Walking shoe quick picks
Expert-favorite sneakers for walking: Keen Men's WK400
Walking shoes for narrow feet: Brooks Women's Addiction Walker 2
Walking shoes for wide feet: Hoka Women’s Bondi 8
Slip-on walking shoes: Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
Walking can be an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages. But in order to stay healthy, comfy and, most importantly, free from injury, you’ll want to be sure you’re wearing the right pair of walking shoes. Luckily, you have a variety of brands, styles and materials to choose from these days.
To better help you in your quest, we asked multiple podiatrists and seasoned long-distance walkers exactly what to look for when selecting the best walking shoes. We quizzed these experts about how to maximize comfort as well as what you need to know about foot and ankle health.
Keep reading for their expert-approved shoe picks and how to find the right walking shoes for your needs.
Sneakers for walking
Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist at New York City’s Gotham Footcare, likes these robust shoes. “This walking shoe is designed with a rocker bottom sole to facilitate heel-to-toe movement and a comfortably supportive EVA midsole that springs back with every step,” he says.
“The lugged rubber outsole is durable and thick for increased shock absorption,” Cunha says about this walking shoes from Keen. They are also available in waterproof and leather options. We love that the women’s sizing is so broad, ranging from size 5 to size 12.
This lightweight, durable shoe is a tried-and-tested recommendation from Jeff Henderson, owner of FleetFeet in Columbus, Ohio. He calls them a comfortable “do-it-all shoe” suitable for multiple activities. Men’s shoes are available in sizes 7 to 16.
The women’s New Balance 880v14 are heavily cushioned but won't weigh you down. They're also extremely responsive, according to Henderson. They function just as well for long days at work as they do for long walks in the park.
Walking shoes for narrow feet
The Addiction Walker 2, which comes in four width options (so those with wider feet can also wear these), is an excellent option for folks with narrow feet. “Known for support and stability, these shoes are also suitable for those with flat feet or overpronation,” says Dr. Mohammad Usman, foot and ankle surgeon and owner of Illinois-based Michigan Avenue Podiatry.
Not only is this style perfect for slimmer feet but it comes with extra arch support and goes up to a women’s size 12. Plus, “its slip-resistant outsole also adds safety on various surfaces,” Henderson says.
Dr. Mohammad Rimawi, a podiatrist in New York City, recommends the Brooks Ghost range for his patients with narrow feet. He especially likes the most updated version, the Ghost 16. “With a 12-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, stable midsole and wide toe box, this shoe is ideal for everyday walking and can help alleviate stress on the feet,” he says.
The Ghost 16 comes in 15 fun colors for women on Brooks' site, has a cloudlike feel and is made with recycled materials. Bonus: It's certified as a PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and boasts the American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
Walking shoes for wide feet
The Bondi 8 is constructed with recycled polyester, and men can choose a regular, wide or extra-wide size. “This shoe's rocker-type structure allows for more natural foot movement, minimizing strain on the foot and calf,” Rimawi says.
Henry J. Rosales, president and CEO of America's Walking Club, also approves of the Hoka Bondi 8 for comfort. “My preference is Hoka, probably because I have a narrow arch, but I do find that the Hoka Bondi 8 is more comfortable than any other shoe I have worn,” he adds. The women's option only comes in two widths.
Hoka’s Clifton 9 has a wide-fit option to accommodate broader feet. Dr. Michael Galoyan at Metropolitan Podiatry recommends them for maintaining foot health for walkers. This iteration also boasts, like Brooks' Ghost 16, the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
New York City podiatrist Dr. Emmanuel Fuzaylov also recommends these for their arch support, breathable materials, firm heel counter and rocker sole.
Slip-on walking shoes
They may be a little clunky looking (though in line with the ugly slides TikTok craze), but we love the unisex Ora Recovery Slide 3 for walking because they are outrageously comfortable and provide tons of cushioning. If you prefer a flip-flop-style slide, Galoyan suggests checking out the Hoka Ora Recovery Flip-Flop Sandals. “They provide a soft footbed with enough rigidity to reduce stress on the feet,” he says.
“These sandals are engineered with a meta-rocker sole similar to the bottom of a boat that allows your foot to smoothly roll from heel to toe, minimizing shock on your foot, ankle, knees and back,” Cunha says.
Walking shoes with arch support
Sara Anfuso, a long-distance walker and content creator based in Seattle, can’t get enough of these Brooks shoes that have a 10-millimeter midsole drop. “I was introduced to them this year, and it’s hard for me to look back because it’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a shoe,” she says. “I love how lightweight they are. They have the perfect amount of bounce to them, so I get the support I need rather than feeling like I’m walking on a cloud.”
“I also love the Brooks GTS technology,” Anfuso says. “I’ve found that it really protects my walking form over long distances and less muscle groups wear out over the course of a day.” This walking-friendly sneaker offers the highest level of cushioning at Brooks and also holds the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
This vegan shoe is sturdy, lightweight and easy on the wallet. It's made with Versarun cushioning that absorbs impact and minimizes pressure for ultimate comfort. They also happen to come with a good grip for all types of terrain.
Cunha recommends these as a great option for walkers on a budget. “These walking shoes are spacious, comfortable and they provide excellent ankle and arch support,” he says.