7 Best Walking Shoes

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.

Motiva is Nike’s first dedicated walking shoe and it impressed us greatly in our lab and wear tests. Among all the new walking shoes in the market, Motiva offers some of the most comfortable experiences. Its design stands out from the rest. Yet its luxurious cushion, smooth transitions, and robust outsole make each walk truly enjoyable.

Upon the first look, it’s hard to ignore Motiva’s exaggerated rocker. Yet wearing the shoe makes its presence even more felt by giving smooth heel-to-toe transitions with every stride. To maintain the forward momentum, we expect the midsole to be quite stiff. Our bend test confirms it’s 46.0% stiffer than average.

The cloud-like cushion feels squishy and thick. Our durometer shows it’s 40.2% softer than average and its 34.9/25.6 mm stack is above average. Long miles roll by with its pillowy goodness. Whereas the wavy sole levels up the compression, protecting our legs from feeling tired.

Motiva stands resilient from dry to wet pavements, showing reliable grip with its waffle-like pattern. It barely shows any wear after our tests so we expect it to last long. Our durometer confirms a very high 92.0 HC, 22.3% tougher than average. Motiva combines this with a thicker-than-average 3.0 mm rubber, cementing its durability.

Unfortunately, its tightly packed upper lacks breathability for warmer days. We recommend exploring other pairs for summer walks.

Among fresh releases, KEEN WK400 rocked our strolls with the best-rockered experience. Other than its unique visuals, our lab shows it encourages seamless transitions and offers boundless cushioning that makes us spend hours on our feet with ease.

A defining feature of the shoe is its KEEN CURVE, which moves like a rocking chair to promote smooth heel-to-toe strides. It felt more natural to walk than to stand still. A rigid plate spans its length to retain the rocker motion and to enhance stable strides. And stiff it is, with WK400 needing a force 60.8% higher than average to bend to 90 degrees.

Eager to explore its unique midsole, the WK400 didn't disappoint with its remarkable 45.7 mm heel. This jaw-dropping figure is one of the tallest we’ve seen, offering maximum cushioning and impact protection. Coupled with a modest 24.3 mm forefoot, it boasts a significant 21.4 mm drop, surpassing the average by 10.4 mm, effectively alleviating pressure on our lower legs.

The midsole is also infused with a buttery yet springy foam, which our durometer reveals is 12.0% softer than average, contributing to a forgiving ride. However, all luxurious comfort comes with extra baggage. At 13.4 oz (381g), the WK400 is 40.1% heavier than average, making it one of the bulkiest walking shoes we’ve tried.

Out of all the best new walking shoes we tried and cut open in the lab, Clifton LS offers bottomless cushioning that's best for all-day wear. We spend long hours in these shoes without worrying about our feet because it’s so comfortable and stable. Moreover, its high-quality materials can stand the test of time.

Our legs feel fresh from day til night with Clifton’s generous padding. It rises to an above-average 35.2/27.0 mm stack with a rocker geometry that facilitates smooth toe-offs. The cushion feels soft enough to absorb the pressure of standing all day, yet supportive enough so it doesn't overcompress. Our durometer confirms a balanced 21.3 HA. Another stability element we noticed is the vast landing platform. Our caliper measures one of the widest walking shoes in the lab — 122.8/95.5 mm in the heel and forefoot. 

We have no complaints about grip but we’re impressed with the exceptional durability it displays in our lab tests. Our durometer shows it’s a tough 80.5 HC, while our caliper shows it’s a thick 3.6 mm. Both results are above average. We tested it further with our Dremel test and it emerged 60% more resistant than average.

The upper feels durable with its real leather and suede portions. Unfortunately, this sacrifices breathability. Clifton is a good place to be in all day as long as the weather is cool.

Fresh from the oven, we immediately brought Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 to miles of walking and hours of lab testing. It exceeded the traditional stability shoe by providing a cushioned experience and maintaining a low price of $90. Even in the lab, AF2 performed with flying colors, emerging as our top choice for arch support among new releases.

Zero pain and localized tensions, AF2 offers loads of cushioning to mute out the ground. Our caliper confirms we’re on cloud nine as the heel rises to a sky-high 39.2 mm, 6.6 mm above average. The forefoot's abundant 24.0 mm foam leaves a steep heel drop of 15.2 mm. While this sounds too much, it actually feels comfortable on foot as it reduces stress on our lower legs.

Despite its height, we felt effortlessly stable due to AF2’s supportive trio: a firm cushion, vast platform, and stiff midsole. Our durometer reveals the foam is 12.6% denser than average to avoid uneven compression. Meanwhile, our flex test confirms a greater level of resistance to bending with a force that’s 15.7% above average.

If a shoe that won’t last is a red flag, then we suggest looking elsewhere. Our Dremel brutally damaged the main parts of the shoe: the outsole, toebox, and heel.

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 On Cloudtilt looks and feels like a cloud with its clean aesthetics, light build, and heavenly comfort. The ride feels nice and stable despite the plush foam. Our lab even shows a highly wear-resistant outsole, making it perfect for countless miles on foot. Among new walking shoes, it’s our top pick for cushioning.

Our scales confirm the lightness we felt, sitting at a pleasant 9.4 oz (266g) vs. the 9.8 oz (277g) average walking shoe. We’re amazed how the Cloudtilt managed to have a massive 35.5/26.8 mm stack for unmatched impact protection. Our lab reveals it’s made of a soft 20.2 HA Helion foam, which adds responsiveness to our strides. Additionally, the CloudTec compression enhances pillowy landings. Despite its tall nature, Cloudtilt surprisingly offers a stable ride. To enhance support, it widens the midsole to 117.7/96.7 mm to help us find our footing securely.

We measured the rubberized compound underfoot to be 81.6 HC, 6.9% above average. We tested its durability further in our Dremel test, and it emerged victorious with only a minimal 0.6 mm dent, 60.0% less wear than average! This erased any doubts about the shoe’s longevity.

However, its tightly woven upper makes it comfortable only for cool weather. Those who prefer airy shoes should check alternatives.