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Finding the perfect walking shoes can significantly enhance your daily routine. The ideal pair should seamlessly blend comfort and support, potentially alleviating foot fatigue and discomfort during both everyday activities and exercise.
We've logged more than 200,000 steps while testing these shoes in the field and picked apart every detail of their design in the lab (we even cut them in half!) From long fitness walks to busy travel days and all-day-standing work sessions, we've put these 17 shoes through their paces to find the best options for you.
Our favorite walking shoe is the Hoka Transport. It offers an ideal balance of cushioning, stability, and ease of use. We found it comfortable straight out of the box, and we like how convenient and adjustable the toggle laces are.
If you're looking for a comfortable budget walking shoes, we love the Ryka Devotion. It's a well-balanced shoe that goes easy on the wallet. If you're into the slip-on laceless style, the Skechers GO WALK Joy is a great budget-friendly choice. It slides on easily, is lightweight, and offers all-day comfort.
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: We updated this review on May 1, 2025, to include new models from Hoka and On.
The Hoka Transport surprised us during testing by delivering a refined walking experience that breaks from Hoka's typically maximalist approach. After logging more than 10,000 steps in various conditions, we found the Transport excels in providing just the right amount of cushioning while maintaining exceptional stability. This shoe features a Vibram EcoStep Natural outsole, which is made with 90% oil-free ingredients. Like many shoes we've tested with Vibram soles, this one proved remarkably capable across different surfaces, scoring high in our traction tests. These were one of the few shoes that tackled tile, gravel, and concrete with ease, thanks to their sticky rubber outsole and strategic lug pattern.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
7 mm
Measured Weight
8.92 oz
Measured Heel Stack
34 mm
Closure Type
Quick-toggle lace
Upper Material
Cordura
Our testers also liked the quick-toggle lacing system, which offers more precise adjustment than elastic alternatives while maintaining easy on-off convenience. 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.” The rigid sole structure provides excellent stability without feeling cumbersome or too plush. Overall, the Transport strikes an ideal balance between support and maneuverability for various uses. Should you find yourself upright on hard floors all day or need something capable of outdoor walks, this shoe is worthy of your consideration.
Although it impresses in most areas, the Transport's high price may dissuade potential buyers. We also suspect the more balanced approach might be too firm for anyone accustomed to Hoka's typical cloud-like cushioning. If you're looking for maximum cushioning, check out the Brooks Ghost Max 2. Or if you specifically want the classic Hoka cushion, the Hoka Arahi 7 might be more up your alley. However, if you're searching for a versatile walking shoe that excels in urban environments while maintaining enough capability for light trail use, the Transport delivers exceptional performance. In particular, we recommend it 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.
The Ryka Devotion Plus 3 impressed us with its thoughtful approach to women's walking needs. During our extensive testing, including 10,000-step sessions, this shoe demonstrated why women-specific design matters. The anatomical fit featuring a wider forefoot and narrower heel created 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 provided reliable traction across various surfaces, earning solid scores in our surface tests. These shoes really made an impression on us after a few wears. Our lead tester, Mallory Paige, noted, “At first, I wasn't overly impressed by these shoes. However, after a few walks in them, they began to wow me. The materials began to break in and provided me with the right support where I needed it most.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
10 mm
Measured Weight
7.75 oz
Measured Heel Stack
31 mm
Closure Type
Lace
Upper Material
Mesh, lycra
After our 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 for maximum stability, 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 snugly in place by the elastic lace system, 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, which allows it to be more accommodating to various foot shapes.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
9 mm
Measured Weight
7.59 oz
Measured Heel Stack
29 mm
Closure Type
Elastic lace
Upper Material
100% recycled polyester
In our stability tests, the sole demonstrated ideal flexibility at the toe while maintaining crucial midfoot rigidity. The CloudTec rubber outsole provided a reliable grip in most conditions. Our tester, Becca Glades, says, “I was pleased to see how well these did during my traction tests. They excel on tile, concrete, and dirt paths.” We like that these shoes are light, versatile, and easy to get on - all factors that contribute to their travel-friendly nature. Aside from traveling, we were more than happy to keep these on our feet for long days thanks to their superb arch support. For those who work on their feet or need a shoe to tackle long days upright, the On Cloud 6 doesn't disappoint.
The new design has smaller pods, which trap fewer pebbles than the last version. However, the large gaps between the pods are the perfect size for larger rocks to get lodged. This happened a few times during our tests, so we chose 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 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 allows the large stack to avoid ankle rolls. Plus, a secure lacing system is in place to keep your foot in place. Our team walked miles in these shoes and was pleased with their breathable and lightweight upper. Additionally, the Clifton is among the lightest, which is remarkable considering how cushioned they are.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
7 mm
Measured Weight
8.30 oz
Measured Heel Stack
38 mm
Closure Type
Lace
Upper Material
Jacquard knit
These shoes can handle just about any walk you plan on going on, 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 straight ankles on gravel. That said, all other surfaces we walked on were no trouble. 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 concern for being snagged on outdoor walks. 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, scoring particularly well on concrete and tile.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
15 mm
Measured Weight
10.46 oz
Measured Heel Stack
38 mm
Closure Type
Lace
Upper Material
Knit
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 or who frequently transition between environments.
Versatile traction performs well on multiple surface
Minimal drop
CONS
Initial adjustment period needed for low-drop design
Light colorways show dirt readily
The Altra Experience Flow impressed us during extensive testing with its ability to blend natural foot mechanics and modern comfort features. Throughout our 10,000-step evaluations, this 6.75-ounce shoe(per shoe, size 6.5) demonstrated exceptional versatility while maintaining Altra's commitment to natural foot positioning. 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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
5 mm
Measured Weight
6.75 oz
Measured Heel Stack
30 mm
Closure Type
Lace
Upper Material
Mesh, knit
We particularly appreciated the shoe's traction system, which earned top marks in our testing across multiple surfaces thanks to its well-designed rubber compound and multi-directional tread pattern. 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.”
Despite excelling in many areas, the Altra Experience Flow requires some compromise. Due to the traditional lacing system, they're not ideal for quick on-off transitions. The white colorway also shows dirt more readily than darker options. Another consideration is some users report an adjustment period when transitioning to the low-drop design, particularly in the calf muscles. If you want a similar performance with a more traditional heel-to-toe drop, consider the Hoka Transport. 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.
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. Right out of the box, we logged 10,000 steps and found these shoes required no break-in period. The upper, while initially feeling somewhat stiff, quickly adapted to provide a comfortable fit that didn't create pressure points. These are among the lightest walking shoes we tested at 5.16 ounces per shoe, matching the weight of more expensive options. These 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.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
9 mm
Measured Weight
5.16 oz
Measured Heel Stack
29 mm
Closure Type
None
Upper Material
Mesh
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. And with only one width option, they might not accommodate all foot shapes and sizes. If you require a wider option, the high-performing Hoka Transport comes in both wide and regular widths. 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. If you require more structured support, we'd recommend the Brooks Ghost Max 2, though the price tag is high. 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.
If you like the style, the Skechers Go Walk will deliver great comfort, decent stability, and solid traction for a very reasonable price.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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We walked more than 200,000 steps while testing these walking shoes.
Credit: Mallory Paige
How We Tested
At GearLab, we believe in thorough, hands-on testing to help you find the perfect walking shoes for your needs. Our comprehensive testing process combines controlled lab testing with 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.
In our testing lab, we took precise measurements of each shoe's stack height, heel-to-toe drop, and rocker angle. We even 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)
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 combines technical expertise with real-world experience. Lead tester 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. Her Bachelor's of Science degree from Colorado State University has given her the skills to analyze large data sets, build scientific comparison studies, and think objectively. As a respiratory therapist, Becca Glades is used to walking miles during a single hospital shift. 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.
We take our own measurements in-house to ensure accuracy.
The Brooks Ghost Max scored well on the flex test.
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. 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.
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 a top pick, offering impressive comfort and easy slip-on convenience at less than half the price of premium 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, 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.
The Skechers GO WALK Joy are a budget-friendly choice, that did well across categories in our tests.
Credit: Mallory Paige
Comfort
Comfort is the most heavily weighted metric in our testing, accounting for 30% of the overall score. 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.
We loved the quick-toggle lacing system that allowed us to get a comfortable fit without too much hassle.
Credit: Mallory Paige
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. However, we did notice that rocks occasionally get caught in the sole gaps - a minor annoyance during testing.
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 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
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.
Our testers liked that the Altra Experience Flow has a wide toe box and good support.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We also discovered that some shoes that initially felt comfortable began 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. We considered this when testing for comfort, too. At our lab, we even performed vapor tests to get a visual on how breathable the shoes were. Those with mesh uppers were far more breathable when 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. Both of these shoes kept our feet cool on toasty days.
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. During our twist test, we grip the heel and forefoot, attempting to rotate them in opposite directions - high-performing shoes, like the Hoka Transport resist this motion while maintaining enough flexibility for natural movement.
In our bend test, we press the toe box down while holding the heel to ensure the shoe flexes only at the ball of the foot rather than collapsing through the arch, which would indicate insufficient support. The On Cloud 6 bends at the toe but feels stable throughout. 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 validate our lab tests with extensive real-world walking on uneven surfaces, including deliberate ankle roll attempts (done carefully and safely), while noting how effectively each shoe maintains proper foot alignment and prevents excessive motion - shoes with wider bases and structured uppers typically perform best in these stability assessments, like the Brooks Ghost Max 2 and Altra Experience Flow. 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.
Stack and Drop Measurements
Heel Stack
Heel-to-Toe Drop
Dansko Professional
51 mm
23 mm
Hoka Bondi SR
41 mm
6 mm
Kizik Athens
38 mm
15 mm
Hoka Clifton 10
38 mm
7 mm
Brooks Ghost Max 2
37 mm
8 mm
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13
37 mm
7 mm
Hoka Transport
34 mm
7 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
30 mm
5 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 larger amounts of stack can translate to more cushion and impact protection, it can also cause more instability when too high. Through precise measurements in our lab, we found significant variations in stack height across our test group.
High Stack Height (35 mm+):
The Dansko Professional features the highest stack height at 51 millimeters in the heel, which provided excellent shock absorption but came at the cost of added weight and a somewhat clunky feel. Hoka is 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 2 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, still featuring a 32-millimeter heel stack.
Medium Stack Height (28-34 mm):
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 particularly impressed us in this category, offering excellent protection while preserving proprioception through its balanced design, with a 30-millimeter heel stack.
Low Stack Height (below 28 mm):
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 increased 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 have a very minimal design and small stack height.
The Dansko Professional has a large stack height, measured at 51mm after we cut the shoes open.
The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 (left) has a minimal heel stack height, while the Dankso Professional (right) 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.
High Drop (8 mm+):
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.
Moderate Drop (5-7 mm):
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.
Minimal Drop (0-4 mm):
The Altra Experience Flow stands out with its four-millimeter drop, staying true to the brand's natural foot movement philosophy. During testing, this lower drop promoted a more midfoot strike pattern and felt particularly comfortable for those accustomed to minimalist footwear.
The Nike Motiva has a very high heel-to-toe drop, which was measured from each line.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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 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. Through extensive testing on multiple surfaces, we evaluated each shoe's traction capabilities in both dry and wet conditions, paying particular attention to performance on common walking surfaces.
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
Kizik Athens
4
4
4
Hoka Bondi SR
2.5
5
4.5
Hoka Arahi 7
3
4
5
Ryka Womens Devotion Plus 3
3
4
4
Hoka Clifton 10
2.5
4
4.5
On Cloud 6
3
3.5
4
Under Armour Charged Assert 10
3.5
3.5
3.5
Dansko Professional
2.5
4
4
New Balance 877 V1
3
3
4
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13
3
3
4
Skechers GO WALK Joy
2
4
3
Nike Motiva
3
3
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 lug pattern that prevented stone retention while maintaining a good grip. 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 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 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 we found its effectiveness slightly diminished 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 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.
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 secure footing.
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, our testing revealed that it significantly impacts 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.
During our test, we found that some lighter shoes generally caused less fatigue. However, the relationship wasn't entirely linear. The Skechers Go Walk Joy were one of the most comfortable, and they weigh just 5.2 ounces each (US 6.5). 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 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. The Dansko Professional, in contrast, concentrated much of its weight in the outsole, which required more energy to move through each step. Though for long days standing on your feet, this 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 generally offer better ventilation, with the Skechers GO WALK Joy and Altra Experience Flow providing excellent breathability. Heavier shoes often incorporated more materials and typically ran warmer during extended use, though some, like the Brooks Ghost Max 2, managed good ventilation despite their higher weight.
Our vapor test helps determine how breathable each shoe is, which is a big factor in temperature management.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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. We evaluated durability through material analysis, stress testing, and careful observation of wear patterns during our extensive walking tests.
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 concerns for their longevity. The upper is constructed from high-quality leather that only occasionally shows scuffs. Keeping them clean is fairly simple. Just wipe them clean 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 has a leather upper that is very durable. We were pleased to see how well it wiped clean, too. These shoes are ideal for professionals thanks to their heavy-duty construction. Even well into our testing, they still 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 and Brooks Ghost Max 2 are also options made from durable materials. The Altra Experience Flow had no noticeable weak spots or signs of concern after our extensive 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 doesn't show any wrinkles in the foam midsole.
After months of wear, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 looks and feels as good as new.
Credit: Mallory Paige
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.
