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10 Best Walking Shoes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - White/White/Grey - 8 Medium

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,375
Fit and Comfort
Support
Cushioning

Most important from
5355 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These shoes provide excellent comfort and support for daily walking, making long distances feel easier and more enjoyable.
Support
These shoes provide excellent comfort and support for daily walking, making long distances feel easier and more enjoyable.
Cushioning
Ample cushioning and well-placed arch support create a smooth, fatigue-free walking experience.
Weight
Lightweight design gives a noticeable boost in energy, even after long hours on your feet.
Breathability
The breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool and comfortable throughout extended activity.

The Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 is designed primarily as a running shoe, but it also fits well for walking thanks to its smooth ride and cushioning. It features a soft, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole that provides lightweight and comfortable cushioning, which helps reduce foot fatigue during longer walks. The shoe offers neutral support, meaning it suits walkers who do not need extra stability or motion control. Its upper is made from breathable engineered air mesh, keeping feet cool throughout your activity. Weighing about 1.5 pounds, it is reasonably light, making it comfortable for all-day wear.

The outsole uses RoadTack rubber, which includes recycled materials and offers good grip and durability on pavement, although it might not be ideal for very rough or slippery terrain. The 3D Fit Print technology ensures a more secure and seamless fit around the ankle, which improves comfort and reduces irritation during movement. Additionally, its recognition by diabetic and podiatry associations indicates good foot health considerations.

Designed mainly for running, the shoe might lack the extra arch or heel support some dedicated walking shoes provide, especially for those with specific foot issues. For those who prefer a shoe that feels cushioned, breathable, and lightweight with reliable road traction, the Ghost 16 represents a solid choice for casual to moderate walking activities.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,375
Fit and Comfort
Support
Cushioning

Most important from
5355 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These shoes provide excellent comfort and support for daily walking, making long distances feel easier and more enjoyable.
Support
These shoes provide excellent comfort and support for daily walking, making long distances feel easier and more enjoyable.
Cushioning
Ample cushioning and well-placed arch support create a smooth, fatigue-free walking experience.
Weight
Lightweight design gives a noticeable boost in energy, even after long hours on your feet.
Breathability
The breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool and comfortable throughout extended activity.
#2

New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 11 Wide

Rating
9.6
Fit
Cushioning
Arch Support

Most important from
83920 reviews

Fit
Comfortable and nice fit with very attractive design.
Cushioning
Great arch support and cushioning, true to size and lightweight.
Arch Support
Great arch support and cushioning, true to size and lightweight.
Breathability
Comfy and breathable, making it ideal for daily use.
Durability
Durability is on a different level; holds up amazingly even after extensive use.
Weight
Great arch support and cushioning, true to size and lightweight.

The New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer in White/Navy, size 11 Wide, is a versatile option for those who need a reliable pair of walking shoes. One of its strong points is the leather upper, which ensures durability and a classic look. The ABZORB midsole cushioning is designed to absorb strong impacts, making your walks more comfortable. Additionally, the premium PU comfort insert adds to the overall cushioning, which is beneficial for long walks or standing for extended periods.

This shoe is also known for its good fit, especially since it comes in a wide size, catering to those with broader feet. However, leather might not be the best material when it comes to breathability, as it tends to retain heat and moisture, which could be a drawback for some users. The rubber sole offers a good grip but may not be the lightest option available, contributing to the shoe's weight of 2.4 pounds. Flexibility seems adequate but might not be exceptional due to the robust build of the leather upper.

It is a well-rounded shoe that offers solid arch support, making it suitable for those who need a bit more structure in their walking shoes. Considering all these aspects, this shoe seems to be an excellent choice for those looking for a durable, comfortable option for everyday walking and light cross-training activities.

Rating
9.6
Fit
Cushioning
Arch Support

Most important from
83920 reviews

Fit
Comfortable and nice fit with very attractive design.
Cushioning
Great arch support and cushioning, true to size and lightweight.
Arch Support
Great arch support and cushioning, true to size and lightweight.
Breathability
Comfy and breathable, making it ideal for daily use.
Durability
Durability is on a different level; holds up amazingly even after extensive use.
Weight
Great arch support and cushioning, true to size and lightweight.
#3

Skechers Men's Summits High Range Hands Free Slip-in Sneaker, Navy, 12

Rating
9.4
Fit and Comfort
Support
Weight

Most important from
16566 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These shoes offer exceptional comfort and impressive longevity, lasting well over a year with regular use.
Support
The arch support is excellent, providing stability without sacrificing comfort during extended wear.
Weight
Lightweight construction and breathable materials keep feet feeling fresh and reduce fatigue throughout the day.
Breathability
Lightweight construction and breathable materials keep feet feeling fresh and reduce fatigue throughout the day.
Outsole Grip
The nonslip outsole delivers reliable traction even on slippery surfaces like epoxy garage floors.

The Skechers Men's Summits High Range Hands Free Slip-in Sneaker is designed with convenience and comfort in mind. Its slip-in style and exclusive heel pillow help keep the foot secure without laces, which is great for easy on-and-off wear. The Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole offers good cushioning that adapts to your foot, adding to comfort during walks. Made with breathable mesh fabric and lightweight materials (about 1.4 pounds), these sneakers should feel light and airy, reducing foot fatigue over time.

The synthetic rubber outsole provides grip suitable for typical walking surfaces. Being machine washable is a nice bonus for easy maintenance. The vegan materials are a plus for those seeking animal-free options.

This shoe is well suited for everyday walking with a focus on comfort, lightness, and simple wear, although those needing advanced support might want to explore other models.

Rating
9.4
Fit and Comfort
Support
Weight

Most important from
16566 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These shoes offer exceptional comfort and impressive longevity, lasting well over a year with regular use.
Support
The arch support is excellent, providing stability without sacrificing comfort during extended wear.
Weight
Lightweight construction and breathable materials keep feet feeling fresh and reduce fatigue throughout the day.
Breathability
Lightweight construction and breathable materials keep feet feeling fresh and reduce fatigue throughout the day.
Outsole Grip
The nonslip outsole delivers reliable traction even on slippery surfaces like epoxy garage floors.

Buying Guide for the Best Walking Shoes

Choosing the right walking shoes is essential not only for comfort but also for the long-term health of your feet and joints. The best walking shoes should support your walking style, feel good during your daily activities, and last through regular use. The right pair depends a lot on your walking environment, your foot shape, and how much support or cushioning you need. Paying attention to a few key features can help you sort through the options and pick the best fit for your needs.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort refer to how well the shoe conforms to your foot and how comfortable it feels when you walk. This is crucial because a shoe that doesn't fit can cause blisters, sore feet, or long-term problems with your posture. Walking shoes should have enough room in the toe box so your toes can move freely, but also be snug around the heel to prevent slipping. To pick the best fit, try shoes on in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen from the day. Walk around the store or at home to ensure there are no tight spots or uncomfortable seams. If you have wide or narrow feet, look for brands or models that offer multiple width options.
SupportSupport describes how much the shoe helps stabilize your foot, particularly around the arch and heel. Good support can prevent pain and injuries, especially if you walk long distances or have flat feet or high arches. Walking shoes usually come with varying degrees of support: minimal (for natural foot movement), moderate (for most people), and maximum (for people who need extra stability). If you have a history of foot issues, or if you walk on uneven surfaces, consider shoes with more structure and built-in arch support. Otherwise, a moderate support shoe should suffice for everyday walking.
CushioningCushioning is the padding inside the shoe that absorbs the impact when your foot hits the ground. The level of cushioning needed depends on your preference and walking habits. Lightweight cushioning is often best for those who prefer a more connected feeling with the ground or walk short distances. Medium cushioning suits most walkers, balancing comfort and responsiveness. Maximum cushioning is ideal if you cover long distances, walk on hard surfaces, or need extra comfort underfoot. Try different levels and choose what feels most comfortable over the distances you usually walk.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the shoe feels when worn. Lighter shoes generally make walking less tiring and are preferred for brisk or long walks, while heavier shoes might offer more support and durability, especially for rugged environments. If you plan to walk quickly or for exercise, look for lightweight models that don’t weigh you down. For more casual or daily use, weight is less important, so prioritize support and comfort over the lightest weight.
BreathabilityBreathability means how well the shoe lets air flow to your foot, keeping your feet cool and dry. Shoes with mesh uppers or ventilation holes are more breathable. This is especially important if you walk in warm climates, or if your feet tend to sweat. If you often walk in wet or cooler conditions, you might prefer less vented shoes or those made from water-resistant materials, balancing breathability with weather protection.
Outsole GripOutsole grip is about how well the bottom of the shoe holds onto different walking surfaces, preventing slips or falls. Shoes with deeper treads or patterned soles provide better traction, which is useful for outdoor, trail, or variable conditions. If you stick mainly to paved or indoor surfaces, a basic flat grip will likely be fine. People who walk on grassy, gravelly, or uneven paths should look for shoes with rugged, grippy outsoles.

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