The Best Walking Shoes of 2024, According to 17 Podiatrists, Fitness Experts, and More

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Our top pick is the Hoka Bondi 8 for its quality construction and exceptional cushioning and support

<p>People / Lecia Landis</p>

People / Lecia Landis

Like a rain jacket or a good pair of jeans, walking shoes are a non-negotiable staple no closet should be without. Since walking is the body’s natural movement, you’ll want a supportive pair that’ll protect your feet and keep up with every step.

There are a lot of shoes out there with different construction and unique features, so to help you kickstart your search, we tapped physical therapists, board-certified podiatrists, fitness experts, and performance specialists to recommend the best walking shoes for every type of foot.

Whether you’re looking for a walking shoe perfect with a cushy toe box or something that can handle periods of walking and running equally, we’re here to help. We tapped 17 experts and researched dozens of walking shoes, carefully considering design, durability, fabric, and fit, to find the best walking shoes worth your money. We also put several pairs to the test ourselves.

Keep reading to learn more about the best walking shoes, according to 17 physical therapists, podiatrists, fitness experts, and performance specialists, as well as our own PEOPLE Tested insights.

Things to Consider When Buying Walking Shoes

Flexibility and Support

Walking shoes support the body’s natural movement. However, not all walking shoes are created equal. To find the right pair, Dr. Kuizinas recommends prioritizing walking shoes that are flexible and supportive and not overly stiff and cushioned. “It’s best to have some flexibility in the sole and just enough cushioning to keep your feet comfortable,” she says. “Too much cushioning can make your feet and ankles unstable and promote compensations in your walking cycle.”

Toe Box

Likewise, you’ll want to select walking shoes with a wide toe box that allows your toes to spread. “This will improve the mechanics of your walk and reduce the risk of injuries like plantar fasciitis,” adds Dr. Kuizinas. Walking shoes on this list with particularly wide toe boxes include the Altra Rivera 2 and the Brooks Addiction Walker 2, but most on this list feature wide toe boxes. No matter what shoe you choose, try it on before your first walk to guarantee it fits comfortably.

Your Budget

“As most walking shoes cost within the $100 to $200 range, investing in a quality walking shoe is certainly a good idea in terms of quality and longevity,” says Dr. Kuizinas. However, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank for a good pair, as many budget walking shoe options are available with the same level of functionality as their costlier counterparts. “At the end of the day, our feet do not need technology to function well,” she adds.

Best Overall: Hoka Women's Bondi 8

$165 at Nordstrom.com

$190 at Walmart.com

Haven’t discovered your Goldilocks pair of shoes yet? Consider your search over — this bestseller is well-cushioned, fashion-forward (look at all the color options!), and durable enough to handle a variety of surfaces, making it our top choice overall. The Bondi 8 more than meets the high standards that typify Hoka's best shoes.

During our testing, we found them to be the perfect weight and cushioning for walking, with a heel that's cupped perfectly and doesn't rub against your ankles for being too stiff. The heel notch is also very padded, and we did not experience any blisters during the testing period. Another noteworthy feature is that the upper is super breathable, making these great for warmer temperatures or if you're prone to sweaty feet. Because of the thick sole absorption, we also would recommend these to anyone with plantar fasciitis in need of walking or running shoes.

Additionally, this pair is also a favorite of a virtual fitness trainer and nutritionist Vanessa Liu. “For those who need a comfortable walking shoe that can withstand daily mileage, the Bondi 8 by Hoka is a great shoe choice,” she tells PEOPLE. “It’s one of those shoes you can take out of the box and wear out the door with minimal break-in required.”

And because this shoe provides plenty of cushioning and a grippy sole without being too bulky, Liu says it can handle a variety of surfaces. “You can walk through grass, dirt, gravel, and tarmac,” she adds. We found this to be true in our tests; although they aren't trail shoes, we would feel comfortable wearing these on uneven terrain due to their stability, since they are wide enough to provide support without being too wide where your foot is slipping around inside.

Size Range: Women’s 5-12; men’s 7-16 | Material: Engineered mesh construction, recycled content lining mesh, Ortholite hybrid sock liner, Durabrasion rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 23

Best Budget: Saucony Women's Cohesion 13

$49 at Amazon.com

With excellent arch support, the right amount of cushioned comfort, and durability, this pair of walking shoes supports your ankles with each step, according to Lara Heimann, a physical therapist, yoga instructor, and creator of LYT Method. “This is a great technical athletic shoe for stability and cushioning,” she says.

Besides serving up support, Heimann says this pair has the edge of being made by a company with a proven record of producing high-quality shoes that address needs. “This brand has been designing shoes for a long time (Saucony originated in 1898),” she adds. “This robust history gives them a leg-up on meeting the demands of their customers.”

Size Range: Women's 5-12; men's 7-15 | Material: Versarun cushioning, segmented rubber outsoles, breathable mesh upper | Fit: True to size | Colors: 14

Best Lightweight Cushion: Hoka Women's Clifton 9

$168 at Amazon.com

$145 at Nordstrom.com

Hoka enthusiasts may also appreciate these walking shoes, as while they are bold and beautiful, their lightweight cushioning makes you feel like you’re stepping on clouds. They are also a favorite of Carrie Dorr, CEO of O44 and founder of Pure Barre. “I love this shoe for walking,” Dorr tells PEOPLE. “They have a balanced cushion, are super lightweight, and come in fun color combinations.”

The Cliftons also earned high praises in our testing, being one of the most comfortable shoes we tested. The fit was perfect and they felt flexible, supportive, responsive, and super stable. Because these are lighter than the Hoka Bondi, we recommend them for longer distances — both walking and running.

Size Range: Women’s 5-12; men’s 7-16 (regular and wide) | Material: Breathable upper mesh, EVA foam, high abrasion rubber sole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 21

Best Arch Support: New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 880v12

$192 at Amazon.com

$71 at Zappos.com

“The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12 is arguably the best multipurpose shoe for arch support,” says performance and injury expert Dr. Rami Hashish. “Its soft foam compound, dual-layer midsole, rubber outsole, external heel counter, and mesh upper contour to the shape of your foot while being breathable and lightweight,” Dr. Hashish explains. Because of these added features, he suggests this pair to keep you supported through walking, running, and even hardcore training.

Size Range: Women’s 5-13; men’s 7-16 | Material: Top-bed foam cushioning, underfoot Fresh Foam X, double layer knit, engineered upper, blown rubber outsole | Fit: True to Size | Colors: 17

Best Waterproof: Allbirds Women's Wool Runner Mizzles

$125 at Allbirds.com

$125 at Dickssportinggoods.com

Promising comfort and exceptional waterproof protection, this stylish pair will take your rainy day workouts to new heights. Sure, they are technically running shoes, but because they provide arch support and traction while keeping your feet dry, they take the winning slot for this category.

Their stylish design also makes them a favorite of fitness expert Dr. Robin Barrett. “I love these waterproof walking shoes because they have great arch support for hitting those strides and traction on the soles that grip the ground when walking,” she tells PEOPLE. “These shoes can withstand wet environments and maintain comfort, but [are] also stylish enough to pair with your favorite workout gear.”

Size Range: Women’s 5-11; men’s 8-14 | Material: Merino wool upper, water-repellent Puddle Guard technology | Fit: True to size | Colors: 15

Best for Recovery: Merrell Men's Moab Speed 2

$133 at Amazon.com

$140 at Zappos.com

Sometimes, injuries can strike when you least expect them to — so if you find yourself in need of a pair of walking shoes that can provide plenty of stability and support as you recover, consider your search over — this Merrell pair helps you move with ease without causing further pains and strains, according to Lalitha Bhowani-McSorley, a lead physical therapist at Brentwood Physio.

“It is important to have good support in your shoes because it helps to distribute the weight evenly, which, in turn, prevents pain and injury,” she tells PEOPLE. “This pair provides plenty of support and helps you to move more easily and efficiently, which is especially important when recovering from an injury.”

However, you can wear these even if you aren't in recovery. PEOPLE's Senior Commerce Editor Erika Reals tested these out and now turns to them as her everyday walking sneaker. "Having a dog and living right next to Central Park in New York, it's easy to get my steps in every day — but not all sneakers are up to this task," she says. "These Merrell Moab sneakers are not only comfortable in terms of having the perfect amount of cushion, but they're also supportive enough to keep my high arches void of pain, no matter how many miles I'm covering."

Size Range: Women’s 5.5-12; men's 7-15 | Material: Mesh and TPU upper, recycled laces and webbing, synthetic toe cap, recycled mesh lining, removable footbed, rock plate, foam midsole, recycled outsole, traction lug sole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 6

Related: The 10 Best Anti-Fatigue Mats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Sandal: NAOT Kayla Sandal

$140 at Amazon.com

$140 at Nordstrom.com

If you are planning to walk in a sandal, then you should look for shoes that provide similar arch support to a walking (or tennis) shoe, says Dr. Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS. In fact, arch-support sandals can be a game changer for those on their feet all day.

To keep your feet supported next time you take a long stroll down the beach, Dr. Oldani recommends grabbing this pair, as it has everything from arch support to shock absorption. “This is a great walking sandal that checks all of the right boxes,” he tells PEOPLE. “The footbed is cork and latex, which provides great support through the arch and shock absorption under the ball of the foot. These shoes have been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.”

Size Range: Women’s 4-13 | Material: Anatomic cork and latex footbed wrapped in suede | Fit: True to Size | Colors: 26

Best Lightweight: On Running Men's Cloud X 3

$150 at Nordstrom.com

See at On.com

Because flat feet need adequate support, you’ll want to find a stable shoe supportive enough for everyday walking, says certified surgical podiatrist Nelya Lobkova. That’s where this shoe comes in — it is durable with an 8-millimeter drop and supports walking, running, and interval training activities. Plus, it keeps things sustainable with recycled materials and boasts a Speedboard flex plate, which energizes every step.

We hit the pavement to put these popular On Cloud sneakers to the test, and we were surprised how comfortable they were (fitting perfectly) and that they caused zero blisters on someone who is prone to them. They kept our feet warm but not sweaty, so these are great for year-round wear (although we wouldn't recommend wearing them in the snow or ice, of course).

While they felt cushioned and comfortable, we found they weren't as responsive as other pairs we tested, but if you don't mind that extra work when running or walking, these are some of the most comfortable shoes on the market.

Size Range: Women’s 5-11; men's 7-14 | Material: 3-layer mesh upper made with 90-95% recycled content, CloudTec sole cushioning | Fit: True to size | Colors: 3

Best Cushioned: New Balance Made in USA 990v5 Core

$210 at Amazon.com

$150 at Nordstrom.com

Beyond the significant cushion and shock absorption in the midsole, these sneakers boast a firm heel counter and high-quality construction, making them a supportive pair that’ll last you years to come, according to Dr. Bruce Pinker.

And yes, while these sneakers are technically running shoes, their solid construction makes them an excellent choice for walkers. “These sneakers are durable and very supportive, making long walks enjoyable and comfortable for most individuals,” Dr. Pinker says.

Size Range: Women’s 5-13; men’s 7-19 | Material: Pigskin and mesh upper, Encap midsole rim, dual-density collar foam at ankles, blown rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 1

Best for Nurses: Altra Men's VIA Olympus

$80 at Amazon.com

$106 at Zappos.com

Because nurses spend more time on their feet than most people, a walking shoe that can handle walking and periods of running is best recommended, says physical therapist Jessica McManus. “Running shoes withstand three to five times our body weight of force when running, hence they usually have a better cushioning system than walking shoes,” she tells PEOPLE.

While this Altra pair is expensive, it offers a true-to-size fit and has a nice, wide-toe box, making it one investment shoe not to pass up. “These features can help prevent things like bunions and keep the muscle around the ankles, knee, and hip working more efficiently and effectively,” McManus adds.

Size Range: Women’s 5.5-12; men's 7-14 | Material: Ultra-lightweight and breathable upper, Altra EGO Max midsole foam, Max cushioned interior, and Rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 5

Related: The 12 Best Work Shoes for Women of 2024, Starting at $19

Best for Trails: Teva Terrawave Sneaker

$150 at Nordstrom.com

$99 at Zappos.com

Outdoor lovers, rejoice, for we've found your newest adventure buddy: the Terrawave Sneakers from Teva. These durable sneakers are made for the trails: Featuring a sturdy, heavy-traction outsole comprised of recycled polyester, sugarcane EVA, and synthetic and bio-based textiles to keep your feet protected from the brambles below.

Commerce writer Alyssa Brascia put these to the test in the great outdoors — hiking mountainous trails, zip-lining, and exploring downtown cities in the supportive sneakers — only to end each wear with completely comfortable feet. "No matter what terrain I wore these in, whether woodsy trails or blacktop streets, these shoes felt completely equipped to handle the ground below while keeping me stable," she says.

As a former dancer, Brascia is no stranger to sore feet, and that was certainly never a concern with the Terrawaves. "Though I wouldn't go for a run in these, I can vouch for the miles that I've comfortably walked in them," she adds. Music to walk-lovers' ears.

Despite having a tougher tread, this shoe keeps comfort at the forefront thanks to its foam-layered footbed. And aside from being extremely comfortable, these shoes are undeniably cute with their four earthy color combinations and deserve a spot on your shoe rack. Plus, they are completely unisex, so anyone can reap the benefits of the great outdoors while staying perfectly comfortable — making room for more adventure in every wearer's life.

Size Range: Women’s 5-15.5; men's 3.5-14 | Material: MAX-COMF insole, premium leather upper, recycled polyester, Sorona polymer (polyester alternative), sugarcane EVA midsole, recycled mesh, recycled plastic webbing | Fit: True to size | Colors: 4

Best for Travel: Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2

$135 at Nordstrom.com

$135 at Allbirds.com

Since traveling can mean spending more time on your feet, comfort and weight are two top factors to consider when shopping for a walking shoe, says chiropractor and certified strength and conditioning expert Dr. Matt Tanneberg.

So if you’re after shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and lightweight, be sure to add this pair to your wishlist. “These shoes are great for long walks in a foreign country or city, and are stylish enough to dress up or stay casual,” Dr. Tanneberg says. Pair them with some comfortably fashionable denim joggers.

They are also waterproof and machine washable, so they’ll be easy to clean and maintain once you arrive home from your destination. One thing to note: If you have high arches and need more support, these might not be the best choice.

Size Range: Women’s 5-11; men’s 8-14 | Material: FSC-certified Tencel Lyocell upper, sugarcane-based green EVA midsole, natural rubber outsole, castor bean oil-based insole foam, ZQ merino wool heel lining | Fit: True to Size | Colors: 18

Best Slip-Ons: Vionic Brisk Jada Slip-On Sneaker

$80 at Amazon.com

Made for walking, these Vionic sneakers are worth moving to the top of your wishlist if you are looking for a hassle-free pair of slip-on shoes. After all, not only do they ditch the shoelaces, but they also provide plenty of stability in the rearfoot, good arch support in the midfoot, and cushioning in the forefoot, says Dr. Dave Candy.

Despite their convenient slip-on design, Dr. Candy says that “this shoe still provides enough support to help control foot motion while walking." What’s more, it is also available in three colors, including a trendy jade shade.

Size Range: Women’s 6-10 | Material: Textile and man-made upper, cushioned midsole, textile-covered EVA orthotic insole, EVA footbed, rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 5

Related: The 10 Best Men’s Slip-On Shoes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best for Bunions: Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe

$70 at Amazon.com

$75 at Nordstrom.com

Not only is this is one reviewer-approved shoe (it currently has over 6,000 5-star ratings), it earned high marks during our own testing, too. When walking in these sneakers, we found them to be impressively lightweight and bouncy with very smooth transition between steps.

Because of their generous width, these would be great for anyone with bunions; they're also a good choice for those with arthritis in their big toe since these are super bendy everywhere except the sole around the toe box. However, there is one thing to note: There isn't as much cushioning in the ball of the foot as we would like, making these better suited for short walks on even terrain versus long distance walks. You could add extra comfort and cushioning to accommodate longer treks with some insoles, too.

Overall. this Ryka sneaker helps you stay within budget without sacrificing support, says double board-certified podiatrist Dr. Anne M. Sharkey, DPM. “These shoes offer both comfort and support — walking shoes should offer flexibility at the toes with stability to the midsole and heel,” she tells PEOPLE.

Size Range: Women’s 5-12 | Material: Breathable engineered mesh, soft Lycra-lined tongue collar with built-in cushion, eight-piece rubber sole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 7

Best Investment: New Balance Women's Made in USA 993 Core

See at Amazon.com

See at Newbalance.com

If you are looking for a pair of walking shoes built to last, splurging on a good pair of walking shoes is a good idea. While there are many luxury brands to look into, New Balance (which has been making shoes for decades) is a great brand to stick with, according to Dr. Pinker.

Sure, New Balance has a variety of shoes to choose from, but if you are looking for a pair that can handle just about everything, this is the shoe to snag. “While this is a running sneaker, it is excellent for walkers,” says Dr. Pinker. “It provides cushioning, shock absorption, a stable heel counter, and a mesh design in the toe box. These features help prevent excessive moisture buildup and reduce the onset of Athlete's foot fungus (tinea pedis), toenail fungus (onychomycosis), and plantar warts.”

Size Range: Women’s 5-13; men’s 6-16 | Material: Abzorb midsole, premium suede/mesh upper, Acteva cushioning, full-length rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 3

Best for Winter: The North Face Sierra Mid-Lace Waterproof Boots

$149 at Zappos.com

$149 at Dickssportinggoods.com

If you are looking for walking shoes that’ll help you survive the worst of winter, look no further — this pair is lightweight and cushioned, making them perfect for long walks in the snow or even for use indoors, says MacPherson. “They are also waterproof and look great with any comfortable outfit,” she tells PEOPLE.

Aside from waterproof protection, these shoes also prioritize support, as their EVA midsoles offer the right amount of cushioning and support. “EVA midsoles provide cushioning without being too soft, so that you stay supported, improving foot health,” MacPherson adds.

Size Range: Women’s 5-11 | Material: 100% recycled synthetic insulation, faux fur top collar, OrthoLite sock liner, EVA midsole, rubber wrapping in the toe, rubber outsole | Fit: Size up for extra comfort | Colors: 3

Best for Wide Feet: Brooks Women's Addiction Walker 2

$130 at Amazon.com

$130 at Zappos.com

With four width sizes (including wide and extra wide), thick cushioning, plus a handy heel cup, this walking shoe is essential for those with wider feet, according to Liu. “This shoe has a wide toe box, which provides extra room for wide feet,” she tells PEOPLE. “Sometimes, wider shoes can cause slippage, but this shoe has a heel cup that prevents your heel from slipping out on walks,” she tells PEOPLE. During our tests, we found this to be true; these sneakers fit snugly without feeling constricting, and they indeed did cup the feet perfectly without leaving any room on the sides for the feet to slide around.

But that’s not all. Because the midsole of this walking shoe has soft and thick cushioning, Liu suggests that it helps protect feet from over-pronation — which occurs when your feet roll towards the inside as you walk. They are heavier than many other walking shoes we tested (and not at all breathable), but they did offer great stability and support, making them great for colder climates or for anyone who needs that extra support at a slower walking pace. While these shoes may be too bulky for some, it’s still a must-see pair for those who could benefit from the extra room.

Size Range: Women’s 5-12; men's 7-15 | Material: Leather upper, extended progressive diagonal rollbar, BioMoGo DNA cushioning, slip-resistant sole | Fit: Buy a half size up from your true size | Colors: 2

Runner Up, Best for Wide Feet: Nike Men's Air Zoom Pegasus 39

$95 at Amazon.com

$145 at Nordstrom.com

We found these Nike sneakers to be great shoes for walking on either standard or folding treadmills due to their responsiveness and comfort. Because of the thick, durable soles, we expect these to endure lots and lots of steps before needing to be replaced. The cushioning was appealing because it was soft yet still provided adequate support, and they also offered a good amount of responsiveness — although they definitely weren't the bounciest shoe we tested.

While available in both wide and regular versions, even the regular versions will feel wide for those with narrower feet, making these a better choice for anyone needing wider walking shoes. They run a bit large, too, so we recommend buying a half size down.

Size Range: Women’s 5-12 (regular, wide); Men's 6-18 | Material: Removable cushioned insole, synthetic and textile upper and lining, rubber sole | Fit: Runs large, buy a half size down | Colors: 7

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Altra Escalante 3

$116 at Amazon.com

$130 at Zappos.com

Zero-drop walking shoes don’t have any heels, so they have the added benefit of providing exceptional cushioning and coverage while keeping feet in an optimal position, explains licensed pilates instructor and physical therapist Dr. Autumn Hanson. With this in mind, she suggests that this zero-drop shoe is perfect for those living with plantar fasciitis, because it reduces abnormal stress on the plantar fascia and the foot.

“These shoes have wide-toe boxes (which allows the toes to wiggle and move more naturally) that are helpful when trying to remain active with plantar fasciitis," Dr. Hanson says. “Since they have no heels, they are also just a great option for anyone looking to strengthen their feet.” You can also easily slip these zero-drop shoes into the toe cages of an indoor cycling bike. We recommend buying a half size up from your normal shoe size, both in men's and women's sizing.

Size Range: Women’s 5.5-12; men's 7-15 | Material: 6-millimeter contour footbed insole, Altra Ego with InnerFlex midsole, moderate cushioning, sock-like engineered knit upper, FootPod outsole | Fit: Runs small, buy a half size up | Colors: 7

Best Breathable: Asics Men's GT-2000 10

$75 at Amazon.com

See at Dsw.com

If you're trying to avoid hot and sweaty feet while out walking, we recommend the Asics GT-2000 10 for its breathable upper and lightweight design that won't make you feel overheated. According to our tests, we felt these sneakers fit well, providing enough tightness and support without being constricting.

The breathable mesh upper is made from 30 percent recycled polyester, feels ultra-lightweight, helping keep your feet temperature regulated. While walking and running on the treadmill with these, we experienced no irritation or blisters and found they offered a stable, supportive grip on our feet. They're designed for anyone with either neutral or overpronated strides.

Size Range: Women’s 5.5-12; men's 6-17 | Material: Engineered knit upper, Flytefoam Propel cushioning, rubber sole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 19

Best Neutral: Asics Men's Gel-Excite 9

$55 at Amazon.com

$55 at Target.com

For those with neutral pronation and average width feet, you can't go wrong with the comfort (and price point) of the Asics Gel-Excite 9. We both ran and walked in these sneakers and found them to be a truly seamless fit, feeling lightweight and comfortable yet secure and sturdy (no blisters!).

They are great for walking on paved roads and sidewalks and remained pretty bouncy and responsive across different speeds and stride lengths. Overall, we'd recommend these to anyone with normal arches, width, and pronation that also doesn't have any foot-specific conditions or restrictions.

Size Range: Women’s 5-12; men's 6-15 | Material: Amplifoam cushioning, rearfoot Gel technology, engineered jacquard mesh upper, Ortholite sockliner, rubber sole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 20

Best Everyday: Brooks Men's Ghost 15 Running Shoes

$110 at Amazon.com

$110 at Zappos.com

“Brooks shoes are good for daily wear because they offer a versatile traction sole that makes them durable and ideal for a variety of surfaces,” Bhowani-McSorley explains. “Additionally, their construction provides ample support and cushioning, perfect for people who tend to walk long distances or who have joint pain.”

The Brooks Ghost 15 offers support and has a great grip, making it a great choice for year-round wear, too. “If you're walking around outside in the winter and worried about slipping, this is a great option,” she adds.

Size Range: Women’s 5-13; men's 7-15 | Material: 100% DNA Loft v2 cushioning, recycled upper, soft midsole, 3D print upper | Fit: True to size | Colors: 32

Frequently Asked Questions

What walking shoe brands are best?

Our top-rated pair of walking shoes is the Hoka Bondi 8. For $165, it features top-notch cushioning and a grippy sole that handles a variety of surfaces. And with several color choices and fit options to work with, there’s a fit for every foot.

Are buying shoes specifically for walking worth it?

According to Dr. Kusinas, most people do not need shoes specifically for walking. You can wear a pair of comfortable sandals, for example, for walking as long as it has the appropriate arch support and padding. Still, a great walking shoe should allow the foot to function as naturally as possible while adding just the amount of support and cushioning when necessary, says Dr. Kuizinas.

Take Our Word for It

Courtney Leiva is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as The Daily Beast, Buzzfeed, HuffPost, and more. When researching the best walking shoes, Courtney spoke with physical therapists, board-certified podiatrists, fitness experts, and performance specialists to learn more about what defines a good walking shoe and what standout features to look out for as you shop. She also conducted her own research, looking at walking shoe styles and details, and analyzing durability, fit, and function.

PEOPLE's Senior Commerce Editor Erika Reals updated this article to include more insights as well as PEOPLE Tested recommendations. She has over five years of experience in writing and editing shopping content, specifically in the style category. She gets in her steps via walks in Central Park and by using an under-desk treadmill in her home office.



Meet Our Experts

  • Carrie Dorr is the creator and CEO of O44 and founder and former CEO of Pure Barre.

  • Vanessa Liu is a virtual fitness trainer and nutritionist.

  • Rami Hashish, Ph.D., DPT, is a physical therapist, founder of the National Biomechanics Institute, and CTO of PareIT, an AI platform that extracts data from medical records.

  • Robin Barrett, NASM-CPT, is a pharmacist, wellness coach, and senior coach at Ladder, a strength training app.

  • Jessica McManus, PT, FAAOMPT is a physical therapist, functional medicine consultant, and owner of Full Circle Wellness.

  • Nelya Lobkova, DPM is a board-certified surgical podiatrist practicing at Step Up Footcare in New York City.

  • Bruce Pinker, DPM, AACFAS, FAPWCA, DABPM, FACPM, is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon based in New York City.

  • Matt Tanneberg, CSCS, is a chiropractor and certified strength and conditioning expert based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

  • Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS, is a Missouri-based, board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon.

  • Lalitha Bhowani-McSorley is a physiotherapist and owner of Brentwood Physiotherapy Clinic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

  • Dave Candy, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, CMTPT, FAAOMPT, is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and owner of More 4 Life, a holistic pain relief specialist based in St. Louis, Missouri.

  • Anne M. Sharkey, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and ankle surgeon based in Texas.

  • Lara Heimann is a physical therapist, yoga instructor, and creator of LYT Method.

  • Autumn Hanson is a licensed pilates instructor, physical therapist, and owner of Permission2Move.

  • Anthony Maritato, PT, is a personal trainer, licensed physical therapist, and owner of Total Therapy Solutions in Sarasota, Florida.

  • Alyssa Brascia is a staff shopping writer at PEOPLE who specializes in fashion and beauty topics.

  • Erika Reals is a senior shopping editor at PEOPLE and NYC marathon alum with decades of experience buying running and walking shoes.



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