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We tested over 30 walking shoes side-by-side over 3 months on morning dog walks, hikes, and at work.
After over 1000 hours of testing, our experts agree the Hoka Clifton 9 is our favorite walking shoe for men and women. The Clifton has a plush sole and gentle rocker that kept us comfortable and moving forward.
The Brooks Divide 4 is our favorite budget-friendly walking shoe. The Divide 4 has a rigid neutral platform that keeps your foot stable within the shoe without causing any discomfort.
Editor's Note: On November 15, 2024, we updated our award selection.
Both our male and female testers loved the Hoka Clifton 9 and noted, “This shoe's lush cushioning offers a plush ride to protect and cushion joints, even over long distances.” Hoka is a brand known for its maximalist shoe models favored by marathoners, distance walkers, and anyone who spends large portions of the day on their feet. Despite the higher stack that comes with ultra-cushioning, this shoe felt quite stable in our testing. The foam is dense with a gentle rocker; this, plus a deep footbed, helps provide stability. The soft side walls and wide-toe box add to the overall comfort of this shoe, keeping your foot centered. The gentle rocker helps keep you moving forward, yet isn't uncomfortable when standing in place. The upper is breathable, which helps keep your feet from overheating. A slightly recessed heel cup helps keep your foot steady, while upper ankle padding provides extra support and comfort, and the Durabrasion rubber outsole provides the right amount of traction for most surfaces. Whether it's a long workday or a casual stroll around the neighborhood, this shoe is comfortable and firm.
Stability and comfort take priority in this cushy model. The Hoka Clifton 9 is our preferred shoe for tackling slow, long distances on foot.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Clifton 9 wasn't the most responsive shoe, but this is not as big of a deal in slow runs and long walks; we'll take the extra cushion and stability any day. However, a higher stack height may not be the best choice for uneven terrain. One thing to note about the Clifton 9 is the uniquely shaped heel cup. The higher heel tab and thick lateral edges may rub incorrectly on some people's heel and ankle areas. For this reason, we recommend trying on the shoe before buying to ensure this won't be a problem later down the road. With excellent comfort and a stable ride, our testers noted, “We feel pretty confident that most people will love this shoe for daily strolls.” We also like the Hoka Mach 6 as a comfortable daily walker with an extra cushion boost or the versatile Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 for a bit more stability.
Combining a hiker and a sneaker, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX perfectly balances comfort and stability, especially for uneven terrain. The thickly padded sole easily absorbs most impacts, providing a plush underfoot feel. This, along with the SwallowTail heel and Vibram Megagrip outsole, add to the shoe's overall stability. The breathable design includes a recycled mesh upper, which is flexible on your feet and kinder to the planet. They have a waterproof build and are still remarkably lightweight for a trail shoe. Whether walking the dogs around town or venturing on trails, these Hokas keep your feet protected and comfortable.
The stable and thick sole of the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX can take on a large impact.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
The support of the Anacapa 2 may be lacking for those with high arches. That said, you can solve this issue by swapping out the insole for something with additional support (we've outlined our favorite insoles here). Hoka's sizing for this model is large, which can help compensate for the narrow fit. On the other hand, these may feel slightly restrictive if you prefer a natural toe-box shape. If you live in a hot climate or somewhere without much precip, the Gore-Tex design of this shoe may be overkill (in that case, you might check out the HOKA Speedgoat 6, which is less water resistant but more breathable). Our lead hiking shoe tester, Trish Matheny, feels, “Overall, the comfy Anacapa 2 is a terrific all-around shoe worth a spot in anyone's closet.” If you frequent trails where you might need more traction and support, the Altra LP Alpine is almost as comfortable as the Anacapa and has a roomier toe box for those who have wider feet.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a highly cushioned and responsive shoe that offers unbeatable comfort for those big days out. Featuring PWRRUN RB foam, it provides a perfect balance of compression and support. The lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for long walks, while its versatility allows for a smooth transition into a reliable running shoe. The foam's impressive shock-absorbing footbed reduces foot strike impact, enabling you to go farther with less fatigue. Additionally, the rebound effect of the foam paired with the slight rocker shape propels you forward and keeps you moving. These shoes are comfortable and an excellent choice for a stroll around town or a paced treadmill walk. We found the fit to be more narrow than the previous version, the Endorphin Speed 3. (If you have wider feet, you may prefer that model, and you may be able to find it on clearance since the new version is out.) The cushioning feels even better on this updated model.
Despite how great these shoes are, they lack lateral stability and support. Still, they shouldn't pose a significant issue for everyday activities and walks. Since these shoes are designed for road running, they won't be the best pick for treading uneven, rocky ground. Furthermore, the steep toe-off may take some getting used to, though once familiarized, these shoes will be an easy go-to for longer walks. If you need a more supportive shoe on light trails, check out the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX.
If you plan on hitting the trails, you'll want the La Sportiva Spire GTX on your side. These rugged and reliable hikers thrive on uneven terrain, though they can tackle any trek you put in front of them. They are comfortable out of the box. We found many foot shapes and sizes and were impressed by the Spire's comfort. They are stable and durable, with a robust outsole and structured arch support, and boast an abrasion-resistant mesh upper, which helps expel moisture while maintaining flexibility and trail responsiveness. Thanks to its incorporated Gore-Tex technology, the Spire GTX is well-equipped to handle run-off and river crossings.
Given they are waterproof, the Spire might not be the best option for warm climates where water crossings and snowmelt aren't present (the breathable Merrell Moab 3 is a great go-to for warm and dry climates). Though the Spire maintains a breathable mesh layer, your feet might get sweaty on hot, dry days. These shoes also run slightly large, so you should order a half-size down for a more precise fit. Additionally, these sneakers are on the more expensive side. However, despite these considerations, the Spire GTX is an excellent shoe that performed outstandingly in all our tests.
Gel-Kayano 31 Coming Soon
As of Spring 2024, Asics shows the Gel-Kayano 31 available for preorder on their site. Changes are a 4D Guidance System for more stability, design updates intended to improve grip and breathability, and a knit collar and pull tab for easy on and off.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 30 - Women's is one of the top performers regarding cushioning and landing comfort. These plush-feeling shoes have a thick stack height filled with pillowy foam in the midsole and a gel insert in the heel, which help lessen the impact of footfalls throughout the day. We also love the upper material that Asics used for this shoe. The stretch knit fabric is breathable, and the thick tongue creates a lace bed that prevents laces from digging into the top of your foot throughout the day.
The Gel-Kayano 30 is heavier than average, weighing just over 8 ounces for one woman's size 6.5 shoe. With all the extra foam and comfort features, this is to be expected, and we wouldn't consider the weight a deal-breaker for such a cushy shoe. If you like the maximalist cushioning but also need maximum stability in your shoes, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is one option that may work well for you. A last note about the Gel-Kayano is that it runs short; you may want to try it on before purchasing or order a half size up for the most comfortable fit.
Throw on the Brooks Divide 4 for a walk around town or a stroll in the woods. These versatile sneakers will get you from point A to B without breaking the bank. With a stable and rigid neutral platform, the Divide ensures that your foot remains securely placed throughout your walk. These shoes prioritize foot protection and are well-equipped to handle the occasional toe strike or jagged rock. These comfortable shoes accommodate a wide range of foot types, and both our men and women testers loved them. The breathable upper allows heat and moisture to escape, while the water-resistant outsoles help keep your feet dry. Furthermore, the Divide's moderate traction makes it a great option for those who frequent various terrain on their walks.
While they perform well in most conditions, the Divide isn't the burliest or most sensitive option for rugged trail walks. These shoes are about average in weight, not too heavy but not the lightest either. Our women testers found these sneakers to run on the narrower side, which might not be the best for wide feet. Outside of these things, whether you're strolling through the neighborhood or exploring less demanding trails, this shoe is a great contender to keep your feet and wallet happy. If you don't wander off smooth pavement too often, the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is another affordable option to consider.
The Divide 4 is even more breathable than its former versions.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Test Walking Shoes
Year after year, we dive deep into searching the market for the best shoes out there. Following our research, we order the most promising pairs for rigorous back-to-back testing. We check every box, testing each model for comfort, support, traction, weight, durability, and more. Our hands-on trials conducted by various well-equipped testers allow us to grasp each shoe's overall performance fully. Every walking shoe in this lineup has been tested on multiple terrains, including sidewalks, riverwalks, trails, roads, and around town. Furthermore, we tested these out at various distances to see how they hold up with extended use.
We use each shoe in our day-to-day lives and also use standardized methods to test aspects such as toe box volume and fit.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Why Trust GearLab
This comprehensive review highlights some of our favorite walking shoes that we've found over the years. For everyday casual road shoes, Ally Arcuri, and Nathaniel Bailey, lead the team. Ally has a degree in kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton that allows her to search for shoes with proper biomechanics in mind. Working with physical therapists for many years and being an experienced ultrarunner, she brings a wealth of exercise science knowledge to the table. Nathaniel has spent many years running and cycling and now coaches both high school and recreational runners. When not guiding other people through their running journey, he is on a personal mission to break road-racing PRs, which always involves a trusted pair of sneakers.
When it's time to hit the trails, our expert in the hiking shoe department is Trish Matheny, who is joined by trail runner Matthew Richardson. Trish has been exploring Rocky Mountain trails for nearly 15 years, concurrently finding her passions for climbing, split boarding, trail running, and yoga. Matthew's biggest passion is running, and he spends much of his time exploring new routes through the mountain ranges of Southern Colorado. With a top-ten finish at the Telluride Mountain Run in his back pocket, Matthew knows what it takes for a trail shoe to go the distance. When he's not running, you can catch him bikepacking, backcountry skiing, and playing guitar. These two are pro's when it comes to finding comfortable shoes for more rugged terrain.
We spent many hours testing every single pair of shoes to find you the very best.
Credit: Aaron Rice
Many more reviewers and testers worked diligently to bring you this review, including Jon Oleson, Hayley Thomas, Jacob Clark, and Rebecca Glades, all of whom love to be on the move, whether for work or play, and value having the right footwear to support their active lifestyles.
Testing out how well the La Sportiva Spire GTXs hold up in wet conditions.
We cut open every pair of shoes to further inspect the materials, footbed, durability, and more.
The ECCO Yucatan has adjustable straps, so you'll be sure to get that precise fit.
Our team has been testing walking shoes for many years all to find out which are the best of the best.
How to Pick the Best Walking Shoes for You
First and foremost, when looking for a good walking shoe, you should consider overall comfort. Many aspects go into this, especially when taking different preferences and activity levels into account. To further narrow it down, a few key elements should be considered.
Cushioning
Most shoes will offer some level of cushioning, though it can span a wide range. If you're not used to wearing either very minimal or maximal cushioning, there can be a bit of a transition period when getting used to the profile. On the minimal side, these shoes might have just a couple of millimeters of cushion. These “barefoot” models have just a thin layer protecting you from the ground with the intent of allowing you to feel more underfoot. These minimalist models are very responsive but not the most protective. Likewise, they can require a bit of a break in period. On the other end of the spectrum, maximum cushioned models will have a thick footbed that helps absorb shock to avoid leg fatigue. Though these thick footbeds feel relieving, they aren't very responsive and aren't a great choice for quick movements. As with barefoot shoes, those new to extra cushioned shoes should expect a bit of a break in period. This is especially true for cushioned shoes with a rocker.
The On Couldsurfer 7 offers some of the most cushioned landing pads we have experienced in a shoe.
Support and Stability
More stable shoes help keep your feet properly aligned and minimize excessive movement, reducing the risk of injury. Shoes that are more stable will have a supportive midsole, snug heel cup, ample arch support, and a durable upper. Highly cushioned walking shoes tend to be less supportive. This is due to the softer underfoot that prioritizes comfort and flexibility. As your foot sinks into the sole, the shoe becomes less responsive and often less stable. Based on your planned activities, you can get away with more or less stable options. Shorter and more casual outings that don't require constant time upright won't need an excessively rigid build. Whereas, for plans that include hikes or uneven terrain, look for more structurally stable models, like trail-specific walking shoes.
The cushiony Hoka Anacapa 2 are stable even when the terrain gets a little bumpy.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Heel-to-Toe Drop
With zero-drop shoes becoming more and more popular, it's important to first understand what this means. Heel-to-toe drop is the difference between the stack height of the heel and the toe. Barefoot and zero-drop shoes have no drop, meaning your heel is at the same height as your toes. When you walk around barefoot, you are naturally walking with a zero drop. Minimal toe-drop shoes have 1 to 4mm of drop. Both of these are best for those who land on their mid-foot or closer to the toe during foot strikes. Moderate and maximum shoes have a drop of up to 10mm or more. These shoes are best for those who land heel-first. Neither high nor low toe-drop is a one-size-fits-all. However, selecting the right differential for your foot strike can provide more comfort and relief. Transitioning to shoes with different toe-drops can be challenging at first. You might experience some slight discomfort in your calves and feet, but this should dissipate over time as your body gets used to the new drop. It's important to make changes slowly and incrementally to avoid potential injury.
The Xero HFS have zero drop, meaning there's 0mm height between the heel and toe.
Credit: Jill Rice
Waterproofing
Waterproof shoes certainly have their time and place. Those walking in wet climates or on trails that are subject to snowmelt and run-off will want to pay particular attention to this feature set. Some manufacturers make their own unique waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry, whereas many other companies add a layer of Gore-Tex (sometimes written "GTX"). Regardless, these membranes keep water out of your shoe while still allowing your feet to breathe. The downside is that these shoes aren't as breathable as non-waterproof versions. If you mostly walk in a warm, dry climate, your feet will likely be sweaty. Therefore, those dry climate dwellers should consider a non-waterproof option. Some shoes are available in both waterproof and non-waterproof options, so if you find a shoe you like but it is or isn't waterproof, keep an eye out for the alternative version.
Waterproof shoes like the Hoka Anacapa 2 will keep your feet dry even after you've braved the river crossings.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Consider Terrain
If you walk primarily indoors, on a treadmill, or sidewalks and roads, you likely won't need shoes built for the trails. These “road shoes” have minimal traction to reduce weight and bulkiness. However, if you plan to spend most of your walks on uneven terrain, a trail shoe with bulkier tread and more overall stability is worth considering. If you're just getting started or you venture out in various conditions, a trail shoe with less aggressive traction might be the best option. A versatile shoe like this will cover you for all terrain types, but it won't be too bulky for everyday use.
The Divide 4 offers enough additional traction to tackle light trails without breaking the bank.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Regardless of where you plan on walking, this list of top performers will have you covered. We understand how intimidating it can be to choose just one pair of walking shoes, so we are happy to share our knowledge of the best. Whether you're set on ultimate comfort or trying out a new pair of zero-drops, we hope we've made it a breeze to choose your new pair of walking shoes.
Are you looking for other ways to stay active? We've tested the top exercise equipment, including dumbbells and yoga mats. Keep moving from the comfort of your home, even on rainy days, with a treadmill or exercise bike.
—Nathaniel Bailey, Trish Matheny, Ally Arcuri, Rebecca Glades, and Matthew Richardson
