18 Pairs of Comfy Walking Shoes for Every Occasion

Best for Maximum Cushioning

• Pros: Excellent shock absorption, bouncy ride
• Cons: May run large

In addition to winning the award for Best Road-Running Shoe in SELF's 2022 Sneaker Awards, the snug and supportive Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 is also one of our favorite walking shoes from New Balance. Its sole is loaded with foam and gets extra thick at the heel to ensure serious shock absorption and bounce, even when you’re picking up the pace. We also love its stretchy and breathable upper, and the medium-wide toe box—which should accommodate a variety of foot shapes, as well as those who deal with bunions. Be aware that it may run large.

• Available sizes: 5 to 13 | Available widths: narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide | Materials: mesh, synthetic fabric, foam, rubber | Weight: 9 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 34 options

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

• Pros: Designed specifically to prevent plantar fasciitis and heel pain, supportive
• Cons: On the heavier side

Don’t let its somewhat clunky look dissuade you: Thanks to its heel-cradling design with plenty of impact-absorbing cushion, the Kuru Quantum may help ease foot pain, including the stabbing sensation in the heel that comes with plantar fasciitis. Another helpful feature is its impressive arch support—the foam insole actually molds to the shape of your foot for a completely custom fit. What’s more, it has a stable structure that won’t let your foot slip around or roll inward.

• Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium or wide | Materials: mesh, synthetic fabric, foam, EVA foam, rubber | Weight: 10.50 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 6.30 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 9 options

Best for Flat Feet

• Pros: Very supportive, lightweight
• Cons: Lower cushioning, some reviewers find the Arahi 7 stiffer than previous models

It isn’t just the Bondi that has podiatric bona fides: Most pairs of Hokas are approved by the APMA, including the Arahi 7, which is an excellent shoe for walkers with flat feet. It’s designed to prevent overpronation (a common issue for folks with lower or collapsed arches in which their feet tend to roll inward). It lacks some of the cushioning you’ll find in other Hokas, but that helps keep it nice and lightweight, as well as stable. One thing to keep in mind when selecting your size: According to some reviewers, the Arahi 7 runs narrow.

• Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: synthetic fabric, EVA, rubber | Weight: 8.10 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 8 options

Best for High Arches

• Pros: Very supportive, sturdy
• Cons: On the heavier side

Dr. Abraham recommends Vionic sneakers, and the water-repellent Walker Classic is a popular (and APMA-approved) pick from the brand—especially among people who need ample arch support. “They are supportive in all the right ways for my high arches, plantar fasciitis, and lower back/hip issues,” one reviewer wrote. “I can walk my dogs now without my muscles tightening up from not being supported properly.” Others noted that the Walker Classic’s midfoot is on the firmer side, but that stiff, sturdy design, though not the comfiest, did provide solid arch support that they adjusted to over time. It has removable midsole inserts, so it’s also a great option if you use orthotics.

• Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: leather, suede leather, mesh, EVA, rubber | Weight: 13 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 12.70 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 23 options

Best for Travel

• Pros: Breathable, lightweight
• Cons: Sizing may be inconsistent (according to reviewers)

Released last year, the Clifton 9 is yet another plush offering from Hoka, but it’s slimmer and lighter-weight than previous iterations (some reviewers note that it may run smaller than older Cliftons too). The streamlined construction makes it one of the best shoes for traveling, with a breathable, lightweight design that won’t weigh you down during long walks through a new city (or your own neighborhood, if you don’t have a trip on the books). SELF’s executive editor noted that the Clifton 9 didn’t exacerbate her plantar fasciitis at all, even after walking all over New York City.

• Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: mesh, EVA foam, rubber | Weight: 7.30 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 17 options

Best Walking Sandals

• Pros: Supportive, sturdy
• Cons: May feel too firm for some people

With an “ugly cool” gorpcore aesthetic—and a stamp of approval by the APMA—there’s plenty to love about this walking sandal from Chaco. Physical therapist Nick Cutri, PT, DPT, CSCS, specifically called out the sturdy arch support in its contoured footbed when he previously recommended it to SELF. If you like your sandals to feel plush, the Z1 Classic may be a little firm or rigid for your liking, but it’s built to last. Case in point: “As a teenage camp counselor, these were my go-to sandals and I still have the same rugged pair a decade later,” one SELF tester says. “They are extremely durable and the sole has a hefty weight to it, which is helpful for walking in water. They never gave me blisters, but did give me some gnarly tan lines.” Foot tan aside, the Z1’s straps earned points from Dr. Cutri, who appreciated their adjustable design—you can wear this sandal just about anywhere (including through water and over rocky paths) and trust that it’ll stay securely on your foot.

• Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: polyurethane, rubber | Weight: 11 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 6.35 millimeters | Closure style: strap | Colors: 26 options

Best Hiking Sandals

• Pros: Protective, lots of traction
• Cons: Not as adjustable as other hiking sandals

A good hiking sandal should be protective yet breathable, and the highly durable Keen Newport H2 strikes that balance. This shoe keeps you safe from roots and pebbles with a tough rubber toe cap; dries quickly after water crossings; and, perhaps most importantly, supports your feet with a comfy, molded insole and a high-traction rubber outsole. Though it doesn’t have as much adjustability as a Chaco, it features a bungee strap down the center of the foot that you can cinch. It’s also a high-quality option to slip on for day-to-day excursions: Travel photographer Kathryn Cooper previously told SELF that she’ll wear her pair “to the supermarket and on six-mile day hikes.”

• Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium | Materials: polyester, synthetic fabric, EVA, rubber | Weight: 11.35 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 11 millimeters | Closure style: bungee straps | Colors: 16 options

Best for Long Distances

• Pros: Long-term comfort right out of the box, supportive
• Cons: May run narrow

This SELF Sneaker Award-winner stood out to our testers because it was lightweight yet well-cushioned, springy, and incredibly supportive—even when they were on their feet for hours at a time. None experienced any discomfort from chafing or blisters by the end of the day, and one tester even noticed that the GT-1000 12 molded to their foot with just a couple of wears (keep in mind that some online reviewers found that it ran a little narrow). The foam midsole adds to the support our testers loved, and provides a nice amount of padding. If you need a pair of walking shoes for all-day comfort, this is it.

• Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: polyester, mesh, foam, rubber | Weight: 8.30 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 13 options

Best for Spending All Day on Your Feet

• Pros: Well-cushioned, long-term comfort
• Cons: May run small and narrow

One SELF Sneaker Award tester wrote that their Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0s provided “outstanding arch support” and kept their “arthritic knees cushioned and feeling amazing all day.” They also noted the ample padding throughout the shoe, which gives the sole a bit of lift (especially at the heel). This added height initially made another tester worry that her ankle would roll while wearing the Elite, but she found it to be secure and easy to wear for long periods of time. Not only is this a great shoe for standing—it’s also equipped with a moderate rocker sole to keep your momentum going when you’re on the move.

• Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: mesh, foam, rubber | Weight: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 6 options

Best Waterproof Walking Shoes

• Pros: Lightweight and flexible, plenty of traction
• Cons: Requires a break-in period

SELF previously deemed this sneaker-trail shoe hybrid one of the best waterproof walking shoes. The Merrell Bravada 2 is flexible and snug-fitting like a running shoe, but rugged like a hiking shoe (the sole’s rock plate protects your feet from hard, uneven terrain, while the ankle cuff provides light support). And, most importantly, it’s ready for the elements with a sealed waterproof internal membrane and grippy outsole. The Bravada 2 may feel tight or cause blisters at first, so give yourself a few wears before taking it out on a longer journey.

• Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: synthetic fabric, mesh, EVA, nylon, rubber | Weight: 8.85 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 9 options

Best Casual Walking Shoes

• Pros: Stylish, well-padded
• Cons: Not suited for extra-long distances

Years after taking home a SELF Sneaker Award, these classic-cool Reeboks remain a top-rated pick for short walks, running errands, and everyday wear. The shoe's simple, timeless design has a cushy midsole that’ll pad your steps without feeling clunky. While we wouldn’t recommend these white sneakers for especially long or off-road walks, you can expect them to last a long time when you wear them for casual outings. (BTW, the sturdy leather upper softens with wear to get even more comfortable over time.)

• Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium | Materials: leather, EVA | Weight: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A | Closure style: laces | Colors: 7 options

Best for Overpronation

• Pros: Stabilizing design, well-cushioned
• Cons: Not particularly bouncy

If you tend to overpronate when you walk, which, again, is when your foot rolls inward as you step, Dr. Abraham recommends this breathable, supportive sneaker from Brooks. SELF’s director of fitness and food has logged hundreds of miles in her pair, and calls the Adrenaline GTS 23 “a legit savior” for her feet and legs. “I’m an overpronator, and if I’m not careful about my shoe choice, I way-too-frequently end up sidelined with some annoying lower leg injuries.” She also finds that the shoe’s stability GuideRails (which are essentially two lines of firm foam that run along either side of the heel) help reduce excess motion while she’s on the move. “And,” she concludes, “I love its light, moderate cushioning that’s comfy without being too much.”

• Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide | Materials: mesh, foam, nylon, rubber | Weight: 9 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 12 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 19 options

Best for Trails

• Pros: Versatile and comfortable
• Cons: Not suited for especially rocky or technical terrain

Nike’s Pegasus 4 has the versatility to carry you over leisurely trails and feel good on your feet when you return to civilization. That ability to perform well and look equally at-home on- or off-road is why it won a SELF Sneaker Award last year and continues to be a popular pick today. “I bought them for hilly and rocky terrain, but [they] can be used for walking and running on flat surfaces too,” one regular wearer tells SELF. The Pegasus 4 also earned high praise from SELF’s testers for its grippy sole, reliable (and breathable!) waterproofing, and cute design (one person mentioned getting lots of compliments while out and about). If you’re planning on checking off longer or more technical treks, a hiking boot is probably your best bet, but if you don’t need a ton of support and protection on your outdoor walks, a hiking sneaker or trail running shoe like Nike’s will do just fine.

• Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Available widths: medium | Materials: mesh, Gore-Tex membrane, foam, rubber | Weight: 8.25 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 9.5 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 12 options

Best Hiking Boot

• Pros: Very comfortable, durable, protective
• Cons: Most suitable for rugged trails—will feel too heavy on easy or paved paths

As we mentioned above, if you’re embarking on a steeper, rockier, or more difficult hike, you’ll need to level up from a shoe to a boot—and the Moab 3 is an exceptional choice. This crowd-pleasing hiker is highly recommended by outdoor experts for its rugged feel and versatility. “[The Moab is] extremely comfortable regardless of terrain and length of hike,” Myriam Bishop, a backpacking guide for Wildland Trekking Company, previously told SELF. It helps you maintain your footing, it protects your toes and heel, and supports your ankle with a mid-height shaft. If you want to get back to nature without worrying about blisters, chafing, or pain underfoot, the Moab 3 is a great pick.

• Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium and wide | Materials: mesh, leather, EVA, nylon, Vibram rubber | Weight: 13.57 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 11.50 millimeters | Closure style: laces | Colors: 3 options

Best for Sweaty Feet

• Pros: Lightweight, breathable
• Cons: May run small

On makes some seriously springy walking shoes, and the popular Cloud 5 sneaker is no exception, thanks to its lightweight cushioning. Its upper is made of antimicrobial, breathable mesh, which makes it a great option for the warmer months or anyone with sweaty feet. The Cloud 5 is also a solid pick if you need a go-to shoe for long travel days—it’s light enough to pack away, available in plenty of cute colorways that’ll match a range of outfits, and easy to slip on for long days of sightseeing. A heads up before you order: On sneakers, including this style, tend to run small.

• Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium | Materials: polyester, foam, rubber | Weight: 7.16 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 7 millimeters | Closure style: speed laces (which allow you to slip the shoe on) and an optional set of traditional laces | Colors: 18 options

Best for Pregnancy

• Pros: Flexible, slip-ons
• Cons: Not especially supportive

Experts recommend that pregnant people look for breathable, flexible walking shoes that aren’t a chore to put on (because as your pregnancy progresses, you might not want to bend down to tie a bunch of laces). Allbirds’s machine washable Tree Lounger checks all those boxes. “I needed something to wear around the house to support my feet during pregnancy. These are perfect,” one reviewer wrote. “They are lightweight and breathable and provide the support I need.” (That said, you don’t have to be pregnant to enjoy this comfy-casual slip-on.) This type of footwear might not be as secure and supportive as you may prefer for longer walks, but it’s an easy-breezy option when you just want something comfy.

• Available sizes: 5 to 11 | Available widths: medium | Materials: eucalyptus tree fiber, EVA, foam | Weight: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A | Closure style: slip-on | Colors: 6 options