Yes, You Can Wear Your Fave Running Shoes For Your Treadmill Walks

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There's nothing quite like a hot girl walk for knocking out your cardio. No matter where you're making strides, getting your steps in for the day is one of those oh-so-satisfying achievements with tons of benefits. You can do it pretty much anywhere, including right at your desk with a foldable treadmill.

The treadmill is a unique walking environment, though, and having the right shoes is a must to make the most of your time and stay safe. "Treadmills are more flat and uniform," says podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist Elizabeth Daughtry, PDM. "Walking outdoors often comes with uneven terrain and various weather conditions, so choosing the proper footwear for the environment is crucial to avoid potential injury or trauma."

Jump right to the best treadmill walking shoes:

Even your walking pattern shifts a bit on the treadmill. Studies that analyze running and walking have found differences between swing time and strides on the treadmill that stem from the body adjusting for the changes in speed on the moving belt, says licensed physical therapist and board-certified sports specialist Leada Malek.

What's more, treadmill walking comes with a slower gait with less variable strides, while outdoor walking tends to have a faster gait with longer strides, according to a 2021 study from Gait & Posture. That intel can help you pick a shoe. A curved sole can help with adapting to the moving belt, says Malek, who recommends a 'rocker' type sole to conserve energy. On the flip side, a flatter shoe might require more effort, she adds.

There are a few other key features to keep in mind. Traditional walking shoes are heavier and therefore more stable, says Daughtry. That can be good for treadmill as well but only if you need more stability for issues like overpronation. Alternatively, lighter styles with consistent cushioning throughout are ideal for keeping feet cool and providing support, says Daughtry. This can be especially helpful for those who are recovering from an injury or simply want to be extra mindful of impact on their joints.

Meet the experts: Elizabeth Daughtry, PDM, is a podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist. Leada Malek, PT, DPT, is a licensed physical therapist and board-certified sports specialist.

It's still worth lacing up your go-to walking shoe or a running shoe for your treadmill steps. What works best ultimately comes down to your personal needs and foot structure. But whatever you do, Malek says not to try a trail running shoe on a treadmill.

With all those tips in mind, here are the 8 best treadmill walking shoes, according to experts and editors.

Bondi 8

If there's one thing Hoka sneakers are known for, it's the cushioning. That's why editors and experts alike rave about how great they are. If you want to feel like you're walking on a cloud, this is the shoe for you. The Bondi 8 has an extended heel and pillowed tongue to give you a plush feel all around.

Rave review: "These are my absolute favorite shoes for walking and running on the treadmill and outdoors. They're soft, supportive, and comfortable. I love the billowed shape of them because it provides so much stability." —Addison Aloian, Women's Health assistant editor.

Pegasus 40

Keeping the consistent cushioning component in mind, a great fit is Nike's Pegasus 40. Its medium cushioning allows for a high responsiveness that leaves you feeling incredibly light on your feet while walking. It's available in regular and extra wide width, and the heel area provides extra durability without weighing you down.

Rave review: "This is probably the best everyday workout sneaker I've ever owned. These Nike's are super stylish and comfortable. It's also my favorite shoe to take from the office to the gym." — Sabrina Talbert, Women's Health editorial assistant

TechLoom Zipline

These kicks may come at a hefty price, but according to editors, they're worth every penny. Whether you want to run or walk around in style, you can count on these for maximum cushioning. Side note: These shoes run on the small size, so order a size up.

Rave review: “Whether I’m on a long walk, heading to the gym, or just running errands, I like to throw these on. If you want something super comfy, stylish, and super supportive, these are for you.” —Lily Wohlner, Women's Health associate commerce editor

Clifton 9

A staple for walkers and runners is the Hoka Clifton 9. "These are a little bulkier but offer a mid-level arch support with high cushion levels, which if you’re working all day at the desk can help with comfort for longer periods standing," says Malek. "It’s also lightweight with a rocker design." Plus, the vibrant color is super cute!

Rave review: "I love my Hoka Clifton 9s! They are technically my main running shoe, but I walk on the treadmill with them all the time." —Tianna Soto, Women's Health associate health and wellness editor

Fresh Foam X 880 V13

Another shoe that fits the bill perfectly for even cushioning throughout is the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 880 V13. "It has a breathable mesh design and a soft feel," says Malek. "It also offers solid heel control." That means your heel stays put and comfortable. Bonus: Unlike some other shoes, you can pop these in the washing machine and get them looking brand new in no time.

Rave review: "These shoes fit me perfectly. I love the support and comfort my feet feel when I wear them. Walking in these shoes is a pleasure."

Mach 5

Many runners like the Mach 5 for track workouts and speed runs. Still, the cushioning makes for a great walking shoe to take on the treadmill. "It's a versatile shoe that doesn't have as much cushioning, and it offers that ability to help with propulsion because they have a rocker sole," says Daughtry.

Rave review: "I love the fit of the shoe even though it looked like it was going to be too big. Fits great and feels comfortable when I'm walking."

Gel-Kayano 30

This shoe is durable yet breathable thanks to its mesh upper and 4D guidance system feature. The Rearfoot PureGEL technology also ensures that you'll have a smooth landing with every step. "This shoe has great arch support and stability," says Malek. "It's now in its 30th iteration and is a fan favorite."

Rave review: "After walking around the park all day and putting 7 miles on these shoes, my feet had hardly any pain. These are so comfortable."

Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe

These shoes are perfect for road running, cross-training, hitting the gym, or hopping on the treadmill. The Segmented Crash Pad and midsole are a major help with shock absorption. "It also has consistent cushioning throughout the whole shoe because they have compression-molded EVA material," says Daughtry. BTW, if this cream tone isn't your thing, you have over 50 other colors to choose from.

Rave review: "Bought these a few days before a two-week trip to Europe consisting of a lot of walking. These shoes were comfortable and durable. My feet remained pain-free after long days of exploring."

What To Consider When Shopping For Treadmill Walking Shoes

Cushioning: The best material to look out for in cushioning is EVA foam. "Some brands make their EVA material more compression-molded, so when a person's foot hits the ground, it evenly distributes the weight and pressure throughout the entire sole of the shoe," explains Daughtry.

Drop: ICYDK, the drop is the difference in the cushioning between the heel and toe of your shoe. "Shoes that have a higher drop are better for people who heel strike, have a tight Achilles tendon, or are used to wearing shoes with a thicker heel," says Daughtry.

She adds that people who wear flat shoes often may prefer a lower drop to avoid over-stressing their Achilles tendon. The standard for walking shoes is 10 to 12mm, but many companies produce shoes within the eight to 10 range.

Size: Any avid runner will tell you that going a half-size up is your best bet. Well, if you plan on doing a lot of walking, this is no different. Here's why: Your feet swell up as they hit the ground throughout the day. If you shop for shoes later in the day, you may get a more accurate idea of what your foot needs as it swells up, says Daughtry.

When you try on a shoe, she suggests standing up and measuring toe space. Ideally, you want to have a thumb width between the front of the shoe and the tip of your longest toe. This is a good sign that you have enough space.

How We Chose The Best Treadmill Walking Shoes

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated treadmill walking shoes. Our team consulted a podiatrist, physical therapist, several editors and evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best treadmill walking shoes for a wide range of needs and preferences.

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