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You don't have to spend your evenings aching and complaining about your feet and joints. The right pair of walking shoes can drastically improve your daily movement, whether it be fitness walks, errand runs, or long days at work. We want your feet to be as happy as ours are, so read on to find out what works and what doesn't.
The best walking shoe for most people is the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28. These kept our feet and joints feeling fresh all day. We wore them everywhere, from fitness walks to all-day errands. We even loved them for occasional jogs.
If you're looking for comfortable budget walking shoes, we love the Asics Gel-Contend 10. These feel like a premium shoe, with unmatched breathability and out-of-the-box comfort. You can't ask for more under $100.
We've logged hundreds of miles while testing the top walking shoes, 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 shoes through their paces to find the best options for you.
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 is the shoe we leave at our front door because we reach for it every time we leave the house. Dog walks, grocery runs, light jogs, long days at work- you name it, this is the shoe we are wearing. It is seriously comfortable right out of the box. The plush midsole and PureGEL insert are a pleasure to walk on, absorbing our heel strike and keeping our joints feeling fresh. Stacking up miles or long days at work? This is the shoe to keep your ankles from aching. They offer excellent arch support, and the lightly flared design keeps your foot stable step after step. Yet, none of this is overdone, and they aren't overly plush like a recovery shoe. Instead, the energetic midsole offers more energy return and less of a “sinking in” feel. Not convinced? Our tester noted, “I wore them on a long outing to the Denver Zoo pushing a stroller and often carrying a toddler, and I made it home without aching joints.”
We don't want to overstate our appreciation for these shoes, but there's little to dislike about them. Our biggest complaint is that it has very little rubber on the outsole. While great on dry surfaces, they can slip on wet tile. After all, these are built for road running, not working on tile floors. We also promptly got scuffs on the toe box from regular activities. The fabric wasn't torn, but obvious black smudges lived on our shoes from day one onward. If that sort of thing bothers you, opt for a darker color. These also have a minor “bouncy” feel at the heal, which some might dislike. While we enjoyed this feel for fast-paced walks, some might enjoy the heel stability found on the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 instead.
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 is a comfortable walking shoe for all-day wear. We loved it walking around in town. Credit: Becca Glades
The plush midsole won't let you sink in. Instead, it offers a more energetic return to your step. Credit: Becca Glades
The Gel-Cumulus 28 has a very breathable upper. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We get it. You don't want to spend your hard-earned money on a shoe that makes you ache, even if it is technically budget-friendly. Don't worry, we found the perfect thing: the Asics Gel-Contend 10. We genuinely loved this shoe, not even considering its price. It feels premium and is comfortable right out of the box. Its updated midsole is much more structured and supported than previous versions, so much so that we confidently took on long walks and big outings in these. They offer more lateral stability than many shoes in this review, yet they don't feel overbuilt in any way. Plus, the long laces and ungusseted tongue can be let out enough for tall feet or for when your feet swell, say on an airplane. All of that for under $100? You got yourself a winner.
The updated 10 doesn't have much arch support. In fact, we think this could use an upgraded insole to be even better. The shoe also has a more pronounced toe rocker, which is a minor complaint from us. While this sounds technical, it is just the upward curve under the toes. Many love a toe rocker, as it can feel like it is gliding you forward with less effort, so this could be no problem for you. However, we had to get used to it with continued use, as the motion from midfoot toe-off felt more abrupt. It took a couple of walks to get acquainted with this design, but it didn't impact our overall comfort or stability once we adjusted.
The cushiony midsole was comfortable to walk on. Our feet stayed happy! Credit: Becca Glades
We thoroughly enjoyed walking in these budget-friendly shoes. Credit: Becca Glades
The Asics Gel-Contend 10 has one of the most breathable uppers that we have seen. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you over- or underpronate, you want the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25. These stability shoes include the GuardRails Technology System (GTS), which are bumpers embedded into the shoe to prevent your feet from rolling too far inward or outward. After adjusting to the design, our overpronator tester appreciated the corrective support. She said, “My knees and ankles felt fresh for longer, and I wasn't left aching at the end of the day.” The Adrenaline feels and performs like a well-thought-out and intentional shoe. The fabric stretches just right, giving enough room to move without feeling restricted, yet not too much to lose control. Meanwhile, the heel collar is extra-padded, which kept our foot securely in place during faster-paced walks. The thick heel absorbs the initial foot strike and is followed by a smooth transition to the toe.
These shoes have some trade-offs, mainly in the adjustment period. The design doesn't feel like a regular shoe. They aren't. They feel more rigid along the arch and heel where the GuardRails are. To be clear, this doesn't feel like a brace, but rather a gentle cradle around the foot. For someone who needs the extra support and stability, this will feel great. For someone who doesn't need it, this will feel awkward. If you are the latter, we suggest sticking with a neutral shoe, like the Asics Gel-Cumulus or Brooks Ghost Max 4, which do not correct pronation issues. Additionally, the Adrenaline's ankle padding kept pulling down our low-cut socks. We simply wore longer socks, but we were still annoyed that we had to do so. Once you make it through the adjustment period (we were getting comfortable a few miles in), then you'll be gliding through your walks.
Walking in the Brooks Adrenaline feels natural thanks to its stability features. Credit: Becca Glades
The traction offered by the Adrenaline GTS is ideal on hard surfaces, like pavement and concrete. Credit: Becca Glades
The uppers on the Adrenaline GTS are very breathable. Check out how much smoke moves through the toe box! Credit: Matt Lighthart
The midsole is very stable and secure. Here, you can see it offers some squish without completely collapsing. The result is nice shock absorption without letting your foot sink in. Credit: Becca Glades
If you're not the type who wears athletic shoes as your daily driver, you're in luck. The New Balance 574 Core offers all the same support and comfort. The 574 Core was originally released in the late 80s as a running shoe. While running technology and style have changed, these still have some of the best day-to-day walking comfort around, with a more casual style. Their timeless aesthetic transitions from fast-paced walks (or sprints in the airport) to strolls through the far-away city without giving the impression you're about to jog.
The suede overlay upper has limited breathability compared to those with thin, mesh uppers. The underfoot cushion is also on the more minimal side. This doesn't make them uncomfortable, but they don't have that max cushion feel like many other walking shoes. We also recommend purchasing the wide size if you like any extra wiggle room or have wider feet. The toe box runs narrow, and the average foot might feel a little squished. All that said, these are the shoes we wear when traveling for their versatile style and all-day comfort. Plus, you can often find these on sale under $100.
The New Balance 574 Core is a go-to walking shoe when style is a must. Credit: Mallory Paige
The stiff sole provides great lateral stability. Credit: Mallory Paige
If you work on your feet on hard indoor surfaces, you'll want the Hoka Bondi SR. Notably, these shoes are slip-resistant, with a grippy rubber bottom that holds its ground on slick and wet flooring. The shoe is stacked with extended standing in mind, with a stable 41 millimeters at the heel. It is among the most supportive, with a stiff and lightly flared midsole that offers plenty of arch support inside. The leather upper becomes more and more comfortable as it breaks in, and it can be wiped clean without soaking your foot. If you want to get through your day without aching all night, and slip resistance is key, these are worth considering.
The outsole traction isn't suitable for outdoor use beyond pavement. The rubber bottom has small gaps, but no larger lugs to handle urban walking paths. If you plan on outdoor walking off of pavement, we suggest the Hoka Transport 2, which has a similar fit but a more capable outsole. The leather upper has limited breathability, which is part of the reason we don't like these for outdoor use. If you're wearing these in air-conditioned spaces, the limited breathability is less of an issue. That said, shift workers who need less aches and more supportive comfort will be pleased with these.
The Bondi SR is very stable. We cut it in half to see just how this design works. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The tongue and heel pull tabs are a nice touch. We could even slip the shoe on without retieing. Credit: Becca Glades
The leather upper isn't breathable, but some heat can escape at the tongue. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Interested in a versatile shoe to handle the dirt and gravel paths around town? These are it. The Hoka Transport 2 is the most outdoor-capable walking shoe in our lineup, thanks largely to its extra-grippy Vibram outsole. This shoe's underside looks a bit more like a hiking shoe, but it still has all the essentials that make it good for urban strolls, like a supportive and padded midsole and easy on/off access. In fact, we really love the quick-toggle stretchy laces that are almost hands-free.
Unlike many athletic shoes in our review, these are not comfortable right out of the box. They need a few walks to break in, especially at the toe box, which feels overly narrow at first. To avoid hot spots, we recommend taking these on a few short walks before tackling anything major, especially travel or work. The durable Cordura upper and midsole aren't light, and the design can feel bulky at first. It's worth noting these shoes come in a waterproof version, should you find yourself frequently walking in the rain.
The quick lace system is easy to use and get going with. Credit: Becca Glades
The Hoka Transport 2 is stiff at first but loosens up after a few walks. Here is how it twists after breaking in. Credit: Becca Glades
The midsole isn't squishy or plush like other Hokas. Instead, the midsole has some squish but is mostly stable. Credit: Becca Glades
Can require adjustment if you're unfamiliar with low-drop shoes
Built for roads and hard surfaces - traction isn't great on loose dirt
SPECIFICATIONS
Best Use
Athletic walking, everyday casual
Width Options
Regular
Support Design
Neutral
Measured Weight
6.82 oz
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
6 mm
We are aware that many walking shoes lean toward ultra-cushioned and stiff soles. This isn't everyone's jam, which is why we love the Altra Experience Flow 3. These shoes have a more natural feel, though they still have plenty of cushion underfoot (31 millimeters under the heel). However, they are much more flexible and move more freely with your foot. The toe box is also more “foot-shaped,” which doesn't taper abruptly and lets your toes splay as you walk. We measured just 6 millimeters of a heel-to-toe drop. The result of the low drop, flexible design, and foot-shaped design is a shoe that taps into your natural sense of balance and stability.
This can take some time to get used to. Low-drop shoes often cause some Achellies pain during the adjustment period. The lack of arch support can be another problem for some. However, we were big fans once our feet and ankles adjusted. If you want something more natural-feeling, or you tend to walk barefoot at home but don't want to sacrifice cushion, these are it.
The Altra Experience Flow 3 is well-balanced, and ready for miles of walking, or just a quick trip into town. The versatility of these shoes is tough to beat.
Product Comparison Table
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS is one of our favorite walking shoes as it is stable and supportive. 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 Measured Specs
You might notice our measured specs sometimes differ from what the manufacturer has listed. We follow the World Athletics requirements for measuring the stack, heel-to-toe drop, width, and more. Why? Because manufacturers aren't required to follow any guidelines when taking these measurements. To get the most accurate comparison, we cut every shoe in half and measure it ourselves.
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)
Durability (20% weighting)
Traction (15% weighting)
Weight (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, support, and stability. Let's dive into how each shoe performed across our test metrics.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
The cheapest shoes can often leave you aching at the end of the day. Still, some budget options are solid choices, depending on your walking preference.
The Asics Gel-Contend 10 is an easy choice for under $100. It is very light, athletic, and offers excellent arch support. For most walks, its value can't be beat. The Skechers GO WALK Joy slips on with no fuss and offers reliable comfort and adequate support. We wouldn't pick this for longer walks, but for day-to-day errands, it is a good choice.
The Ryka Devotion Plus 3 is another with 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 a little more, the Asics Gel-Contend 28 offers unmatched support. The shoe cradles your foot and offers a soft, yet steady platform to keep you moving without aches and pains. If you spend long hours on your feet, the cost is worth it for these shoes.
The Skechers GO WALK Joy are a budget-friendly choice, that did well across categories in our tests. Credit: Mallory Paige
Comfort
Staying comfortable is critical while you're walking and after. When the day is done, you shouldn't be aching from a bad pair of shoes.
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.
If you're dealing with joint pain and achy feet at the end of the day, an athletic-style shoe like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a great choice. These have the highest level of support and include GuideRails to help prevent under- or overpronation for a more natural stride. For this reason, our feet stayed comfortable during long walks and shopping trips in town.
Impact absorption is a key feature of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25. Credit: Becca Glades
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 is another athletic-style shoe that excels at all-day wear. This neutral shoe has a plush and stable FF Blast Max midsole that kept our feet happy during long walks and errand runs. We especially appreciated the heel-strike absorption from the thick (39-millimeter), bouncy PureGEL heel.
The FF Blast Max midsole is comfortable and enjoyable to walk on. We even spent a long day at the zoo wearing the Gel-Cumulus and our feet weren't killing us. Credit: Becca Glades
The Hoka Clifton 11 was also notably comfortable right out of the box. The upper was our favorite component. They have an accommodating fit with flexible and breathable fabric. The heel stack measures 40 millimeters with a plush yet stable CMEVA midsole. While not the most supportive, these shoes felt great right away.
The Clifton 11 is comfy right away. We wore it on a walk right out of the box and had no issues with break-in. Credit: Becca Glades
Cushion Isn't Everything
We can sometimes look at heel stack and equate that to how comfortable a shoe will be, but there is more to it. The midsole needs to be firm enough that you don't sink in, as you can lose the energy return for your next step, effectively making you work harder. Yet, you don't want it to be so firm that you feel like you are walking on a brick. A supportive shoe goes a long way for your comfort while walking and after you are done walking.
Stack Measurements
Heel Stack
Heel-to-Toe Drop
Dansko Professional
51 mm
23 mm
Hoka Bondi SR
41 mm
6 mm
Hoka Clifton 11
40 mm
11 mm
Asics Gel-Cumulus 28
39 mm
10 mm
New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080 v14
39 mm
9 mm
New Balance 574 Core
36 mm
14 mm
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
36 mm
10 mm
Hoka Transport 2
33 mm
6 mm
Altra Experience Flow 3
31 mm
6 mm
Asics Gel-Contend 10
35 mm
9 mm
Long hours on your feet on hard surfaces, such as during shift work, can be painful if you have the wrong shoes. We recommend a shoe with a steady and somewhat stiff midsole, as these offer more stability and longevity. Overly plush shoes can compress unnaturally from long standing periods and cause discomfort. Those working in hospitals or restaurants should consider the Hoka Bondi SR, which keeps your feet aligned and supported when standing for longer periods. They are slip-resistant, and the leather wipes clean.
The midsole of the Bondi SR isn't as thick as it appears from the outside. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Altra Experience Flow 3 offers out-of-the-box comfort that is hard to beat. The moderately cushioned midsole absorbs impact without feeling bulky, especially on hard surfaces like concrete and tile. The foot-shaped toe box meant none of our toes were restricted too. Plus, the upper is breathable enough for the summer months.
Your Foot Shape Matters, A LOT
Gone are the days of squishing your toes into a shoe that doesn't match your foot shape. If your big toe gets pushed inward in the shoe, you can lose some of the natural balance your feet provide. It is also simply uncomfortable and can cause a myriad of complications down the line. Many shoes now have a more natural toe box shape. Still, we highly recommend putting the shoe on and comparing it to the shape of your foot without the shoe on to see how well it matches up.
This is the foot-shaped toe box on the Altra, which is one of the reasons we love it so much. None of our toes are pushes in or squished. Credit: Becca Glades
The Hoka Transport 2 has a different approach to comfort compared to the Clifton. While it still has plenty of stack under the foot, it isn't plush like the Clifton. It is still very comfortable though. It does take a walk or two to break in, but once it does, it is comfy for all-day wear. We love that our feet don't ache at the end of the day after wearing these.
Shoe ExteriorShoe Interior
The Hoka Transport 2 has plenty of cushion underfoot, though less than the outside might suggest. It is still very comfortable for extensive walks, much of this is thanks to the support.
Some shoes required virtually no break-in period - the Skechers GO WALK Joy, New Balance 574 Core, and Asics Gel-Contend 10 were comfortable right out of the box. Others, like the Dansko Professional, needed several days of wear before reaching peak comfort.
The Asics Gel-Contend 10 is comfy right out of the box and ready to get going. Credit: Becca Glades
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 Asics Gel-Cumulus, Gel-Contend, and Altra Experience Flow 3 when it came to breathability, as well as the earth-friendly eucalyptus fiber of the Allbirds Tree Runners.
The upper of the Experience Flow 3 is extremely breathable, as shown here by our vapor test. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Dr. Scholl's Time Off was shockingly uncomfortable. We were hopeful for a comfortable casual shoe, but these offered us hot spots and sweaty feet instead. They even caused a tester to overpronate and have achy knees.
We had a hot spot form on the top of our foot from the Dr. Scholl's Time Off. Credit: Becca Glades
Support
Beyond your feet, a supportive shoe will keep your ankles and knees happy too (after all, it's all connected). We assessed arch support and lateral stability, as well as rigidity and flexibility of each shoe. Once cut in half, we could further inspect the midsole and take precise measurements of stability features. All that said, we did our homework, with happy and sometimes achy feet along the way
By far, the most supportive shoe in our lineup is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25. These have GuardRails embedded in the arches and outside of the heel that prevent too much rolling inward and outward. If you know you over- or underpronate, these can be a game-changing shoe for you. If you don't, they might feel a little awkward, though our neutral walkers still enjoyed these once they got used to the design. These shoes have enough support for very long walks, travel, and day-to-day activities.
The padded ankle adds to the snug heel, but it can be awkward at first. Credit: Becca Glades
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 also had plenty of arch support. While they feel more “lively” underfoot, the lightly flared outsole prevents ankle rolls and instability. Our feet felt the most swaddled in this shoe, and when we chose to jog, these were our first pick.
We had plenty of support in the Asics Gel-Cumulus. Credit: Becca Glades
The Hoka Bondi SR has a rigid outsole that isn't the best for constant, long walks. Instead, it is ideal for long durations upright with shorter bursts of walking. These shoes feel firmly planted to the ground, with the base preventing ankle and knee pain often caused by long-term standing.
The stiff midsole is very stable for long days upright. Credit: Becca Glades
We were thrilled with the support offered from the New Balance models. Both the Fresh Foam x 1080 v14 and 574 Core kept our arches supported enough for long wears. We took the 574 Core on travels and weren't complaining about our feet at the end of the flight (though we were complaining about other travel-related headaches).
The New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080 v14 is another with great support that we wouldn't mind jogging in. Credit: Mallory Paige
At the bottom end of our list, the Feethit Slip On and Allbirds Tree Runners offer practically no support. These shoes have a more minimalist feel, with no stability. This doesn't mean minimalist shoes can't offer support; these just do it wrong. Our toes were squished in the narrow toe box, and the large 14-millimeter heel-to-toe drop left us feeling unstable.
Our cut test shows how minimal this design is. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Altra Experience Flow 38 marries the two designs. While more “minimalist” feeling underfoot, it is wide through the toe box and snug at the heel. We weren't slipping around in the shoe, and our toes had plenty of room to splay, tapping into our own body's natural stability. These don't have much arch support, and they are more flexible than others, but that goes along with the idea - let the body take over. They still have plenty of foam in the heel for a softer heel strike, and the transition to the toe is much gentler than shoes with a 10mm+ drop. If you're not used to a low toe drop, or how high the heel is raised compared to the toe (think of a high heel), the transition can take time.
Altra takes a different approach with the wide toe box and flexible midsole.
Durability
A shoe that breaks down after a few miles isn't a good walking shoe. In fact, it can cause strain and injury if continued to be used. One that can keep up with your activity and not cost a fortune to replace is ideal. 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 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
The Hoka Transport 2 has a Cordura upper that holds up to wear and tear. We tested the white variation of this shoe and were happy to see how well dirt was brushed off too. The Vibram outsole is also much more durable than light rubber and foam outsoles seen on other walking shoes.
The Cordura upper on the Transport 2 is very durable and scrape resistant. It even brushed off dirt and debris, despite being a light color. 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 Feethit Slip On are a basic shoe without much support or traction. Credit: Mallory Paige
The synthetic mesh uppers on most of the athletic shoes have similar durability. What it often comes down to is how fast the midsole packs in. In our experience, shoes with a stiffer midsole hold their shape longer. The Gel-Cumulus 28, Gel-Contend 10, New Balance 574 Core, and Ghost Max 4 all have the same 300- 500-mile life expectancy.
The Brooks Ghost Max 4 is made from high-quality materials and should see a standard walking season. Credit: Becca Glades
Traction
Your shoe's traction should match your walking surface. Some might be great on concrete but slip on tile. Likewise, some are fantastic on tile and can't handle outdoor surfaces.
The Hoka Transport 2 is by far the best choice for walkers who venture outdoors on mixed surfaces. The outsole is much like a light hiking shoe with exposed lugs and a Vibram material. Still, they aren't overly bulky to be clunky on concrete or tile. None comes close to the versatility of this shoe for varied surfaces, so if you're primarily walking outdoors, this is the shoe to consider.
The Transport 2 is the shoe you want if you walk both indoors and out. Credit: Becca Glades
Many walking shoes can handle light dirt and gravel paths, even if they aren't intended for it. However, most are built for walking on concrete and hard indoor flooring.
The New Balance 574 Core was one of the most versatile. The deep lugs can handle gravel, while the grippy rubber can tackle indoor surfaces and concrete. Meanwhile, 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 Brooks Adrenaline did well on mixed ground types, particularly indoor and pavement. The rubberized outsole grips indoor surfaces without squeaking or leaving black streaks. It isn't flush with the foam underneath, like many road-specific shoes, so the rubberized exterior makes full contact, decreasing the likelihood of slips.
The rubber outsole of the Adrenaline does well on mixed surfaces. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Kizik Athens 2 has a rubberized bottom that isn't necessarily slip-resistant, but grips onto tile and hard surfaces well. It is also suitable on light dirt and gravel paths.
The Kizik Athens rubber bottom offers versatility on multiple surfaces.
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
Some models slip easily, particularly when wet. The Feethit has a smooth underside that isn't necessarily grippy on any surface.
The Feethit Slip On wasn't the best in terms of traction, especially on wet floors. Credit: Mallory Paige
Weight
Weight isn't always a bad thing if it's balanced with other support and comfort features of a shoe. However, if you are racking up the miles, a heavier shoe can cause more fatigue.
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 2, despite being 8.9 ounces per shoe, received high comfort scores thanks to its efficient weight distribution and cushioning system. Conversely, the lightweight Feethit Slip On and Allbirds Tree Runners caused more fatigue on long walks than expected due to their minimal cushioning.
The Allbirds Tree Runners were very light, but not the most comfortable for long walks. 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 On Cloud 6 feels light on. It weighs just 7.6 ounces per shoe. Credit: Becca Glades
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 3 providing excellent breathability. Heavier shoes typically incorporate more materials and can run warmer during extended use, though some, like the Brooks Ghost Max 4 and Adrenaline GTS 25, manage good ventilation despite their higher weight.
Wherever your day takes you, we hope your feet are happy! Credit: Becca Glades
Conclusion
Whether you're venturing into sport walking, headed out on travels, or looking for a trusty shoe for the day-to-day, we hope our review has helped you find a pair that works. The good news is, with the right pair of shoes, you don't have to spend your evenings thinking about your aching joints.
