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Which walking shoes are the best? We reveal the comfiest pairs of 2024
Need some new walking shoes? You’re in luck! Check out our editor-picked favorites, with one for every need and style.
We’ve all had one or two painful days where we wore the wrong shoes, and sore feet and blisters soon followed.
To avoid this, purchasing a good pair of walking shoes is essential.
From walking the dog to commuting to work, there are a variety of daily activities that require us to spend a lot of time on our feet. This makes investing in a comfortable, supportive pair of shoes a must.
To help you nail your comfy shoe purchase, we’ve compiled a list of the best walking shoes in the US from top brands, such as HOKA, Arc’teryx and New Balance. (And yes, they’re all unisex, making your life a lot easier!)
So what are you waiting for? Discover your next pair of walking shoes and conquer the day ahead!
Read more: Make your next hike a breeze with the best hiking boots of 2024
Best for everyday
Renowned for their exceptional cushioning and lightweight design, the HOKA Clifton L’s are among our favorite walking shoes.
We love these for everyday wear due to their trendy design and neutral colorways, making them great for every occasion, from work to brunch with friends. We love that the mesh upper is breathable, making them suitable for all weather, and they also have a 3M reflective stripe for added visibility and safety during late-night walks.
Featuring HOKA’s signature full-length compression-molded EVA midsole, these shoes provide all-day comfort, support and shock absorption, making them essential for getting your steps in.
Best for all terrain
Headed out on an all-day hike?
With these all-terrain walking shoes from Arc’teryx on your feet, we think you’ll find it a breeze.
Combining lightweight construction with GORE-TEX waterproof technology, these shoes offer reliable protection against all kinds of weather. It’s not only the elements these shoes will protect you against, either — they have a toe cap and are made from an abrasion-resistant material, meaning rocks will have difficulty getting through.
The outsole is made from a Vibram MegaGrip rubber compound, which is both durable and grippy, meaning you’ll be able to easily traverse more slippery and rocky surfaces.
Best for city explorers
Whether you’re on a city break with friends, or just out exploring, you’ll want some fashion-forward, but comfortable shoes.
Combining comfort and the trendy dad-sneaker trend, these are perfect for every occasion. The New Balance ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through the plush cushioning and compression resistance, making it ideal for all-day wear.
We love the neutral white and gray colorway, which will suit a wide variety of outfits — pair them with some baggy jeans and a sweatshirt for a cool casual look, or a midi skirt and blouse for a chic corporate vibe.
Best for wide feet
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4
$149.99
$149.99 at New Balance
Women's
Finding comfortable and (not completely ugly) trainers if you’ve got wide feet can sometimes feel like a mission.
We love that you can buy these in both regular and wide-fit and in some versatile colorways for both men and women. With a cleverly engineered mesh upper, these shoes are ultra-breathable making them ideal for all-day wear in all seasons.
What’s even better, these sneakers have the seal of approval from the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association), so you can rest assured that your wide feet will stay comfortable all day long for both walking and running.
Best for arch support
High arches don’t mean you need to be uncomfortable when walking — and with these sneakers from Reebok, we think your feet will be pain-free all day.
Specially made as training shoes, these are great for walking all day or for your morning run. The Floatride energy foam makes the shoes feel extremely lightweight and responsive to your movements, whether you’re wandering around a park or pumping iron.
With a Vibram ECOSTEP RECYCLE EVO outsole and water-resistant mesh upper, these are great for rainy days.
Best barefoot walking shoes
Unlike traditional walking shoes that rely on thick cushioning to protect your feet, barefoot walking shoes are made to feel like you’re not wearing shoes at all.
With an extra wide toe box, these unisex walking shoes won’t squish your toes so they can bend and spread without compression. This leads to a much more comfortable walking experience.
Due to the heel and forefoot being an equal distance from the ground, they almost feel like second skin. This reduces the chance of getting nasty blisters or other foot problems — making them an ideal everyday walking shoe.
Best walking sandal
Ideal for those days when you’re out exploring in the summer, these walking sandals from adidas are some of the best we’ve seen.
With a Traxion rubber outsole, these offer exceptional grip on wet surfaces like rocks or a boat deck — you could even take a quick stroll through a stream with these secure on your feet.
Featuring adjustable straps with a buckle closure and an EVA midsole, these are sure to feel secure and comfortable even after a full day of walking, and will keep your feet cool at the same time!
How to choose the right supportive sneaker
When you’re shopping for a pair of walking shoes, there are several factors to consider — from the shape of your feet to where you’ll wearing the shoes.
If you have wider feet or high arches, you’ll want to buy shoes specifically designed for feet with those issues, or you might end up with foot pain and an uncomfortable time walking in the long term.
If you’re an experienced hiker, you’ll likely want some walking shoes with a toe cap and made from weather-resistant materials to make them suitable for all terrains.
H2: Our verdict: What are the best walking shoes?
If you’re looking for a great all-rounder, our favorite are the HOKA Clifton L's — they’re great for every kind of day-to-day outfit, and they’re breathable and comfortable — what more could you ask for in your walking shoes?
For those who need an all-terrain pair of walking shoes, we can’t recommend the Arc'teryx Aerios GTX sneakers enough. They're your perfect hiking companion with a secure toe cap and made from waterproof, abrasion-resistant material.
Need a little extra arch support? If so, the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Training shoes are our top pick for you — with a foam midsole and Vibram outsole, these will keep your high arches feeling secure and comfortable after even a full day of walking.
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Prices updated on 03/06/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Phoebe Davenport
A book aficionado, you will always be able to rely on Phoebe Davenport for the best book recommendations. On the weekend, you’ll probably find Phoebe at a bottomless brunch in London, at a museum, or chilling at home with her two cats.
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