Tested: The 8 Best Men’s Walking Shoes to Keep You on Your Feet

Although walking shoes may be overlooked, they are an important pair of footwear to have in your lineup of sole protectors. Whether you speed-walk for cardio while you’re recovering from an injury or want a comfortable pair of footwear to sport when you travel, you’ll need an exceptional pair in which to invest. To help you out, we’ve tested our favorite walking shoes that fuse both form and function – and compiled a guide to the absolute best.

How We Tested

Going for a walk on your off days will allow you to break a sweat without exacerbating your injury, but it does require the proper shoes. An exceptional pair of walking footwear will lessen the impact on your joints, heart, and muscles, allowing you to recover properly. And if you suffer from wanderlust, you’ll be covering plenty of ground, so choosing the right footwear is critical to enjoying your adventure. Scouring the web for quality shoes can be a pain . But, hunting down a quality pair of walking shoes that are actually stylish – now that’s a tall order. Thankfully, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.

Before getting hands-on with these shoes, we created a shortlist based on a few sets of criteria that we gleaned from both personal experience and the reputation of the various brands. These included midsole cushion, upper and outsole material, visual aesthetic, lacing systems, price, and of course, style. From there, we acquired our units for testing and spent time walking with each and every pair to see how they felt on our feet and on our bodies. We focused on fit, feel, and user-friendliness. Our results are detailed below in our guide.

Measurements: I, Ethan Brehm, was the person testing these walking shoes. I’m a U.S. size men’s 12.5 and have medium-width feet, so keep that in mind when reading my feedback on these units. Unless stated otherwise, all of the shoes in this guide are a size 12.5.

HOKA Bondi 8

Best Overall: Few brands have been more synonymous in recent years with all-day comfort like HOKA. Last year, the popular footwear brand updated its flagship road runners, which also transition perfectly for everyday activities. Available in a myriad of colorways, these sneakers benefit from neutral stability, an OrthoLite sockliner, and cloud-like comfort. Weighing just under 11oz each, the updated version comes with a memory foam collar, extended heel geometry for better balance, and a rear crash pad for smoother transitions. Also, the upgraded foam cushion is even lighter than the previous version. If you don’t want to take our word for it, the American Podiatric Medical Association has even given the shoes its Seal of Acceptance, meaning the Bondi 8 is beneficial to your foot’s health.

The Good

HOKA’s reputation for comfort is pretty widespread these days. And the brand’s rise to prominence in such a short period of time is a thing of legend. I’d never tried the popular Bondi model before and was expecting extreme comfort. Luckily, these shoes delivered, with a comfy cushion that doesn’t get too bouncy, firm arch support (and lots of it), and a wide profile that’s great for balance. Available in regular, wide, and extra wide, this silhouette is also offered in a ton of different variants, both neutral and colorful.

I like the lacing system as well, which is pretty standard fare, yet the laces themselves are a bit more elastic than normal. There’s also not too much of the laces that they hang down too low. On the tops of my feet, mesh uppers were highly comfortable and form-fitting. I got with a size 12.5 (regular) for testing and it fit really well, albeit a tad long in the front. However, this didn’t lead to any movement inside the shoe. Likewise, for low-tops, these provide solid locking on the ankles, with a firm yet soft collar around your joints. Also, unlike a lot of non-sports or -outdoor sneakers, these have solid grip underneath as well.

The Not So Good

There’s admittedly not too much to complain about the Bondi 8. The sneakers are super comfy and easy to wear all day long. My one complaint would be the midsole, which sinks a bit in the back. I do tend to put weight on my heel more when I walk and stand, so that aspect might be more noticeable to me, but still noticeable nonetheless.

Verdict: Available in loads of colorways and width options, the HOKA Bondi 8 is simply the most thoughtfully built and agreeably comfortable shoe we tested. The brand’s reputation is on full display with its well-cushioned midsole, solid traction, and amazing fit.

KEEN WK400 Walking Shoe

Best with High Heel Drop: Since debuting its iconic Newport hybrid sandal in 2003, KEEN has been living on the cutting edge, always looking forward when it comes to making products that our feet can benefit from. While most of its items are made for running or hiking, the WK400 Walking Shoe aims to perfect our most important activity. Constructed with a breathable mesh upper with TPU overlays for durability, the WK400 sits atop a high-traction rubber compound and multi-directional lugs for ultimate grip. Meanwhile, the full-length nylon plate bolsters your gait with stability and protection. All of this is enhanced by the brand’s patented KEEN.CURVE technology consistently propels you throughout the day, even when your feet may feel like giving up, with a whopping 10mm heel drop.

The Good

If you’re looking for something to keep you moving, these KEEN WK400 will surely do the trick. The 10mm heel drop is a lot to get used to at first but it seriously helps with propelling you forward, especially later in the day when you’re getting fatigued –– that’s when you’ll really notice the difference. I also loved how well my feet fit inside the shoes. I got a size 13, rather than a proper size 12.5, and they didn’t feel too big at all. So keep in mind that these probably run a bit small.

Like the brand’s hiking-focused boots and shoes, the uppers on these guys are noticeably more durable than others we tested thanks to their TPU overlays over the mesh. Likewise, the outsole has a ton of grip, as expected, and the nylon plate in the midsole gives you extra protection. You can realistically send these out on multiple terrains with no issue (although hiking would be better suited for more purpose-built shoes). There are also waterproof options available if you’re thinking of taking these out in the rain.

The Not So good

Before you grab these sneakers, keep in mind that they’re built a bit differently than your average walking shoes. Designed to slope aggressively downward with a 10mm heel drop, the WK400 lifts your heels up considerably, almost like a short high-heel shoe (literally). This will be unappealing for a lot of walkers and take a bit to get used to for people who want a bit of a lift.

In terms of the more objectively unappealing elements, the collar dug into the inside of my ankle a bit, which only got more annoying as the day went on. Also, the laces aren’t ideal. There’s not a ton of customization and I had a hard time tightening them up down below. Likewise, there’s not a lot of slack for tying them up top, although I kinda like the charm of the lace system’s angular orientation.

Verdict: Not for everybody, the KEEN WK400 is an excellent way to propel you through your long days of walking –– that is, once you get used to the 10mm lift. We didn’t love the lacing system, which made it difficult to fine-tune the fit, and the collar dug into the ankle slightly. However, these sneakers are also great for taking out on different terrains. Plus, there are waterproof versions available as well.

Allbirds Tree Dasher Relay

Best Slip-On: Allbirds are one of the most comfortable shoes on the planet, which is in part thanks to their single-piece uppers that are made from responsibly grown and sustainably harvested eucalyptus pulp for a silk-like feel. However, the brand’s calling card is its sustainability. With an overall carbon footprint of 6kg CO2e, the Tree Dasher Relay utilizes the brand’s SweetFoam tech in the midsole and the outsole. Made from sugarcane, the supportive and comfortable material is also the first-ever carbon-negative EVA. To further prove the point, the padded insoles are made with castor beans which cut carbon output and provide a flexible fit and anatomical support. Other features include an updated outsole geometry for better traction, a ZQ Merino wool lining for comfort and support, and an easy on-off for a slip-on feel.

The Good

The first thing you’ll notice about the Allbirds Tree Dasher Relay is the visual appeal. Slip-on sneakers have come a long way in terms of style and these are a case in point. I love how the white geometric-style base contrasts with the smooth black uppers. A lot of technical shoes do so much with their design but these favor a minimalist style. Also, there are several other colorways available, all of which are very attractive.

In terms of fit, the sneakers are surprisingly supportive around the ankle, especially for slip-ons. Likewise, I was able to actually slip these on and off no problem, and with very little intervention from my fingers –– none when slipping them off. The wool lining inside is noticeable, especially in cooler weather. This doubled as extra padding against the feet when I expected the flex material to dig in more, which it didn’t at all. I should also mention the price here. These are the most affordable of any on this list, with some sale prices available on the brand’s website as well.

The Not So Good

For as much room as there is above the foot, there’s not a ton of wiggle room for the toes. This is likely due to the unibody mesh construction on the uppers, which inherently gets tighter towards the soles. I also noticed that the materials, both on the soles and uppers, dirty rather easily here. It’s also important to note that the outsoles aren’t terribly grippy, although more grippy than I expected still considering the absolute absence of lugs here.

Verdict: Surprisingly supportive considering the lack of laces, these slip-on Tree Dasher Relay sneakers from Allbirds are equally as comfortable as they are stylish with their minimalist design. The grip could be better and the inside of the shoe has uneven pressure in the top of the foot compared to the toes but these will still appeal to people who want to eliminate the tying and untying process of their shoes each day.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

Best for Long Walks: If you need a pair of all-star walking shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More is perfect for the job. Designed for road running first and foremost, these sneakers will serve you perfectly fine on the day-to-day journey. Just by looking at the silhouette, you can tell that these 4th-gen versions use more of the brand’s Fresh Foam than any shoe it’s ever released and runs the entire length of the silhouette. The chunky 34mm stack height provides a super soft feel on your feet, while the mapped cushion zones and flex zones give your gait its best chance. To help your feet ventilate, the mesh upper is firm yet breathable. Grab the Fresh Foam X More today and your feet will thank you.

The Good

With a lot of these walking shoes, the style can come secondary to the function. However, New Balance –– ironically, a brand previously known for dad shoes that favored function over form –– has some of the best-looking sneaks in the game right now. And these Fresh Foam X More are no exception. Sporting a retro aesthetic, these shoes will get you a ton of compliments and currently come in an off-white version with blue and red accents that we love.

If you’re the type of person who loves cushioning, these shoes are so padded that it almost becomes a gimmick. Nevertheless, they feel amazing under the feet. I also love the lacing system here. Like the HOKA Bondi above, these are more elastic-style traditional laces. But even more so, I didn’t have to sequentially tighten the laces from the bottom up each time. I just had to pull the aglets up top and the entire shoe tightened up. However, taking them off required some help. Another feature I loved was the grippy outsole, which mimicked basketball sneakers a bit. These would make solid (non-basketball) gym shoes.

The Not So Good

It should be noted that the large amounts of cushioning aren’t for everyone. The cloud-like midsole might cause issues with people who have knee or ankle issues due to their lack of support. I’m currently recovering from a knee injury and these were aggravating it. On a lesser note, I wanted a bit more tongue coverage around my ankle, simply because the collars were digging a little. I also noticed that these ran a bit large. I was wearing the size 12.5 and they were slightly big on me.

Also, it may seem superfluous but I wish there were more colorways available with this model. New Balance does colors very well these days and these shoes deserve more than just two options. The two that are available are really attractive.

Verdict: Sporting a retro aesthetic and load (and loads) of midsole cushioning, these New Balance Fresh Foam X More shoes come as advertised. The cloud-like midsole won’t be for everyone but they will definitely make the long days easier on your feet. Other features we loved were the elastic-style laces, the grippy outsole, and the attractive, if not limited, colorway options.

Arc’Teryx Norvan SL 3

Best Hybrid for Walking/Trail Running: You may be tempted to go for a spontaneous trail run after a long day of running errands. To aid you with technical performance and durability, Arc’teryx has made the Norvan SL 3, a lightweight sneaker that can do a whole lot. At just 6oz per shoe, the minimalist Norvan SL cuts weight thanks to its abrasion-resistant and breathable Matryx Micro upper, which is a polyester-wrapped nylon fabric, and Vibram LiteBase on the MegaGrip outsole. Protecting your feet from the elements are a knit collar to preclude any debris that might sneak inside and an EVA-polyolefin midsole to absorb shocks. There are even carabiner attachment points to make these things way more versatile for your next adventure.

The Good

The Norvan SL 3s are the lightest shoes we tested, and it’s pretty darn obvious. Easy to walk with, the sneakers also shed some of that potential weight with a lack of upper thickness and even midsole cushioning, for better or worse. However, they feel pretty easygoing on your feet. The outsole is substantially more grippy than most of the others on this list, and felt just as secure on pavement as it did on dirt, even hills (although there’s no rock plate in the midsole).

In terms of looks, Arc’teryx really has established an identity, with all of its clothing, but especially its footwear. Aiming for the minimalist style, these sneakers come in all black, all blue, or white with yellow accents (we opted for the white). The branding’s very subtle here, with the mesh construction being the most complex aspect of the look. The aesthetic is pretty versatile. Although there’s a slight hint of running or even golfing shoes, these won’t stand out much as your everyday walkers. Yet, we wouldn’t blame you if you decided to use these strictly as runners.

The Not So Good

Despite being lightweight, I didn’t love how the bottoms of my feet felt inside the shoes. The midsole cushioning feels nonexistent –– like sandals –– and I was stunned to find out that these have a 7mm heel drop; they feel very flat. Likewise, my feet felt a bit hot inside, which was also surprising considering just how porous the uppers are –– you could even see my sock through them! Lastly, the tongue bunches a lot, which is felt on the tops of the feet. Up towards the ankles, the shoes felt tight, while the shoes as a whole felt narrow (although they were true-to-size length-wise). They were way too difficult to take off as well.

Verdict: Narrow and small, the Norvan SL 3 from Arc’teryx fit the bill as running shoes. We loved the versatility of the outsole traction, which performed well on both smooth and rough surfaces, and the silhouette was expectedly attractive considering the brand’s identity. However, the shoes themselves were hot and difficult to remove –– not something you necessarily want at the end of a long day on your feet.

Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26

Best Hybrid for Walking/Running: Once nearly out of the industry entirely, Asics has since come back in a big way thanks to the way it’s overhauled its range. With this latest iteration of the flagship GEL-NIMBUS running shoe, the brand aims for its most comfortable running shoe ever. It achieves this not only through the proprietary GEL impact cushioning and FF BLAST PLUS ECO, its bio-based midsole which it claims is its softest ever, but an adaptive knit tongue and upper construction and a sub-11-ounce weight overall.

The Good

In terms of sheer comfort, the Asics GEL-NIMBUS is the top of the top. The insole is extremely plush, sure, but there’s also the perfect amount of space around the foot, both in front and on the sides, that it doesn’t feel like it’s inside of a shoe at all. Meanwhile, the collar locks you into place to help prevent your foot from moving around. A main selling point for these sneakers is the super flexible uppers, which feel the most sock-like of any I tested. They also sport a very versatile style with several color options.

Getting these shoes on was quick and easy (although getting them off required a bit more unlacing). I didn’t have to force my foot inside and the tongue was quasi-gusseted so it didn’t really bunch up, even when I tightened the laces pretty hard. There’s a lot of slack with the laces but not so much that the extra lace hangs down and becomes a tripping hazard.

The Not So Good

Some people might not like the bouncy midsole, and if so, these are more bouncy than even the Hoka Bondi 8, but not the gimmicky New Balance Foam X More. And while I don’t mind the plush foam on normal occasions, I was recovering from a knee injury when testing so the constant balance adjustment was aggravating this a bit, so keep that in mind if you have certain knee issues. Also, the foam seemed to dip a bit more in the toe area where I’d rather have it be a bit firmer for overall balance.

The sock-like uppers are unbelievably comfortable and don’t restrict your toe movement. However, you may notice that your toe and toenail imprints become easily visible if you are the type of person who wiggles them a lot (like I do). Thanks to the nearly non-existent lugs, there’s also not a ton of traction underneath, which may be an issue if you find yourself on slick surfaces a lot.

Verdict: Extremely soft underfoot, the Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26 almost doesn’t seem like a running shoe at first. However, the locked-in fit ensures these will accompany you well when pounding the pavement. We loved the knit, sock-like uppers and agreeable tongue, even though we noticed a lackluster grip on the outsole. Nonetheless, these are really comfy shoes with only minor hiccups.

On Cloud 5

Best for Treadmill Walking: Although On is a relatively young company, its prowess in the footwear community is undeniable. The latest version of its flagship Cloud silhouette is not only waterproof but extremely comfortable. Perfect for long jaunts at the gym, the shoe’s performance level will make them perfect if you do decide to go for a spontaneous jog or sprint every once in a while. Extremely lightweight at just under 10oz per shoe, the Clouds are made from an updated CloudTec midsole and outsole for softer landings and reduced fatigue. Likewise, the 7mm heel drop gives you a real rocker to keep you on your feet. Not only that but the waterproof membrane is breathable and made with 100% recycled materials.

The Good

Known for its cutting-edge running shoes, On made walkers that are highly lightweight on your feet. The “speed” lacing system is intended to be customized, with the ability to tie the elastic laces upon first wearing them in order to provide a slip-on function thereafter. However, the shoes also look like you can switch these out for a standard shoelace if you’d like. Despite the relatively flat heel drop, the shoes have a nice propulsion. I love On’s midsole tech, which extends to the very tip of your foot, so when you’re walking, you feel like you’re being aided by the shoe itself. This is another great benefit when you’re walking straight on a treadmill and have little to motivate you to keep going.

I also love how the polyester uppers balance firmness with softness. They feel like they’re protecting your feet but also you can wiggle your toes a bit. I went with a 12.5 here and they fit true to size. In terms of the look of the shoe, the silhouette is instantly recognizable as an On shoe, for better or worse. If you love that aesthetic, then these will be a winner for you. I’m not personally a fan of the looks of these, but that’s just my own preference.

The Not So Good

For those who are just walking straight and not expecting to turn a whole lot, the lack of support and stability on the On Cloud 5 won’t be much of an issue. I, for one, didn’t love how low these fall on the ankle. This can be especially crucial if you have a history of ankle issues. Likewise, as I was walking, I felt a noticeable lack of stability when turning corners that I didn’t love.

Another point of contention here are the laces, or lack thereof. I appreciate the spirit behind the speed laces but I found them tricky to fine-tune. If I wanted slip-on shoes, I would have turned elsewhere. Sounding better on paper, these elastic laces are even less ideal when considering the lack of security you already feel inside these sneakers.

Verdict: On is a respectable running shoe brand but these Cloud 5s lack the support and sturdiness you’d want in a walking shoe. However, while they don’t come up quite high enough on the ankle and have a tricky, if not frustrating, lacing system, the shoes are extremely comfortable and well-fit, as long as you’re going in a straight line.

Salomon Acs Pro

Best Streetwear Walking Shoes: Crossing over to the streetwear scene in a big way, Salomon has plenty of performance footwear options that are fantastic for walking, but its Acs Pro takes the cake. Supporting your foot with its striking Kurim upper structure, the everyday “sportstyle” sneaker features strategically-placed openings for airflow and a quick lace system for convenience. This silhouette takes one of Salomon’s models from the mid-2000s and gives it some modern upgrades, most notably the Agile Chassis System for more stability. A bit pricier than other options, the shoes are worth the extra cash if you can afford it. Not to mention, there are several different color schemes to pick from.

The Good

Aesthetically, the Salomon is a good-looking shoe. Its uppers are functional for comfort, with built-in vents that blend in discreetly with the fabric, but also have an attractive complexity to them that goes with the streetwear vibe. Walking is very comfortable with nice cushioning underfoot. I got to try out a proper size 12.5, which was about as true-to-size as any shoe I’ve ever worn. My toes were never close to the tip but I also never had so much room that my feet were sliding around; they remained locked in place and were incredibly stable. Like other shoes, which feature hyper-soft midsoles, the Acs Pro balances firmness and cushion really well.

The shoes benefit from the bungee lacing system, which took a couple of times to get the hang of. At first, I was pinching the clamp, preventing the laces from staying tight. However, after pulling on the string’s end, I just pushed down the top of the clamp to tighten the laces. Other bungee laces might result in shoes that are too tight but these Salomons were perfectly fit even after I cinched them up as tight as I could. Likewise, they were very easy to undo once I was ready to take the shoes off. However, the extra laces hung off quite a bit, but fortunately, there were plenty of options for tucking them in.

The Not So Good

Despite the ventilation built into the sides of the shoe, my feet did manage to heat up much more than expected. Another thing I noticed was how the uppers rubbed against the outside of my right foot when driving, due to the way I angle my foot. It became almost unbearable after about an hour in traffic. So keep that in mind if you have a longer commute or sensitive feet; plan to bring an extra pair for driving. I also didn’t love the lack of traction in the outsoles. Going downstairs felt rather unstable, while smoother surfaces were significantly slicker than when I wore other shoes on this list.

We also need to talk about the price here. I know Salomon has been a buzzy brand in recent years but $230 is a lot for an everyday walking shoe. Needless to say, these aren’t going to be for those simply looking for comfort but a sense of style as well.

Verdict: Perhaps the most well-fit and stable shoes on this list, the Salomon Acs Pro has a useful bungee cinch lacing system that offers a high degree of fine-tuning, which you should have considering the high price tag. We didn’t love the outsole traction or the pressure points when driving, but in terms of walking, these ultra-stylish, streetwear-friendly sneakers are the way to go for any outfit.

Walking Shoes Comparison Chart

What to Look For

Fit/Feel: Comfort is king, so when you’re considering a pair of walking shoes, critique the footwear based on how they feel. They could have all the latest technology, but if their design makes your feet hurt, you shouldn’t snatch them.

If you can, try the shoes on first before committing, and walk around to test them out. However, the most likely scenario is that you’re online shopping and won’t be able to try them on before buying them. In that case, do your best to find shoes with cushy midsoles, reliable outsoles, and ample room based on your feet. When they arrive, try them on and determine whether or not they’re a Cinderella fit. Do not hesitate to return them if they don’t fit well.

Stability: For those who do a lot of walking, one misstep can make or break the rest of your day, or even your week. Make sure your new walking shoe is as stable as it is supportive. Whether you prefer low tops or high tops, make sure your foot is locked in. If you have ankle issues, it may be wise to avoid lower silhouettes.

Breathability: Breathability will come from the upper material. On walking shoes, the uppers will typically be made of some sort of mesh. Brands will surely let you know if they’ve made their silhouettes to be breathable or not.

Weight: Again, if you’re going to be wearing these sneakers all day, make sure that they’re not too heavy. This is why many options below come from the running space, which favors lightweight silhouettes.

Cushion: A big reason why many of us need tailor-made walking shoes is because our everyday sneakers just aren’t cutting it, especially if we’re on our feet all day. After a while, we may experience foot burn with non-walking shoes. To combat this, make sure that your new pair has ample cushioning, especially in the midsole. However, certain models may extend this comfort to the outsole and collar.

Style: Finding a good pair of walking shoes requires that everything above lines up perfectly for your needs, but we know that hunting down a pair of performance sneakers that are also stylish is a big part of the equation. Ideally, we’d like to transition from a long walk right into our local cafe for lunch – and feel both comfortable and confident. While this is certainly subjective, we made sure to include plenty of brands that crossed over from the performance world and into the fashion scene (eg. Hoka, Salomon, & Asics), offering the best of form and function.

When Should I Replace My Walking Shoes?

Although wear and tear in the uppers may not look great, you really only need to replace your walking shoes when the outsole tread is worn down. This can have a negative effect on your back, neck, and posture. If you feel like your shoes are wearing down too quickly (you can usually give them upwards of 300 miles before replacement), you might be able to contact the brand for a replacement if they’re still under warranty.

Are Running Shoes Also Good for Walking?

Most people might be inclined to wear running shoes as walking shoes, and this is perfectly fine. However, this will only do more harm to the running side of things. If you’re wearing down your runners too quickly thanks to around-the-clock use, they won’t be as performative when you’re ready to hit the pavement. Nevertheless, the desirable tech used in walking shoes is also present in running shoes –– you’ll just be going above and beyond what you need.

Honorable Mentions

Modeled after the original Pegasus, the Nike Air Pegasus ’89 features some retro styling while also making an affordable, comfortable walking shoe. We simply weren’t able to get hands-on with a pair for this guide.

Blundstones are some of the most comfortable boots you can wear, but we felt the Original 550, being a boot, wouldn’t fit the spirit of this walking shoes guide. Yet, we still wanted to mention the model for those looking for something a bit higher in profile.

Altra’s Escalante 3 are more road-running shoes than strictly for walking but these are comfortable nonetheless. Also, we just didn’t dig the overall aesthetic of the silhouette.

Brooks has a well-respected pair of sneakers in the Glycerin StealthFit 21. However, compared to the Asics or Arc’teryx that we reviewed, we couldn’t justify picking this one instead.

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