7 Best New Walking Shoes in 2023

For us, the best new walking shoe should have fresh features that make walking so much more satisfying. After testing several shoes in the lab and on the streets, we found the Hoka Transport to be exceptional in this regard. What put it ahead of the pack is its fine-tuned cushioning with just the right amount of stiffness, plus its one-of-a-kind sturdy construction.

As we spent our days testing the Hoka Transport on foot, we found it to be really on the money when it comes to providing a good mix of softness and firmness. We confirmed this in our lab by pressing our durometer against its midsole (four times for improved accuracy) which gave us a reading of 21.9 HA. This makes it 23% softer than the average walking shoe, but more importantly, places it in the balanced category by having enough structure so feet don’t just sink in.

We also felt that it provided a good amount of stability underfoot. We tested this in our lab by securing its tip with a clamp and measuring the force it exerts after bending it at a 90-degree angle with our force gauge. With a reading of 30.4N, we found that it is 45% stiffer than the average walking shoe. The Hoka Transport also comes with a rocker shape which we found helpful for transitioning from stride to stride smoothly.

What really wow-ed us was its sturdy construction. From extensive testing in the lab, we found it to be insanely tough, which is something we didn’t know was possible in a walking shoe. We discovered that its durability is comparable to hiking shoes after pressing our Dremel drill against its upper (with a force of 3.2N over 10,000 RMPS) and comparing the damage. We also found its sole to be hardy enough to withstand a lot of wear. Its outsole hardness is 81.9 HC (13% firmer than the average) and it has an outsole thickness of 3.7 mm (117% thicker than the average).

Since its upper is solidly built, air doesn’t pass through it as freely as in other walking shoes. We confirmed this in our lab by pumping smoke into its interior and observing how it moves. Because the smoke had a difficult time escaping from the shoe, we only recommend the Hoka Transport for those in cool conditions which aren’t sweat-inducing.

After being released in August 2022, we immediately got our hands on On Cloud 5 Push for intensive testing. We learned one thing afterward: that it’s the best new lightweight walking shoe! With this shoe, not once did our feet ever feel dragged down or burdened. We may be wearing shoes but our feet were the most unrestrained in Push.

Our digital scale detected an 8.54 oz (242g) weight when we planted the Cloud 5 Push on it. This makes the shoe lighter than the standard by 8%. What made the shoe feel even lighter was the air that freely circulated inside, allowing our feet to be sweat- and odor-free. We verified this by assessing the volume of smoke that would retreat from the upper upon blowing smoke inside the shoe. By the looks of it, the smoke in was equal to the smoke out, therefore, it scored a 5/5 in breathability. 

We could also naturally move and bend our feet with the shoes. Consulting our digital force gauge, we learned that it didn’t take much to bend the shoe – only 15.5N of force – which is 18.8%  lower than average. Meaning, the shoe is also 18.8% more flexible.

Since Cloud 5 Push is a newcomer in the shoe scene, we expected tech-powered durability. That wasn’t the case on our durability test, though. Pressing our drill to the various parts of the shoes made us realize how quickly to abrade the shoe. Friendly expert’s advice: Take it easy on this shoe or else, buy a more robust pair!

The iconic Ultraboost line by Adidas has long been co-opted by the masses as more of a sneaker than a running shoe. However, the 23rd shoe in the series, the Ultraboost Light, marks a return to its roots with an updated midsole that made our daily runs feel as comfortable as our walks around town.

With a reputation built around comfort, the famous Skechers GOwalk series continues to amaze us in its 6th iteration. With its stretchy slip-on upper and featherlight construction, the shoe feels more like a sock. It is practically non-existent on the foot and yet keeps us comfortable all day long. We fell in love with this base model from the first step and now look forward to the dozens of its colorful editions to come.

Few walking shoes come close to the Nike Motiva when it comes to versatility. It steps up its game whether in the gym, on the streets, or even on normally exhausting walks. Beyond simply being capable of doing what’s in front of it, it is somehow able to thrive in all of them. Its deep bag of features makes something that sounds too good to be true into a reality.

There is no other way to describe Keen WK400 but “epic.” Walking is a very straightforward activity already but this walking shoe still managed to elevate, or should we say propel, the entire experience! The remark that wearing the pair “feels like floating” really made sense as the feet and back are unburdened from any stress and soreness, even for a whole day out.

The Skechers Arch Fit - Infinity Cool is a walking shoe that gets down to business. It would be difficult to find a shoe that keeps feet as comfy for so long. It proves to be a reliable ally for those who lead active lifestyles while having an aesthetic that is surprisingly trendy.