14 Best Walking Shoes for Maximum Comfort in 2023

If you happen to’ve ever tried some recent sneakers simply to wind up with aching, nagging foot pain, you already know that searching for out really great walking shoes that fit your feet is well well worth the time. We’re here to assist make your search as seamless as possible—whether you’re available in the market for a pair you’ll be able to wear while strolling across the neighborhood, mountain climbing, running errands, or trying a brand new walking workout.

What must you search for in a walking shoe?

An excellent walking shoe needs to be built for normal use, with features to maintain you comfortable even after long periods of damage. That’s why shock absorption is certainly one of the primary things it is best to search for, Jossie Abraham, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at Hartford HealthCare Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut, tells SELF. A shoe that cushions the impact of your steps will feel comfier and certain reduce your risk of foot, ankle, and knee pain, she says. Along with a good amount of padding, the shoe must have a large base and support through the midfoot and arch. Each of those design elements can further reduce strain in your lower body.

It’s also necessary that your walking shoe of selection matches your foot by way of each length and width (take a look at SELF’s sneaker buying guide for detailed suggestions). In response to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, your shoes shouldn’t make your toes feel cramped or like they will’t wiggle. So individuals with wider feet, for instance, should search for footwear that is available in multiple widths or has wider-set toe boxes. Dr. Abraham says you can too consider shoes with a mesh toe box, which allows more room and breathability in comparison with more rigid materials like leather. Ultimately, you don’t wish to feel like your foot is fighting against the structure of the shoe—somewhat, you wish a pair of shoes that’ll mimic the form of your foot.

Our top picks

1. Best Overall: Hoka Bondi 8, $165
2. Best Budget Pick: Ryka Sky Walk Walking Shoe, $70
3. Best for Flat Feet: Hoka Arahi 6, $140
4. Best for Maximum Cushioning: Latest Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe, $160
5. Best Walking Sandals: Chaco Z1 Classic Sandal, $45
6. Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Quantum, $155
7. Best for Spending All Day on Your Feet: Asics GT-1000 12, $100

One of the best walking shoes in 2023

Is it high time to search out some recent sneaks that you simply’ll be excited to lace up and take for walks? If that’s the case, we’ve chosen some excellent pairs to contemplate. Our picks for the most effective walking shoes come from experts, SELF Sneaker Award–winning reviews, and top-rated shoe brands. We’ve included pairs for folk with plantar fasciitis or flat feet, cloudlike kicks which might be well-suited to spending long hours standing, and even some sandals and trail shoes that fit the bill too.