The Best Walking Shoes: 14 Pairs That Offer Comfortable Support

These Dansko low boots may seem an odd choice for a “best walking shoes” accolade but, as a person with knee issues and high arches whose second career as a film and television pattern maker and costume designer involves a good deal of walking and standing, these are one my top footwear choices. I’m a longtime Dansko fan because of the dual density EVA foam bed and excellent support featured in all their shoe styles. These short boots are no exception. Plus, they go well with everything from jeans to flowy dresses to smart trousers. This means I can wear them while shopping, standing over my cutting table, running from fitting to fitting, and into meetings with producer types. If a pair of boots was ever made for walking, it’s these.

For more walking shoes for women check The Best Walking Shoes for Women: 10 Comfortable Options to Suit Your Style

The plush cushioning of these shoes makes them exceptionally supportive and comfortable. You might even feel as if you’re floating through your day. They fit snugly around the ankle and heel while offering ample room in the toe area. They’re also impressively water-repellent with a grippy tread, so even getting caught out in the rain won’t cramp your style.

For more walking shoes for men check The Best Walking Shoes for Men: What’s Right for Your Feet?

With its dual foam midsole and contoured heel collar, the Lululemon Chargefeel 2 wraps around your feet like a second skin. You put them on and almost forget you’re wearing anything at all on your feet. It’s one of my favorite pairs of shoes for running errands in my neighborhood or spending hours on a layover.

HOKA Women's Clifton 9 Shoes in Gull/Sea Ice, Size 10.5

Hoka One

$145.00

Hoka is a brand that comes up over and over when talking about comfortable walking shoes. The Clifton 9 features a compression-molded EVA midsole that absorbs shock while also providing enough cushion to give your step a little bounce. It earned two spots on our list because of its comfort, cushioning, lightness, and versatility—making it the shoe of choice for everything from treadmill walking and jogging to wandering around a new-to-you cobblestoned city.

The Fuelcell midsole cushioning of New Balance’s 990 V6 provides a propulsive feel that gives each step a little more oomph which, let’s face it, many of us could use. The good thing is, these shoes are classically stylish enough to wear everyday. The iconic New Balance logo overlays “flow from heel to toe across the mesh underlay,” which is designer lingo for “these shoes look as good as they feel.”

I’ve been wearing Nike shoes since the 1980s, back when I used to run 25-35 miles a week—and it was always in a pair of Nikes. These days, my knees have more of a say in how long and often I’m able to run, but they’re still partial to Nikes when it comes to walking (or even hiking). The Pegasus model has been around for years and this latest version is just as cushiony and bouncy as its predecessors. They deliver a wonderful “off the ground” feel as you move through your day whether or not that involves running.

With excellent cushioning and shock absorption, the Asics Gel Venture is a great choice for walking on pavement as well as gravel and woody trails (as long as they’re not too rocky) at a very reasonable price point. The gel cushioning throughout the midsole provides support and easily absorbs bumps from uneven terrain, especially in the heel area. They also feature a breathable mesh upper, adequate wiggle room in the toe box, and an outsole with notable traction, even when the ground is wet.

The Bondi SR is the most cushioned shoe Hoka offers. Made from water-resistant leather with an EVA midsole and grippy rubber on the bottom, they’re an ideal workplace and all-day shoe for everyone, especially those that suffer from plantar fasciitis—one of the reasons they have an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.

While it may be a bit surprising to see a pair of clogs (as opposed to sneakers) earn our “best walking and standing all day” label, the Dansko Professional clog is no ordinary pair. They’re a popular shoe among medical professionals who spend hours a day on their feet, and you’ll see why when you slip them on. They feature a protective heel counter that provides the lateral support you need while also allowing your heel to move freely vertically. Plus, they have a supportive, contoured footbed with a sturdy sole that supports your feet through days that require long periods of standing.

I’ve always been more of a boot person than a sneaker person when it comes to everyday footwear and exploring new places. With shock absorption soles, Blundstone boots are a perfect alternative to the sneaker scene. There’s virtually no break-in period and, while they’re obviously not as light as many of the sneaker options, they’re not clunky or heavy either. I’ve worn mine during long days of museum hopping and neighborhood exploring all over Europe and my feet were always comfortable. And I looked rather stylish.

Made from eco-friendly leather, the Kuru Roam offers a classic, understated shoe style with excellent cushioning, a dynamic flexing sole, and support to protect your joints. The Kurusole features a design with a cushy heel pad that hugs your heels and a built-in insole that delivers arch support. We like that they don’t look like your typical athletic shoe. In fact, you’ll likely get lots of compliments on your stylish and cute shoes when wearing them.

Designed for maximum arch support, these shoes from Aetrex help to keep your joints properly aligned (something my chronic runner’s knee appreciates). Aetrex shoes differ from other brands with their removable insole that positions the high point of its arch support farther back on the footbed nearer your ankle, which is more in line with how the bones of your foot are shaped.

The Fresh Foam X 1080s offer a nice, wide fit that allows your toes some wiggle room while helping prevent the formation of blisters and bunions with a snug fit around the ankle area. The upper is made from a breathable fabric that reduces moisture accumulation (which is also a plus when preventing blisters). There’s also a plush foam midsole that provides excellent cushioning. Shopping tip: New Balance made our list of the best running shoe brands—and their Fresh Foam X 1080 model is one of their most popular shoes.

With Altra’s signature FootShape fit, the Experience Flow line features a wide toe box and a snug midsole fit that promotes natural movement in your feet. The wide toe box allows your foot and toe muscles to work, explains Milica McDowell, DPT and vice president of operations at Gait Happens. She also likes the mild cushion which is not “too aggressive like other brands that can even throw off your balance if they are too cushioned.” Plus, it has a flexible sole. “These features are a win, win.” Dr. McDowell says, “The Altra Experience line is amazing for walking.”