22 Pairs of Comfy Walking Shoes for Every Occasion

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If you’re a daily stroller, frequent 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 experts (including podiatrists and physical therapists) and dug through road-tested SELF Sneaker Award winners from past years to find the comfiest footwear for all walks (heh) of life. Shop our favorites below.

Our top picks

Best Overall: Hoka Bondi 9
Best Budget Pick: Ryka Devotion X Max Walking Shoe
Best for High Arches: Vionic Walk Strider Sneaker
Best for City Walking: Dr. Scholl’s Hannah Retro Sneaker
Best Walking Sandals: Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandal

How we chose the best walking shoes

It’s one thing to find a pair of shoes that look nice, but it’s another to find one that feels great too. Here are the key features we considered when making our selections.

Shock absorption: A shoe that cushions the impact of your steps (say, with a thick sole or foam padding) can reduce your risk of foot, ankle, and knee pain, Jossie Abraham, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at Hartford HealthCare Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut, tells SELF.
Support: The shoe should have a wide base and plenty of support through the midfoot and arch. Both of these design elements can further reduce strain on your lower body.
Overall comfort: A good walking shoe should be built for regular use and feel comfortable, even during long periods of wear. It should be breathable and at least somewhat flexible, and it also needs to fit your foot correctly (more on that below).

What should you look for in a walking shoe?

In addition to the key features we mentioned earlier, it’s also important that your walking shoe of choice fits your foot’s length and width (check out SELF’s sneaker buying guide for detailed tips on how to find the best size). 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 wide feet should look for footwear that comes in multiple widths or has a larger toe box.

One important note: Your foot size can change as you age. “You would be surprised at how many people come to see me with toe pain and their shoes are too small!” Alicia Canzanese, DPM, ATC, a board-certified podiatrist, athletic trainer, and former collegiate track athlete, tells SELF.

“If it’s been more than five years since you have taken the time to measure your feet, get your feet measured and sized,” she says. “Many local running shoe stores or your podiatrist’s office will do this for you. Most retail stores like Dick’s will still have a Brannock device—a traditional measuring tool for shoe size—hiding somewhere too.”

A good guideline to follow: When you’re standing in your new shoe, there should be a space about the length of your thumbnail between the tip of your longest toe and the front of your shoe, says Dr. Canzanese. Then, walk around for a while (and don’t skip this step). “Sometimes, an option will feel perfect standing,” Kate Reese, general manager of Brooklyn Running Company, previously told SELF, but will pinch or chafe as you start to move in them.

If you find that your feet, knees, hips, or back are sore after standing or walking all day, your shoes are probably not supportive enough. Look out for hot spots, blisters, or cramped, bruised toes—these issues are signs that you either need a different fit or bigger or wider shoes.

Dr. Abraham says you’ll also want to consider shoes with a mesh upper, which tends to be stretchier (they’re also more breathable compared to ones made of more rigid materials like leather). Ultimately, you don’t want to feel like your foot is fighting against the structure of the shoe—instead, look for shoes that mimic the shape of your foot. If you’re struggling to find shoes with enough built-in arch support or you have high arches or plantar fasciitis, putting over-the-counter or custom orthotics in your shoes can amp up the stability.

Shop 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 editor-tested and expert-approved pairs.

Best Overall: Hoka Bondi 9

Pros

True-to-size, secure fit
Breathable mesh panels
Improved and increased cushioning

Cons

Slightly heavier than previous versions

The recently revamped Hoka Bondi 9 has an improved step-in feel, a stretchy knit upper, and even more foam than its bestselling, SELF Sneaker Award–winning predecessor. SELF’s director of fitness and food took it for a spin and was immediately impressed by its close fit and immediately comfortable feel underfoot. “The Hoka-famous stack means it’s super comfy for standing, with all of that foam underneath,” she says. “Plus, there’s some nice padding around the tongue and heel counter.”

One note: The chunky sole might not be ideal for activities where agility is your top priority. However, the Bondi isn’t especially heavy as far as walking shoes go, and its breathable mesh upper encourages airflow—so your feet won’t feel fatigued or sweaty, even after long stints of standing and walking.

Best Budget: Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoe

Ryka

Devotion X Walking Shoe

Pros

Great cushioning
Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
Available for less than $100 when purchased directly through Ryka

Cons

Some Amazon reviewers say the shoe lacks durability

The layered, shock-absorbing sole on these Ryka sneakers will keep your feet happy for less than most other options on this list. The APMA-approved Devotion X Max provides solid arch support, has an extra padded heel, and features a rocker bottom to help naturally propel you forward as you walk.

SELF’s senior commerce editor, who reviewed the shoe for SELF, loves the Devotion X Max’s marshmallow-y cushioning: “These are by far the softest, most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever worn—it’s like walking on air,” she says. “Plus, I have wide feet and the medium width fits me perfectly, with plenty of space in the toe box. Nice and roomy!”

Best for High Arches: Vionic Walk Strider Sneaker

Vionic

Walk Strider Sneaker

Pros

Provides ample, but flexible, mid-foot support
Reinforced heel improves stability and prevents rolling
Helps with overpronation

Cons

May run small

The Walk Strider, which also won a seal of acceptance from the APMA, has all the features you could want for arch support and overall comfort. High-rebound cushioning in the sole pairs with anti-roll and lateral rigidity to offer a springy but stable ride, and the flexible, lightweight insole provides lift without feeling too hard on the foot.

“Even though I have high arches, I shy away from shoes that tout their ‘arch support’ because, more often than not, the insole’s crest hits at an uncomfortable part of my foot,” says one SELF tester. “The Vionic’s instep, however, is just right. When wearing these sneakers, my feet feel held in a neutral position, helping me avoid overpronation.”

Best for City Walking: Dr. Scholl’s Hannah Retro Sneaker

Dr Scholl’s

Hannah Retro Sneaker

Pros

Cute, retro design
Springy foam insole
Bendy outsole moves with your foot

Cons

Runs on the small side
Only available in one width

If you’ve filed Dr. Scholl’s away in your brain as just a maker of orthotics, you’re seriously missing out. The brand’s current roster of shoes—including sneakers, loafers, wedges, boots, and more—are as cute and trendy as they are comfortable. (And that’s really saying something: Dr. Scholl’s was created by a podiatrist, after all.)

The Hannah Retro sneaker features what Dr. Scholl’s calls its “BLOOM” insole—a springy, cushy footbed made from plant-based EVA foam. “After falling in love with Dr. Scholl’s platform Time Off sneaker, I clambered to try as many shoes featuring the same padded insole as I could,” one SELF tester says. “The Hannah Retro quickly stole my heart with its bouncy step and ‘80s-track-inspired aesthetic. It looks great with jeans, skirts, and athleisure, and it feels on-trend strutting about New York City.”

Best Walking Sandals: Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals

Pros

Supportive
Sturdy yet flexible
Easy to adjust
APMA accepted

Cons

May feel too firm for some people
Straps leave funny tanlines

With an “ugly cool” gorpcore aesthetic—and a stamp of approval by the APMA—there’s plenty to love about this walking sandal from Chaco. Physical therapist Nick Cutri, PT, DPT, CSCS, specifically called out the sturdy arch support in its contoured footbed when he previously recommended it to SELF.

Our senior commerce writer swears by Chacos for warm weather walks—in fact, they’re the only sandals she’s willing to wear. “They don’t feel foamy or squishy, but that’s not to say they’re rock-hard, either,” she wrote in her review. “The Z/1’s insole has some give to help absorb the impact of my footsteps, and it’s flexible enough to bend with my foot while I walk. It’s undeniably sturdy (and, at 11 ounces per shoe, pretty heavy) for a sandal, but I like how substantial it is.”

If you like your sandals to feel plush, the Z1 Classic may be a little firm or rigid for your liking, but it’s built to last. Case in point: “As a teenage camp counselor, these were my go-to sandals and I still have the same rugged pair a decade later,” another SELF tester says. “They are extremely durable and the sole has a hefty weight to it, which is helpful for walking in water. They never gave me blisters, but did give me some gnarly tan lines.”

Foot tan aside, the Z1’s straps earned points from Dr. Cutri, who appreciated their adjustable design—you can wear this sandal just about anywhere (including through water and over rocky paths) and trust that it’ll stay securely on your foot.

More great picks

Have more specific needs, like a shoe to relieve plantar fasciitis pain or boots that can stand up to rugged terrain? Check out the top-rated walking shoes below.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Atom

Pros

Designed to prevent plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Flexible and breathable
Suitable for flat feet

Cons

Not much cushioning through the forefoot

No pair of shoes can permanently treat the heel pain that comes with plantar fasciitis, but Kuru’s intentionally designed Atom sneaker can certainly provide some relief. It has built-in arch support, a moderate heel-to-toe drop, and heel-cradling cushioning directly under the back of your foot. All of these features help distribute the impact of your steps, so pressure doesn’t build on your heel and cause you discomfort while you’re on the move.

“Considering its reputation as a shoe for foot pain, the Atom is surprisingly flexible and easy to wear‚” SELF’s senior commerce writer says. “I’d expected something clunkier, but it’s pretty breezy—and it keeps my flat arches and tender heels from getting cranky.”

Best for Flat Feet: Hoka Arahi 7

Pros

Very supportive
Lightweight
Helpful for pronation

Cons

Less cushioning than classic Hokas
Some reviewers find the Arahi 7 stiffer than previous models

Most pairs of Hokas are approved by the APMA—including the Arahi 7, which is an excellent shoe for walkers with flat feet. It’s designed to prevent overpronation (a common issue for folks with lower or collapsed arches in which their feet and ankles tend to roll inward). It lacks some of the cushioning you’ll find in other Hokas, but that helps keep it nice and lightweight, as well as stable. One thing to keep in mind when selecting your size: According to some reviewers, the Arahi 7 runs narrow.

Maximum Cushioning: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14

New Balance

Fresh Foam X 880v14

Pros

Thick, cloud-like sole
Available in four width options
Comfortable straight out of the box

Cons

May run small

New Balance’s Fresh Foam line is known and loved for its bouncy soles, which are extra thick at the heel to ensure serious shock absorption and springy energy return, whether you’re leisurely strolling or picking up the pace. The upper is stretchy and breathable, and there’s no break-in period, per one Zappos reviewer.

Best for Narrow Feet: Nike Invincible 3

Pros

Highly cushioned
Wide midsole for greater impact absorption
Breathable

Cons

Some reviewers report issues with durability

The Nike Invincible 3 won a 2023 Sneaker Award for Best Everyday Runner, and we think it would make an excellent everyday walker too, particularly for anyone with narrow feet. (Nike shoes typically run slim, and these are no exception.)

The Invincible 3 is one of Nike’s most cushioned road runners, which means it will also keep your feet happy over miles of hoofing it—our tester loved the plush yet responsive foam. The waffle outsole also provides great traction, while the knit upper creates an airy, breathable feel.

Best for Wide Feet: Altra Paradigm 7

Pros

Wide toe box
Plush cushioning
Stabilizing design

Cons

Zero heel-to-toe drop may not feel good for all walkers

Altras are known for two things: wide toe boxes that allow your feet to fully spread out, and zero drop, which means the heel and toe of the shoe are at the same height. The former will likely make these a great fit for folks with wider feet, while the latter is polarizing—you’ll either love the feeling (which is more like walking barefoot) or hate it.

“I have bunions and generally need to wear shoes with lots of cushion,” wrote one REI reviewer. “My podiatrist recommended this brand and model, and I find that I don’t need to put my orthotics in them and don’t experience pain in my feet.”

Best for Travel: Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoe

Hoka

Clifton 9 Running Shoe

Pros

Breathable
Lightweight
Another great option for plantar fasciitis

Cons

Sizing may be inconsistent, according to Hoka reviewers

The Clifton 9 is yet another plush offering from Hoka, but it’s slimmer and weighs less than the Bondi and previous iterations of the Clifton. The streamlined construction makes it one of the best shoes for traveling, with a breathable design that won’t weigh you down during long walks through a new city (or your own neighborhood, if you don’t have a trip on the books). One SELF staffer says the Clifton 9 didn’t exacerbate her plantar fasciitis at all, even after walking all over New York City.

Best Minimalist Walking Shoe: Adidas Ultraboost 1.0

Pros

Lightweight
Breathable
Flexible fit and feel
Responsive

Cons

Might not offer enough support or cushioning for some
Only available in one width

Ultraboosts have long been a favorite of shoppers for their sleek, minimalist look; springy feel; lightweight upper; and overall comfort (without the clunkiness of many super-padded walking shoes). A snug but stretchy recycled yarn upper hugs the feet, while the molded heel counter helps prevent shifting.

“I work at a nursing home and these shoes are very comfortable,” wrote one Adidas reviewer. Another added that the Ultraboosts are “the most comfortable shoe” they own: “I work on my feet for 10 hours a day and it feels like I’m walking on clouds!”

Best Hiking Sandals: Keen Newport H2 Sandal

Pros

Protective
Lots of traction
Suitable for wearing in water

Cons

Not as adjustable as other hiking sandals
Not available in a wide width

A good hiking sandal should be protective yet breathable, and the highly durable Keen Newport H2 strikes that balance. This shoe keeps you safe from roots and pebbles with a tough rubber toe cap; dries quickly after water crossings; and, perhaps most importantly, supports your feet with a comfy, molded insole and a high-traction rubber outsole.

Though it doesn’t have as much adjustability as our fave Chaco, the Newport H2 features a bungee strap down the center of the foot that you can cinch. It’s also a high-quality option to slip on for day-to-day excursions: Travel photographer Kathryn Cooper previously told SELF that she’ll wear her pair “to the supermarket and on six-mile day hikes.”

Best for Long Distances: Brooks Ghost Max 2

Pros

Highly cushioned yet lightweight
Slight rocker bottom
APMA-accepted

Cons

Clunky look
Runs slightly wide

If you’re heading out on a long walk, you need a shoe that’ll simultaneously cushion every single step and feel light enough to keep you from dragging by the end of your journey. While some max cushioning sneakers can feel a little unwieldy, Brooks’s Ghost Max 2 avoids that with impressively lightweight, air-injected foam throughout its midsole and a subtly curved outsole (often referred to as a rocker bottom sole, which can help you maintain forward momentum and make your steps feel easier).

“It’s not uncommon for my feet to feel a little sore after especially long walks with my dog,” our senior commerce writer says. “But on the days I tested the Ghost Max 2s, I genuinely looked forward to taking leisurely, long strolls in 30-degree weather—and even indulged my pup when she insisted we go a few blocks farther. These shoes are definitely not springy, but they make walking on hard surfaces—even for hours at a time—feel next to effortless.”

Best for Spending All Day on Your Feet: Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0

Skechers

Max Cushioning Elite 2.0

Pros

Well-cushioned
Provides long-term comfort

Cons

May run small and narrow

One SELF Sneaker Award tester wrote that their Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0s provided “outstanding arch support” and kept their “arthritic knees cushioned and feeling amazing all day.” They also noted the ample padding throughout the shoe, which gives the sole a bit of lift (especially at the heel).

This added height initially made another tester worry that her ankle would roll while wearing the Elite, but she found it to be secure and easy to wear for long periods of time. Not only is this a great shoe for standing—it’s also equipped with a moderate rocker sole to keep your momentum going when you’re on the move.

Best for Overpronation: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe

Brooks

Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe

Pros

Stabilizing design
Another good option for plantar fasciitis
Available in four widths

Cons

Not particularly bouncy

If you tend to overpronate when you walk (meaning your foot and ankle roll inward as you step), Dr. Abraham recommends this breathable, supportive sneaker from Brooks.

SELF’s director of fitness and food has logged hundreds of miles in her pair, and calls the Adrenaline GTS 23 “a legit savior” for her feet and legs: “I’m an overpronator, and if I’m not careful about my shoe choice, I way-too-frequently end up sidelined with some annoying lower leg injuries,” she says. She also finds that the shoe’s stability GuideRails (two lines of firm foam that run along either side of the heel) help reduce excess motion while she’s on the move. “And,” she concludes, “I love its light, moderate cushioning that’s comfy without being too much.”

Best Waterproof Walking Shoes: Hoka Clifton 9 GTX

Pros

Fully waterproof, but breathable
Reflective details

Cons

Not available in wide width
Limited color options

If you weren’t already aware that Hoka’s beloved Clifton 9 came in a waterproof version, your rainy days are about to get much more pleasant. Its Gore-Tex membrane keeps water out while allowing air to flow freely, so you don’t wind up with swampy feet, while the improved traction pods along the bottom of the sole keep you from slipping and sliding.

“I love that they’re waterproof and I don’t have to drag out my boots on rainy days,” one Hoka reviewer wrote. “They are also super comfy and don’t make my feet hurt after a long day on my feet working in health care.”

Best Casual Walking Shoes: Reebok Club C 85 Walking Shoe

Reebok

Club C 85 Walking Shoe

Pros

Stylish
Well-padded

Cons

Not suited for extra-long distances
Not available in wide width

Years after taking home a SELF Sneaker Award, these classic-cool Reeboks remain a top-rated pick for short walks, running errands, and everyday wear. This simple shoe has a simple, timeless design and a cushy midsole that’ll pad your steps without feeling clunky.

While we wouldn’t recommend these white sneakers for especially long or off-road walks, you can expect them to last a long time when you wear them for casual outings. (BTW, the sturdy leather upper softens with wear to feel even more comfortable over time.)

Best Hiking Shoe: Salomon X Ultra 360

Pros

Supportive and structured design
Great traction
Waterproof version available

Cons

Not available in wide width
Runs large, according to REI reviewers

Outdoor experts and podiatrists agree that Salomon makes some seriously trail-ready hiking shoes. The X Ultra 360 (the newest model in the brand’s fan favorite X Ultra line) has a padded midsole and a structured interior, so you can stay comfortable and in control on tricky terrain.

It’s super stable too: Because of the shoe’s internal reinforcements, you’re less likely to roll your foot on a wayward root or rock. The outsole, with its lugged pattern and grippy rubber, provides even more protection from hazards in your path.

If you’re planning to tackle longer or more technical treks, a hiking boot is probably your best bet. But if you don’t need a ton of support and protection on your outdoor walks, a hiking sneaker like this one or a trail running shoe will do just fine.

Best Hiking Boot: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots

Merrell

Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots

Pros

Very comfortable
Durable
Protective
Waterproof version available

Cons

Most suitable for rugged trails—will feel too heavy on easy or paved paths

When you need to level up to a boot for a steeper, rockier, or more difficult hike, the Moab 3 is an exceptional choice. This crowd-pleasing hiker is highly recommended by outdoor experts for its rugged feel and versatility.

“[The Moab is] extremely comfortable regardless of terrain and length of hike,” Myriam Bishop, a one-time backpacking guide for Wildland Trekking Company, previously told SELF. It helps you maintain your footing, it protects your toes and heel, and supports your ankle with a mid-height shaft. If you want to get back to nature without worrying about blisters, chafing, or pain underfoot, the Moab 3 is a great pick.

Best for Sweaty Feet: On Cloud 5 Running Shoe

Cloud 5 Running Shoe

Pros

Lightweight
Breathable
Easy to slip on and off

Cons

Run small
Not available in wide width

On makes some seriously springy walking shoes, and the popular Cloud 5 sneaker is no exception, thanks to its lightweight cushioning. Its upper is made of antimicrobial, breathable mesh, which makes it a great option for the warmer months or anyone with sweaty feet. The Cloud 5 is also a solid pick if you need a go-to shoe for long travel days—it’s easy to pack away, comes in plenty of cute colorways that’ll match a range of outfits, and is easy to slip on for long days of sightseeing.

A heads up before you order: On sneakers, including this style, tend to run small.

Best for Pregnancy: Allbirds Tree Loungers

Pros

Flexible
Easy on-off
Breathable materials

Cons

Not especially supportive

Experts recommend that pregnant people look for breathable, flexible walking shoes that aren’t a chore to put on (because as your pregnancy progresses, you might not want to bend down to tie a bunch of laces). Allbirds’s machine washable Tree Lounger checks all those boxes.

“I needed something to wear around the house to support my feet during pregnancy. These are perfect,” one reviewer wrote. “They are lightweight and breathable and provide the support I need.” (That being said, you don’t have to be pregnant to enjoy this comfy-casual slip-on.) This type of footwear might not be as secure and supportive as you may prefer for longer walks, but it’s an easy-breezy option when you just want to slip into something comfy.

Compare the best walking shoes

Our experts

Jossie Abraham, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at Hartford HealthCare Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut
Alicia Canzanese, DPM, ATC, a board-certified podiatrist, athletic trainer, and former collegiate track athlete
Kate Reese, general manager of Brooklyn Running Company
Nick Cutri, PT, DPT, CSCS, a physical therapist
Kathryn Cooper, a travel photographer
Myriam Bishop, a one-time backpacking guide for Wildland Trekking Company