, helping keep your feet temperature regulated. While walking and running on the treadmill with these, we experienced no irritation or blisters and found they offered a stable, supportive grip on our feet. They're designed for anyone with either neutral or overpronated strides.

Size Range: Women’s 5.5-12; men's 6-17 | Material: Engineered knit upper, Flytefoam Propel cushioning, rubber sole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 19

Best Neutral

Asics Gel-Excite 9

$60 at Amazon $60 at Target $50 at Zappos

For those with neutral pronation and average width feet, you can't go wrong with the comfort (and price point) of the Asics Gel-Excite 9. We both ran and walked in these sneakers and found them to be a truly seamless fit, feeling lightweight and comfortable yet secure and sturdy (no blisters!).

They are great for walking on paved roads and sidewalks and remained pretty bouncy and responsive across different speeds and stride lengths. Overall, we'd recommend these to anyone with normal arches, width, and pronation that also doesn't have any foot-specific conditions or restrictions.

Size Range: Women’s 5-12; men's 6-15 | Material: Amplifoam cushioning, rearfoot Gel technology, engineered jacquard mesh upper, Ortholite sockliner, rubber sole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 20

Best Everyday Sneakers

Brooks Ghost 15

$150 at Amazon $100 at Zappos View on Publiclands.com

“Brooks shoes are good for daily wear because they offer a versatile traction sole that makes them durable and ideal for a variety of surfaces,” says Lalitha Bhowani-McSorley, a lead physical therapist at Brentwood Physio. “Additionally, their construction provides ample support and cushioning, perfect for people who tend to walk long distances or who have joint pain.”

The Brooks Ghost 15 offers support and has a great grip, making it a great choice for year-round wear, too. “If you're walking around outside in the winter and worried about slipping, this is a great option,” she adds. 

Size Range: Women’s 5-13; men's 7-15 | Material: 100% DNA Loft v2 cushioning, recycled upper, soft midsole, 3D print upper | Fit: True to size | Colors: 32

Best for Wide Flat Feet

Skechers Arch Fit Arcade Meet Ya There Women's Sneakers

View on Skechers.com

For wide flat feet, consider these machine-washable Skechers. They look like casual everyday shoes, but they have secret support that makes them feel like a running shoe. They’re constructed with removable arch inserts, too, so you can adjust the fit to your preference. The shoes are also very stable and supportive, so you feel nice and secure while walking miles around town. 

We also noticed that the added arch support helped cradle our feet in place, so we experienced adequate motion control. These sneakers don’t have a spring effect when walking, but they’re so lightweight and cushioned you'll still have some pep in your step. 

Size Range: 6-8.5 (medium and wide fits available) | Material: Canvas | Fit: True to size | Colors: 3

Best Machine Washable

Vivaia V Prime Sneaker

View on Vivaia.com

These Vivaia sneakers are another everyday sneaker style with enough cushion that we swear they feel like running shoes. They’re our top pick for the best machine washable because they come in an excellent range of sizes, are constructed from recycled materials, and are available in lots of fun colors — plus, they’re super easy to care for and, with one wash cycle, they look brand new again. 

Despite looking like everyday sneakers, these provide lots of spring in your step and plenty of cushion to provide long-lasting comfort, even if you’re trekking it across town. They’re also made from a stretchy knit material that hugs the foot and feels sturdy on the soles while remaining lightweight enough to not weigh you down while walking. 

Size Range: 35-46 | Material: Plastic water bottles | Fit: True to size for wide feet. For narrow feet, we recommend sizing down half a size | Colors: 10

Best for Winter

The North Face Sierra Mid-Lace Waterproof Boots

$104 at Zappos $149 at Dick's View on Publiclands.com

If you are looking for walking shoes that’ll help you survive the worst of winter, look no further — this pair is lightweight and cushioned, making them perfect for long walks in the snow or even for use indoors, says Rachel MacPherson, an ACE-CPT and pain-free performance specialist. Aside from waterproof protection, these shoes also prioritize support and comfort thanks to the cushy midsoles.

Size Range: Women’s 5-11 | Material: 100% recycled synthetic insulation, faux fur top collar, OrthoLite sock liner, EVA midsole, rubber wrapping in the toe, rubber outsole | Fit: Size up for extra comfort | Colors: 3