When it comes to the gear on your feet, there’s an undeniable appeal to new sneakers, especially among men. If you’re searching for a new pair of walking shoes, whether you’re getting ready to walk the dog in the morning or need a comfortable and supportive pair for work, we’ve written this article to help you.
Plus, we’ve put these freshly-released walking shoes to the test to make your shopping experience as hassle-free as possible. We chose not to rely on brand hype and instead found the truth ourselves. Whether you’re looking for an impressive all-rounder or a shoe that will stand up to the test of time over the months, we’ve got a variety of options.
As a reminder, if any of the walking shoes we’ve reviewed interest you, they’re just a click away. Many online retailers offer a convenient shopping experience that lets you browse a wide range of sizes and colors from the comfort of your own home.
Our Top Picks
Best Men's Overall: Men's Arch Support Easy to Put on and Take off Breathable Light Non-slip Shoes ($38.99)
Best for Stability: Skechers Men's Gowalk Arch Fit Idyllic Sneaker (59.98)
Best Cushioning: Men's Comfortable Breathable Non-slip Hiking Shoes ($35.5)
Best Arch Support: Knit Kita Hands-Free Sneakers ($124.95)
Best All Day Wear: Women's Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers ($39.99)
Considerations When Choosing Walking Shoes.
Walking is a low-impact exercise. It puts less stress on your joints and muscles than high-intensity exercises like running. But that doesn't mean walking doesn't feel like a workout. Your feet and legs are put under a lot of stress when you walk every day. If you walk regularly, especially as a form of exercise, then you should choose a pair of walking shoes that fit well and provide you with support.
Best Men's Overall:
Men's Arch Support Easy to Put on and Take off Breathable Light Non-slip Shoes
✅Pros
- Excellent support
- Very durable
- Flexible EVA insole
⭕Cons
- Not as breathable as other options
Why We Love Them：
Designed to provide superior stability and comfort, this shoe is a perennial favorite among middle-aged and older men - and after many wear tests, we understand why. The resilient EVA foam midsole provides excellent cushioning, and the rubber outsole is durable and grippy for stability and security. In addition, the shoe also features a soft memory foam collar, which not only adds to the overall comfort, but also helps provide a snug, secure fit.
One of our testers, who is prone to plantar fasciitis, found that the shoe's ample cushioning and firm support helped alleviate symptoms. For better heel protection, a thermoplastic heel liner helps lock the rear foot in place.
Seniors with limited mobility will love this shoe's elastic expansion design, which allows for easy and convenient on and off. As well, its thick leather upper and sporty design make it perfect for fitness walking or casual all-day wear.
Suitable for people：
Best for long walkers and seniors who need extra stability and are looking for a protective, durable shoe.
Best for Stability:
Skechers Men's Gowalk Arch Fit Idyllic Sneaker
✅Pros
- Good arch support
- Easy to put on and take off
- Lightweight
⭕Cons
-
Need to pay attention to sizing
Why We Love Them：
The Skechers Go Walk Flex Alani Walking Shoe is a convenient, easy-to-wear style at an affordable price, making it a great choice for many people who need a casual walking shoe.
When we first put these shoes on, we immediately felt the plush, pillowy comfort and firm arch support. We also felt the pronounced rocker shape, which helped to quickly propel our stride during our test walk.
The shoe's smooth and flexible upper provides a secure fit while remaining flexible enough. Unlike many other sneakers with ample cushioning, these shoes felt lightweight - allowing us to walk comfortably at a variety of paces and distances. With the elastic stretch laces of this shoe, it allows us to easily wear them all day without any stress.
Suitable for people：
Best for seniors with wide feet who need to walk or stand for long periods of time and need a durable, comfortable shoe.
Best Cushioning:
Men's Comfortable Breathable Non-slip Hiking Shoes
✅Pros
- Comfortable cushioning
- Lightweight and flexible
- Very durable
⭕Cons
- May run narrow
Why We Love Them:
When it comes to the best cushioned shoes for walkers, we always recommend Men's Comfortable Breathable Non-slip Hiking Shoes, and aside from convenience, we were impressed with the overall comfort of these shoes and their performance in testing. While the shoe is lightweight and flexible, it is well cushioned and responsive while still providing good arch support. During our testing, our feet felt stable and secure on a variety of terrain, including concrete sidewalks, sidewalk, and grass.
Despite the ample cushioning, we found the upper to still be very breathable, keeping our feet cool even after a full day of wear.
The internal padding in the heel of the shoe provided additional support. Meanwhile, the shoe's sturdy rubber outsole provided reliable traction and enhanced overall stability, helping seniors stay steady while walking.
Suitable for people：
Best for older adults with balance issues or unstable feet, ankles, and knees who want a stability shoe that won’t weigh you down.
Best Arch Support:
✅Pros
- Good arch support
- Comfortable cushioning points
- Easy to put on
⭕Cons
- The width does not match.
Why We Love Them:
If you have trouble tying your shoes or bending over to put them on and take them off, the Kita Hands-Free WalkingShoes sneakers from Orthafeet can help. We found that the shoes feature a sturdy heel design that allows you to slip them on and off with ease and comfort. While the laces are just for show, the supportive and stretchy upper makes the shoe both secure and comfortable.
During our testing, we noticed extra padding in the heel area, which is where plantar fasciitis sufferers need it most. Outstanding cushioning and firm arch support, along with an orthotic insole that conforms to the shape of the foot, provide plush comfort and greater stability.
The lightweight, breathable mesh upper keeps our feet cool, dry and comfortable even on hot summer days. Despite the low-profile design, we noticed that the sneakers were extremely durable and showed no signs of wear after many kilometers of walking.
In addition, the grippy rubber outsole kept us on our feet during test walks on a variety of terrains.
Suitable for people：
Best for seniors with plantar fasciitis who need a reliable walking shoe that keeps feet comfortable and pain-free.
Best All Day Wear:
Women's Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers
✅Pros
- Removable orthotic
- Super soft and breathable
- Highly flexible
⭕Cons
- Not suitable for cold weather wear
Why We Love Them:
If you have flat feet or fallen arches, you need a walking shoe that provides extra support and cushioning, like the Women's Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers.We love that this shoe is soft, with a stretchy, seamless upper that eliminates pressure points and chafing, and a soft, durable knit upper that is great for both athletic and casual wear. In addition, this shoe has a removable orthotic designed by a podiatrist that provides excellent arch support.
It's great quality, the sock-style design makes it easy for me to put on and take off and still feel secure on my feet when I'm out walking, and the knit upper is very breathable for hot summer days.
When testing this shoe, we were impressed with its solid support and comfortable cushioning. The plush midsole is soft and responsive with great shock absorption and energy return. We also noticed the shoe's non-slip traction, which kept us stable and balanced. The shoe has become a smart choice for seniors who have had previous problems with blisters or bunions.
Suitable for people：
Best for seniors with flat feet who walk or stand for long periods of time and need a comfortable, breathable shoe.
How We Picked the Best Walking Shoes?
To pick the best walking shoes, we tried on a variety of walking shoe samples and tested them on easy hiking trails, walks around the neighborhood (often with kids and dogs), and while walking up and down the stairs at home.
For the few shoes I didn't test personally, I read professional reviews from several publications and checked out a few forums to find walking shoes that were very popular with both the running and walking communities.
Based on all of this information, I narrowed it down to the 5 shoes listed above. There is no perfect walking shoe for everyone, so my goal was to encompass a variety of options to meet the needs of all types of walkers. Whether you're in it for the gym or just to run errands, you can wear these shoes with confidence.
Above are my recommendations for the most comfortable walking shoes for 2024. Whether you're getting ready to head out in the morning to walk the dog or need comfortable and supportive work shoes. There's always something on this list to fit the bill, and links to all the shoes are in the descriptions below, so be sure to check them out for yourself.
In addition, keep an eye out for discounts and promotions, which can help you shop on a budget. Whether it's seasonal sales, promotional codes or membership offers, savvy shoppers can often find great deals on quality footwear.
Enjoy life!