7 Best Lightweight Walking Shoes in 2025

Of all the walking shoes we’ve tried on and scrutinized, we found the On Cloud 5 to be the best lightweight pair ever. It stood out among others as it never became a pain in our legs and backs because of its feathery construction. Also, bending over backward just to put on the shoes is not necessary. A simple sliding of our feet already sufficed. What even sealed the deal is the locked-in feel the Cloud 5 provided even for long hours of wear: goodbye heel slippage, hello convenience!

We looked over the shoe’s weight in our lab and our scale revealed a 7.9 oz (225g) weight, which is 14.1% lighter than average. Along with Cloud 5’s airiness is its pliability. In our 30-degree bend test, it showed a whopping 46.8% higher flexibility than average. This combination granted our feet smooth bending, as well as a strainless experience. 

The downside is its very tight fit. Using our caliper, we discovered that the widest part of the toebox (89.5 mm) is actually 8.2% narrower than average. Due to this, we advise trying on the pair first before getting your own. A size-up would also be sensible; however, we find it safer to personally gauge the fit first.

If we could use one word to describe the ASICS Dynablast 5 in our wear tests, it would be cloudlike. From its impact-reducing max-stack to its breathability, we verified in the lab that it offers lasting comfort in its low figure. Among lightweight walking shoes, its shock absorption is unmatched.

We tested the cushion immediately and recorded world-class levels of shock absorption at 156 SA in the heel and 127 SA in the forefoot. To put things into perspective, the rear reduces landing impact by 21.9% better than average, which saves us from fatigue and pain. We reveled in a thick layer of luscious foam beneath our feet, with a sky-high stack height of 39.4/31.8 mm.

Despite its size, Dynablast 5 never slowed us down with its weight. In fact, our scales show it’s only 9.3 oz (264g) even with all the extra cushioning.

Its pleasant ventilation adds to the mesh upper’s comfort. A steady stream of smoke escaped in our breathability test, earning it a solid 4/5 rating. We never had any sweat or heat build-up.

However, the upper sat very closely atop our toes, and our gel mold confirms its limited toebox height. Those with high-volume feet should find a more accommodating pair.

The Adidas Supernova Rise 2 boasts strong energy return and an accommodating fit in its light and flexible build. It offers a smooth experience for daily wear, with its broad fit being the main highlight in the lab. Therefore, it’s our best lightweight walking shoe for wide feet.

We created a gel mold to replicate the shoe’s interiors. Measuring the ball of the foot area, we recorded a solid 98.7 mm, making it 3.6% wider than average. Those of us with broad feet or bunions also felt at home in this shoe.

The cushion gave the spark we needed to make our usual daily strolls livelier. In our energy return test, we saw an impressive 69.5% in the heel, making each step bouncy and enjoyable.

Meanwhile, its light and flexible build enhances a natural and relaxed sensation. Weighing only 9.1 oz (257g), it’s easy to carry around on foot all day. And by being 51.3% more flexible than average, Supernova Rise 2 felt easy on the feet.

We were disappointed that the outsole doesn’t feature Continental rubber. Those seeking a shoe that can take the beating of daily mileage should go for a more durable pair.

The Hoka Arahi 7 offers confident footing in its light design, and it does so without being too intrusive. In the lab, we discovered three core support features: the Hoka J-Frame technology, its broad base, and its well-balanced cushioning, making it our best stability lightweight walking shoe.

Upon slicing the midsole, we discovered a high-density J-shaped foam that embraces the heel. The result is a stable ride, whose superb consistency doesn’t go unnoticed, especially since the J-Frame technology reassures our foot alignment. It naturally resists ankle twists, verified by its maximum 5/5 torsional rigidity score.

The broad base allows us to feel connected to the ground with every step, making sure our whole feet are firmly planted. Our caliper confirms the base is wider than average at 120.7/97.5 mm. Thankfully, its wide dimensions didn’t weigh us down, and the shoe is only 9.4 oz (266g).

The protective yet comfortable cushion also helps with maintaining our surefootedness. The stack height is a near-average 34.2/27.9 mm, with a 106 SA rating in our shock absorption test, indicating impact protection without being too cushy.

However, we found that the cushion lacks life, so we can’t recommend Arahi 7 to those who enjoy that extra springiness in their walks.

The best lightweight waterproof walking shoe for us would be something that’s able to fit a LOT of functionality within its lightweight build. After we put the On Cloud 5 Waterproof through several walking sessions and lab tests, we’ve decided upon it as our pick for this category. What sealed the deal for us is its no-nonsense waterproofness and its finely-tuned cushioning in a lightweight package.

Something that remained constant as we tested hundreds of shoes across several categories is the fact that waterproof versions of shoes tend to be on the heavy side. We felt that to a much lesser extent with the On Cloud 5 Waterproof. We confirmed this in our lab by placing it on our digital scale for measurement. Its weight of 288g (10.2 oz) is 11% lighter than that of the average waterproof walking shoe - a significant difference!

Despite this, we didn’t feel any indication that its waterproof ability slacked off in any way. We found it ultimately reliable, keeping our feet dry as we walked through puddles in the rain. We put this to the test in our lab by pumping smoke into its interior to see how the smoke escapes. We noted extreme effectivity as the smoke particles couldn’t find a way out of the shoe’s upper.

Another great thing about the On Cloud 5 Waterproof is the fact that its cushioning is well-balanced. We found it great for long walks, keeping our feet happy day in and day out. We took a deeper look into this in our lab by pressing our durometer against its midsole. The On Cloud 5 Waterproof’s midsole hardness of 30.4 HA is 10% firmer than that of the average walking shoe, putting it squarely on the balanced side of cushioning. It’s able to last for long hours without pain or fatigue. 

Although the On Cloud 5 Waterproof is able to dish massive amounts of value on several fronts, its utility isn’t available to all types of feet. We measured its toebox to be 94.7 mm. Compared to the average walking shoe (95.9 mm), we found it to fit medium to narrow feet only. As such, we don’t recommend the On Cloud 5 Waterproof for wide-footers.

The Saucony Ride 18 feels noticeably light and effortless on foot. Besides its low figure, lab results show it has a flexible midsole and an airy upper that enhances its weightless feel. Among lightweight walking shoes, Ride 18 takes the crown for breathability.

The shoe feels instantly cozy upon wear, especially with the plush 8.5 mm tongue padding embracing our foot. The upper itself has two layers, but is dotted with ventilation holes that expel our body heat. In our smoke test, we observed free airflow and rated it the maximum 5/5 breathability.

To put a number to its lightness, we checked our scales and recorded only 9.0 oz (255g), making it 3.8% lighter than average. While this may sound small, its effect compounds over thousands of steps since the weight our feet have to carry throughout the day is reduced.

Its malleable midsole also makes the overall experience easier. We barely fought any resistance, since Ride 18 emerged 26.7% more flexible than average in our bend test.

Unfortunately, its premium ventilation sacrificed the upper’s resistance to wear. It surrendered easily to our Dremel, so we can’t recommend it to people looking for reinforced and durable materials in the toebox.

With its strong airflow and low figure, the Adidas Questar 3 offers lasting comfort for a full day of strolling. As seen in the lab, it’s more structured in key areas to enhance confidence and safety in each step. It’s hard to believe this shoe is only $75! Priced 48.6% below average, it’s our best budget lightweight walking shoe.

Questar 3 feels easy on the feet, evidenced by its low 10.4 oz (295g) weight. For all the support it offers, we’re impressed by how comfortable it feels for daily wear.

Its superb ventilation adds to its airy sensation. Scoring a high 4/5 in our smoke test, it allows our body heat to escape during warm days. 

Crossing mixed surfaces and moving from the streets to the sidewalks was a breeze because the stiff midsole kept our feet well-planted. It has high resistance against ankle twists, evidenced by its maximum 5/5 rating, while the heel counter holds us firmly in place with a 4/5 stiffness score.

Unfortunately, we lost our confidence in wet conditions because of the lack of grip. Those who prefer a shoe with stronger traction should seek alternatives.