The 8 Best Walking Shoes for Women

Our Picks of Women's Walking Shoes

Best Overall Walking Shoe

Hoka Transport - Women's

Measured Weight	8.92 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	7 mm
Measured Heel Stack	34 mm
Closure Type	Quick-toggle lace
Upper Material	Cordura

The Hoka Transport departs from Hoka's traditional ultra-plush trademark and offers “just enough” cushioning and a stable midsole for long shifts or outdoor walks. Our testers praised its stable, no-nonsense ride and sticky Vibram EcoStep Natural outsole (made with 90% oil-free ingredients), which works equally well on tile, gravel, and concrete. The lug pattern grips both slick floors and loose paths alike, while the quick-toggle laces cinch fast and release even faster. Mallory Paige, our lead tester, said, “I can quickly get these shoes on and off, which I appreciate for frequent trips in and out of the house.” Even after a full workday, our feet stayed fresh. We are happy to report no hot spots and no aching arches, just happy, comfortable feet.

The drawbacks? The premium price is our biggest gripe, but we had no trouble with the durability of these shoes and expect them to last many walking seasons. We suspect the more balanced approach might be too firm for anyone accustomed to Hoka's typical cloud-like cushioning, as seen on the Hoka Clifton 10. Still, we recommend the Transport for daily walkers who value convenient adjustment, stable support, and reliable traction without excessive cushioning. The Hoka Transport is proof that sometimes less is more, even from a brand known for its maximalist designs.

Read more: Hoka Transport Review

Best Lace Up Budget Walking Shoe

Ryka Devotion Plus 3 - Women's

Measured Weight	7.75 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	10 mm
Measured Heel Stack	31 mm
Closure Type	Lace
Upper Material	Mesh, lycra

Designed specifically for women, the Ryka Devotion Plus 3 is one of the most comfortable and thoughtful shoes we have tested. During our testing, this shoe demonstrated why women-specific design matters. The anatomical fit features a wider forefoot and narrower heel, creating a secure yet comfortable walking experience. We particularly appreciated the strategic cushioning underfoot and around the ankle that prevented foot fatigue during long days of testing. The eight-piece rubber outsole provides reliable traction across various surfaces. Our lead tester, Mallory Paige, noted, “At first, I wasn't overly impressed by these shoes. However, after a few walks in them, I got the wow factor. The materials began to break in and provided me with the right support where I needed it most.”

After long-term testing, we have some reservations about durability. Though initially excellent, the arch support showed signs of compression after a few months of regular use. In our twist test, these shoes showed more flexibility than we'd like, implying less stability, and suggesting they might not be ideal for severe overpronators. If you're seeking more rigid support, check out the Brooks Ghost Max 2, which demonstrated superior structure in our testing. Drawbacks aside, the Devotion Plus 3 offers an excellent value for neutral walkers seeking a comfortable, women-specific design. We recommend these shoes for everyday fitness walking and urban exploration, particularly for those who prioritize anatomical fit and balanced cushioning over maximum support and longevity.

Read more: Ryka Devotion Plus 3 review

Best Supportive Walking Shoe

On Cloud 6 - Women's

Measured Weight	7.59 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	5 mm
Measured Heel Stack	29 mm
Closure Type	Elastic lace
Upper Material	100% recycled polyester

We tackled some of our longest walks in the On Cloud 6 with ease. Much of this is thanks to the thoughtful, supportive design. Upon slipping them on, they are held in place by the elastic lace system, which is snug, though not restrictive at all. In fact, the elastic laces keep the shoe from biting down over the top of the foot. This small but mighty feature also allows the shoes to be slid on and off quickly and almost hands-free. The Cloud 6 has moderate arch support, which kept our testers' feet happy during extensive walks. Additionally, the light upper allowed necessary air flow to keep our feet cool during warm days. The updated version is slightly wider than the last, and it feels more accommodating to various foot shapes. We like that these shoes are light, versatile, and easy to get on - all factors that contribute to their travel-friendly nature.

The new design has smaller pods than the last version, which trap fewer small pebbles. However, the large gaps between the pods are now the perfect size for larger rocks to get lodged. This happened a few times during our tests, so we tried to avoid gravel walking paths. For those seeking similar versatility but better performance on varied terrain, we recommend considering the Altra Experience Flow, which offers comparable comfort with superior traction across all surfaces. And, while we love the elastic laces, they take a small amount of time to break in. During our first walk, we noticed the tight laces over the top of the foot. However, by the end of the walk, the laces had stretched to be the perfect fit. Still, we love the On Cloud 6 and stand by its all-day comfort and support.

Read more: On Cloud 6 review

Best Max Cushion Walking Shoe

Hoka Clifton 10 - Women's

Measured Weight	8.30 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	7 mm
Measured Heel Stack	38 mm
Closure Type	Lace
Upper Material	Jacquard knit

The Hoka Clifton 10 was a pleasant surprise. We found ourselves skeptical of this max cushion but quickly grew to love it. The 38 millimeters at the heel is pillow-like, yet retains its structural support. Step by step, we were gently propelled forward by the mild rocker and moderate seven millimeter drop. The transition was smooth, and our tester, Becca Glades, notes, “The shoe is easy to walk in thanks to the cushion and rocker. Yet, when I am standing still, I rest in a very balanced place within the shoe.” The Clifton doesn't sacrifice support or stability either. The wide base keeps you from rolling an ankle, even with a large stack. Plus, a secure lacing system is in place to keep your foot in place. Our team walked miles in these shoes, and everyone was pleased with their breathable and lightweight upper. Additionally, the Clifton is among the lightest shoes we tested, which is remarkable considering how much material they have underfoot.

These shoes can handle just about any walk you plan on taking, from sport walking to strolling around town. However, we were less secure in our footing on large gravel paths. The wide base and less flexible outsole make it hard to keep the ankles straight on gravel. That said, all other surfaces we walked on posed no problems. Our tester even stepped on wet tile and didn't encounter any slippage. If you walk on more rugged paths, the Hoka Transport has a much more capable outsole. We also have minor concerns about the lightweight Jacquard knit upper. While it remained structurally sound during our tests, the fabric is so lightweight that it raises concerns for snagging on sticks or brush. The Hoka Bondi SR offers a leather upper that is among the toughest we have seen, but they aren't as plush as the Clifton. All things considered, if you are after a max cushioned shoe, you can't go wrong with the pillow-like Clifton 10.

Read more: Hoka Clifton 10 review

Best Hands-Free Design

Kizik Athens - Women's

Measured Weight	10.46 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	15 mm
Measured Heel Stack	38 mm
Closure Type	Lace
Upper Material	Knit

Our testers love the Kizik Athens, even after long 10,000+ step days. This shoe features an innovative CAGE heel mechanism that allows for easy, hands-free entry and exit. Our lead tester noted, “They are so easy to slip on hands-free. All the hype is well deserved as these are by far the easiest to slip on and off.” The knit upper required no break-in time, and the Rabbit Foam outsole provides well-balanced cushioning that feels just right — not too firm, not too soft. We were impressed by the shoe's stability, especially considering its slip-on design. They have a lace closure, but once you get your preferred snugness, you won't need to retie them. The Athens also performed admirably on various surfaces, providing particularly good traction on concrete and tile.

Compared to other options we tested, the Athens started developing odors faster, but we like that you can throw them in the washing machine. On longer walks, the minimal arch support also became noticeable. While notably lighter than other contenders, those requiring added support for longer periods on their feet should check out the Brooks Ghost Max 2. Minor shortcomings aside, we believe the Kizik Athens is an excellent option for anyone who values both convenience and comfort wrapped into one package. This shoe is great for folks who need to take shoes on and off repeatedly for frequent transitions between environments.

Read more: Kizik Athens review

Best Wide Toe Box Walking Shoe

Altra Experience Flow - Women's

Measured Weight	6.75 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	5 mm
Measured Heel Stack	30 mm
Closure Type	Lace
Upper Material	Mesh, knit

The Altra Experience Flow keeps with the brand's barefoot-inspired DNA but adds just enough cushioning to feel forgiving on long miles. This 6.75-ounce shoe (per shoe, size 6.5) demonstrated exceptional versatility while maintaining Altra's commitment to natural foot positioning. Our tester, Mallory Paige, noted, “These are really comfortable right out of the box. I had no pressure points thanks to Altra's wide toe box design. Anyone with wide feet or who prefers a natural foot splay will really like these.” The engineered mesh upper provides outstanding breathability and adapts well to different foot shapes, while the four-millimeter drop creates an efficient toe-off and smooth roll through each stride. We particularly appreciated the shoe's traction system, which earned top marks in our testing across multiple surfaces thanks to its multi-directional tread pattern.

Despite excelling in many areas, the Altra Experience Flow comes with some compromises. Due to the traditional lacing system, they're not ideal for quick on-off transitions. Another consideration is that some users report an adjustment period when transitioning to the low-drop design, particularly in the calf muscles. If you prefer a more traditional shoe with a higher drop, the Ryka Devotion Plus 3 also has an accommodating toe box. Still, for walkers prioritizing natural foot movement while maintaining modern comfort features, the Experience Flow delivers impressive performance. After logging hundreds of test miles, we're confident in recommending these shoes to anyone seeking a lightweight, versatile walking shoe that promotes natural foot mechanics without sacrificing comfort or stability.

Read more: Altra Experience Flow review

Most Stylish Walking Shoe

New Balance 574 Core - Women's

Measured Weight	9.75 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	14 mm
Measured Heel Stack	36 mm
Closure Type	Lace
Upper Material	Suede, mesh

The New Balance 574 Core shoes prove that heritage style doesn't have to mean compromised performance. These shoes impressed us with their capable traction across multiple surfaces, with an exceptional performance on gravel, where many lifestyle sneakers fail completely. The firm-yet-supportive platform delivered surprising all-day comfort, while the bombproof construction featuring real suede and quality rubber promises years of reliable wear. “I kept expecting my feet to protest after hours of walking in what looked like fashion sneakers,” lead tester Mallory Paige noted during testing, “but the 574 Core's stable platform and decent arch support kept me comfortable from morning errands through evening outings.” The classic design seamlessly transitions between activities without screaming “athletic shoe,” making them ideal for walkers who refuse to sacrifice style for function.

However, the 574 Core isn't without limitations. The narrow toe box proved problematic for testers with wider feet, and the restricted breathability from the suede upper can leave feet feeling warm during extended summer walks. Those seeking maximum cushioning might find the firm ride less forgiving than plush options like the Hoka Clifton 10, which offers superior padding while maintaining excellent support. Similarly, walkers prioritizing hands-free convenience should consider the Kizik Athens, which delivers comparable urban style with innovative slip-on technology that makes getting out the door effortless.

Read more: New Balance 574 Core Review

Best Bang for the Buck

Skechers GO WALK Joy - Women's

Measured Weight	5.16 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	9 mm
Measured Heel Stack	29 mm
Closure Type	None
Upper Material	Mesh

During our comprehensive testing of women's walking shoes, the Skechers GO WALK Joy emerged as a comfortable and budget-friendly option great for everyday wear. We logged 10,000 steps right out of the box and found these shoes required no break-in period. The upper, while initially feeling somewhat stiff, quickly adapted to provide a comfortable fit without any pressure points. These are among the lightest walking shoes we tested at 5.16 ounces per shoe, and they feel airy. Their low weight and breathable mesh prevent sweaty feet on longer walks. One of our testers noted, “These shoes feel surprisingly lightweight on my feet, and the cushion underfoot feels great.” In our traction tests, the bubbly outsole performed admirably on tile and concrete. While they don't have the most robust arch support, we found the natural toe bend and rigidity through the midfoot to be supportive enough for all-day wear. These shoes aren't necessarily a hands-free design like the Kizik Athens, but our team was able to easily slip them on and off after they broke in.

Unfortunately, these shoes have some limitations. Though convenient, the slip-on design means you can't adjust the fit for varying foot shapes or preferences. With only one width option, they may not accommodate all foot shapes and sizes. We also noticed that the arch support, while adequate for short walks, might not be ideal for those needing more substantial support for extended periods. Overall, we find the GO WALK Joy to be an excellent value proposition for casual walkers searching for a comfortable, lightweight shoe for daily errands and moderate activity. Their combination of immediate comfort, reliable traction, and accessible price point makes this shoe one of our favorites.

Read more: Skechers GO WALK Joy review

How We Tested

At GearLab, our comprehensive testing process involves in-house measurements and examination, as well as extensive real-world use to evaluate each shoe's performance across multiple metrics. For this review, we tested 17 popular models of walking shoes for women and put them all through their paces over several months, logging thousands of steps across varied terrain and conditions. The cornerstone of our testing is the 10,000 Step Walk Test, where we evaluate each shoe across multiple surfaces, including concrete sidewalks, indoor tile floors, and gravel paths. During these walks, we carefully assess comfort, noting any hot spots or pressure points that develop. We track how the cushioning performs over time and whether feet remain comfortable after hours of walking.

We also took precise measurements of each shoe's stack height, heel-to-toe drop, and rocker angle. We cut shoes in half to examine their internal construction and verify manufacturer claims. This allows us to provide standardized, comparable data across all models.

Our testing metrics focus on five key metrics that we've found most important for daily walking shoes:

• Comfort (30% of overall score weighting)

• Support (25% weighting)

• Traction (20% weighting)

• Weight (15% weighting)

• Durability (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Our walking shoe testing team has technical expertise and real-world experience.

Mallory Paige brings nearly a decade of experience in gear testing and review writing, along with a commitment to logging at least 5,000 steps daily in various conditions, even when she's not testing shoes. Her Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University has given her the skills to analyze large data sets, build scientific comparison studies, and think objectively.

After working as a respiratory therapist in the ICU, Becca Glades is used to walking miles during a single hospital shift and has spent years testing shoes. Becca also makes a point to go on a walk every day with her toddler and dogs. She knows that a good walking shoe is both comfortable and supportive enough for strenuous walks and prolonged standing.

Analysis and Test Results

After months of testing, clear performance patterns emerged among our test shoes. Premium models like the Hoka Transport and On Cloud 6 demonstrated exceptional comfort and stability, while value picks like the Skechers GO WALK Joy proved that quality walking shoes don't have to break the bank. Let's dive into how each shoe performed across our test metrics.

What's the Best Value?

Value in walking shoes isn't just about finding the lowest price - it's about finding the right balance of performance and durability for your budget.

• The Skechers GO WALK Joy emerged as one of our favorites, offering impressive comfort and easy slip-on convenience at less than half the price of other models. During our 10,000-step test, it provided reliable comfort and adequate support, though it doesn't match the premium cushioning of higher-priced options.

• The Ryka Devotion Plus 3 is another excellent value, and is particularly impressive given its women-specific design features. It offers good arch support and stability at a reasonable price point.

• For those seeking maximum value in a premium shoe, the Hoka Transport justified its higher price through exceptional comfort, stability, and durability. While it represents a bigger initial investment, the quality construction and performance suggest it will maintain its comfort longer than less expensive options.

Comfort

Through our extensive walking tests, we found that comfort comes down to three key factors: cushioning level, fit precision, and upper design.

Out of all shoes tested, the Hoka Transport earned our highest comfort score. Its balanced cushioning provides excellent impact absorption without feeling overly soft or unstable. During our 10,000-step test, our tester reported “consistently comfortable feet even after hours of walking on concrete.” The quick-toggle lacing system allows for easy adjustment, and the padded collar prevents heel slip without causing irritation.

The Hoka Clifton 10 feels like a pillow under your feet. At first, we were a little skeptical of all this cushion, but it quickly grew on our team. The shoe is cushioned in all the right places and is an easy choice for long, strenuous walks. The upper is also comfortable, non-restrictive, and breathable. However, if you aren't used to max-cushion, they can take a few walks to get used to.

The On Cloud 6 impressed us with its more minimalist approach to comfort. While it offers less overall cushioning than the Hoka, its strategically placed “cloud pods” provide excellent pressure distribution.

Some shoes required virtually no break-in period - the Skechers GO WALK Joy, New Balance 574 Core, and Kizik Athens were comfortable right out of the box. Others, like the Dansko Professional, needed several days of wear before reaching peak comfort.

During testing, we paid careful attention to how each shoe accommodated different foot shapes. The Altra Experience Flow stands out with its wide toe box design at 4.4 inches for a US 6.5, allowing natural toe splay. The Ryka Devotion Plus 3 offers a women-specific fit that our testers found particularly comfortable, with a narrower heel and more room in the forefoot.

We also discovered that some shoes felt comfortable in the beginning, but started to show their limitations during longer walks. The Feethit Slip On, while comfortable for short periods, left our feet feeling fatigued after several hours of wear due to its minimal cushioning.

Hot feet are never fun, so we considered breathability when testing for comfort, too. We performed vapor tests to get a visual on how breathable the shoes were. Unsurprisingly, those with mesh uppers were far more breathable compared to options like the leather Dansko. We were impressed by the Under Armour Charged Assert 10 and Altra Experience Flow when it came to breathability, as well as the earth-friendly eucalyptus fiber of the Allbirds Tree Runners.

Support

We assess support through three key tests: the twist test for torsional rigidity, the bend test for appropriate flexion points, and real-world stability evaluations on various surfaces where we deliberately test ankle roll resistance. Shoes like the Hoka Transport that resist twisting motion provide better stability while maintaining enough flexibility for natural movement.

The On Cloud 6 bends at the toe but feels stable throughout, and doesn't collapse through the arch. One of our testers noted, “My ankles felt stable as I walked in these, and I had no concerns about rolling an ankle.” Additionally, they didn't create any hot spots or pressure points.

We spent time walking on uneven surfaces, and put ourselves through some deliberate ankle roll attempts (done carefully and safely), while noting how effectively each shoe maintains proper foot alignment and prevents excessive motion. Shoes like the Brooks Ghost Max 2 and Altra Experience Flow have wider bases and structured uppers that offer more stability in these scenarios. The Brooks Ghost Max 2 bends at the toe but is strong throughout the rest of the shoe. Though it has plenty of cushion, it features a wide base and minimal heel-to-toe drop, lending to its stable feel. Likewise, the Experience Flow has a wide toe box and minimal drop, keeping us upright and stable during our long walks.

The New Balance 574 Core also proved incredibly stable with a lower platform and very sturdy build that showed minimal bending during our twist and bend tests.

Heel Stack Height and Cushioning

Stack height is the amount of material underneath the heel. While a higher stack can translate to more cushion and impact protection, it can also cause instability when too high. There is significant variation in stack height across our test group, and each variety has its pros and cons.

Heel-to-Toe Drop

Heel-to-toe drop represents the stack height difference between the heel and toe. The drop affects how your foot transitions through each step and can significantly impact comfort and performance.

Rocker Design

Some walking shoes often incorporate rocker soles to assist with forward momentum. The Nike Motiva features the most pronounced rocker design, with the apex being much more centered than others. During our walking tests, this translated to noticeably easier forward motion but required some adaptation time for most users.

The Brooks Ghost Max and Hoka Transport implement more subtle rocker designs, with a more traditional curvature. We found this middle-ground approach provided smooth transitions without feeling overly aggressive or artificial. The Skechers GO WALK Joy and Feethit Slip On utilize minimal rocker designs. While this resulted in a more natural ground feel, these shoes required more effort during toe-off, particularly during longer walks.

Traction

A walking shoe's ability to maintain grip across various surfaces can make the difference between a confident stride and an uncertain step. Walking over multiple surfaces, we evaluated each shoe's traction capabilities in both dry and wet conditions, paying particular attention to performance in common walking environments.

Traction Across Multiple Surfaces

Product	Gravel	Tile	Concrete
Altra Experience Flow	5	4	5
Hoka Transport	4	5	4
Brooks Ghost Max 2	4	4	5
New Balance 574 Core	4.5	4	4
Hoka Arahi 7	3	4	5
New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080 v14	4	4	4
Kizik Athens	4	4	4
Hoka Bondi SR	2.5	5	4.5
Hoka Clifton 10	2.5	4	4.5
Allbirds Tree Runners	3	4	4
Ryka Womens Devotion Plus 3	3	4	4
Under Armour Charged Assert 10	3.5	3.5	3.5
On Cloud 6	3	3.5	4
Dansko Professional	2.5	4	4
New Balance 877 V1	3	3	4
Nike Motiva	3	3	3
Skechers GO WALK Joy	2	4	3
Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0	2	3	3
Feethit Slip On	1.5	1.5	2

While none of these shoes are designed specifically for off-road use, like a hiking shoe, some handled mixed terrain better than others. The Altra Experience Flow surprised us with its capability on light gravel, thanks to its well-designed tread pattern that maintains a good grip without letting stones get stuck between the lugs. And the New Balance 574 Core showed exemplary gravel performance with its more aggressive lug pattern. Conversely, the On Cloud 6's pod design, while excellent on hard surfaces, tended to collect stones in its gaps during gravel walking tests.

The Kizik Athens proves that sometimes, simple is better. The sole design is very basic but does great on gravel. And the grippy rubber paired with the more extreme lug pattern on the Hoka Transport makes them a top contender for gravel use as well.

The Ryka Devotion Plus 3 emerged as a standout performer for indoor surfaces. Its specialized rubber compound offered excellent grip on smooth tile floors without leaving marks or creating the squeaking noise we experienced with some other shoes.

The Skechers GO WALK Joy also impressed us on indoor surfaces, providing reliable traction while remaining easy to pivot and adjust direction. Likewise, the New Balance 877 V1 excels on indoor and concrete surfaces thanks to its grippy outsole.

The Hoka Transport demonstrated exceptional grip on concrete surfaces, maintaining solid traction even in wet conditions. Its Vibram EcoStep Natural outsole proved particularly effective during our testing, providing consistent grip without feeling sticky or resistant to natural movement.

The On Cloud 6's distinctive pod design also performed well on concrete, though it was slightly less effective in wet conditions.

Our wet-condition testing revealed significant differences in traction performance. The Hoka Bondi SR has a slip-resistant outsole, which is very grippy on hard surfaces and even wet tile. The Hoka Transport maintained approximately 90% of its dry-surface grip in wet conditions.

The Ryka Devotion Plus 3 and Brooks Ghost Max 2 also performed admirably in wet conditions, retaining most of their dry-surface effectiveness.

However, some models struggled significantly when wet. The Feethit Slip On's grip decreased notably on wet surfaces, particularly on smooth tile. The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 also showed reduced effectiveness in wet conditions, requiring more careful foot placement to maintain stability.

Weight

While weight might not be the first factor people consider when choosing walking shoes, it can significantly impact comfort during long walks and all-day wear. Throughout our testing process, we carefully weighed each shoe and evaluated how its weight affected performance across different walking scenarios.

We found that some lighter shoes caused less fatigue. The Skechers Go Walk Joy were one of the most comfortable, and they weigh just 5.2 ounces each (US 6.5). However, the relationship wasn't entirely linear.

The Hoka Transport, despite being 8.4 ounces per shoe, received high comfort scores thanks to its efficient weight distribution and cushioning system. Conversely, the lightweight Feethit Slip On, Allbirds Tree Runners, and Adidas Cloudfoam caused more fatigue on long walks than expected due to their minimal cushioning.

We also noticed that weight location matters as much as total weight. The On Cloud 6 exemplified efficient weight distribution, with most of its mass centered in the midsole, where it aided energy return rather than creating dead weight.

In contrast, much of the weight of the Dansko Professional is concentrated in the outsole, which requires more energy to move through each step. Though for long days standing on your feet, the Dansko is still supremely comfortable, and the 14.8 ounces per shoe could be worth the weight.

Lighter shoes are often better ventilated, with the Skechers GO WALK Joy and Altra Experience Flow providing excellent breathability. Heavier shoes typically incorporate more materials and can run warmer during extended use, though some, like the Brooks Ghost Max 2, manage good ventilation despite their higher weight.

Durability

Material analysis, stress testing, and careful observation of wear patterns can help indicate durability. After months of rigorous testing and analyzing long-term user feedback, we gained valuable insights into how these walking shoes hold up under regular use.

The Hoka Transport's Cordura abrasion-resistant textile proved exceptionally durable, showing minimal wear even after hundreds of thousands of steps. Likewise, the Dankso Professional left us with no question about their longevity. The upper is constructed from high-quality leather that only occasionally shows scuffs, and keeping them clean is fairly simple. Just wipe them with a soft, damp cloth. Dankso also recommends maintaining them with a leather conditioner.

The Bondi SR also has a leather upper that is very durable, and we were pleased to see how well it wiped clean. These shoes are ideal for professionals thanks to their heavy-duty construction. Even well into our testing, they showed no significant signs of wear.

In contrast, the Feethit Slip On's basic mesh upper showed early signs of strain at stress points, particularly around the toe box. The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0's knit upper, while comfortable, exhibited some stretching and shape loss after prolonged use.

The Altra Experience Flow and Brooks Ghost Max 2 are also made from durable materials. The Altra Experience Flow had no noticeable weak spots or signs of concern after months of testing. Our tester, Mallory Paige, noted, “The engineered mesh upper feels like it will last a very long time and resist tearing.”

The Brooks Ghost Max has reinforced eyelets, and the mesh upper has a rubberized treatment that prevents premature wear. Even after months of wear, the Ghost Max 2 didn't show any wrinkles in the foam midsole. And the well-made New Balance 574 Core showed no signs of wear after months of testing.

Conclusion

When selecting your next pair of walking shoes, consider your primary use case and typical walking environment. If you frequently walk on concrete or hard surfaces, prioritize cushioning and impact absorption. For those covering longer distances, weight and breathability become more crucial factors. Budget-conscious buyers should consider both initial cost and expected lifespan - sometimes spending more initially can prove more economical over time.