The 10 Best Walking Shoes For Men, According To Testing And Expert Advice (2024)

Leoni Jesner

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Cassandra Brooklyn

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

On Cloud 5 Shoes

Sizes: 7 to 14| Colors: 21 total, including Glacier and Black | Lacing: Pull-tight laces| Key feature: Lightweight design

Swiss running shoe brand On is known for its science-backed CloudTec foam, a forgiving material described as “‘running on clouds.” Designed to provide all-day comfort, the Cloud 5 shoe has a removable cushioned arch insole, should you require additional support, plus a Speedboard that runs the length of the sneaker that promotes stability and propulsion when walking.

Forbes Vetted account manager Rich Molinaro specifically appreciates this pair’s mesh uppers. “I really enjoy the breathability of the shoe,” he says. “The mesh allows air flow that helps keep my feet cool after a long walk.” Weighing just 223 grams, the Cloud is super lightweight, sleek and eco-conscious—around 45% of the materials in here are recycled. While Molinaro described the fit as “very snug, in a comfortable way,” some customer reviews recommend sizing up by a half size.

What’s notable:

• Removable cushioned arch insole
• Breathable mesh uppers
• Partially made of recycled materials

What could be better:

• Runs small, according to customer reviews

Allbirds Merino Wool Runners

Sizes:8 to 14 |Colors:7 total, including Calm Teal and Natural Grey |Lacing:Tie laces|Key feature:Soft, stretchy wool upper

Allbirds’ bestselling Merino Wool Runners is made from superfine ZQ merino wool, a fiber that’s soft, sustainable and boosts the shoe’s breathability while reducing unwanted odors. There’s also a moisture-wicking insole derived from castor bean oil and the laces are fashioned from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. Beyond that, the sneakers are suited for everyday walking and are machine washable (on cold), should you scuff them up. Audience development director Spencer Dukoff describes the fit as “extremely comfortable,” and adds that “the shoes needed minimal breaking in, leaving zero blisters as I got adjusted to wearing them.”

While Dukoff mentions that the stiff soles held up over gravel and grass, this pair is best suited for casual settings. “I would say this sneaker is more geared toward urban terrain and is best used as an everyday shoe rather than one you'd put through its paces in the great outdoors,” he says.

What’s notable:

• Moisture-wicking insole
• Laces are made of recycled materials
• Machine washable

What could be better:

• Not ideal for hiking trails

Sizes:7 to 13 |Colors:3 total, including Midnight Blue and Jet Black |Lacing:Laceless slip-on |Key feature:Extra heel support

If you want the ease of a slip-on shoe and the cushioning of a sneaker, Kuru’s Atom offers the best of both. Designed with a focus on foot health and preventing pain, Kuru’s sneakers come with built-in arch support and cushioning that molds to your feet over time. According to Molinaro, the knit upper material is “strong and durable,” and the grips on the bottom of the shoe offer “great traction.” However, he finds that the shoes’ mesh uppers aren’t as breathable as our picks from On and Under Armour, so bear this in mind if keeping your feet cool is a major priority.

What’s notable:

• Built-in arch support
• Easy to slip on and off
• Soles offer great traction

What could be better:

• Uppers aren’t the most breathable
• Not as tight-fitting as lace-up shoes

Under Armour Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Colors: 21 total, including Academy and Black | Lacing: Pull-tight laces| Key feature: Breathable mesh upper

Here’s the thing about walking shoes: You can go cheap, but you may end up with poor cushioning and minimal support—which is a waste of money. To get a great pair with quality materials that last, you typically have to invest $50 to $100. Under Armour’s best-selling Charged Assert shoes hit the mark for an affordable pair that is outfitted with breathable mesh uppers, well-cushioned midsoles and durable outsoles for traction. Molinaro attests to this pair’s high quality, noting that the mesh uppers “provide great breathability” while the outsoles “offer excellent traction that allows for stability and great grip no matter what surface.” If you want an excellent, no-fuss basic that’s comfortable for everyday, this is a solid pick.

What’s notable:

• Affordable price
• Breathable mesh uppers
• Soles offer great traction

What could be better:

• Brand logo is large and bold, which some may not like

Hoka Clifton 9 Shoes

Sizes:7 to 15 |Colors:7 total, including Black and Vibrant Orange |Lacing:Pull-tight laces|Key feature:Plush cushioning

If you struggle to find sneakers with arch support, the Hoka Clifton 9 is a podiatrist-recommended pick. With a 3mm heel-stack height and rocker sole design, the newest version of this popular sneaker has an ultra-supportive underfoot with responsive foam to absorb impact. “One of the biggest pros of these sneakers is their ability to absorb impact—they aren’t only comfortable on my feet, but on my calves and knees as well,” says Dukoff. “They're tough, but shockingly light and nimble.”

The shoe is stamped with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)seal of approval for foot health, and you’ll also benefit from its breathable mesh upper. “My feet were not sweaty after long walks, and were not uncomfortably sweaty (though still a little moist) after a jog,” reports Dukoff. While it’s available in a regular fit (D), the wide version (EE) is a blissful option for broader feet that require a little more room.

What’s notable:

• APMA-approved
• Breathable mesh upper
• Available in a wide fit

What could be better:

• Some customers say the regular fit runs narrow

Skechers Arch Fit Waveport Sneaker

Sizes:7 to 15 |Colors:3 total, including Navy and Black/Gray |Lacing:Slip-on |Key feature:Insole that molds to your foot

The Skechers Arch Fit Waveport is a pull-on walking shoe with stretch laces that allow you slip the shoe on or off in a hurry. This particular sneaker may offer relief if you have flat feet or are prone to joint and back aches due to its (removable) Arch Fit insole, a podiatrist-certified technology that molds to your feet for a custom fit. Ultimately, the shoe is designed to balance weight across your entire foot for enhanced support and all-day comfort—a flexible rubber outsole ensures that. “I definitely can see wearing these around all the time, the comfort is emphasized and developed,” says Molinaro. However, he notes that the arch-supportive insole was “a bit of an adjustment,” since it raises the heel more than a conventional pair of sneakers.

What’s notable:

• Easy to pull on and off
• Removable Arch Fit insole
• Great for those with flat feet

What could be better:

• Raised heel isn’t suited for all customers
• Soles don’t offer a lot of traction

Kizik Men's Athens

Sizes:4.5 to 15 |Colors:15 total, including Slate Gray and Blackout |Lacing:Slip-on |Key feature:Spring-back heel that alleviates pressure

Kizik’s shoes have an innovative feature that actually works—the “cage” at the back cradles your heels and provides a slight lift, so every time you push down, your heel subtly propels back up. This takes pressure off the tender parts of your foot and makes it easier to walk all day. Despite the springiness of the heel, Dukoff reports a secure fit. “Thanks to a well-cushioned insole and foam padding, the arch support is excellent and impact is absorbed efficiently,” he says. The slip-on design is fuss-free; however, Dukoff mentions that it “limits airflow compared to traditional lace-up sneakers.”

What’s notable:

• Innovative springy heel absorbs impact
• Easy to slip on and off

What could be better:

• Slip-on design limits airflow

Brooks Men's Ghost Max

Sizes:7 to 15|Colors:5 total, including Grey and Black |Lacing:Tie laces|Key features:Soft cushioning and built-in stability

Brooks recently updated its wildly popular Ghost with tons of extra cushioning and a rocker-style sole, which is contoured to help “rock” your foot forward as you step down and then lift off. Unlike the original Ghosts, this pair is specifically designed for walking. “I wear Ghost 15s for running and walking but they are technically better suited to running,” says senior fashion editor Kari Molvar. “However, the Max is all about making walking more comfortable and stable. I’ve worn them for a few miles already and could really notice the extra cushioning.” (See below for our take on the Ghost 15, which we recommend for covering long distances if you don’t want a rocker sole).

What’s notable:

• Rocker-style sole for extra support
• More cushioning than the original Ghost design

What could be better:

• Some customers say this pair runs large

Brooks Men's Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe

Sizes:7 to 15 |Colors:14 total, including Flintstone and Black |Lacing:Tie laces|Key feature:Light, responsive midsole

If you’re covering longer distances, you’ll want a shoe that absorbs impact, cradles your arches and has a responsive design that makes it easier for your foot to move through heel to toe-off. Also used and recommended by Molvar, Brooks’ Ghost 15 running shoes are ultra light (10 ounces) for running or walking (although, as mentioned above, the lightweight Ghost 15s are “better suited to running.”) The newly revamped midsole is engineered with rubber, air and foam for smooth, balanced ride and “crash pads” on the outsole so it’s easier to propel forward.

What’s notable:

• Ultra-light design
• Great for walking long distances

What could be better:

• More of a running shoe than a walking shoe

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13

Sizes:7 to 16 |Colors:7 total, including NB Navy and Phantom |Lacing:Pull-tight laces|Key feature:Spacious toe box

Ask foot experts which shoes are best for wide feet and New Balances are frequently at the top of the list. The Fresh Foam X 880v13 comes in four width options, which is especially impressive for a sneaker style, and has a spacious toe box so your feet can spread out without feeling pinched or squished. Add in the bio-based, sustainable foam midsole that creates a pillowy walking cushion, no matter where you’re going. Dukoff, whose worn these sneakers on hot days, reports, “The moisture-wicking properties keep my feet dry on both long walks and on jogs, no matter the temperature outside.”

Quality-wise, Dukoff gives this pair high marks. “The stitching quality is excellent, contributing to the overall durability of the shoe. I’ve had no issues with wear or tear,” he says. Dukoff also mentions that these sneakers remain secure over a wide range of terrains: “The multidirectional lugs enhance grip, and they exhibit strong traction on both wet and dry surfaces.”

What’s notable:

• Spacious toe box for extra comfort
• Keeps feet sweat-free on hot days
• Excellent craftsmanship

What could be better:

• Logo is large and bold, which some customers may not like

Sizes:7 to 15 |Colors:3 total, including Blue and Black |Lacing:Tie laces |Key feature:Anatomical arch support

A featured pick in our roundup of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, Othofeet’s Edgewater Stretch shoes feature removable, anatomical arch supports as well as an arch booster, which can tackle both heel and foot pain (specifically caused by pressure) while helping re-align posture. The shoe is designed to fit comfortably with the addition of Orthofeet’s Ortho-Cushion System, offering both an orthotic insole and an ergonomic cushioning sole to dampen impact. The fabric is stretchy to promote a flexible, natural stride and, if you find yourself venturing onto uneven terrain, the rubber outsole should step up to provide a superior grip and keep you upright.

What’s notable:

• Removable arch supports and arch booster
• Stretchy uppers

What could be better:

• Orthofeet’s Ortho-Cushion system is sold separately

Wolf & Shepherd Crossover Longwing Hybrid Dress Shoes

Sizes:7 to 13 |Colors:7 total, including Honey and Black |Lacing:Slip-on with no-tie laces |Key feature:Memory foam footbed

If you’re looking for the comfort of a sneaker with the design of a dress shoe, Wolf & Shepherd specializes in “hybrid” shoes of this type. The Crossover is a bestseller created in collaboration with Steve Nash, and combines a memory foam footbed with a full-grain leather upper and high-traction rubber outsole. It’s a stylish shoe for work days, weekends or even weddings.

What’s notable:

• Dressy enough for work
• Memory foam footbed
• Genuine leather upper

What could be better:

• Not ideal for warmer weather

Columbia Men's Hatana Max Outdry Shoe

Sizes:7 to 15 |Colors:4 total, including Mosstone and Black |Lacing:Tie laces |Key feature:Waterproof, breathable construction

Nothing ruins a walk more than soggy sneakers. If you live in or travel to a wet climate, you’ll want to invest in Columbia’s highly rated Hatana Max Outdry shoes. These sneakers have a closed mesh upper and synthetic overlay to seal out water and wet-dry traction outsole so you can hike, run and scramble over any surface without slipping. Reviewers also comment on how this pair is comfortable for all-day wear but it might run slightly narrow if you have a wide foot.

What’s notable:

• Waterproof yet breathable uppers
• Directional lugs for gripping wet surfaces

What could be better:

• Some customers say the fit is narrow