The 15 Best adidas Walking Shoes for 2023
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Table Of Contents
What to Look for in the Best adidas Walking Shoes
How We Chose the Best Adidas Walking Shoes
Best adidas Walking Shoes of 2023
Best adidas Shoes for Running and Walking
adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoes
Best adidas Walking Shoes for Hiking
adidas Terrex Freehiker 2.0 Hiking Shoes
Best adidas Walking Shoes for Travel
adidas Gazelle shoes
adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoes
Best Overall 2023 Release
adidas Solarglide 6 Running Shoes
adidas NMD_R1 Primeblue Shoes
adidas Supernova 2 Shoes
Buy women’s supernova 2s at adidas $100
Best Timeless adidas Walking Shoes
adidas Stan Smiths Shoes
Buy women’s stan smiths at adidas $95
adidas Sambas OG Shoes
Best White adidas Walking Shoes
adidas Superstars Shoes
adidas Puremotion Adapt Shoes
Best Designer adidas Walking Shoes
adidas by Stella McCartney Solarglide Shoes
adidas 4DFWD 2 Running Shoes
adidas Kantana Shoes
adidas Adizero Boston 12 Running Shoes
If there’s anything that adidas walking shoes are made to do, it’s to take hold of wardrobes as some of the best sneakers of all time. That’s because much of the brand’s energy and resources go into innovation for fabrics and structures designed to disperse running impact — which makes them overqualified (in the best way) for your standard walking journey.
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Since 1949, the best adidas walking shoes have pioneered the footwear market. The brand has made some of the best walking shoes for women and the best walking shoes for men, including the popular Ultraboost Light sneakers, Stan Smith shoes, and Cloudfoam sneakers. adidas’ shoes like the Adizero Bostons and Solarglides are some of the best running shoes that are good for walking. Plus, you can find far more stylish elements in these shoes than in many other performance shoes.
This combination of style and innovation in adidas’ walking shoes is what keeps the brand’s hold on the sneaker industry alive. Take their iconic Ultraboosts, with the brand’s signature Boost midsole. Before the Boost launched in 2013, most brands designed their shoes with EVA foam midsoles, which didn’t provide as much energy return and, in the end, wore down over time. The little TicTac-looking pellets that make Ultraboosts’ midsole so ubiquitous changed how people and brands conceptualized sneakers. Today, the best adidas walking shoes reflect the brands constant reinvention of sneakers, exemplified in stretchy Primeknit uppers, seen in models such as Solarglide and Cloudfoam sneakers, and future-forward 3D printed midsoles introduced in the 4DFWD 2 running shoes. Additionally, there’s an impressive incorporation of sustainably-sourced materials across the entire range of adidas walking shoes.
adidas’ shoe technology offers ideal features for walking shoes, such as Boost, AdiPrene, and AdiFit, because they provide optimal and targeted cushioning to reduce foot strain and provide built-in arch support. Adidas walking shoes also support several common foot types and conditions such as wide feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel spurs, thanks to roomy toe boxes, additional lacing, and comfortable sizing options.
Below, we’ve curated the best adidas walking shoes of 2023, from updated popular models, timeless silhouettes, and performance footwear for all levels of activity.
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Best adidas Shoes for Spring
Best adidas Shoes for Running and Walking
adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12; Men’s 5 to 18
Colorways: White, black, pink, and more
Materials: Primeknit, Boost, rubber
Additional features: 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester
Pros: Tons of color options
Cons: Pricey
On Sale 20% off
adidas Ultraboost Light Running shoes are one of the best adidas shoes for running and walking. Dr. Geller agrees, explaining that “these shoes provide excellent stability, responsive midsoles for shock absorption and sock-like snugness.” They’re best known for their standout forefoot bending combined with an equally supportive heel, a feature usually overlooked in a sneaker.
What reviewers say: “These are soft and comfortable. They’re great for running, a long day at work, or hanging out with your family or friends. Good-looking shoes and love the color options.”
Related:
adidas Ultraboost Light Shoe Review
adidas Ultraboost 22 Shoe Review
Best adidas Walking Shoes for Hiking
adidas Terrex Freehiker 2.0 Hiking Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 11; men’s 6 to 15
Colorways: Wonder Taupe / Earth Strata / Core Black, Core Black / Core Black / Grey Six, Bliss Lilac / Beam Orange / Pulse Magenta, Core Black / Wonder Beige / Semi Impact Orange, Silver Dawn / Blue Dawn / Silver Violet, and more
Materials: GORE-TEX, Continental rubber, mesh
Additional features: High ankle fit
Pros: Tough traction
Cons: Pricey
If hiking boots are too chunky for your liking, opt for adidas’ Terrex Freehiker 2.0 shoe. It’s a solid choice to properly protect your feet while hiking or trail walking, plus, they’re nice and roomy, so you can wear a thick sock that will keep your feet warm on cold mornings. This style also features a Continental rubber outsole that that lets you hike with reliable traction while the top cap protects your toes from rocks and uneven surfaces.
What reviewers say: “Love the boost cushioning in a hiking boot. So far they are as waterproof as advertised. This is my 2nd pair, I’ve used them in both snow and water. So far so great.”
Related: Best adidas Trail Shoes
Best adidas Walking Shoes for Travel
adidas Gazelle shoes
Size range: Womens 5 to 15; men’s 4 to 14
Colorways: Dgh Solid Grey / White / Gold Metallic, Collegiate Burgundy / Cloud White / Gold Metallic, Core Black / White / Gold Metallic, Collegiate Navy / White / Gold Metallic, Dark Green / Off White / Cream White, and more
Materials: Leather, rubber
Additional features: T-toe design, molded tongue, OrthoLite sockliner
Pros: Versatile color options
Cons: May squeak as you break them in
The ’90s-inspired adidas Gazelle shoes are one of the brand’s most popular lifestyle sneakers. Their low-profile silhouette, chic nubuck upper, and array of color options make them exciting to work into your everyday style. They also feature a comfy OrthoLite sockliner for added cushioning as you walk, plus a durable rubber sole.
What reviewers say: “I love wearing these trainers, they are stylish, comfortable and look great.”
Related: Best adidas Gazelle Shoes
adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 11
Colorways: White; black; gray; dark gray; and more
Materials: Memory foam, Cloudfoam
Pros: Great cushioning
Cons: Not as durable as some of the other picks
On Sale 33% off
Dr. Geller likes adidas women’s Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 shoes for their cushioning and overall feel. “The adidas Cloudfoam shoes are an excellent choice with a sock-like upper for a secure snug fit,” he says. “They have great cloud memory foam cushioning for walking as well.” These were made for women’s feet with a knit upper and midsole cushioning for everyday wear and walking.
What reviewers say: “These shoes are great! I wanted something simple and a bit casual. I am using these for the gym and for casual use around town and whatnot. They fit nicely, and they don’t break the bank.”
Related: Best adidas Gym Shoes
Best Overall 2023 Release
adidas Solarglide 6 Running Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12; men’s 6.5 to 15
Colorways: Solar Red / Core Black / Lucid Blue, Carbon / Silver Metallic / Pulse Mint, Cloud White / Core Black / Solar Red, Halo Silver / Cloud White / Better Scarlet, Coral Fusion / Silver Violet / Beam Pink, and more
Materials: Knit, rubber
Additional features: Boost, LEP 2.0
Pros: Upper made of at least 50% recycled content
On Sale 45% off
Add a pep in your step with adidas Solarglide 6 Running Shoes. You’ll fly through your strides with responsive Boost cushioning and adidas LEP 2.0 technology, with ankle support in a circular knit upper. The Continental Rubber outsole aids in traction and durability in both wet and dry terrain, while the recycled knit upper allows for optimal breathability.
What reviewers say: “I bought these right before a trip where I walked around 26,500 steps a day over all kinds of terrain, including asphalt, rocks, light mud, dust and even volcanic sharp rocks. I was constantly flying, driving, swimming, and walking, and these shoes supported it all. If you’re asking yourself, is this the right choice? Definitely!”
Related: Best adidas Running Shoes
adidas NMD_R1 Primeblue Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 15; men’s 4 to 14
Colorways: Cloud White / Core Black / Grey Three, Black / Core Black / Core Black, Cream White / Dark Brown / Sand Strata, Cloud White / Cloud White / Vivid Red, Magic Lime / Cloud White / Core Black, and more
Materials: Boost, knit, rubber
Additional features: Yarn upper made with recycled plastic and polyester
Pros: Great for all types of walking, 22 colorways
Cons: Lacks substantial arch support for flat feet, wide feet should select a half size up
The adidas NMD_R1 Primeblue shoes are a new addition to the brands top-selling updated ’80s runner archive. It has a sock-like knit upper and Boost midsoles with classic NMD plugs for a cool, everyday style. It’s also made partly with Parley Ocean Plastic, so you can feel good about wearing them seven days a week.
What reviewers say: “I really like the comfort AND the look of the shoe. Most shoes have one or the other but the NMD’s have both.”
adidas Supernova 2 Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5.5-11; Men’s 6-14
Colorways: White; black; white and black; neon green; gray; pink; white and blue
Materials: Boost, TPU
Additional features: Padded tongue and heel; made with a lower carbon footprint than 2020 Supernova
Pros: Grippy outsole for running on rough terrain
Cons: Size runs small
$100 Buy women’s supernova 2s at adidas
$100 Buy men’s supernova 2s at adidas
After 30 years of research, testing and reviewing, adidas dubbed this sneaker the Supernova because it was built for long-distance comfort. Today, adidas’ Supernova 2s are the epitome of cushiony running sneakers that are good for walking, too. The midsole is made with both Bounce and Boost materials, making it responsive but hyper comfy, while the outsole is grippy on slippery or uneven ground.
What reviewers say: “I absolutely love these shoes, as they fit so good, both padded tongue and heel patch are comfortable. I use them for easy, long runs. First run in them, I did 25km and they were so comfortable, easy on foot and I definitely recommend them! Only one thing to take attention is size, they are too small and bigger size is must.”
Related: adidas Supernova 2 Shoe Review
Best Timeless adidas Walking Shoes
adidas Stan Smiths Shoes
Size range: Women’s 4 to 14; Men’s 4 to 14
Colorways: White and green; white; white and blue; white and red; white and black; black; off-white; and more
Materials: Vegan leather, rubber
Pros: A ton of rotating color options; inexpensive
Cons: Narrow fit; need some wear to break in
$95 Buy women’s stan smiths at adidas
$95 Buy men’s stan smiths at adidas
adidas Stan Smiths are one of the most iconic shoes of all time, so it goes without saying that they’re one of the best walking sneakers from the brand, too. The Stan Smith launched in the 1960s as a tennis sneaker and was rebranded for the eponymous tennis player and rose to fame in the ’70s. The once-tennis sneaker is now a staple among the fashion set, city dwellers, and more.
What reviewers say: “I own 5 pairs in various colors and will undoubtedly buy more. This shoe is classic looking, extremely comfortable, durable, and make me feel good when I’m wearing them. Love this shoe and have never, ever, ever had a single problem with a pair.”
Related: Adidas Stan Smith Shoe History
adidas Sambas OG Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 15; men’s 4 to 14
Colorways: Cloud White / Core Black / Clear Granite, Core Black / Cloud White / Gum, Cloud White / Green / Supplier Colour, Cloud White / Better Scarlet / Supplier Colour, Crystal White / Clay Strata / Gum, Collegiate Green / Cloud White / Gum
Materials: Synthetic leather, suede, EVA, rubber
Pros: Grippy outsole
Cons: Some report issues with inconsistent arch support
adidas Sambas are having a huge resurgence right now, thanks to their sporty and stylish appeal. Plus, this unisex style has recently been shown on celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid, and Harry Styles. They’re actually soccer sneakers, but you don’t need to put your feet anywhere near a ball to pull them off.
What reviewers say: “Excellent shoes for those who need versatility from their shoes. I love the treads on the sambas. They provide excellent grip when outdoors but are also flat, which suits my needs for the style of kung fu that I practice. The black color matches with everything, and the rubber sole is dark, blending in easily.”
Related: Best adidas Sambas Shoes
Best White adidas Walking Shoes
adidas Superstars Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12; men’s 4 to 19
Colorways: Cloud White / Cloud White / Cloud White, Cloud White / Core Black / Cloud White, Cloud White / Cloud White / Chalk White, Core Black / Core Black / Core Black, Dark Green / Core White / Gold Metallic, and more
Materials: Leather, textile, rubber
Additional features: Rubber shell toe
Pros: Made in part with recycled content generated from production waste
Cons: Shell toe not as flexible for extensive walking
adidas Superstars are a longtime classic when it comes to style and comfort. Superstars were originally designed for basketball in the 1970s, but they have come to be a streetwear staple. They wear similarly in look and feel to a Stan Smith, but with a little more of a sporty vibe to them.
What Reviewers Say: “adidas always makes great shoes. I’ve owned many adidas over the years, and these SuperStar shoes are the softest shoes I’ve had. There is more flexibility in the sole, and the top materials seem more pliable than before. I’m very appreciative that adidas has improved the quality of the materials they use in their shoes.”
Related:
Best adidas White Sneakers
Best adidas Basketball Shoes
adidas Puremotion Adapt Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12
Colorways: Black; black and orange; pink; maroon
Materials: Textile, elastic, Cloudfoam
Additional features: Laceless
Pros: Good shock absorption
Cons: Not adjustable, can be hard to get on
The adidas Puremotion Adapt is an excellent option for keeping near the door as a quick stop before heading out for errands or to walk the dog. The laceless design is a fun way to change up your daily sneaker and provides less hassle since you can slip right into it. Some reviewers report the upper may feel tight on your first wear, but not to worry since it will loosen up once broken in.
What reviewers say: “Shoe is really good for people who has small and very thin feet but it’s not a fit model for people who has a wide or medium wider feet.”
Best Designer adidas Walking Shoes
adidas by Stella McCartney Solarglide Shoes
Size range: 5-10.5
Colorways: White; black, purple and yellow; gum, purple and yellow; black and blue; white and orange; black
Materials: Primeknit, bio-based EVA, Boost
Pros: Vegan alternative; at least 25 percent recycled content
Cons: Runs large
If you love the effortless cool factor of designer sneakers and want the same feel in your walking sneakers, then this shoe is for you. The adidas by Stella McCartney Solarglide is McCartney’s latest take on the sneakers brand. She took the running shoe and did it up with vegan materials and a bio-based EVA. That EVA makes up the standout detail of these shoes, which is that speed cage. It’s a fashion-forward take on a favorite performance shoe.
What reviewers say: “The ASMC Solarglide sneaker has a nice orange-red combination. The shoe is comfortable for everyday athletic wear and walking. I love the comfort of the wide-toe bed. I usually wear size 10 but could size down to 9.5 and create a more snug fit with the inner sock feature.”
adidas 4DFWD 2 Running Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12; men’s 4 to 18
Colorways: Magic Mauve / Wonder Mauve / Wonder Red, Core Black / Cloud White / Carbon, Cloud White / Night Metallic / Bliss Orange, Coral Fusion / Cloud White / Acid Orange, Core Black / Solar Orange / Beam Orange, Core Black / Cloud White / Carbon, and more
Materials: Primeknit textile, rubber
Additional features: 3D-printed 4D midsole, upper made from at least 50% recycled content
Pros: Snug sock-like fit, stylish colorway options
Cons: Not durable for intensive activity
On Sale 20% off
The adidas 4DFWD 2 Running Shoes is an innovative style in the brand’s acclaimed lineup, and features a stunning 3D-printed outsole that’s sure to turn heads as you strut. The bouncy outsole and impact-absorbing structure allows for light transitions in every step, while the shoe’s highly-durable traction outsole grips to whichever terrain you venture toward. The Primeknit textile upper is soft and comfy, with a snug, supportive, sock-like fit, and an added lacing eyelet to lock your foot in place.
What reviewers say: “I have broke both my feet and struggle to find anything that I can comfortably wear all day long. I am on my feet at least 14 hours a day and these shoes have made a difference!”
Related: adidas 4DFWD 2 Shoe Review
adidas Kantana Shoes
Size range: Women’s 4.5 to 11; men’s 4 to 14
Colorways: Off White / Collegiate Green / Silver Green, Cloud White / Dash Grey / Core Black, Cloud White / Aluminium / Orbit Grey, Chalk White / Wonder Clay / Wonder Quartz, Sand Strata / Magic Beige / Gold Metallic, and more
Materials: Leather, textile, rubber
Additional features: Padded collar
Pros: Trendy design, versatile color options, durable leather construction
Cons: Toe box may creaseThe color-way was neutral enough that we have several different outfits for this.
If you’re looking for a pair of everyday adidas walking shoes that not everyone has already, check out the adidas Kantana shoes. They feature the similar low-profile design, leather upper, and stylish logo pops as the popular adidas Superstar or Gazelle shoes, but introduce a vintage-inspired sporty twist. Pop these on with a pair of jeans, maxi dress, or trousers for an effortless sportswear vibe.
What reviewers say: “I love that these colorways are neutral — I have several different outfits to wear these shoes with.”
Related: adidas Nizza Platform Sneaker
adidas Adizero Boston 12 Running Shoes
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12; men’s 4 to 15
Colorways: Cloud White / Silver Metallic / Grey Five, Core Black / Cloud White / Carbon, Arctic Night / Lucid Lemon / Carbon, Royal Blue / Zero Metalic / Lucid Lemon, and more
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Additional features: Lightstrike Pro and Lightstrike2.0 EVA cushioning, Energyrods, Upper made with at least 50% recycled content
Pros: Rocker heel aids in effortless strides and prevents foot strain, roomy toe box for wide feet
Cons: May take time to slip on due to the stiff upper
The adidas Boston shoe has been beloved by marathon runners since its 1982 launch, and the Adizero Boston 12 is an upgraded iteration with unparalleled supportive cushioning and light-as-a-feather materials. Its equipped with glass fiber Energyrods, which work to provide comfortable stiffness that’s often found in high-end racing shoes and launch impressive take-offs, whether you’re stepping from the treadmill to the hard pavement. The model is a cult-favorite across generations of runners, and they’ll no-doubt keep your feet cushy for short or long distance jaunts.
Related: adidas Adizero Boston 11 Shoe Review
What to Look for in the Best adidas Walking Shoes
Proper cushioning: “For shorter walks on even terrain, look for cushioned shoes,” says Dr. Dan Geller, a sports podiatrist and Kane Footwear advisor. “They should also be light and have an easy transfer of weight from heel to toe.” Extra-cushioned, support footwear, like adidas’ Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoes and Terrex Freehiker 2.0 Hiking Shoes are ideal for a long walk of about three miles or more.
Responsive sole: If you walk on rugged and unforgiving terrains like concrete, look the adidas’ Ultraboost Light Running Shoes or Solarglide 6 Running Shoes that have great midsole response, as it will be easier on your feet, knees, and back. Boost’s support will work overtime to help your joints, and if you’re spending less time on concrete and more indoors and carpet, you can get away with less attention to that stride response.
Arch support: If you deal with foot pain and ailments, and walking is your preferred exercise method, Dr. Sutera recommends wearing sneakers with arch support. That’s why shopping for walking shoes for high arches or walking shoes for plantar fasciitis will help prioritize your pain minimization. Dr. Parker M Gennett says the best adidas walking shoes will have “a stiff heel counter, firm, protective sole and torsion stability,” adding that “if you can twist the shoe like a pretzel, it’s probably not a good option.” If you have flat feet, look for sneakers with stiffer elements such as insoles and orthotics, like adidas Adizero Boston 12 Running Shoes or adidas Gazelle shoes. Your best bet is to test out shoes to find which gets your foot in a neutral position and, maybe even more importantly, feels comfortable for you to wear.
Fabrics: For more athletic types of walking or hiking, look for materials like adidas’s Primeknit, which is on its 4DFWD 2 shoes. They are flexible enough to fit comfortably still as your feet swell, which they do when you’re getting your steps in. Some of adidas’s other shoes, like adidas Superstars or adidas Stan Smith Shoes, are made with a primarily leather upper, which stretches over time but isn’t quite as forgiving step to step.
How We Chose the Best Adidas Walking Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To compile this comprehensive guide of the best adidas walking shoes, we delved into adidas’ walking shoe technology, pinpointing the most momentous developments and unique features from the brand. We enlisted insight from expert sources and compared key customer testimonials in order to curate the most satisfying shoes for a large range of needs. Footwear News editors made sure to include options to suit different terrains, foot conditions, climates, and distances, as well as trendy colorways and stylish silhouettes. We noted any downsides, too, be it blisters, durability, or sizing issues. Shoes are a highly personal choice — every foot is different — but the innovative options on our list passed with flying colors. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Dan Geller is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and advisor for Kane Footwear.
Dr. Jacquelyn Sutera is an NYC-based surgically trained doctor of podiatric medicine specializing in the prevention and treatment of foot pathology. She graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Philosophy. She later attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where she earned the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). She is a proud member and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association and the New York State Podiatric Medical Society.
Meet the Authors
Christine Flammia is a writer and editor based in NYC, focusing on fashion and lifestyle. She is currently working on her PhD at Columbia University while staying at the forefront of all consumer trends with a keen eye for the latest, greatest, and classics of what people wear, buy and love. As a huge fan of adidas and a big city walker, Flammia is always searching for the best new adidas walking shoes.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She updated this guide for the best adidas walking shoes in 2023 with the most on-trend styles and upgraded models available from the “Three Stripes.” Learn more about us here.
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