The 22 Best Pairs of Walking Shoes for Men
- 1/23
The 22 Best Pairs of Walking Shoes for Men
Walking is a great way to step into a steady exercise regimen. By now, you probably know that 10,000 steps per day has become the widely accepted daily target, but that's not necessarily true. One small study from the University of Texas found that when active people took 5,000 or fewer steps in a day, they were less able to metabolize fat in an artery-healthy way the next day.
But if you're going to be ramping up your activity, you're going to need some supportive, comfortable shoes. And that starts with following a few guidelines to ensure your shoes are the perfect fit.
"Most important is making sure that your feet are properly measured not only in length but in width," says Mark J. Mendeszoon, DPM, FACFAS, podiatrist at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Ohio. "Shoes should be purchased at a local running store or shoe store that has the personnel and expertise to properly fit you. Not every shoe will fit the same, as there could be minor defects/changes that can affect the way the shoes work on your feet. And as there are several categories of shoes, it’s important that you are a evaluated by the professionals. A specialty store has the expertise and knowledge to properly address any for the shoes and or orthopedic issues to ensure that your feet are placed in the best shoes possible."
Once you find the right pair, keep in mind that you should replace them after you've racked up miles.
"It is important to realize that shoes are generally good for 500 to 600 miles," says Dr. Mendeszoon. "Please do not use your walking shoes for every day activities as that can break down the shoes at a quicker rate and that’s cause more problems as you continue to exercise."Ready to get shopping? Here are 22 of the best walking shoes.
Courtesy of Retailer - 2/23
Ride 14
Saucony
zappos.com
$104.95
Our experts love how responsive and cushioned the Saucony Ride 14 is. Dr. Mendezoon recommends says these multi-colored kicks are "perfect for walking with a neutral gait."
- Weight: 9.4 ounces
- Closure: Lace-up
- Material: Rubber outsole, textile upper and footbed
- Cushioning Tye: PWRRUN cushioning
Read more: Best Running Shoes for Men
zappos.com - 3/23
Fresh Foam 1080v11
New Balance
amazon.com
$139.99
"The 1080V11 is heavily cushioned with the perfect amount of bounce back," says Dr. Mendeszoon. "A redesigned upper feels like a second sock on top of the foot."
- Weight: 10.8 ounces
- Closure: Lace-up
- Material: Synthetic sole, mesh upper
- Cushioning Tye: Fresh Foam midsole cushioning
Read more: Best Workout Shoes
Courtesy of retailer - 4/23
Glycerin 19
Brooks
amazon.com
$149.95
Hours-long treks call for athletic sneakers that can take the extra mileage. "The Glycerin 19 is new and improved with super soft DNA LOFT cushioning, perfect for long walks," says Dr. Mendeszoon.
- Weight: 10.2 ounces
- Closure: Lace-up
- Material: Rubber sole
- Cushioning Tye: DNA LOFT cushioning
Read more: Best Shoes for Standing All Day
Courtesy of retailer - 5/23
Arahi 5
Hoka One One
$103.99
"The Arahi 5 uses J-Frame technology for a supportive and cushioned ride," says Dr. Mendeszoon. "Perfect for someone with a lower arch that is looking for comfort."
- Weight: 9.7 ounces
- Closure: Lace-up
- Material: Rubber outsole, mesh upper
- Cushioning Tye: EVA J-Frame™
- 6/23
Asics GEL-NIMBUS 23
AT
amazon.com
$149.59
This Asics shoe has maximum cushioning thanks to its GEL technology in both the forefoot and rearfoot, as well as FLYTEFOAM Propel technology that helps propel you with each step.
"Mirrored after cumulus clouds, the Asics Cumulus 23 has a soft squishy feel. Added Gel in the heel makes for a great walking shoe," says Dr. Mendeszoon.
- Weight: 10.9 ounces
- Closure: Lace-up
- Material: Synthetic and mesh
- Cushioning Tye: FLYTEFOAM technology
Courtesy of retailer - 7/23
Clifton 8
Hoka One One
hoka.com
$140.00
"The Hoka Clifton is back for its eighth edition and is lighter and softer than ever," says Dr. Mendeszoon. "The Clifton has a re-done upper and the same plush ride that we have come to expect from Hoka."
hoka.com - 8/23
Men's Wool Runners
Allbirds
allbirds.com
$110.00
Sustainable fashion is looking better and better these days. These go-with-everything sneakers are made from merino wool, so they're as comfortable as they are cool. Don't be afraid to get these cream-colored kicks a little dirty, for they're totally machine washable.
Courtesy of retailer - 9/23
990v5
New Balance
amazon.com
$168.65
The classic silhouette from New Balance has been updated with a sleeker, more modern profile, but the focus is still on quality. Your wearing the best, whether you're using the 990 to run or walk. Bonus points if you're willing to splurge on the USA made version for even better craftsmanship.
Courtesy of retailer - 10/23
SH/FT OutDry Mid Shoe
Columbia
columbia.com
$69.98
Get off the beaten path with these kicks, which were made by outdoor stalwart Columbia to bridge the gap between urban and adventure wear. The waterproof, breathable upper makes them a solid choice in any weather, while the high energy return cushioning and lugged rubber outsole help you to drive forward with every step.
Courtesy of retailer - 11/23
Air Monarch IV
Nike
amazon.com
$109.50
The Air Monarch IV is THE dad shoe—but over the past few years, its cultural cachet has swelled as chunky soles gained popularity. Whether you're rocking them because you have three kids and love to do yard work or you're trying to stand out on the streets, the shoes are great for walking.
Courtesy of retailer - 12/23
Fresh Foam More v2
New Balance
amazon.com
$83.53
NB's Fresh Foam is notorious for its glorious cushioning. This shoe has it in the midsole for an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride. It also has a substantial Ultra Heel that adapts to your foot to deliver a supportive fit.
Courtesy of retailer - 13/23
Solarboost 4 Shoes
Adidas
adidas.com
$160.00
While not designed specifically for walking, these runners from Adidas are more than fit for the job. The Boost foam gives top-line energy return, while the upper provides more structure than other styles, like the knit Ultraboost line.
adidas.com - 14/23
Grid Omni Walker
Saucony
amazon.com
$59.95
This no-frills walker from Saucony boasts leather construction and maximum cushioning. The forefoot and rearfoot both have technologies to amplify the cushion and stability through the gait cycle.
Courtesy of retailer - 15/23
Addiction Walker 2
Brooks
amazon.com
$130.00
Walk hard with these high quality leather shoes from Brooks. The soles are slip resistant, and the midsole cushioning is the same that the company uses in its running shoes for a smooth ride.
Courtesy of retailer - 16/23
Bondi 7
Hoka One One
hoka.com
$160.00
These chunky midsoles might look outlandish, but once you slip them on the comfort will win you over. The heel is beveled to promote propulsion and decrease fatigue. And they have a molded Ortholite® footbed for extra cushioning and an internal heel counter that provides "a locked-in fit and support".
hoka.com - 17/23
GEL-Contend 5 Walker
Asics
amazon.com
$39.95
These shoes are designed to be comfortable, dependable walkers, with breathable materials and plenty of cushion. The sockliner is even built to provide moisture management, for everyone with sweaty feet.
Courtesy of retailer - 18/23
Ridgerider 6 Men's Shoes
Reebok
amazon.com
$39.76
This pair from Reebok is meant for the woods—or at least the trail in the park. The durable soles can still handle the roads and sidewalks you'll walk to get outside, though, so feel confident wearing them anywhere.
Courtesy of retailer - 19/23
Cloud 5
On Running
on-running.com
$139.99
These On Running shoes are a great pick for all day wear thanks to its zero-Gravity foam and CloudTec technology in the outsole that was designed to provide soft, cushioned landings as you walk. This model is deemed by the brand as "the perfect performance shoe for all-day, everyday wear."
on-running.com - 20/23
Torin 5 Luxe
Altra
altrarunning.com
$160.00
Your feet will thank you for choosing these Altra's. The shoe's outsole was designed with FOOTPOD technology that maps the bones and tendons of your foot to encourage natural movement underfoot. Plus, they have two kinds of cushioning for a low impact landing.
Courtesy of retailer - 21/23
Wave Rider 25
Mizuno
mizunousa.com
$140.00
This is the 25th edition of Mizuno's iconic shoe, and they're a great option for runners and walkers alike. This latest edition is made with Mizuno's ENERZY foam that will give you plenty of cushioning, but will also maintain its softness and resilience.
Courtesy of retailer - 22/23
HOVR™ Phantom 2 IntelliKnit
Under Armour
underarmour.com
$140.00
The HOVR Phantom 2 IntelliKnit is the brand's most cushioned shoe, making it an excellent pick for walking. The HOVR cushioning will not only reduce impact, but it also will return energy and helps propel you forward
Courtesy of retailer - 23/23
Atom
Kuru
kurufootwear.com
$160.00
Kuru's Atom shoe has some amazing features, including heel-hugging support courtesy of the brand's patented KURUSOLE and a super thick KURUCLOUD midsole that give you tons of cushioning and an energizing bounce.
Courtesy of retailer