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The right walking shoes can prevent fatigue, making your time on your feet more enjoyable. Imagine walking comfortably all day without your feet aching!
To find that perfect pair, our team of testers and editors has spent nearly a decade wearing, measuring, and deliberating on the right shoes for various activities. We aim to provide you with as much information as possible through real-world testing and minimize the burden of overwhelming options.
Our favorite walking shoes are the Altra Experience Flow 2. These shoes have a minimal heel-to-toe drop and a wide toe box, allowing for a natural stride. We were also impressed by the budget-friendly Under Armour Charged Assert 10, which packs a punch. They are very durable and offer a very breathable upper.
If you have a bit more shoe shopping to do, we are here to help. Our experts have reviewed a variety of other shoes, including trail running shoes, the best hiking shoes, and much more. We even put a full lineup of socks to the test to pair with your new set of kicks.
Editor's note: We updated this review on November 10, 2025, to include new shoe reviews and updated products from Altra and Brooks.
After walking multiple miles and many thousands of steps in the Altra Experience Flow 2, we're certain that this is the cream of the crop of men's walking shoes. Tester Arthur McMahon said, “I enjoy walking in these shoes. Each step feels wonderfully effortless and natural.” At 8.79 ounces per shoe, these Altras are remarkably lightweight. Plus, the EGO P35 midsole is at once both soft and springy, offering plentiful cushioning as well as some energetic bounce that helps propel your foot forward for the next step. And the traction is superb. We walked on tile, pavement, gravel, and more surfaces in both dry and wet weather to test the Experience Flow 2's grip, and it performed well across the board.
Additionally, the uppers are well-padded and provide ample ventilating airflow for optimal comfort. Lacing eylets have been reinforced for added durability, and the toe box is capped off with a bit of outsole rubber to protect against accidental rock kicks. The Flow 2 received several much-appreciated updates over the original, including more heel rubber for enhanced grip and stability, as well as a slightly softer midsole cushion and redesigned upper mesh for optimal comfort.
SPECIFICATIONS
Width Options
Regular
Measured Weight
8.79 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
4 mm
Closure Type
Lace
Upper Material
Mesh
There's much to appreciate about the Altra Experience Flow 2. It's a well-rounded walking shoe, but Altra has a unique design philosophy that could take some getting used to for those new to the brand. For one, while we think the extra-wide toe box is a benefit of this shoe, it's not what most people will be accustomed to. This wide toe box leaves lots of room for your toes to spread out — this helps encourage a more natural footstep and enables your forefoot to act more as a stabilizer itself. It also helps prevent blisters. And second, these shoes have a low 4mm heel drop, whereas many other shoes are closer to 10 or 12mm drops. This lower drop again encourages a more natural foot flow and position, like standing barefoot, but it produces a slightly different stance that you may need time to adjust to. The On Cloud 6 is a lot like the Altra in some ways, but it has a more traditional toe box and heel drop if you'd prefer to stick with what you know.
The On Cloud 6 offers many benefits for someone looking for an agile shoe for all-day use. We put this shoe to the test during extensive 10,000-step walk tests, through our favorite paths, and long days at work. Through all of this, it shone through as one of the best shoes for all-day wear. Still, we were more than happy to throw these on for quick outings and grocery store trips. Our tester wore these for walking-intensive, 12-hour hospital shifts and noted, “These shoes were supportive and comfortable enough for long hours on my feet.” The elastic lacing system is one of our favorite features, allowing the shoe to be easy to get on and off. After the elastic wore in a bit, we were even able to get them on hands-free most of the time. But, if you prefer, you can switch out the elastic laces for the included traditional laces. Our team appreciated the Cloudtec cushioning, which isn't overly plush, but isn't stiff either. The outsole offers a responsive experience, while the upper is breathable and flexible. The heel cup is more rigid, while the toe box has enough flex for a supportive fit, with a 10 millimeter drop between the two.
SPECIFICATIONS
Width Options
Regular
Measured Weight
9.50 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
10 mm
Closure Type
Elastic no-tie & Lace
Upper Material
Recycled polyester
The outsole of the On Cloud 6 tends to pick up rocks and pebbles due to the split sole, though this is less pronounced than in the previous version of the shoe. The elastic laces are one of the many perks of this shoe. However, the laces take some time to break in. At first, they are tight over the top of the foot. But, over time, they loosen up and fit the foot more comfortably. This took our testing team a few wears to accomplish. Though the Cloud 6 is slightly wider than the previous version, it still runs slightly narrow. If you need a wide shoe, we suggest the Altra Experience Flow 2 or New Balance 877 V1, which is available in multiple widths. All things considered, we couldn't get enough of these shoes, and our team continues to wear them day in and day out.
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 turned out to be an impressive budget-friendly package. The breathable mesh upper features durable overlays for added protection, which was a stand-out feature we noticed during testing. Our feet didn't get hot and we had no concerns for their durability. The rubber sole delivers adequate traction across various surfaces, and the padded tongue and heel cup offer security. One tester shared, “I wore these at work and enjoyed the cushioned feel underfoot, but I also appreciated how understated they look - despite all the cushioning, they don't have a bulky appearance.” With a 33-millimeter heel stack height, these are one of the more cushioned options in the lineup.
SPECIFICATIONS
Width Options
Regular
Measured Weight
11.14 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
10 mm
Closure Type
Lace
Upper Material
Mesh, leather overlays
The Charged Assert 10 combines a nice mix of comfort and durability but does take a little bit of break-in time to really feel at home. The heel-to-toe drop is on the higher side at 10 millimeters. If you are used to a lower drop, these can take some time to get used to. During testing, we noted the toe box tended to feel a little tight or low, but this improved with use. Should a wide toe box be on your list, the Altra Experience Flow 2 is worth your consideration. We also noted the sole width on the heel was a little narrow and allow the ankle to roll inward more than we like. That said, we suggest a more supportive shoe for extensive wear, like the On Cloud 6. If you are searching for a durable shoe on a budget with a little more room, the Adidas Racer TR23 is worth a look. Overall, the Charged Assert had respectable performance through all our tests, held up well in the process, and are right at home for daily activities.
The Hoka Transport is a versatile walking shoe that can handle a variety of environments throughout the day. The beefy outsole is made from Vibram EcoStep, and the deep lugs provide plenty of traction on various terrains. Our testers loved the quick-toggle lace, which makes the shoe a breeze to get on and off. Likewise, the molded sock liner provides a snug fit without feeling too tight. They fit true to size and are available in regular and wide-width options. Hoka applies a water-repellent treatment to the shoes, so if you happen to come across wet ground, they should keep you dry. The upper also includes 360-degree reflectivity lightly integrated into the fabric for safety. The thick compression-molded EVA was comfortable during our extensive tests. Our tester noted, “The sole was firm and supportive as I wore these for hours on end. My foot felt secure and I didn't have concern for rolling an ankle.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Width Options
Regular, wide
Measured Weight
11.96 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
9 mm
Closure Type
Quick-toggle lace
Upper Material
Cordura
The upper of the Hoka Transport is reinforced in high-wear areas for additional protection and is made with Cordura for abrasion resistance. One downside of Cordura is the lack of breathability, and it requires some time to break in. The midsole's thickness is very supportive but gives it a bulky feel and a larger overall footprint, which can take some time to get used to. This creates a less sensitive, less agile feel during quick lateral movements. However, they aren't as plush feeling as other Hokas or the Altra Experience Flow 2. Overall, the shoe performs very well, with a nice heel-to-toe movement, slight push-off, and enough cushion and support for all-day use. A supportive alternative to the Hoka with more breathability is the On Cloud 6.
The Kizik Lima offers a unique hands-free design that doesn't ditch the laces. While most slip-ons are less secure because they can't be cinched down, we didn't have that problem with the Lima. These feature InternalCage technology that lets you slide your foot in, with the heel popping into place. We were intrigued by the technology initially and are pleased to note that it actually works. As for the laces, you really only need to tie them up once to get the tightness to your preference. After that, the shoes can be slipped on and off with the laces staying tied to your liking. After months of wear, we had no material breakdown either. The upper is made from breathable mesh that hugs the foot and allows for adequate toe box movement. For most activities, the RabbitFoam midsole provided enough cushioning and stability, though it wasn't our top choice for longer walks. This shoe is available in wide and extra wide widths, should you need the extra space. Our tester said, “I enjoyed the quick on and off of these shoes, especially when making frequent trips in and out of the house.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Width Options
Regular, wide, x-wide
Measured Weight
12.47 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
13 mm
Closure Type
Lace
Upper Material
Knit mesh
These shoes are comfortable and convenient. However, they have their time and place. Unfortunately, they don't have the support necessary for long walks. The midsole is softer than other options and lacks adequate arch support, leading to fatigue during our lengthy walk tests. We think these shoes shine when tackling chores or taking shorter walks in town. The Dankso Professional is a better option for long hours on your feet. And if you plan to walk a few miles at a time, we highly recommend the Altra Experience Flow 2. However, if you are after a casual walking shoe that has the convenience of hands-free entry and exit, the Lima is an excellent choice.
Top-tier traction, stability, and cushioning are hallmarks of the Hoka Bondi SR. This stout shoe offers many boot-like qualities engineered to fit within a plush walking shoe. The shoe's form, specifically its rubber-laden outsole, is impressively firm. This rigidity is part of what makes the Hoka Bondi SR's foundation super solid and reliable. “These Hoka Bondi SR shoes are incredibly well made,” said McMahon. “My feet feel secure and protected while wearing them.” The Bondi SR has 40mm of stacked EVA foam at the heel, and 33mm at the forefoot — that's a lot of soft cushion that'll help prevent fatigue from hours of standing and walking. What's more, the outsole is fully covered in a soft, non-marking, oil- and slip-resistant rubber compound. We walked miles in these shoes, indoors and outdoors, and discovered they had an unbelievable grip, especially on tile and linoleum, even when wet. Those levels of comfort, support, and traction are enough reason to think of these as great shoes for the office. But the full-grain leather uppers add even more to the story — they're water-resistant and highly durable. If you work long days on your feet in settings where spills are not uncommon, such as a restaurant or hospital, the Bondi SR is a great option. But even if you don't, they're great walking shoes for the day-to-day, too.
SPECIFICATIONS
Width Options
Regular, wide
Measured Weight
14.52 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
7 mm
Closure Type
Lace
Upper Material
Leather
To make the Hoka Bondi SR as feature-rich as it is, Hoka had to add heftier materials to its design. All of that leather, rubber, and EVA foam adds layers of extra weight to the shoe. At 14.52 ounces per size 10.5 shoe, or just under 30 ounces for the pair, you do feel that weight on your feet, especially after a long day. That said, they're not heavy like a work boot can be, but they do weigh more than most of the other shoes we tested. And those leather uppers look and feel nice, but they do restrict airflow, which can lead to sweaty feet when temperatures run high. If you want a stable shoe with great grip that weighs less and is a little more breathable, take a look at the Hoka Transport. Or if you're actually in the market for a dedicated work shoe and need to class it up with a more professional flair, the Dansko Professional is a fantastic all-day workhorse with a more sophisticated design.
The Dansko Professional is well-adopted as a go-to shoe for those who spend hours on their feet. Recognized by the medical world and other service professions, these shoes feature leather construction, making them quite durable and lasting longer than many others. Simple to slide on and off, the padded instep collar provides secure comfort, while the toe box allows for toe movement as needed. A single-density footbed offers firm support, which is appreciated for those multi-hour shifts that are nonstop on the move. Walking in these clogs, the heel moves freely up and down, but the heel counter offers lateral support to prevent instability. The sole has a slight rocker profile to help with forward motion, but it isn't overly pronounced. Our lead tester, Travis Reddinger, spends hours on end in these shoes as a Nurse Practitioner. He states, “I've been wearing these shoes for years and have never had any trouble. In fact, the same pair I purchased years ago is still going strong.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Width Options
Regular
Measured Weight
17.00 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
26 mm
Closure Type
None
Upper Material
Leather
Clogs may not be the most stylish and seem a bit clunky, but they also take some time to get used to. Weighing in at 17 ounces per shoe (US 10.5), these are the heaviest in our lineup. Additionally, these shoes have a large heel-to-toe drop of 26 millimeters, which can take some getting used to. The leather construction can take time to break in, and the polyurethane bottom can seem unforgiving at first, but after long hours, the support is appreciated. The heel features a wider bottom for stability, and the slip-resistant sole enhances safety. Some users first struggle with ankle support or instability with these shoes, but the learning curve is brief and quickly improves on the first day of use. The full leather upper also protects against spills and makes cleanup easy, but it doesn't offer much ventilation for warm feet. If you are looking for protection and support for long hours of use, the Dansko Professional will perform admirably, and the Hoka Bondi SR is a solid alternative. But if you are looking for a shoe with ventilation and an agile feel, the Altra Experience Flow 2 won't disappoint. However, it takes a completely different approach as a tennis shoe, with just 4 millimeters of heel-to-toe drop.
A classic for those on their feet for hours on end, these shoes have a stable base and a thickly cushioned heel to absorb impact.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Compare Products
Altra, Hoka, Brooks, and all of the various walking shoe brands have different design philosophies. Which style of walking shoe is best for you?
Credit: Arthur McMahon
How We Tested
Our extensive process begins with a full market analysis. We considered over 100 walking shoes before narrowing them down to the most promising and intriguing models. We ordered them for a full round of real-life hands-on testing, which we cover below. We also run standard footwear measurements in our lab after cutting them in half.
We test and rate each product objectively and base our recommendations on five metrics, including:
We wore each pair of shoes day in and day out for at least 10,000 steps a day. We wore them during sport walks, to work, to the grocery store, during travels, and everywhere in between. Along the way, we took detailed notes on their comfort and any issues we had.
We noted:
Break-in time
Underfoot comfort
Upper comfort
Hotspots or pain points
General step-by-step feel
Along with our comfort notes, we carefully evaluated the shoes' support. While much of this was based on our in-field experiences, we also cut the shoes in half to take precise measurements of the components.
We measured and evaluated:
Sole stiffness and stability by performing twist tests
Stack height across various points
Heel-to-toe drop
Material integrity
Heel cup and lacing system
During our walking tests, we traverse various surfaces. We focus our rating on a combination of scores from walking on gravel, pavement/concrete, and tile. For each, we use dry and wet surfaces to see if the shoes are slip-resistant.
Our weight test is fairly straightforward, as we take the measured weight of each shoe and compare it with notes on whether the shoe feels clunky or bulky to wear.
Throughout the duration that we test these shoes, we rack up countless miles and daily use. We take notes on the condition of the shoes throughout testing and document any concerns we observe. In addition, we consider any cleaning and care that the shoes might require. For example, leather treatments or being washed by hand.
We cut each shoe in half in our lab to conduct our own measurements.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Why Trust GearLab
Travis Reddinger is a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner whose shifts are over 12 hours of standing and walking, and he has no problem logging over 15,000 steps in a shift. When not shuffling between rooms and floors at the hospital his time is spent outdoors relieving the stress of work. Needless to say, he is always on the move and understands what a good walking shoe should and shouldn't be. Travis is our main tester for walking shoes and has spent many miles searching for the very best.
Dominik Bleeg, ICU nurse and outdoor enthusiast, spends lots of time on his feet walking around. During a 12-hour shift, he can clock in a few miles of walking, so a good walking shoe is a must. Like Travis, Dominik enjoys being outdoors on his days off. You can often find him taking leisurely strolls through nature along some of the best walking paths Lake Tahoe has to offer.
Arthur McMahon believes that using his two feet is the best way to see the world. He's thru-hiked the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, completed numerous marathons and ultramarathons, and loves to walk for days on end when traveling to a new city or country. He currently walks his dog Toby three times a day and often frequents the many walking paths near his home in Eugene, Oregon.
Our testing process included many miles walked on a variety of surfaces, including gravel, tile, and concrete.
Analysis and Test Results
Walking shoes serve different purposes for each individual, and with so many options, it can be difficult to choose what shoe fits your needs. During our testing process, we rate each product and compare them to one another, but because each shoe is a little different, our needs and findings may differ from what you experience. When choosing a shoe, we can help guide you to the right style and offer plenty of information, but ultimately, your feet will determine what works best for you.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Some shoes, like the Under Armour Charged Assert 10, offer reasonable performance at a medium-range price point. If you are just starting a walking routine, these can be a great option to start out. However, if you are spending more than a few hours on your feet, the price increase might be worth it. After all, we are talking about having comfortable, happy feet. The Altra Experience Flow 2 is great for someone on their feet all day, though they cost a little more. Likewise, the Dansko Professionals are known for an unbeatable lifespan, which could make their high price tag more justifiable.
Some of the least expensive options, like the VAMJAM, have a truly unbeatable price. However, they lack in so many key aspects to be ideal as a walking shoe. If you need an unsupportive shoe for a quick trip to the grocery store, these are passable. Otherwise, we suggest spending a little more to keep your walking experience pleasant. For instance, the Altra Experience Flow 2 may cost more than the budget-friendly options, but it's not the most expensive shoe out there, and the walking experience will be profoundly better than the budget alternatives.
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 and Dansko Professional are both good values for what they offer.
Comfort
During the testing process, we paid very close attention to comfort, and with good reason - if a shoe isn't comfortable, it won't get worn. This comfort-testing metric focused on cushioning, fit, and ease of use. During our 10,000-step testing process, we noted how well the shoes cushioned and absorbed impact across various terrains. We also noted how the shoes fit out of the box and whether they required a break-in period. Last, we looked at how easy the shoes were to put on and take off.
The Altra Experience Flow 2 received some of the highest scores in the comfort category. With good impact absorption in a lightweight package, the Experience Flow 2 provides agile comfort without feeling bulky or clunky. The shoe fits great out of the box and is simple to put on, lace up, and get on the move.
With a stable 34 millimeters under the heel, the Altra Experience Flow 2 is one of the most comfortable shoes we have tested.
Credit: Arthur McMahon
The On Cloud 6 is another that scored very well in the comfort category thanks to good impact absorption and design. This lightweight shoe feels very sleek and agile in comparison to others with a wider sole profile. The elastic lacing makes this hands-free shoe easy to slip on and take off, and the shoe provides a fantastic fit, true to size. The Hoka Transport is another top performer with the impact absorption people come to expect from Hoka, but without the bulk. This shoe is easy to use, with quick-toggle laces that let you set tension and avoid having to adjust them again.
The On Cloud 6 isn't super cushiony like others, but its pod design is very comfortable and supportive.
Credit: Sara James
Shoes like the ones mentioned are ready to use out of the box and don't need to soften up with time. Other shoes like the New Balance 877 V1 and Hoka Bondi SR need time to soften up and break in because of materials like suede or leather. The Dansko Professional took longer than any other to break in due to its full leather construction. Break-in isn't always a bad thing, though; once the Dansko is formed, the comfort and support are fantastic.
The Dansko Professional is a simple hands free design.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
The closure type and difficulty of use yielded some interesting findings during testing. A shoe like the Kizik Lima slips on easily and offers good comfort thanks to its stretch fabric and rebounding heel design. The Dansko Professional is a hands-free option that provides long-lasting comfort and support. Some lace-up shoes like the Altra Experience Flow 2 provide comfortable, even tension throughout the upper. Other styles can cause pain across the instep due to tension, as we found with the New Balance 877 V1 and the Vamjam Ultra Lightweight, which had fabric bunching across the instep.
Shoe ExteriorShoe Interior
The Lima has a stretchy knit upper that we found comfortable during our tests. We also measured 13 millimeters of stack underfoot that can help absorb impact.
For the support metric, we focused on the rigidity of the sole, including lateral movement or ankle roll, a snug and consistent fit, and a twist test that examines stability. A good walking shoe will provide flexibility in the toe box, have a snug fit that does not loosen over time, and have good resistance to torsion or twist.
To measure the rigidity of the sole, we tested the flexion of the shoe against the ground with the toe and applied downward pressure. A shoe with good support will bend at the toe box but remain rigid throughout the rest of the sole. We also noted the shoes' lateral stability while wearing them to see if they provided good support to prevent ankle rolls. The Hoka Transport and Dansko Professional both received very high ratings for a supportive sole that resists flexion; in fact, the Dansko didn't flex at all.
The Dansko Professional didn't flex at all, yet its sole shape provides ample support.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We also paid close attention to how the lacing system provided a snug, supportive fit and whether it loosened over time or had a gap in the ankle. A supportive shoe will apply even, continuous pressure across the laces and not loosen with use. The Altra Experience Flow 2 provided solid lace tension with extra padding in the heel for a secure fit.
The Hoka Bondi SR provides an incredibly stable step thanks to its outsole's rigidity and wide 5-inch width.
Credit: Arthur McMahon
Stack and Drop Measurements
Heel Stack
Heel-to-Toe Drop
Dansko Professional
50 mm
26 mm
Adidas Race TR23
40 mm
21 mm
Hoka Bondi SR
40 mm
7 mm
Hoka Clifton 10
39 mm
7 mm
Brooks Ghost Max 3
39 mm
7 mm
Hoka Transport
39 mm
9 mm
Skechers Go Walk Max
36 mm
9 mm
Nike Motiva
35 mm
9 mm
New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe
34 mm
12 mm
Skechers GoWalk Max Effort
34 mm
9 mm
Under Armour Charged Assert 10
33 mm
10 mm
Altra Experience Flow 2
33 mm
4 mm
Kizik Lima Slip On
32 mm
13 mm
On Cloud 6
30 mm
10 mm
VAMJAM Ultra Lightweight
30 mm
15 mm
Heel Stack Height
We cut these shoes in half in our test lab to take precise measurements that directly impact support. Heel stack is the amount of shoe below your heel. Thicker heel stacks can offer more cushion and support, which can be more comfortable if you spend hours on end on your feet. The Dansko Professional has the thickest heel stack at 50 millimeters. This can feel overwhelming at first if you are not used to such a high heel stack. Additionally, a very high stack can make you feel unstable until you get used to the design. If you are after a more minimal stack in a shoe that is still supportive throughout, the On Cloud 6 is our pick. They have 30 millimeters of heel drop but remain supportive through the midfoot.
The On Cloud 6 has a heel-to-toe drop of 10 millimeters, which we measured in our lab after cutting the shoe in half.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Heel-to-Toe Drop
To determine heel-to-toe drop, we first measure the heel and toe stacks. The difference between the two is the heel-to-toe drop. When you walk around barefoot, you experience no drop. Some swear by minimal-drop shoes, while others love large drops. This isn't a one-size-fits-all spec, and this will ultimately come down to what you are the most comfortable in. If you choose a shoe that is drastically different from what you are used to, you'll likely need some break-in time. The Altra Experience Flow 2 has the smallest drop in our lineup at four millimeters. Paired with the wide toe box, these are some of the most “minimalist” feeling shoes. On the other end of the spectrum, the Adidas Race has a 21-millimeter drop and the Dankso has a 26-millimeter drop. Most of the other shoes fall in the middle of these options, ranging from 9 to 15 millimeters.
We measure heel to toe drop by taking measurements at the heel and toe (shown by the black marks). This photo shows the Adidas Race after being cut in half in our lab and measured.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Rocker Design
Some shoes have a pronounced rocker, which can help propel you forward. This can be measured by the rocker angle and the apex, or the point where the angle starts. The Nike Motiva has the most aggressive rocker in our lineup. While a rocker is certainly not essential, it can help with preventing fatigue as it requires less force as you push off your toe. However, if you do a lot of standing, a supportive midsole will be more important than the rocker angle.
The Nike Motiva has the most pronounced rocker of any in the lineup, which is aimed to propel you forward as you walk.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The twist test is another visual indicator of how much support a shoe can provide to the user. We performed this test by gripping the heel in one hand and the toe in another and twisting in opposite directions. A supportive shoe will resist the torsion and maintain its shape, while a poorly supportive shoe will twist up without much effort. Supportive shoes like the Hoka Transport and On Cloud 6 had minimal twist, and the Dansko Professional had no twist. In contrast, the Vamjam Ultra Lightweight showed no torsional resistance and took the shape of a twist tie with minimal effort.
The Hoka Transport has a firm midsole with flexion at the toe box.
Credit: Arthur McMahon
Traction
How a shoe grips various surfaces is an important characteristic, as nobody wants to slip and get injured. We examined the sole of the shoe, tread depth, and traction pattern before and after testing. To understand how they performed on various surfaces, we tested them on concrete, gravel, and tile in wet and dry conditions to find out which had the best grip and which tended to slip.
On gravel and dirt trails, the Hoka Transport provided significant traction and climbed hills with ease. The varying pattern of thicker lugs on the sole dug in for secure placement and didn't pick up any debris along the way. The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 and Altra Experience Flow 2 also performed well on gravel despite a shallower tread pattern. These shoes had good contact with the ground, and the rubber gripped well without picking up pebbles.
The Hoka Transport provides great traction on wet and dry surfaces.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Indoor surfaces like tile, linoleum, and vinyl can be tricky flooring to navigate, especially if they are wet or waxed. The Dansko Professional provided solid footing on all indoor surfaces, wet or dry, with the slip-resistant polyurethane sole and varying tread pattern. The Hoka Bondi SR was also a standout on indoor flooring, with its wide sole providing ample rubber contact with the ground for significant friction. The Bondi SR's oil- and slip-resistant rubber makes the shoe incredibly grippy indoors, even in areas with spills.
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 performs well on dry tile and on concrete/pavement.
Credit: Arthur McMahon
Many walking shoes spend plenty of time on concrete or paved trails that can be tough on soles and slippery when water is present. We found the Altra Experience Flow 2 to exhibit great traction in dry and wet conditions with the varying tread pattern that helps to channel away water as you step. Other shoes like the Adidas Racer TR23, Hoka Transport, and Nike Motiva put lots of rubber on the road for a secure placement.
The Nike Motiva has a shallow lug pattern that does best on concrete and tile.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
It's easy to let other characteristics become more important, but a poorly weighted shoe can cause fatigue, stress, pain, and gait abnormalities. Let's not forget that a heavy or bulky shoe can also feel clunky and cause you to stumble or trip, which is not ideal. In contrast, a light shoe is not automatically better because it weighs less. There is a fine balance between being light and providing support and comfort.
Many of our top shoes landed in the middle of the weight category, navigating that balance of weight and support. The On Cloud 6 and Altra Experience Flow 2 provided great comfort and support as some of the lighter, middle-of-the-weight shoes.
The On Cloud 6 weighs just 9.5 ounces per shoe (size 9.5).
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Dansko Professional was the heaviest of the shoes due to the leather construction and thick soles, but it also provided good comfort and support for long hours. These aren't the shoes you'd want to walk city streets in, but for indoor work where you spend hours upright, the weight isn't a problem.
Shoe ExteriorShoe Interior
These heavy shoes have lots of support to offer, especially if you plan on standing for much of your day.
Lighter shoes like the Skechers Go Walk Max and Vamjam Ultra Lightweight were some of the most minimal shoes in the group. They may not cause fatigue from weight, but lack of comfort and support for long walks causes fatigue in a different manner.
Lighter isn't always better. The 7.8-ounce Go Walk Max doesn't have nearly the support and comfort of the 14.59-ounce Hoka Bondi SR.
Durability
Comfort, support, weight, and traction are all essential characteristics of a good shoe, but nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on something that doesn't last. For durability, we examined the materials and construction, how much wear occurred in our use test, and how easy they were to clean and care for.
The materials used for the construction of a shoe really impact how they handle wear and tear over time and in different environments. Take the Hoka Transport for example, this very durable shoe is made of a Cordura upper for abrasion resistance, combined with a Vibram rubber sole for prolonged wear. During our tests, we noted no breakdown in materials, and we are confident they will last at least a few seasons. Another tough shoe is the Dansko Professional, which consists of a full leather upper with a firm polyurethane sole that people can wear for years. Both of these shoes showed no signs of wear after our testing period and will be very durable options.
The Transport does well on various surfaces.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Some manufacturers blend their upper materials to offer weight reduction and breathability, but reinforce the high wear spots. The Charged Assert 10 and On Cloud 6 have a breathable mesh upper but added protection around the toe box to prevent premature wear.
The breathable mesh upper on the Charged Assert allows it to remain breathable, while the added protection around the toe box prevents material break down.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Assessing for obvious wear and damage is one of the best ways we can give real-world examples of how durable a shoe is. Again, high-quality materials tend to hold up better but also fetch a premium price tag. Aside from the shoes mentioned already, a few others have notable performance for wear. The Altra Experience Flow 2 saw a significant amount of use, as it was one of our favorite shoes during the testing period and exhibited almost no signs of wear. The Kizik Lima was another go-to with due to hands-free convenience and saw a good amount of additional use and held up quite well.
The Kizik Lima is a convenient shoe that we recommend for light walks and errands.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Some shoes like the Skechers Go Walk Max and Vamjam Ultra Lightweight didn't fare very well with regular use. They are on the lower end of the price range and have lower-quality materials, so they shouldn't be expected to be as durable.
The Vamjams have little tread that didn't hold up during our walks.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Keeping shoes clean will help to prolong their life and prevent premature breakdown of materials. Many of our shows had simple cleaning instructions that shouldn't be too tedious or time-consuming to make maintenance a chore. Shoes like the Skechers Go Walk Max and Skechers Go Walk Max Effort are made of mesh and foam, which can be tossed in the washing machine for easy clean-up.
Keeping your shoes clean can help prevent premature break down of materials.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Many of the other shoes in the category, like the Nike Motiva, Hoka Clifton 10, Adidas Racer TR23, and more, are all to be washed by hand. Simply remove the visible dirt with a soft brush and clean with a mild detergent and let air dry. Some shoes that have suede, like the New Balance 877 V1, or leather, like the Dansko Professional and Hoka Bondi SR, require a little extra care as these materials require special cleaning or conditioning to prevent breakdown.
The various materials used to craft each shoe require different care and maintenance.
Credit: Arthur McMahon
What to Consider When Choosing a Walking Shoe
Your walking shoe should fit like a glove. No hot spots. No squished toes. Simply put, you shouldn't have any discomfort. When you try on your walking shoes, ensure there are no obvious signs of discomfort. Some shoes need a little time to break in, but if it is the wrong fit, you'll notice right away. For walking and long-distance endeavors, you should have a snug fit around your heel to prevent slipping. You should feel supported, but not tight, and you should be able to wiggle your toes freely.
We suggest ordering a few pairs you're interested in from a company with a generous return policy. Try them all on and keep the pair that feels the best.
While some shoes crossover between running and walking with ease, there are a few key differences between the styles worth noting. Running shoes are designed to absorb more impact from the heel strike. Therefore, they tend to have more cushion underfoot. Running shoes are also more flexible through the midfoot, offering the runner more range of motion but potentially compromising stability. Walking shoes, on the other hand, prioritize stability through the entire foot and have a more rigid sole. That said, walking shoes tend to be slightly heavier than running shoes, but they are designed to keep you comfortable and supported for hours on end.
If you are getting into walking as a fitness routine, you'll likely be moving at a faster pace than a casual stroll. Look for a shoe that can keep up. It should have a good cushion to handle repetitive heel strikes and provide enough support to prevent premature foot fatigue. While most walking shoes are more rigid, opt for one with some midfoot flexibility, like the Altra Experience Flow 2 or On Cloud 6.
Most walking shoes last about 400-500 miles. You'll notice your shoes start to lose tread and bounce around at this point, which is an indicator that it is time for a new pair. Depending on how often you walk, you'll likely need to replace them once a year. It is important that you do so, as uneven cushioning can affect your gait and reduce shock absorption. This can lead to foot pain, sore joints, and even injury if you keep walking in worn-out shoes.
Conclusion
Choosing a pair of walking shoes is no simple task. There is a wide variety of shoes on the market, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The best walking shoe for you depends on your personal needs, desires, and foot type, and we hope our reviews help you make a better-informed decision.
—Travis Reddinger, Arthur McMahon, and Dominik Bleeg
