The Best Walking Shoes for Men, According to Testing (2024)

In our walking shoe tests, ASICS sneakers continue to be top performers. The Gel-Cumulus line offers neutral support with ample cushioning that's still sleek, making for an attractive sneaker that's comfortable to wear on walks and runs. The foam cushioning is gel-infused for improved shock absorption. Designed for added comfort and ankle stability, this pair features a padded back tab by the heel. This shoe is designed for those who underpronate (foot rolls outward) or have neutral feet; if you overpronate, this isn't the best shoe for you.

"I love the cushioning and look of these sneakers," reported one tester who wore this pair on brisk walks. Testers liked that they were easy to slip into while still feeling secure. One GH analyst said, "They felt just as comfortable out of the box and after wearing them for 10,000 steps."

While most walking shoes cost over $100, this pair costs about half that. This pair from Under Armour has a classic design with a soft, sock liner and a breathable upper for a comfortable, airy fit. Available in 23 colors, including red, blue and gray, this pick has an impressive size range with standard, X-wide and XX-wide widths.

Because of the ample cushioning around the collar and midfoot, one tester reported, "All that cushioning made my foot feel comfortable during casual wear —running errands and such." He also added that they are "excellent shoes for standing at my standing desk for long periods of time." The compression-molded foam in the midsole is designed to improve the shoes' durability, but testers found the foam firmer than other shoes. One tester found this pair "too clunky" for longer runs or walks.

Shoes need to fit properly not only from heel to toe but also from side to side. Opting for wide sizing can help ensure you have enough room in the toebox to prevent pinching or rubbing. These New Balance shoes have wide and extra-wide sizing options for a comfortable fit. Testers with wide feet applauded these shoes for their excellent fit with a stretchy knit upper to accommodate bunions too.

The brand's signature foam is plush for a cloud-like feel without adding extra weight. This pair features a rocker design for smoother transitions from heel to toe. Testers were especially impressed with its comfortable cushioning. One tester, who wore these sneakers on 2-mile walks, said, "The extra foam definitely puts a pep in my step. The extra bounce is almost a mood changer." He also liked the appearance of these sneakers compared to his previous walking shoes. Some sizes are only available in limited colorways.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you know how difficult it can be to find shoes that properly support your arches and prevent heel pain. Brooks shoes continue to be top performers in our tests for their unparalleled arch support and stability. This pair has super soft cushioning for walkers who prefer a pillowy feel. With neutral support and maximal cushioning, this pair is designed to be lightweight and responsive for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.

"They haven’t flared up my plantar fasciitis at all, even after many hours of wear and several miles," reported one tester. He added, "I especially like how these shoes offer more arch support compared to all of my other sneakers." He found this pair to be comfortable right out of the box too. "For me, the plush feel is unbeatable." Some testers noted they looked a bit clunky and would have preferred a sleeker appearance.

When walking on trails, you need a pair of shoes that offer sufficient traction without feeling too heavy or bulky. These Merrell hiking sneakers have a rugged outsole with a toe cap that helps provide enough traction on all types of trails, wet or dry, while protecting you from debris. With thicker cushioning in the midsole and a padded collar, these shoes are designed to feel comfortable mile after mile. The brand also offers a GORE-TEX waterproof version.

"The sneakers have more than enough cushioning for a rocky trail hike and easily transition to city sidewalk walking," said one tester who wore this pair when walking on trails and commuting to work. He said they looked great "with jeans, athletic clothes or casual work clothes." He added that they are "very comfortable shoes for a wide variety of purposes."

These Saucony sneakers are designed to feel cushiony and light on your feet even after 10+ miles. This is the only style included in this round-up with a carbon plate, which helps return energy back to your feet for a more comfortable feel when covering longer distances. The shoe is designed to help propel you forward with responsive foam. Some testers even reported that they felt like they could run faster in these shoes. We like the sleek sock liner and stretchy, integrated tongue for immediate comfort as soon as you put the shoes on. Note that these shoes are only available in limited colors and sizes with no wide widths.

Popular for feeling lightweight with comfortable cushioning, these shoes received high marks from walkers and runners. One tester said, "I enjoy running in them and due to the large cushioned sole, I feel very light on my feet."

When we asked testers which brand of sneakers they were currently wearing, Hoka was the most popular answer. The thick cushioning on this pair may seem intimidating initially, but the foam midsole creates a responsive feel, ideal for anyone with joint pain. The early stage meta-rocker helps propel you forward for smoother heel-to-toe transitions. "They felt immediately comfortable from the first wear," said one tester. He added that they "don't flare up my plantar fasciitis and my feet feel actively supported during long periods of exercise."

Designed with comfort top of mind, this pair has a padded collar and tongue to prevent painful rubbing or blisters. The stretchy knit upper allows excellent airflow, but testers did note that water easily soaked through in rainy weather.

Kizik designs slip-on shoes that don't sacrifice style, like these sneakers with a classic, athletic design. This sneaker features the brand's signature flexible cage at the heel of the shoe that springs back into place when you step in, ideal for anyone with mobility concerns. We appreciate that this hands-free, gender-neutral sneaker is sold in a wide range of sizes from a men's 4.5 (women's 6) to a men's 15 (women's 16.5).

One tester with Parkinson's reported that Kizik sneakers are easier for him to get on than any of his other shoes. Another tester shared, "I'm always rushing out of the house, so slip-on sneakers are a total game-changer." Some testers noted that these shoes don't offer enough support for running and only recommend wearing them on casual walks.

Avoid lugging around heavy shoes with these lightweight sneakers from On Running. This pair comes with either traditional or stretchy laces, so you can easily slip them on. The brand's CloudTec cushioning is popular for soft landings without a bulky foam midsole. Because they lack stability features and thicker cushioning, they are less suited to someone with foot or joint sensitivities. There is also a waterproof version of this shoe.

"The shoes are impressively lightweight and I thought they wouldn't offer enough support, but they were surprisingly comfortable," said one tester. Another tester said, "I like the flexible design of the sole, [which] allows the shoe to be a bit more responsive to whatever is underfoot." He added, "They have a great look to them and feel very sturdy on my foot!" Multiple testers applauded how well this pair works for both walking and gym workouts.

Avoid uncomfortable wet socks with a waterproof shoe that doesn't feel stuffy. This pair of hiking sneakers from Columbia features OutDry technology with bonded construction between the waterproof membrane and the outer shell to keep water out of the shoe. This technology allows these sneakers to be both waterproof and breathable.

With thicker cushioning, these shoes are designed to take you from hiking to commuting. The molded footbed helps support your feet and arches while cradling your heel to help reduce impact. To prevent slips in wet conditions, the outsole has deep grooves for excellent traction. "They are supportive and substantial but still lightweight and breathable," said one tester. He gave perfect scores across the board for comfort, fit and traction. "They’re very comfortable and convenient to wear for a long walk or quick errand," he added. His only concern was they looked "a bit boring and clunky." There are more sizes and colors available on Columbia's site.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab regularly evaluates shoes for their performance in daily activities from walking to running and hiking. We depend on our network of consumer testers with varying shoe sizes and foot shapes to provide feedback on the comfort, aesthetics and utility of shoes as they use them in their day-to-day lives. We combine this feedback with in-Lab data, assessing the construction, materials, and durability.

In our latest walking shoes test, we put 25 shoes to the test with testers ranging from a men's size 8 to a men's size 13. Each tester wore the shoe for at least 3 hours (culminating in over 250 hours of walk testing!) on different terrains, including sidewalks, hiking trails, roads and even at the gym. Here are the main factors we considered before making these recommendations:

• Comfort: We noted how comfortable each shoe was right out of the box and after wearing it all day. Each tester rated how comfortable the shoes felt and if they caused any noticeable pain in their feet or joints.
• Fit: All testers tried on the shoes in Lab and gave notes about fit, including the length of the shoe, size of the toebox and more.
• Cushioning: We evaluated each pair's cushioning to see if it was soft or firm. Testers rated the cushioning to ensure it was even throughout the sole and helped absorb shock on walks.
• Stability: For shoes designed for overpronation or underpronation, we evaluated whether they helped improve walkers' gaits.
• Value: Because walking shoes from top brands tend to be expensive, we compared each pair's cost to its performance to ensure it is a quality buy.

There are a few items to consider when looking for walking shoes:

✔️ Check in with your podiatrist or physician: If you're experiencing foot pain or have recently sustained an injury, check with your podiatrist or orthopedist for recommendations or their thoughts on a pair of shoes you're considering. Their knowledge of the foot's anatomy and your specific needs related to pain/injury will help you make the right decision.

✔️ Comfort: Dr. Johnson advises that comfort is of utmost importance when selecting a walking shoe. Be sure to try on a pair and make sure that it feels good on the feet before locking in your purchase. If you're shopping online, choose retailers that allow returns in case the fit isn't just right.

✔️ Weight: Generally speaking, lighter-weight shoes will offer more comfort and be easier to walk in for extended durations. The exception is if you have a specific foot concern, which may require the greater support of a heavier shoe.

✔️Traction: We recommend taking a peek at the shoes' outsole before purchasing. Look for treads and grooves to ensure they'll offer sufficient traction. If you enjoy walking on rugged terrain or trails, opt for hiking-specific sneakers.

✔️Waterproof: Most sneakers aren't waterproof because waterproof shoes are less breathable and can feel sweaty after extensive wear. We recommend only wearing waterproof sneakers in rainy weather or muddy conditions and sticking with more breathable options regularly.