6 Best Fitness Walking Shoes, 20+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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Lace-up with any of these fitness walking shoes to take your workout to a higher level. From established brands like Skechers, ASICS, and On to relatively new labels like OluKai and Propet, you have several great options to keep your long walks comfortable and enjoyable.
Depending on the weather or the terrain where you’ll walk, there’s a perfect pair of walking footwear for you. If you prefer lightweight, easy-to-wear style, and quick-dry ability shoes, then the OluKai Inana will definitely fit the bill. For more known brands, Skechers’ Arch Fit and On Cloud Nexus are the popular choices.
To help you get your ideal pair, we’ve tested and ranked all the best fitness walking shoes out there. Read in-depth reviews from experts and check out our top picks in different categories.
Table of contents How we test walking shoesBest overallBest SkechersBest for plantar fasciitisBest New BalanceBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test walking shoes
Each shoe comes with specific functions and commercial features. To identify the top performers for this list, we’ve examined each model inside our independent shoe testing lab. We test the shoes in an actual walking regimen covering around 10000 steps for each pair.
These are the steps involved in our selection:
- We purchase the fitness walking footwear ourselves. This is the best way to provide 100% unbiased reviews and top rankings.
- To assess the shoe’s comfort, ankle support, breathability, and durability, we walk thousands of steps to get a first-hand impression and our final assessments.
- We subject the shoes through a series of tests and scrutiny to check their cushioning technology, lacing system, heel protection, and all other key parameters.
- We walk in these pairs on different surfaces to see each shoe's strengths and shortcomings.
In the end, we give each pair of fitness walking shoes a rating from 0 to 100. Go to the CoreScore to see the overall rating of a particular model.
Best fitness walking shoes overall
Pros
- Perfect for all-day wear
- Great travel shoe
- Attractive design
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Fits well straight from the box
- High quality
- Weighs below average
- 10% recycled materials
Cons
- Pricey
- Sole catches debris
- Mid-cut is not for everyone
What makes it the best overall?
On Cloudnova is part of the brand’s athletic lifestyle series which packs all the right things from their running shoes to make a go-to daily beater. The Cloudnova exceeded the expectations of first-time purchasers. It has become many people’s favorite for its comfort and exclusive visual appeal.
Best fitness Skechers walking shoes
Skechers Max Cushioning Elite - Destination Point
Out of stock in all 52 shops
Skechers fitness walking shoesCorescore
Pros
- Mind-blowing cushioning
- Can be used for jogging
- Helps to ease foot pain
- Needs no break-in
- Accommodating toebox
- Breathable
- Surprisingly lightweight
- Machine-washable
- Good-looking
- Vegan
Cons
- Lacks colorways
- Tongue could be more padded
What makes it the best Skechers?
For those who want to get as much cushioning out of a Skechers shoe as possible, the Max Cushioning Elite - Destination Point is the way to go. It offers wearers heavenly underfoot comfort with its 2-inch heel thickness. A relief to many tired feet, the shoe also grabs attention with its visual aesthetic.
Best fitness walking shoes for plantar fasciitis
Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit
Amazon
Free shipping
$68
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$71
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$80
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$100
Corescore
Pros
- Offers lasting comfort
- Supportive footbed
- Appealing design
- Adds height to wearers
- Alleviates pain
- No break-in period
- Attracts repeat buyers
Cons
- Low collar section
- Noticeable wear after a few months
What makes it the best for plantar fasciitis?
The Max Cushioning Arch Fit is an athletic-inspired shoe ideal for everyday walking. It is also a reliable work companion because of its sustained comfort. Moreover, this neutral walking shoe also provides ample support for flat-footed wearers. It also has an elevated sole unit and fashionable style that earned the admiration of many owners.
Best fitness New Balance walking shoes
Corescore
Pros
- Comfortable for walking
- Available in multiple widths
- Helps to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis
- Affordable
- Fits well with orthotics
- No slipping or sliding
- Good for moderate gym use
- Approved for diabetes (A5500 code)
Cons
- Laces are too long
- Not many colorways
What makes it the best New Balance?
The New Balance 624 belongs to the brand’s long-standing silhouettes. Over the years, it has gained plenty of “believers” who claim it to be their 3rd, 6th, and even 20th(!) pair. With a classic dad-shoe appeal, it may not be a head-turner but it surely delivers comfort and support.
Best value
On Cloud 5
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$119
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$135
On Running
Free shipping
$140
REI
Free shipping
$140
Corescore
Pros
- Perfect for all-day wear
- Unbelievably lightweight
- Can do low-impact workouts
- Amazing in-shoe feel
- Very breathable
- Super easy on-off
- Great flexibility
- Regular laces are added
- Sustainable materials (44%)
Cons
- Lacks durability
- Outsole catches pebbles
What makes it the best value?
Numerous owners of the Cloud 5 commented that, thanks to this shoe, they finally understood the hype around this high-class footwear. It is a quality lifestyle shoe that shines as a daily driver and as an athleisure option. If you are someone living on the go, you will be delighted with its weightless construction and the ease of on-and-off. This shoe just disappears on the foot.
Most popular fitness walking shoes
On Cloud Nexus
On Running
Free shipping
$90
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$130
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Corescore
Pros
- Comfortable for all-day
- Secure lockdown
- Easy on-and-off
- Breathable
- Well-made
- Lightweight
- Sustainable (10% recycled)
- Good-looking
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Not for high arches
What makes it the most popular?
The On Cloud Nexus is a vibrant addition to the brand’s series of shoes for urban exploration. With its unique lacing system, the Nexus offers an easy on-and-off action with a secure lockdown in between. No matter how many hours you spend on the foot, the shoe is there to keep you supported.
