Top Walking Shoes for Comfort WALKING IS A great way to keep a steady exercise routine, even when you’re not in the mood for more intense workouts. Engaging in walking not only provides a gentle form of physical activity, but can also promote in post-workout recovery and overall blood circulation. What can make you even more motivated to get out for a few extra weekly walks? A pair of ultra comfortable walking shoes that keep your feet happy long after you’ve reached your target.
“All [walking] shoes should feel snug around your foot, have good arch support, the heel shouldn’t slip around, and there should be adequate room in the toebox,” recommends Mark J. Mendeszoon, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon.
Since walking shoes can wear down quickly with everyday use, having one (or two) solid pairs in rotation is a smart move. Below, we’ve rounded up the best men’s walking shoes of the year—tested, podiatrist-reviewed, and chosen for comfort, support, and all-day wearability.
Top Walking Shoes for Comfort
- Best Overall: Hoka Clifton 10
- Best Cushioned: Asics Gel-Nimbus 27
- Best For City: On Cloud X4
- Best All-Scenario: Brooks Glycerin 22
- Best Budget: Asics Gel-Pulse 16
One crucial lesson we’ve learned from Mendeszoon is to not only focus on shoe length when determining your ideal fit. According to him, it’s equally essential to consider shoe width—not unlike when it comes to running shoes. Many brands now offer a range of widths, so understanding your foot anatomy is key to the right fit. “Wear the same socks you wear when you walk when trying them on and remember that our feet expand while walking.”
Once you find the right pair, keep in mind that you should replace them after you’ve racked up some miles. “It is important to realize that shoes are generally good for 500 to 600 miles,” says Mendeszoon. Even when you’re primarily sporting them for walking.
Ready to step into action? Then check below for our guide to the best walking shoes for men.
What to Consider
Stability
Look for walking shoes with support and stability features labeled for your specific foot type. “Consider your foot type and [walking] gait,” says Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, DPM. “The goal is to keep your lower body in alignment as much as possible.” Features such as a firm heel counter, a supportive midsole, and a secure lacing system can provide the stability you need for comfortable walking and to keep your feet properly aligned.
When it comes to classification, if the shoe is stable, it is designed to help offset pronation, which is the inward rolling of the feet after landing on the ground. When a shoe is neutral, it lacks the stabilizing features, allowing your foot to fall more naturally. A shoe is moderate, it is somewhere between those two worlds.
Cushioning
“Cushioning absorbs shock and helps to avoid tissue irritation and damage,” explains Schaeffer. It’s important to choose walking shoes with sufficient cushioning to absorb impact and shock with each step. Look for shoes with cushioned insoles and midsoles made from materials like foam or gel to ensure a comfortable walking experience, especially for longer walks or on hard surfaces.
Decide if you prefer soft cushioning for impact absorption and comfort or a more responsive feel. Some shoes offer a balance between the two, so choose based on your preferences and walking style.
Top Walking Shoes for Comfort Weight
If you’re in the market for a walking shoe to take you long distances frequently, be sure the models you’re considering are relatively lightweight. Unless we’re talking about a stability or trail shoe, which feature additional materials for added durability and support, that means under 11 ounces.
Upper
Pay attention to the upper material of the walking shoes, as it can impact comfort, breathability, and durability. Opt for shoes with breathable and flexible uppers made from materials like mesh or knit fabric to help keep your feet cool and comfortable. Additionally, keep an eye out for features like padded collars and tongues for even more comfort and support.
Top Walking Shoes for Comfort How We Selected
I’m a certified strength and conditioning specialist based in New York and a fitness writer who loves trying the latest gear and raving to my loved ones about his latest discoveries. I have a dog and I take him for walks twice a day and I also trek the city from Queens to Manhattan five-to-six times per week. I have a pretty full roster of clients that I see in-person for training sessions and hit about 15,000 to 20,000 steps per day. Needless to say, I am on my feet A LOT so I need to be on top of my game when it comes to comfy footwear.
I also got some assistance from Men’s Health fitness editors and medical advisors. We spent months of testing and researching to create this guide. Over the past few years, we’ve logged miles in more than 40 pairs of walking and running shoes from top brands like Asics, Hoka, Brooks, On, and more. Led by Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM and Fitness Editor Charles Thorp, NASM, along with expert input from podiatrists Schaeffer and Mendeszoon, we evaluated each shoe for fit, comfort, cushioning, support, durability, and value. We also considered real-world feedback from testers who wore these shoes during daily walks, commutes, and all-day wear.
From minimalist trainers to max-cushioned picks, we curated this list to meet a variety of foot types, walking styles, and comfort preferences—so you can find the pair that’s right for your stride.