18 Pairs of Comfy Walking Shoes You Can Wear Year-Round (2024)

If you’re a daily walker, constant errands-runner, or somebody who prioritizes comfort 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, working on your feet all day, 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 from expert picks, SELF-award-winning reviews, and top-rated shoe brands.

Our top picks

  1. Best Overall: Hoka Bondi 8
  2. Best Budget Pick: Ryka Sky Walk Walking Shoe
  3. Best for Maximum Cushioning: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
  4. Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Quantum
  5. Best for Flat Feet: Hoka Arahi 7
  6. Best Walking Sandals: Chaco Z1 Classic Sandal
  7. Best for Long Distances: Asics GT-1000 12
  8. Best Hiking Boot: Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid

Jump to:

  • What should you look for in a walking shoe?
  • The best walking shoes

What should you look for in a walking shoe?

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 better 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 on how to find the best fit). According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, your shoes shouldn’t make your toes feel cramped or like they can’t wiggle. People with wider feet should look for footwear that comes in multiple widths or has a wider-set toe box. Dr. Abraham says you’ll want to 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.

The best walking shoes

If it’s time to find some new sneaks that you’ll feel excited to lace up, then take a look at these excellent pairs, including editor-approved sneakers, shoes for plantar fasciitis, supportive options 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.ing 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.

  • 1

    Hoka

    Bondi 8

    Best Overall

    • Pros: Well-cushioned, good for walking and standing
    • Cons: Somewhat unwieldy given how tall and chunky they are

    Recommended by Dr. Abraham, approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for supporting foot health, and a 2023 SELF Sneaker Award–winner, 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. One note: With 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.

    • Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: mesh, polyester, EVA foam, rubber | Weight: 8.90 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 25 options
  • 18 Pairs of Comfy Walking Shoes You Can Wear Year-Round (2)

    2

    Ryka

    Sky Walking Shoe

    Best Budget Pick

    • Pros: Relatively affordable, supportive
    • Cons: May run small, not as cushioned as other options on this list

    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, blister-free walks straight out of the box. 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.

    • Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: mesh, leather, memory foam, EVA, rubber | Weight: 8.50 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 9 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 15 options
18 Pairs of Comfy Walking Shoes You Can Wear Year-Round (2024)

FAQs

What is the most comfortable shoe brand? ›

The Best Comfort Shoe Brands for 2024
  1. Sovella. Sovella has earned its reputation as a standout brand thanks to its incredible recovery features, comfort, and impressive arch support. ...
  2. Arcopedico. Arcopedico is a leading brand in women's comfort shoes. ...
  3. Brooks. ...
  4. HOKA. ...
  5. NEW BALANCE. ...
  6. OluKai. ...
  7. Clarks. ...
  8. Dansko.

What type of footwear is best for walking? ›

Try on shoes with midsoles made of gel, foam, or air. All of these materials do a great job of cushioning and minimizing impact each time your foot hits the ground while you walk. Ensure good shock absorption with quality insoles. The soles of your feet should feel well-cushioned in your walking shoes.

What are the best walking shoes for foot pain? ›

New Balance shoes are often cited as great for people suffering from foot pain. The Fresh Foam 1080V9 Running Shoes for men and women are stylish and comfortable with their mesh uppers. They have a wide toe box that helps to stabilize your feet and their ample cushioning helps with shock absorption.

What shoes can you walk in all day? ›

Compare
Blister Protection
Best Women's Overall: Hoka Bondi 7 Shoes$190 at Amazon4.5
Best Men's Budget: Asics Gel-Venture 8$50 at Amazon4
Best Women's Budget: Sketchers Go Joy Walking Shoe$65 at Amazon4.5
Best for Overpronators: Saucony Omni Walker 3$53 at Amazon4
6 more rows
5 days ago

Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›

Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.

What is the number 1 shoe brand in America? ›

Nike is the most popular sneaker brand among U.S. consumers, with 64 percent of respondents who know the brand actually liking it. Adidas also enjoys a significant preference but lags behind Nike. New Balance, Converse, and Skechers follow some way behind.

What is the number 1 shoe brand? ›

With an estimated market share of 18 percent, Nike is the clear number one in the global sneaker landscape.

What is the number 1 most popular shoe? ›

Nike is the most popular shoe brand among consumers, with a 29% market share. The statistic states that Nike is the shoe brand that is preferred by the highest number of consumers, holding a 29% share in the market. This means that out of all the shoes purchased by consumers, approximately 29% of them are Nike brand.

What should I wear on my feet for walking? ›

Alongside good shoes comes the need for good socks. Ensure the socks you wear are of a lightweight and breathable material and that they fit snugly. If you are prone to blistering then wearing two pairs of socks can help to reduce the friction on your skin, which creates the blister.

Is Skechers a good walking shoes? ›

It's well worth investing in a pair designed specifically for walking, and fortunately you can count on Skechers for a wealth of high-quality options. A long-time leader in the walking shoe category, Skechers has styles for the casual stroller, the serious trekker, and everyone in between.

Are Skechers good or bad for your feet? ›

As a consequence, Skechers can cause ligament and muscle stresses and strains. The memory foam could take on the 'memory' of a poor gait style causing destabilising foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain.

How do I choose comfortable walking shoes? ›

Stability: You want good lateral support: a shoe that you can't bend or twist easily in your hands. Cushioning: Having a uniform level of cushioning, rather than a huge heel cushion, is more comfortable for many walkers. Fit: Getting shoes that fit you well is the most important factor of all.

How do I stop my feet from hurting when I walk? ›

Do
  1. rest and raise your foot when you can.
  2. put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas in a towel) on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
  3. wear shoes with plenty of room for your feet that have a low heel and soft sole.
  4. use soft insoles or pads you put in your shoes.
  5. try to lose weight if you're overweight.

How can I keep my feet from hurting when I walk? ›

Wear comfortable, properly fitting and supportive shoes, with good arch support and cushioning. Wear shoes with plenty of room around the ball of your foot and toes and a wide toe box. Avoid narrow-toed shoes and high heels. Wear sneakers as often as possible, especially when walking.

What type of shoes should be worn to reduce fatigue from standing all day long? ›

"The thicker the arch, the more supportive." Shoe design: Ensure your chosen sneaker has a wide toe box and a thick, chunky heel: "If the toe box is too narrow, there isn't support in the arch of the shoe; this is also true if the heel is too thin," says Brenner. Look for a mesh upper, too.

What should I wear on my feet when standing all day? ›

Wear the right shoe

Work shoes should also provide good arch support. This helps reduce weakness and soreness in the legs and feet. If your shoes don't provide enough support, you can purchase arch support insoles from a drugstore or an athletic store.

Are running shoes good for walking and standing? ›

Running shoes are typically designed with better biomechanics, cushioning, and fit compared to typical walking/casual shoes. They can be used as walking shoes if comfort is a priority.

Are on cloud shoes good for walking and standing all day? ›

Worn by Brooke Shields, the On Cloud 5 walking shoes are a solid choice for people who stand all day. In fact, they landed a spot on our list of the best shoes for nurses thanks to their all-day comfort and efficient design.

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