Whether we’re walking the dog, grocery shopping, or just traveling around the neighborhood, most of us do it without much thought. We don’t give our wears much thought until, of course, we make the mistake of going out all day in our wears and then discover that our feet hurt.
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Walking shoes include boots and sandals, as well as athletic-style shoes. There are dressier styles, so you don’t have to tie yourself to a pair of trainers or sneakers. Here are our top walking shoe picks that will keep your feet comfortable and supportive all day long, no matter the situation or environment.
What to Look for in Comfort Shoe
A good pair of walking Shoe will fit right out of the box without any need to break them in. Beyond that, pay attention to the following features:.
Cushioning
Most walking shoes come equipped with a well-cushioned, shock-absorbing foam midsole. Many use EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) for this purpose, which provides a plush, soft base under your feet. Shoe that are more running-oriented than walking often use even lighter-weight materials for cushioning that have some propulsion or bounce.
Stability
Walking Shoe should feel stable. Your feet shouldn’t wobble around when they’re in them. That said, extra space in the toe box will allow your toes to spread out naturally as you walk which is ultimately more stable. If you overpronate or have plantar fasciitis issues, look for a shoe with arch support and a midsole that mimics the shape of the bottom of your foot.
Well-made uppers
You don’t want your favorite pair of walking Shoe to wear out in just a couple months. You also want them to look good. After all, you’ll be less inclined to wear them if you think they’re unattractive. Good breathability is also a feature to look for that helps keep your feet from getting too sweaty while out walking for hours at a time.
Style
Ideally, walkers will want to find a shoe that is comfortable and stylish. Sometimes a running shoe may be more attractive than a shoe designed for walking, and vice versa. As noted above, if the primary thing you’re looking for is a comfortable everyday shoe, it is important to choose a shoe made for walking or comfort instead of a shoe designed for another more specific athletic activity. Some wears may look good, but they may not be ideal for long walks or hours of standing.
Instead of picking a shoe based on looks or material, choose one based on function. “Avoid non-breathable materials for the upper.
Price
There is a wide range of price tags when it comes to comfort shoes. You may not necessarily need all the bells and whistles that come with more expensive shoes. You may get a better deal on shoes by strictly focusing on the function of the shoe and less on the design and style. Have your budget in mind and recognize that there are always trade-offs when it comes to budget-friendly shoes.
Here are 5 best shoes for everyday use
The best walking shoes for women: Dansko Brook
These Dansko low boots may seem like an odd choice for the “best walking wears” accolade, but, as a person with knee issues and high arches whose second career as a film and television pattern maker and costume designer involves a good deal of walking and standing, these are one of my top footwear choices. I’m a longtime Dansko fan because of the dual-density EVA foam bed and excellent support featured in all their shoe styles.
These short boots are no exception. Plus, they go well with everything from jeans to flowy dresses to smart trousers. This means I can wear them while shopping, standing over my cutting table, running from fitting to fitting, and in meetings with producer types. If a pair of boots were ever made for walking, it’s these.
Specifications:
- Support: Neutral
- Width: Medium
- Materials: Leather, polyester
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Cushioning type: dual-density EVA foam bed
- Closure: Slip on
- Price: $185
Best walking shoes for men: Brooks Glycerin 20
The plush cushioning of these wears makes them exceptionally supportive and comfortable. You might even feel as if you’re floating through your day. They fit snugly around the ankle and heel while offering ample room in the toe area. They’re also impressively water-repellent with a grippy tread, so even getting caught out in the rain won’t cramp your style.
Specifications:
- Support: Neutral
- Width: Medium, Wide
- Materials: Polyester, recycled materials
- Weight: 10.1 ounces
- Cushioning type: Plush; smooth and floaty
- Closure: Laces
- Price: $160
Best shoes for treadmill walking: Hoka Clifton 9
Hoka is a brand that comes up over and over when talking about comfortable walking wears. The Clifton 9 features a compression-molded EVA midsole that absorbs shock while also providing enough cushion to give your step a little bounce. It earned two spots on our list because of its comfort, cushioning, lightness, and versatility—making it the shoe of choice for everything from treadmill walking and jogging to wandering around a new-to-you cobblestoned city.
Specifications:
- Support: Neutral
- Width: Regular/standard
- Materials: Polyester, nylon
- Weight: 7.3 ounces
- Cushioning type: Balanced (symmetrical cushioning bed)
- Closure: Laces
- Price: $145
Best walking shoes for narrow feet: Nike Pegasus 39; Womens
I’ve been wearing Nike shoes since the 1980s, back when I used to run 25–35 miles a week—and it was always in a pair of Nikes. These days, my knees have more of a say in how long and often I’m able to run, but they’re still partial to Nikes when it comes to walking (or even hiking). The Pegasus model has been around for years, and this latest version is just as cushiony and bouncy as its predecessors. They deliver a wonderful “off the ground” feel as you move through your day, whether or not that involves running.
Specifications:
- Support: Flywire and midfoot band for total support
- Width: Standard
- Materials: Polyester, nylon, mesh
- Weight: 8.3 ounces
- Cushioning type: Zoom air provides an “off the ground” feel
- Closure: Laces
- Price: $135
F&Qs
How many hours a day should you wear a walking shoe?
Walking shoes are designed for all-day comfort, so you can wear them as many hours a day as you want. If your job involves a lot of standing and moving from place to place (such as as a doctor or nurse in a hospital), you’ll probably find wearing your walking wears for the duration the most comfortable option.
Should walking shoes be heavy or light?
How many hours a day should you wear a walking shoe?
Walking wears are designed for all-day comfort, so you can wear them as many hours a day as you want. If your job involves a lot of standing and moving from place to place (such as as a doctor or nurse in a hospital), you’ll probably find wearing your walking shoes for the duration the most comfortable option.
Is it OK to wear running shoes for walking?
Absolutely. The best running shoes work just as well for walking. The only thing to look out for is using a pair of running shoes geared toward eliciting faster paces. (This is true whether you’re shopping for running shoes for men or running shoes for women.) These shoes are often constructed with a more aggressive rocker shape on the sole, which provides more propulsion than some people will find comfortable when just walking. You want to make sure that you’re not altering your natural gait by wearing shoes with technology that is not suited to your needs.
How often do you need to replace your walking shoes?
Generally, the rule of thumb is to replace walking shoes every 400 to 500 miles or 6 to 8 months, whichever comes first. If you’re walking over rough terrain or carrying heavy loads, your shoes could wear out more quickly. Check your shoes regularly for wear and tear signs such as holes or a worn-down sole or heel.
