The 4 Best Walking Shoes of 2025, Tested and Expert-Approved

As the world’s worst parallel parker living in a decidedly urban environment, walking is my go-to mode of transportation. Between thrice-daily dog walks, weekly grocery store runs, and regular gym commutes, I’m getting at least 16,000 steps a day — and if I don’t wear the best walking shoes, my achy feet will call me out immediately with sore muscles and irritating blisters.

My decade of following marathon training plans and years as a certified personal trainer have taught me that your feet provide the foundation for your overall health. And after one too many walks that ended in numb toes, I made it my mission to find the best walking shoes on the market. I scoured the Internet and tested shoes at a variety of price points, heel drops, and cushioning levels to determine what to look for and which ones come closest to walking on clouds. It’s the ultimate shoe-down, and only the best walking shoes made it on our list.

Shape

Credit: Amazon

Why We Like Them

• Perfect blend of cushion and stability

• 14 fresh colorways to choose from

• Responsive foam for a pop of energy

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Cushioning Level: Medium

Nike’s Pegasus 41 shoes are the workhorses of my sneaker collection — and they’ve more than earned their spot at the top of this list. The lightweight cushioning and bouncy foam keep me feeling energized during long, meandering walks. At the same time, they’re not so cushioned that I feel wobbly or unsteady in them. This perfect balance makes these an extremely versatile shoe for my on-the-go lifestyle. I’ve worn them for lakefront walks, Target runs, marathon cheer stations, and even HIIT workout classes.

Nike shoes can run small, but luckily, the Pegasus 41s are available in regular and wide fits.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Nike, and Dick’s.

Credit: Amazon

Why We Like Them

• Plush, luxurious cushioning

• Easy to pull on with one hand

• Stretchy knit upper for max comfort

Sizes: Women’s 5-13 | Weight: 9.3 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Cushioning Level: Maximum

If you’ve been searching for the most comfortable walking shoes on the planet, your quest ends here. I’ve been an Asics Gel-Nimbus devotee since 2023, and every time I put them on, I let out an actual sigh of contentment. The maximalist cushioning is heaven, especially if you’re on your feet all day like I am. The stretchy, knit upper lightly conforms to the shape of my feet, and thanks to the sock liner, my toes feel cradled, not strangled. My favorite detail? The pull-tab at the heel, which means I can slip these on with one hand. And trust me, every second counts when you’re potty-training a puppy and need to get outside ASAP. 

Just note that the knit upper may tear more easily than others, so be careful when sporting these on hikes.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, and Dick’s.

Credit: New Balance

Why We Like Them

• Plush yet lightweight midsole

• Mesh upper is extra breathable

• Tough enough for all-day wear

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-13 | Weight: 8.3 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters | Cushioning Level: Medium

On days when I know I’ll be walking all over the city, I immediately reach for these New Balance Fresh Foam shoes. This version (the 14th!) of the 1080s features a few key upgrades that make it my go-to choice for long distances. First, a triple jacquard mesh upper provides plenty of airflow to keep my sweaty feet cool, ensuring I never get a blister. Next, extra rubber in high-wear areas boosts durability for high-mileage days. And finally, they’ve updated the shape to have a slight rocker profile, which helps propel me forward (even when my feet are exhausted).

Careful though: the rocker shape makes these shoes a bit unsteady, so if you typically need stability shoes, I wouldn’t recommend them.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and New Balance.

Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Weight: 11 ounces | Drop: Not listed | Cushioning Level: Minimum

This walking sandal has become my legacy in the group chat — I’ve convinced at least four friends (and counting) to buy a pair. The 2.5-inch heel may look intimidating at first, but trust me, you can absolutely strut in these. Sorel’s Kinetic sandals are my go-to for long days on my feet when I refuse to sacrifice style for comfort. They’ve carried me through music festivals, concerts, and dozens of dog walks. The secret is in the supportive footbed and surprisingly sturdy ankle strap.

That said, I wouldn’t wear these for a walking workout — the cushioning is a bit too firm for serious mileage, and without socks, sweaty feet may lead to blisters.

Other Shape-Loved Walking Shoes

We’ve spent years testing walking shoes, gathering data from hundreds of pairs across dozens of brands. While the four options above are our top picks, we’ve also turned to Shape’s testing results hub to bring you even more standout choices. These additional walking shoes have consistently impressed us throughout our testing and may be worth considering to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Credit: Amazon

What Testers Say

“These feel like a dream. They are lighter than air, make me feel like I’m floating and/or ready to dance, and everything feels perfectly supported.” —Kelsey C., Shape tester

Credit: Bloomingdale’s

What Testers Say

“Since getting these shoes, my plantar fasciitis is less inflamed, and I’m very happy with the support they offer. I wore them when I was traveling to California and had a lot of walking throughout the airport and at my layovers. My feet did not hurt at all.” —Brian S., Shape tester

Shape

Credit: Hoka

What Testers Say

“The Hoka Arahi 7 Shoes offer lots of support, stability, and soft cushioning.” —Summer C., Shape tester

Credit: Orthofeet

What Testers Say

“I was pleasantly surprised by the fit of this shoe. Not only is it easy to get on—I am literally able to step into the shoe without bending down—but it fits like a glove.” —Kimberly Z., Shape tester

How We Tested the Walking Shoes 

To find the best walking shoes, I walked at least five miles (over 10,000 steps!) every day, mixing up the terrain, distances, and durations in each pair. I paid close attention to how the shoes handled things like impact on concrete versus other terrain, and whether they felt better for quick strolls or longer treks. Along the way, I recorded detailed voice memos focused on everything that mattered — cushioning, stability, comfort, breathability, traction, and durability — then used these notes to determine the real standouts. 

I also tapped into Shape’s testing results hub, where we’ve collected years’ worth of data on the best walking shoes. Our testers followed a similar testing process to mine, and I pulled their top takeaways from the pairs that consistently stood out across all that testing.

What to Know About Walking Shoes

• Weight: There’s no perfect weight for walking shoes, but most fall between 8 and 12 ounces per shoe. It all comes down to personal preference, says Troy Hurst, PT, DPT, a physical therapist who specializes in performance running and outpatient orthopedics. Some walkers prefer extra support and stability in their shoes and therefore opt for a slightly heavier shoe, between 10 and 12 ounces, he adds. 
• Cushioning: Walkers with generally healthy feet only need light cushioning in their walking shoes, Hurst says. However, people with very flat or very high arches, shin splints, or plantar fasciitis could benefit from moderate to high cushioning. Higher cushioning may also reduce foot fatigue, so if you walk several miles a day or spend hours on your feet at work, you may opt for a max-cushioned walking shoe.
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: Heel-to-toe drop refers to the height difference between the heel and the forefoot of a shoe. Most walking shoes have a drop between 6 and 12 millimeters. For most people, a heel-to-toe drop of around 10 millimeters will be comfortable and functional, says podiatrist Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH. A higher drop may offer more heel cushioning and support, especially if you strike with your heel first, while a lower drop encourages a more midfoot strike and can help improve balance and foot strength over time. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal comfort preferences and walking style.
• Traction: The best walking shoes will have grippy outsoles for better traction. That way, you reduce your risk of slipping and falling, especially if you’re hoofing it on slick surfaces.
• Durability: Look for walking shoes made with tough, waterproof materials to ensure your kicks last as long as possible. Thinner materials on the upper will be more likely to snag or tear, especially if you’re off-roading. Aim to replace your walking shoes every 300 to 500 miles, or when the cushioning starts to feel worn down.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What brand of shoes is the best for walking?

  The best brand of shoes for walking will depend on your unique foot shape, gait, and injury history. Podiatrists tend to recommend shoes from New Balance, Asics, and On for walking.

• What walking shoes do podiatrists recommend?

  Podiatrists recommend walking shoes with supportive arches, breathable uppers, sufficient cushioning, and a heel drop of 6 to 12 millimeters. But keep in mind that your specific needs will vary based on your gait and any existing injuries.

• Are running shoes good for walking?

  Running shoes for beginners can be good for walking, as they are lightweight and supportive, with responsive cushioning and high durability. But avoid running shoes with a strong rocker shape in the forefoot, which may destabilize your stride and increase fall risks.

Why Trust Shape

Kristen Geil is a former senior fitness editor at Shape. A five-time marathoner and NASM-certified personal trainer, she regularly hits over 15,000 steps daily and walks at least three miles a day. During her time at Shape, she led the annual Sneaker Awards, which gave her a front-row seat to testing and analyzing hundreds of shoes. For this article, Kristen relied on her own personal experience testing walking shoes, and she also analyzed data from dozens of Shape testers who put the most comfortable walking shoes through their paces. She also interviewed several podiatrists, orthopedists, and physical therapists for extra insight on must-haves in walking shoes, including: 

• Marcia Graddon ATC, BOCPD, a certified pedorthist at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, specializing in the foot and ankle
• Troy Hurst, PT, DPT, a physical therapist who specializes in performance running and outpatient orthopedics
• Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, a podiatrist and faculty member at Touro University New York College of Podiatric Medicine