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Finding the perfect walking shoes can significantly enhance your daily routine. The right pair of walking shoes will keep your feet happy, relieved, and ready for tomorrow's walk.
We've logged hundreds of miles while testing these shoes in the field, and we've picked apart every detail of their design (we even cut them in half!) From long fitness walks to busy travel days and all-day-standing work sessions, we've put these 19 shoes through their paces to find the best options for you.
The best walking shoe is the Altra Experience Flow 2. We love how balanced they are, offering all-day comfort and support.
If you're looking for comfortable budget walking shoes, we love the Ryka Devotion. It's a well-balanced shoe that goes easy on the wallet.
If you find you do most of your walking on trails, you may want to consider a hiking shoe. Or, if you're a fan of minimalist shoes, you'll want to check out our reviews on barefoot shoes.
Editor's note: This review was updated on November 10, 2025, to include the new Altra Experience Flow 2 and Brooks Ghost Max 3.
The Altra Experience Flow 2 is our do-it-all walking shoe. Basically, anytime we left the house, we reached for the Experience Flow 2. Right out of the box, the shoes were comfortable. The cushion underfoot and the flexible uppers took no time to break in. The shoe has 30 millimeters of cushion under the heel, and with just 4 millimeters of drop to the toe, it offers a soft and smooth ride. Still, the cushion doesn't feel overly done, with the shoe feeling balanced for longer walks. We had no trouble on various surfaces. Though meant for pavement, we took them on flat gravel paths and were sure-footed the entire time. Still, the Hoka Transport is better for primarily outdoor use.
Altra fans might be shocked to see that the toe box is not very wide. In fact, one of our testers who typically wears Altras noted, “The first time I put these on, I noticed how much narrower they were than my other Altras.” The toe box is still naturally shaped, so it won't cause your big toe to cave in. However, it isn't suitable for those with wide feet, and they aren't available in wide. Those with wide feet should look for an option that is available in wide, like the Brooks Ghost Max 3. Additionally, the low heel-to-toe drop isn't for everyone. At just 4 millimeters, this can leave you aching if you're used to something more pronounced like the On Cloud 6, which is 9 millimeters. Still, we think the Altra Experience Flow 2 is worth a try for those after a soft, comfortable, neutral ride.
The Experience Flow 2 is our favorite daily walking shoe thanks to its comfort and stability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Hoka Bondi SR is our pick for those needing a slip-resistant shoe. If you work in the service or healthcare industries, these are a solid choice, especially if you find yourself upright for most of your shift. The magic is in the very supportive midsole. While stiff, it is relieving for hours of standing. Our tester, Becca Glades, spent years working in hospitals as a respiratory therapist, where she would frequently rack up miles of walking in a single shift. She would gladly throw these on as a work shoe, especially considering the exterior that resists fluids and wipes clean.
Out of the box, these shoes are stiff. With time, they loosen up, but it takes a few walks. Additionally, these aren't our choice for outdoor walking. Due to the wide, rigid base, they have almost no stability on gravel and rocks. On concrete, they are fine, but we think you'd be better off with another choice if you walk outdoors, like the Hoka Transport. Likewise, because of the leather upper, they aren't as breathable. Again, making them a choice for indoor use. Still, we think these are a great choice for workers needing relief from extended standing and slip-resistant security.
The Bondi SR is a great option for shift workers who need a slip-free outsole.
Credit: Becca Glades
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We walked and walked and walked to see how these shoes did with extended use.
Credit: Becca Glades
How We Tested
Here at GearLab, we take hands-on (or should we say "feet on") testing very seriously. We scour the market, searching for the most intriguing walking shoes. Then, we order the shoes paying full price, just like you would. No freebies for us!
Then, we get to work. Our team has walked hundreds of miles testing these shoes, noting key features like comfort, stability, support, traction, and much more. We look into every detail of these shoes, even cutting them in half in our lab. We measure heel-to-toe drop, stack height, width, and more. This allows us to provide standardized, comparable data across all models. Our scoring comes from real-life use, with our judges offering up their recommendations.
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)
We cut apart each walking shoe and hand-measure all features in our dedicated testing lab to ensure accurate data.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Why Trust GearLab
Our walking shoe testing team has technical expertise and real-world experience.
Becca Glades, editor and tester, spent many years as a critical care Respiratory Therapist in major Denver hospitals. In a single shift, she would walk miles, and was often upright for most of the shift. Over the years, she set out on a quest to find the best shoe for extended walking and standing, making her the perfect tester for this review. Now that she's working from home, Becca makes a point of taking a morning walk with her dogs, regardless of the weather. Her neighborhood features gravel, concrete, and dirt paths, which she tests every shoe in this review on.
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.
We test every shoe in the field and the lab, even cutting them in half to get precise measurements.
Analysis and Test Results
After months of testing, clear performance patterns emerged among our test shoes. The best shoes demonstrated exceptional comfort and stability. Let's dive into how each shoe performed across our test metrics.
Worse Value
Better Value
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.
It's important to consider the comfort of a shoe and how often it'll be on your foot. If you are searching for a daily shoe or even a work shoe, shelling out a little extra for the best-fitting shoe can make a huge difference in your day. Unhappy feet are no fun to deal with. Still, value choices like these can be the perfect choice, as long as they keep your feet comfortable and supported.
The Skechers GO WALK Joy are a budget-friendly choice, that did well across categories in our tests.
Credit: Mallory Paige
Comfort
Through our extensive walking tests, we found that comfort comes down to three key factors: cushioning level, fit precision, and upper design.
Getting the Right Fit
There is no one-size-fits-all for how comfortable a shoe is. You've likely tried on a shoe and immediately threw it off because it wasn't for you. We get it. We have been there, which is why our recommendations are based on a variety of foot shapes. However, the best way for you to ensure the comfort of your shoe is to try them on. We suggest ordering a few pairs of shoes that you are interested in from a company with a generous return policy. Try them on and return what doesn't work.
Out of all shoes tested, the Hoka Transport earned a top 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.
We loved the quick-toggle lacing system that allowed us to get a comfortable fit without too much hassle.
Credit: Mallory Paige
Likewise, the Altra Experience Flow 2 felt great on our feet. We liked them so much that we wear them as our daily shoes. This is due to the “just right” level of cushioning underfoot. They have enough stack to absorb impact, though they were still springy enough to keep us moving. We also appreciate the toe box, which offers plenty of room to let the toes splay out.
The Experience Flow 2 is a well-balanced walking shoe that kept our feet happy mile after mile.
Credit: Becca Glades
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.
We went on a lot of walks in the Clifton 10 and were impressed by their springy, yet cushioned comfort.
Credit: Becca Glades
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.
The On Cloud 6 is supportive and comfortable with its pod-like design and elastic laces.
Credit: Becca Glades
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.
Not only are the Athens comfortable, but they are super easy to get on hands-free.
Credit: Mallory Paige
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.
The Feethit doesn't have much padding underfoot, leaving us fatigued after hours of wear.
Credit: Mallory Paige
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 2 when it came to breathability, as well as the earth-friendly eucalyptus fiber of the Allbirds Tree Runners.
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 excels in breathability, as shown here by our vapor test.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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.
The On Cloud 6 has bend through the toe but is stiff through the heel and arch.
Credit: Becca Glades
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 Altra Experience Flow feature wider bases and structured uppers that provide greater stability in these situations. Though it has plenty of cushion, it features a wide base and minimal heel-to-toe drop, lending to its stable feel.
After spending time on flat and uneven terrain, we were able to determine which shoes had the best support and stability.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
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. The Dansko Professional is known for its superb arch support, which we experienced during testing. Once used to the heel height, these can be a stable choice indoors.
Stack and Drop Measurements
Heel Stack
Heel-to-Toe Drop
Dansko Professional
51 mm
23 mm
Hoka Bondi SR
41 mm
6 mm
New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080 v14
39 mm
5 mm
Kizik Athens
38 mm
15 mm
Hoka Clifton 10
38 mm
7 mm
Brooks Ghost Max 3
37 mm
6 mm
New Balance 574 Core
36 mm
14 mm
Hoka Transport
34 mm
7 mm
Allbirds Tree Runners
33 mm
14 mm
New Balance 877 V1
32 mm
14 mm
Nike Motiva
32 mm
9 mm
Hoka Arahi 7
31 mm
5 mm
Ryka Devotion Plus 3
31 mm
10 mm
Under Armour Charged Assert 10
30 mm
7 mm
Altra Experience Flow 2
29 mm
4 mm
Skechers GO WALK Joy
29 mm
9 mm
On Cloud 6
29 mm
9 mm
Feethit Slip On
24 mm
7 mm
Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0
22 mm
8 mm
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.
The Dansko Professional features the highest stack height at 51 millimeters in the heel. This provided excellent shock absorption but came at the cost of added weight and a somewhat clunky feel. Hoka sneakers are known for their thick, plush midsoles, which we see in the Bondi SR and Clifton 10, boasting 41 millimeters and 38 millimeters, respectively. The Brooks Ghost Max 3 and New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 both feature generous stack heights at 37 millimeters. During our 10,000-step test, these shoes excelled at absorbing impact on concrete surfaces. However, we found that higher stack heights generally corresponded with reduced stability, particularly during lateral movements. The Nike Motiva managed to overcome this tendency somewhat through its wider base design, while still featuring a 32-millimeter heel stack.
The Hoka Transport and On Cloud 6 hit what we consider the sweet spot for most users. With heel stack heights of 34 and 29 millimeters, respectively, these shoes provided ample cushioning for long walks while maintaining good stability and ground feel. The Altra Experience Flow 2 particularly impressed us in this category, offering excellent protection while preserving proprioception through its balanced design, with a 30-millimeter heel stack.
The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 and Feethit Slip On represent the minimalist approach at 22 millimeters and 24 millimeters, respectively. While these shoes felt more nimble and lightweight during testing, our testers noticed worse foot fatigue during longer walks on hard surfaces. However, they proved ideal for indoor use and shorter walking sessions.
The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 (first) has a minimal heel stack height, while the Dankso Professional (second) has a large height.
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.
The Nike Motiva and Ryka Devotion Plus 3 feature drops of nine millimeters and 10 millimeters, respectively. The On Cloud 6 also has a 9 millimeter drop, which has increased since the previous version of this shoe. During testing, we found these shoes encouraged a heel-strike pattern and provided good forward momentum. However, some testers noted that the higher drop could feel less natural during longer walks.
The Hoka Transport and Clifton 10 utilize moderate drops of seven millimeters. This range proved most versatile in our testing, accommodating various walking styles while maintaining natural biomechanics. The Brooks Ghost Max, with its eight-millimeter drop, sits at the upper end of this range but manages to feel balanced thanks to its rocker design.
The Altra Experience Flow 2 stands out with its four-millimeter drop, staying true to the brand's natural foot movement philosophy. During testing, this lower drop promoted a midfoot strike pattern and was particularly comfortable for those already accustomed to minimalist footwear.
Shoe ExteriorShoe Interior
Shown here is the On Cloud 6 cut in half. Between the heel and toe stack height measurement, there are 9 millimeters.
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 Nike Motiva has a very pronounced rocker design.
Credit: Mallory Paige
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.
Comparing the rocker designs, it's easy to see which have the highest rocker.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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.
The Hoka Transport is a walking shoe designed with the outdoors in mind. The Vibram outsole and lugs are extra grippy on rocks, though they still work well indoors too.
Thanks to the lug pattern and Vibram outsole, the Transport is a great option for outdoor walkers.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Altra Experience Flow 2 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. This shoe is designed for the road, allowing it to have great traction on sidewalks.
The Altra Experience Flow 2 is built for the road, but still handles gravel paths.
Credit: Becca Glades
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 New Balance 574 Core is another shoe that does well on various surfaces thanks to its lug pattern.
Credit: Mallory Paige
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 Kiziks Athens has a simple sole design, but offers surprisingly good traction on gravel.
Credit: Mallory Paige
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 rubber compound and lug pattern make a big difference in how a shoe performs during our traction test.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The On Cloud 6's distinctive pod design also performed well on concrete, though it was slightly less effective in wet conditions.
The On Cloud 6 has great grip on concrete and hard surfaces.
Credit: Becca Glades
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 Bondi SR utilizes a slip-resistant bottom to keep you upright, even on a slick, wet floor.
Credit: Becca Glades
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.
The Feethit Slip On wasn't the best in terms of traction, especially on wet floors.
Credit: Mallory Paige
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.
The Feethit Slip On are very lightweight, but also don't offer much in the way of padding or support.
Credit: Mallory Paige
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.
The Dansko Professional is among the heaviest walking shoes we've tested.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Lighter shoes are often better ventilated, with the Skechers GO WALK Joy and Altra Experience Flow 2 providing excellent breathability. Heavier shoes typically incorporate more materials and can run warmer during extended use, though some, like the Brooks Ghost Max 3, manage good ventilation despite their higher weight.
No need for hot feet with breathable shoes like the Altra Experience Flow 2.
Credit: Becca Glades
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 high-quality materials used for the Dansko Professional are some of the most durable in our lineup.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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.
The Hoka Bondi SR easily wipes clean thanks to its leather upper.
Credit: Becca Glades
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 minimal cushioning in the Adidas Cloudfoam isn't the most durable with extended wear.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Altra Experience Flow 2 and Brooks Ghost Max 3 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.
Credit: Becca Glades
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.
