7 Best Walking Shoes With High Shock Absorption in 2026
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When people look for a new walking shoe, they tend to focus on how it fits and feels at the initial step-in. Or consider its midsole softness as an indicator of long-term comfort. Or simply check if the shoe’s style and colorway match their outfits.
And while these are all important parameters, it’s the shoe’s ability to absorb shock that has the greatest impact on your feet and body at the end of the day.
And because it is impossible to assess a shoe’s impact protection while trying it on in-store, we do all the backend testing to let you know which walking shoes have the best shock absorption on the market right now!
How we test walking shoes with high shock absorption
We are an independent shoe-testing lab that aims to provide the most objective, accurate, and data-driven reviews. That’s why we purchase all tested walking shoes with our own money and refuse brand sponsorships.
Each pair undergoes the same standardized testing protocol, which measures over 30 parameters to assess cushioning, fit, traction, flexibility, and more.
One of these tests follows the acclaimed ASTM F1976-13 standard for measuring shock absorption. Cutting the upper away from the shoe, we secure its platform inside the machine and mark the testing areas at exactly 12% of the shoe’s length (heel area). We then drop an 8.5 kg mass from a height of 5 cm onto both of these areas, resulting in a total energy input of 5J. The drop is repeated 25 times to break in the foam and then another 5 times to record the data.
Best walking shoes with high shock absorption overall
What makes it the best?
The Brooks Glycerin Max is aptly named because it offers maximum cushioning and breathability during our strolls, which all contribute to lasting comfort. We confirmed its leg-saving foam in the lab without losing our balance, which makes it our ultimate high shock absorption walking shoe.
We indulged in its delightful cushioning, with the 42.3 mm heel comfortably exceeding the average stack height. Besides the bottomless foam, the cushion itself softens each landing, with a world-class shock absorption score of 148 SA. At this rate, it’s 14.7% more protective than average.
Even with the tall platform, Glycerin Max promotes a stable ride with its structured midsole. We tried to twist the shoe with our hands, and it firmly resisted, earning a solid 4/5 torsional rigidity rating. This level effectively mitigates excessive movements and ankle twists, leaving us with a secure feeling.
The upper soothes our feet with free-flowing winds. Hotspots and blisters are nonexistent, courtesy of the shoe's excellent ventilation. Our breathability assessments award it a top 5/5 rating. Indeed, long hours on foot feel almost therapeutic.
However, it’s also longitudinally stiff, meaning it takes effort to bend our feet. Those who want a smoother and more natural ride should check more flexible options.
Pros
- Massive impact dampening
- Luxurious yet breathable upper
- New DNA Tuned midsole
- Eye-catching look
- Surprisingly stable
- Can be used as a walking shoe
- Premium materials
Cons
- Too heavy
- Midsole lacks bounce
- Poor rubber coverage
- High price tag
Best walking shoes with high shock absorption and energy return
What makes it the best?
The Saucony Hurricane 25 offers a delightful and smooth combination of responsiveness, impact protection, and surefootedness. Lab results show it’s massive, both in width and height, yet stands out the most with the best energy return among high shock absorption walking shoes.
We could keep walking all day, as the bouncy midsole reduced the effort required, and the heel rocker consistently propelled us forward. Hurricane 25 features the PWRRUN PB foam, which scored an impressive energy return of 68.4% in the heel. At this rate, it can handle quick runs, too.
Hurricane 25 features a mega-stack, with precise caliper measurements of 40.2/33.1 mm. Besides its thickness, the cushion itself absorbs the forces of the ground. We recorded a strong shock absorption of 151 SA in the heel, proving it can withstand repetitive impact.
To offset its height, the platform runs wide to boost stability. We measured the heel at a massive 102.2 mm compared to the 90.7 mm average, ensuring we find our footing with every step. However, this takes away the agility some people prefer. Those looking for a more compact shoe should try other options.
Pros
- Fantastic energy return with PWRRUN PB foam
- Lighter than previous version
- Excellent cushioning for long miles
- Top-tier stability with redesigned midsole
- Upper offers top comfort
- Outsole redesign with improved grip
- Premium SRS insole
- Top-tier stability thanks to midsole redesign
Cons
- Price hike from previous version
- Poor breathability
- Lacks agility due to its size
Best walking shoes with high shock absorption and soft midsole
What makes it the best?
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 had us walking on clouds with its unmatched height and plushness. We could stay on foot all day with its strain-reducing and stable platform. Our lab results back up its pillowy goodness, making it our high shock absorption walking shoe with the best soft midsole.
The More v6 completely erases ground feel, courtesy of its massive foam, which we measured at 41.8/38.5 mm. Its ability to reduce the forces of each landing is astounding, with a staggering 152 SA shock absorption score in the heel. At this level, it feels 17.8% more cushioned than average.
To counter any imbalances, the wide platform feels safe and stable. We measured the forefoot at 122.5 mm and the heel at 102.0 mm, securing our feet well compared to the 114.4/90.7 mm average.
Despite its thickness, the More v6 offers good room for flexing our feet, emerging only 15.7% stiffer than average. During wear tests, it actually felt really comfortable for daily use.
However, this shoe will only feel good in cooler weather. With its limited ventilation, we can’t recommend it for the summer.
Pros
- Record-breaking shock absorption
- Wide platform ensures stability
- Super-plush foam
- Improved energy return
- Cozy upper
- No price hike this year
- Ideal for forefoot strikers
- Solid durability
- Semi-gusseted tongue for secure lockdown
- Good torsional flexibility despite its size
Cons
- Narrow, low-volume interior fit
- Still a heavy shoe
- Weak airflow
- Low drop doesn't work for everyone
Best lightweight walking shoes with high shock absorption
What makes it the best?
The HOKA Rincon 4 offers a comfort-focused experience, serving deep cushioning and unhindered airflow, all in a minimal package. Lab tests verify its effortless feel and lasting comfort, which we truly enjoyed in our strolls, making it our best lightweight high shock absorption walking shoes.
The Rincon 4 is a breath of fresh air, feeling far from a burden on foot. Our scales show it’s only 8.1 oz (231g), making it 12.5% lighter than the average.
What’s amazing is how, despite its lightness, it packs tons of cushioning in its above-average 36.0/26.6 mm stack. Hitting the pavement for long hours left no bruised feeling on our muscles, which made sense when we recorded an exceptional shock absorption score of 134 SA in the heel.
During our lab tests, both light and smoke easily escaped. A bonus is the perforated insole, which really prevents sweat and heat from building up. We couldn’t rate it anything lower than 5/5 in breathability.
However, its disappointing results in our Dremel test are concerning, making us doubt its durability. We cannot recommend this trainer to people who wear out their shoes quickly.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Enhanced stability
- Improved midsole over v3
- Superior breathability
- Still really lightweight
- Increased stack height
- Suitable for everyday activities
- Good traction
Cons
- Poor durability
- Low volume upper
- Weight increase
Best walking shoes with high shock absorption and stability
What makes it the best?
The ASICS Gel Kayano 32 is a true gem, packing tons of cushioning without foregoing control and support. Lab results show it features top technologies such as the PureGEL insert for comfort, the 4D Guidance System for steadiness, and the Hybrid ASICSGRIP for strong traction. However, it ultimately stood out with the best stability among high shock absorption walking shoes.
GK32 features an exceptionally wide base with tall sidewalls for guided footing. Our caliper shows it’s massive at 119.8/97.2 mm. Moreover, it includes the 4D Guidance System, which uses a softer foam positioned under our arch so that it adjusts to our foot shape as it pronates, providing custom stability.
With every step, the forces of the ground are muted out by the protective foam. We measured a superb stack height of 39.9/30.6 mm that takes all the impact for us. With the PureGEL in the heel, we had high hopes for shock absorption. Indeed, we recorded an exceptional score of 133 SA.
The Hybrid ASICSGRIP made sure rain or slippery tiles won’t stop us from reaching our goal step count. In our wet-condition test, we recorded a world-class 0.84 rating. Being 75.0% above average, it’s one of the strongest scores we’ve ever seen. However, the rubber is very thick at 4.5 mm, which makes the shoe feel bottom-heavy. Those who prefer agility should try alternatives.
Pros
- Amazing shock absorption
- Plush and breathable upper
- Made to last
- Dependable for most pronators
- Heavy-duty outsole with excellent grip
- Stable as a table
- Pillow-soft heel padding
- Improved fit
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Not for soft-foam lovers
- Bad energy return
- Overpriced in Europe
Best walking shoes with high shock absorption for wide feet
What makes it the best?
The Adidas Supernova Rise 2 kept us going in our strolls, giving us support to prevent leg fatigue and generous room for our broad or swollen feet, all in a light and loose package. It offers a relaxed and natural feel, proven both in and out of the lab. In the high shock absorption walking category, we find it best for wide feet.
We had no pressure points within the shoe, even while wearing thick socks. We created a gel mold to measure the shoe’s interiors and verified its unrestrictive fit with 98.7 mm at its maximum width. For reference, the average is only at 95.1 mm.
The Supernova Rise 2 adds a touch of stability to our steps, guiding our feet gently. It has small sidewraps in the heel to keep us centered. It also includes a firmer layer of foam beneath the main midsole and Support Rods for added support. Even with all the stability elements, it offers lasting comfort with its strong 127 SA shock absorption in the heel.
Given the stability elements and accommodating fit, its minimal 9.1 oz (257g) weight was a pleasant surprise. Its light feel is further enhanced by its minimal resistance to bending, confirmed by our flex test when it emerged 52.3% more malleable than average.
However, while traction is decent on most surfaces, we didn’t feel so confident tackling rainy sidewalks or slippery tiles. Those seeking a top-tier grip should go for other shoes.
Pros
- Lighter than version 1
- Comfortable yet breathable upper
- Cold-proof PEBA midsole
- Stable ride with Support Rods
- Reflective accents for night visibility
- Maintains competitive price tag
- Responsive Dreamstrike+ foam
- Flexible, natural running experience
- Great for walking
Cons
- Outsole lacks Continental
- Not cushioned for forefoot strikers
- Still lacks a gusseted tongue
Best budget walking shoes with high shock absorption
What makes it the best?
The ASICS Gel Pulse 16 is the perfect companion for long walks around town, rain or shine, with its light yet cushioned build and grippy yet durable outsole. Lab results verify it keeps our strides in check with its stable platform, but ultimately focuses on comfort. For only $100, it’s 44.0% cheaper than average, making it our best budget high shock absorption walking shoe.
Gel Pulse 16 offers exceptional joint protection through its thick 36.5 mm heel stack, which offers strong shock absorption of 127 SA. It absorbs impact and takes care of our legs, preventing fatigue even when on foot for long hours. Despite its generous cushioning, it’s impressively light at 8.5 oz (241g).
Each landing feels noticeably stable, courtesy of the broad platform, especially its 97.8 mm heel. It also has tons of twist resistance, earning a solid 4/5 torsional rigidity in our manual assessment.
Underfoot, the AHARPLUS rubber proves it holds well over time. It offers strong traction of 0.66, 37.5% grippier than average. Plus, it emerged exceptionally wear-resistant, showing 27.3% less wear than average.
However, it offers limited airflow, which may cause discomfort during warmer days. Gel Pulse 16 shines best in cooler weather.
Pros
- Very stable ride
- Surprisingly lightweight
- Durable and grippy outsole
- Good cushioning
- Upper features recycled materials
- Excellent value for money
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Upper needs improvements
- Very low energy return
- Tapered toebox
Who will benefit from high shock absorption in walking shoes?
Our body experiences impact forces from 1 to 1.5 times body weight each time our foot strikes the ground. And while our muscles, tendons, and joints help dampen that force by distributing it throughout the body, it becomes increasingly hard to do on long walks and on hard surfaces.
Concrete, asphalt, tiles, and other urban surfaces don’t naturally absorb impact forces like soft ground or sand does. And when the impact accumulates over several hours of walking, it takes a major toll on our ankles, knees, hips, and even our lower back.
That’s why walking shoes with high shock absorption can be particularly beneficial for people who:
- Want to take the pressure off their feet and bodies and feel more comfortable day-to-day.
- Walk long distances for fitness and overall health, or when traveling.
- Spend an entire day on concrete, asphalt, or tiles for work or errands.
- Recover from overtraining or injuries.
- Suffer from plantar fasciitis.
- Have a higher body weight.
Testing shock absorption in our lab
In our lab, we reflect each shoe’s shock absorption in an SA reading: the higher the SA, the better the impact protection. Only shoes with at least 120 SA in the heel make it to our catalog of walking shoes with high shock absorption.
Why? Because in a normal walking gait cycle, the heel touches the ground first upon landing and thus takes on most of the impact.
However, we also measure each shoe’s forefoot SA as a secondary metric to assess cushioning during push-off. This is particularly important for people who:
- walk fast, engage in power walking, or do incline walking on a treadmill
- spend a lot of time standing and need even pressure distribution throughout the shoe
- have forefoot pain, calluses, or metatarsalgia, and need better cushioning in the ball of the foot.
TIP: Most daily running shoes can double as well-cushioned walking shoes just fine! They often have even higher shock absorption than regular walking shoes, as they are made to dampen much higher impact forces of running (2 to 2.9 times body weight!).
Shock absorption vs. energy return in walking shoes
While shock absorption (SA) is responsible for dampening the impact of landings, the shoe’s energy return (ER) reflects the amount of force that is stored and returned to the wearer during the push-off. In other words, how responsive, or bouncy, the cushioning is.
The higher the %, the springier the ride.
While energy return is extremely important in running shoes, it also provides a number of benefits in walking shoes:
1. Makes the ride more enjoyable and reduces fatigue. High ER prevents the shoe’s cushioning from feeling mushy or dull. Instead of sinking into the midsole, the foot moves into the next step faster. These smooth transitions require less effort from the wearer, keeping their legs fresher for longer.
2. Makes it easier to walk faster. Shoes with high ER help maintain forward momentum and don’t get in the way of picking up the pace.
Cushioning softness: Are high shock absorption walking shoes softer?
A softer, or squishier, midsole does not always guarantee better shock absorption.
However, our extensive lab data show that shoes with high shock absorption tend to have softer midsole compounds indeed.
Based on our proprietary categorization, a soft foam has an HA reading of 20 or less. Foams between 20 and 30 HA indicate balanced/moderate softness, and compounds above 30 HA are considered firm.
The lower the HA reading, the softer the midsole.
| Shock absorption | Average midsole softness |
| Low | 29.7 HA |
| Moderate | 24.3 HA |
| High | 19.4 HA |
But looking at the HA readings of walking shoes with the highest impact protection, we can see both soft and balanced midsoles:
Stack height of walking shoes with high shock absorption
Stack height refers to the total thickness of the shoe's platform, including the insole, midsole, and outsole. In other words, all the material that separates the foot from the ground.
Based on the data from hundreds of walking shoes (and running shoes that can be used for walking), we found there is indeed a correlation between shock absorption and stack height. The more material there is, the more impact protection can be expected.
| Shock absorption | Average heel stack |
| Low | 20.2 mm |
| Moderate | 32.4 mm |
| High | 37.9 mm |
However, just because one shoe is 2-3 millimeters taller than the other doesn’t necessarily mean it has a higher SA, either. The quality of the foam also plays a major role in the amount of impact protection it provides per millimeter.
| Shoe | Shock absorption | Heel stack |
| New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos | 157.9 SA | 37.8 mm |
| Nike Vomero Plus | 147.5 SA | 42.3 mm |
For example, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos is 4.5 mm lower than the Nike Vomero Plus, but it offers 7% more shock attenuation!
Weight: Are shoes with high shock absorption heavier?
Even though added cushioning can increase the shoe's weight, our data show no strong correlation between shock absorption and weight.
Brands are working overtime to develop more advanced types of foam (i.e., TPU and PEBA) that can absorb greater impact forces while remaining lighter.
The current average weight of walking shoes with high shock absorption is 10 oz (284g), which is on par with the average weight of all walking and walking-friendly running shoes in our lab!
And if we look at shoes with the best cushioning, we’ll see that their weight can range from 8.6 oz (245 g) to 10.8 oz (305g)!
The role of insoles in shock absorption
It is important to note that we measure the shock absorption of all our tested shoes without removing the stock insole.
While insoles vary in their thickness and composition, studies show that they have a notable effect on the shoe’s overall impact protection. This study, in particular, showed that insoles absorb 24-32% of impact energy during low-impact activities such as walking!
It is true that most shoes feature rather plain, paper-thin insoles made of basic EVA foam that beg to be replaced with a custom orthotic. However, some brands take insoles very seriously, pouring careful thought and advanced materials into their designs.
Either way, replacing the shoe’s insole will affect the overall shock absorption and energy return, for better or for worse. And the thicker the insole, the greater the effect.
That's why we would be wary of replacing the stock insoles if they are thicker than the average 6.0 mm.
The price of walking shoes with high shock absorption. Are there any cheap options?
The average price of walking shoes with high shock absorption hovers around $149, rising to $240 for the most premium offerings...Ouch, that’s not exactly a budget buy!
But here is some good news:
1. There are quite a few solid, affordable options under $140 and even under $100! Brands like Skechers, New Balance, ASICS, Reebok, and Nike frequently release budget-friendly walking shoes that provide excellent impact protection for long hours of walking and standing.
2. You can always catch discounts on the more expensive offerings on websites like RunRepeat. Our system monitors price drops for each shoe, size, and colorway across over 200 online retailers to help you find the best deal.
3. You can check out the shoe’s previous version! In many cases, the new iteration doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking updates to shock absorption, but the old version’s price drops by as much as 50% (or even more) once the new edition is out.
Other shoe features to consider
Even though great shock absorption is essential, there are more features to consider when searching for the perfect pair of walking shoes.
- If you have flat feet and overpronate, you want to make sure the shoe offers enough arch support and stability.
- If you have wide feet or bunions, you need spacious walking shoes for wide feet or shoes with a wide toebox.
- And if you often slip on wet concrete or tiles, a high-traction shoe is a must!
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