7 Best New Walking Shoes in 2023

Laci
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7 Best New Walking Shoes in 2023
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When it comes to footgear, fresh kicks have this undeniable appeal, especially among the gents. If you are on the lookout for a pair of new walking shoes, we whipped up this article to help you.

Also, we have tested these fresh-from-the-oven walking shoes to make your shopping experience as hassle-free as possible. We chose not to rely on what the brands say, but instead, we found the truth ourselves. Whether you're looking for an impressive all-rounder or something that endures for months, we've got options to choose from.

Best new walking shoes overall

Hoka Transport
82
Good!

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Unbelievably comfy
  • Spacious toe box
  • Adequately cushioned
  • Superior traction
  • Reliable outsole durability
  • Easy to slip in and out
  • True-to-size fit
  • Easy to clean
  • Sustainable

Cons

  • Not great for warm weather
  • Squeaky during break in
Full review of Hoka Transport

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Castlerock/Black (CKBC)
Black (BBLC)
Green (AHMS)
Harbor Mist/Lime Glow (1123153HMLG)
White (1123153WWH)

Best new lightweight walking shoes

On Cloud 5 Push
90
Great!

What makes it the best?

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!

Pros

  • Amazing in-shoe comfort
  • Excellent for all-day use
  • Super lightweight
  • Highly breathable
  • Flexible and natural ride
  • Quick and easy to put on
  • Attractive design and colors
  • Reflective elements
  • Sustainable materials (44%)

Cons

  • Poor upper durability
  • Not for wide feet
Full review of On Cloud 5 Push

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Men
Women
Any color
Ivory Creek (6998354)
Niagara Chambray (6998867)
White (6998356)
Dust/Ink (6998554)
White/Flame (6998864)
Eclipse Chambray (6998866)

New walking shoes with the best cushioning

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Cushy and responsive ride
  • Good for easy runs and long distances
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Suitable for wide feet
  • Effective stability elements for mild pronation
  • Snug and secure lockdown
  • Durable toebox and heel
  • Outsole built to last
  • Ready for winter runs
  • Works as a comfy walking shoe
  • Sustainably designed upper

Cons

  • Thin forefoot cushioning
  • Could be lighter
  • Slippery on wet surfaces
  • Not for speedwork
  • Average at best breathability
Full review of Adidas Ultraboost Light

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Men
Women
Any color
Core Black Grey Six Ftwr White (HQ6339)
White/Black/Solar Red (HQ6351)
Solar Red/Black/White (HQ6341)
Carbon Blue Dawn Court Green (HQ6342)
White/White/Crystal White (GY9350)
Black (GZ5159)
Black (GY9351)
Lucid Blue/Coral Fusion/Blue Fusion (HP3343)
More colors

New walking shoes with the best sock-like fit

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Pillow-like comfort
  • Cushioned for all-day wear
  • Amazingly lightweight
  • Surprisingly durable upper
  • Snug sock-like fit
  • Easy on and off
  • Super flexible
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Not breathable
  • Outsole lacks durability
Full review of Skechers GO WALK 6

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black Textile Synthetic (21620BBK)
Black (21620BLK)
Navy (NVOR)
Gray/Red (GYRD)
Taupe (21620TPE)
White Navy (WNV)
Black Textile Red Textile (BKRD)

New walking shoes with the best versatility

Nike Motiva
90
Great!

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Makes for effortless walks
  • Can handle a LOT of activities
  • Airy upper
  • Extremely plush sole
  • Off-the-box comfort
  • Amazing arch support
  • Stable base
  • Grippy sole

Cons

  • A bit pricey
  • Sole develops wrinkles
  • Rocker takes time to get used to
Full review of Nike Motiva

Today's best price

Men
Women

New walking shoes with the best rocker

KEEN WK400
85
Good!

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Propels the wearers forward
  • Improves gait and posture
  • Takes off stress and pressure on the feet
  • Comfortable for long hours
  • Great arch support
  • Breathable
  • Incredible quality

Cons

  • Needs some getting used to
  • Tight fit
Full review of KEEN WK400

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (1027478)
Blue (1027473)
Black / Yellow (1027483)
Grey (1027470)

New walking shoes with the best arch support

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Comfy for hours on end
  • Has a removable sole
  • Provides good support
  • Fashionable style
  • Gets repeat buyers
  • Off-the-box comfort
  • Has wide sizes

Cons

  • On the expensive side
  • Lacks cushioning
Full review of Skechers Arch Fit - Infinity Cool

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Navy (956)
Grey (GRY)
Black / Grey (BLK)
Navy (NVY)

Comparison of the 7 best new walking shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways

How we test walking shoes

Here's our approach:

  • We buy new walking shoes for men using our funds. We can't stress enough how significant fairness and impartiality are to us. 
  • We walk in these brand-new kicks on a variety of surfaces to test each pair's strengths. During our strolls, we also keep tabs on wearability, comfort, durability, and others.
  • We gather more data by putting the walking shoes through different sets of tests inside our lab. One thing we like to measure is how much a shoe firms up when placed in a freezer. Using our durometer, we measure the midsole hardness at room temp and right after it is taken out of the freezer for 20 minutes. From there, we compare the percent change of the values. 

Not only that but we also cut the shoes into pieces so we have a clearer view of what's inside.

Author
Laci
Laci

Laci is a contemporary dancer turned shoe aficionado. She is the most knowledgeable person when it comes to athletic shoes, size conversions and details people nitpick about footwear. She keeps the RunRepeat content gears turning 24/7. And she walks 20miles/week.