Best Walking Shoes for 2026
Discover expert reviews and ratings on the best walking shoes for comfort, support, and style. Our comprehensive guides help you find the perfect footwear to keep you moving with confidence, whether you're strolling through the city or hitting the trails.
Updated January 2026 • 18 Products Analyzed
The Good
- Exceptional all-day comfort and cushioning
- Supportive fit for flat feet and wide foot widths
- True-to-size fit with no break-in period
- Excellent durability for extended daily use
Brooks Women's Ghost 15
The Brooks Women's Ghost 15 is a highly-rated neutral running shoe that excels as both a performance runner and all-day comfort shoe. Users consistently praise its exceptional cushioning, support, and fit, making it ideal for various foot types and long-distance activities. With over 12,000 reviews and great ratings, it delivers reliable comfort right out of the box.
The Bad
- Premium pricing may be steep for some budgets
- Tread wears faster with intensive outdoor running
The Good
- Exceptional cushioning feels like walking on pillows
- Lightweight yet supportive for long runs
- Alleviates foot pain and plantar fasciitis
- High-quality materials with excellent arch support
Hoka ONE ONE Clifton 9 Men's Road Running Shoes
The Hoka ONE ONE Clifton 9 is a highly comfortable running shoe that excels in cushioning and support, making it ideal for both training and everyday wear. Users consistently praise its lightweight design, exceptional comfort, and ability to alleviate foot pain and fatigue. With great ratings from over 300 reviews, it represents a premium choice for runners seeking quality footwear without compromise.
The Bad
- Fits slightly snug initially, requires short break-in
- Premium pricing may be costly for some
The Good
- Exceptional comfort and responsive cushioning from day one
- Highly durable with minimal wear after 300+ miles
- True-to-size fit with excellent support and no heel slip
- Outstanding value for price point and versatility
Under Armour Charged Assert 10
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 delivers exceptional comfort and versatility for everyday wear, running, and workouts at an excellent value. With standout features including responsive cushioning, reliable durability, and a true-to-size fit, these shoes have earned strong customer satisfaction across multiple use cases. Minor sizing inconsistencies between models are the only notable drawback to an otherwise impressive athletic shoe.
The Bad
- Sizing may vary inconsistently between UA shoe models
- Initial stiffness may require brief break-in period
The Good
- Exceptional cushioning and arch support for pain relief
- Durable, well-made construction that withstands daily wear
- Stylish design available in multiple colors
- True-to-size fit with lightweight comfort
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V14
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 is a highly comfortable walking shoe that delivers exceptional cushioning and support for all-day wear. Users consistently praise its pain relief benefits, stylish design, and durability, making it an excellent choice for those with foot issues or extended standing. With over 1,500 reviews and great ratings, it stands as a top performer in the walking shoe category.
The Bad
- May feel slightly narrow for wider feet
- White colorway requires regular maintenance to stay clean
The Good
- Excellent cushioning and arch support with minimal break-in
- Exceptional durability; reviewers report thousands of miles of use
- Great wide-toe fit and stability for ankle support
- Outstanding value for price; premium comfort at affordable cost
Nike Men's Air Monarch IV Training/Workout Shoes
The Nike Air Monarch IV delivers exceptional comfort and stability at an affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for both casual wear and intense workouts. Reviewers consistently praise its superior cushioning, arch support, and durability, with many reporting years of reliable use across multiple pairs. While some minor issues like squeaking exist, the overall value and performance make it a highly recommended everyday trainer.
The Bad
- Shoes develop squeaking after a few months of use
- Sole glue can fail with frequent wet conditions
The Good
- Excellent material quality and craftsmanship
- Comfortable firm cushioning with good ground feedback
- Wide width options available for proper fit
- Durable construction lasting years of daily use
New Balance Men's 990v6 Sneaker
The New Balance 990v6 delivers excellent quality materials and comfortable all-day wearability, backed by New Balance's 25+ year reputation. With a firm-yet-cushioned sole and multiple width options, these shoes excel for walking and casual wear. However, some users report the midsole softens over time and sizing runs large, requiring careful selection.
The Bad
- Sizing runs half to full size large
- Midsole loses firmness over 11+ months of use
The Good
- Exceptional cushioning and shock absorption technology
- Outstanding support for plantar fasciitis and foot issues
- Durable construction maintains comfort beyond 3+ months
- Excellent stability with secure heel counter
ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 25
The ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 25 is a maximum-cushioned neutral running shoe that delivers exceptional comfort and shock absorption for everyday runners and those with foot concerns. Featuring advanced gel technology, a supportive heel counter, and breathable mesh design, these shoes excel at reducing fatigue and preventing injury. However, the premium price point and potential traction concerns in wet conditions may give some buyers pause.
The Bad
- Premium pricing compared to standard running shoes
- Slippery sole traction in wet weather conditions
The Good
- Exceptional comfort for all-day standing and walking
- Lightweight with memory foam arch support
- Slip-on design with secure fit and true-to-size
- Machine washable and durable construction
Skechers Women's Go Walk 7 Cosmic Waves
The Skechers Women's Go Walk 7 Cosmic Waves delivers exceptional comfort and lightweight support for extended wear, making it ideal for professionals and frequent walkers. With memory foam cushioning, slip-on convenience, and machine-washable construction, these shoes consistently receive praise for reducing foot pain and fatigue. However, some users note minor design quirks like gravel accumulation around the sole bumpers.
The Bad
- Gravel can get stuck in sole design bumpers
- Limited arch support for flat feet without inserts
The Good
- Lightweight and snug fit
- Versatile for walking and running
- Convenient slip-on design
- Popular and well-reviewed
Adidas Womens Ultraboost 23
The Adidas Womens Ultraboost 23 is a versatile all-purpose athletic shoe praised for its lightweight design, comfort, and easy slip-on functionality. However, buyers consistently report that the shoe runs small, requiring customers to size up significantly. Despite occasional quality concerns regarding fabric compression, the shoe maintains strong appeal for walking and running enthusiasts seeking a reliable, multi-purpose athletic option.
The Bad
- Runs small; size up recommended
- Fabric compression and fit inconsistencies
The Good
- Exceptional comfort for all-day wear
- Premium leather quality and durability
- Stylish, versatile design pairs with any outfit
- Proven ECCO brand reliability and value
ECCO Mens Soft 7 Premier
The ECCO Mens Soft 7 Premier is a stylish, minimalist sneaker that delivers excellent comfort and durability for everyday wear and professional settings. With premium leather construction and a lightweight design, it's ideal for all-day comfort, though some users report sizing inconsistencies. ECCO's proven reputation for quality shoes is reinforced by this model's strong performance in comfort and longevity.
The Bad
- Sizing inconsistencies and fit issues for some
- Prone to creasing despite quality construction
The Good
- Exceptional comfort and support for extended walking
- Durable quality construction lasting 2-3 years with moderate use
- Versatile style works for casual and dressy occasions
- Lightweight yet cushioned sole reduces foot fatigue
Rockport Mens World Tour Classic
The Rockport Mens World Tour Classic is a versatile walking shoe that combines comfort with a polished aesthetic, making it suitable for both active walking and casual dressing up. Reviewers consistently praise its excellent arch support, lightweight construction, and durability across extended wear. While the shoes offer exceptional value and longevity, some users report interior wear issues and initial heel friction before breaking in.
The Bad
- Interior material wears out faster than outer sole
- Initial heel rubbing discomfort requires break-in period
The Good
- Premium craftsmanship with clean, stylish design
- Exceptional comfort for daily wear and versatile activities
- Excellent arch and foot support for osteoarthritis relief
- Waterproof and durable—customers report lasting years
Clarks Mens Wave 2.0 Vibe
The Clarks Wave 2.0 Vibe combines sneaker comfort with hiking boot support, featuring a sturdy rocker sole ideal for those with joint concerns. These well-crafted shoes deliver excellent everyday wearability and aesthetic appeal, though sizing runs slightly small and some find the cushioning limited for extended distance walking.
The Bad
- Sizing runs 1/4-1/2 size larger than expected
- Limited cushioning for long-distance or intensive walking
The Good
- Exceptional comfort and arch support for long hours
- Durable, well-made construction with waterproof material
- Great shock absorption with thick memory foam sole
- Excellent value and reliability for daily use
Reebok Women's Walk Ultra 7 DMX Max
The Reebok Women's Walk Ultra 7 DMX Max is a durable, well-cushioned walking shoe praised for exceptional comfort during extended standing and walking. Reviewers highlight strong arch support and reliable quality, though some experience persistent squeaking issues and initial sizing inconsistencies that may require adjustment.
The Bad
- Persistent squeaking that doesn't always disappear with wear
- Heavier sole and sizing runs slightly roomy
The Good
- Exceptionally comfortable and lightweight design
- True-to-size fit with excellent arch support
- Stylish appearance with positive quality perception
- Easy on/off with convenient lacing system
On Women's Cloud 5 Sneakers
The On Women's Cloud 5 Sneakers deliver exceptional comfort with a lightweight design that appeals to style-conscious wearers. Users consistently praise their true-to-size fit and arch support, making them ideal for casual everyday wear. However, some durability concerns and narrow fit issues have been reported by a small percentage of reviewers.
The Bad
- Narrow width may not suit all foot shapes
- Some durability concerns reported after minimal wear
The Good
- Outstanding arch support for foot pain relief
- Comfortable cushioning right out of the box
- Attractive design with subtle branding
- True to size fit for most wearers
Ryka Womens Devotion Plus 3
The Ryka Womens Devotion Plus 3 is a highly-rated walking shoe praised for exceptional arch support and comfort, making it ideal for those with foot issues like plantar fasciitis. Customers consistently highlight the shoe's cushioning, true-to-size fit, and attractive design, though some report quality control issues with insole placement and occasional sizing inconsistencies.
The Bad
- Quality control issues with insole crimping
- Outsoles wear down relatively quickly with heavy use
The Good
- Outstanding arch support and heel protection
- Excellent for foot pain and plantar fasciitis relief
- Well-made, sturdy construction with lasting comfort
- True to size with secure fit
Vionic Womens 23walk 2.0
The Vionic Womens 23walk 2.0 is a highly-rated walking shoe praised for exceptional arch support and comfort during extended walking sessions. Customers with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and arthritis report significant relief, though some note the lack of substantial cushioning and potential fit inconsistencies across sizes. With strong durability and supportive design, it's an excellent choice for serious walkers willing to invest in quality footwear.
The Bad
- Limited cushioning compared to other premium brands
- Prone to cosmetic scuffing, especially silver accents
The Good
- Exceptional comfort and support for daily activities
- Wide toe box accommodates orthotics and insoles
- Highly durable construction lasting 18+ months
- Well-balanced shoe preferred over competing brands
Saucony Men's Echelon 9
The Saucony Echelon 9 is praised for its exceptional comfort and wide toe box, making it ideal for walking and running. While many users report excellent support and durability lasting well over a year, some note concerns about the redesigned sole's reduced wear layer and rounded heel that may cause discomfort.
The Bad
- Redesigned sole with insufficient rubber wear layer coverage
- Rounded heel design causes discomfort for some wearers
The Good
- Cloud-like comfort with premium New Zealand Merino wool
- Sustainable, eco-friendly materials and carbon-neutral manufacturing
- Machine washable for easy maintenance and care
- Great arch support for all-day walking
Allbirds Men's Wool Runner
The Allbirds Men's Wool Runner delivers exceptional everyday comfort with premium New Zealand Merino wool that's both breathable and soft. Made from sustainable, eco-friendly materials with a machine-washable design, these minimalist sneakers excel for extended walking and daily wear. However, they require a break-in period and have inconsistent sizing and fit issues that may affect some customers.
The Bad
- Stiff heel collar requires break-in period causing initial blisters
- Sizing inconsistencies and poor width fit for many wearers