7 Best New Walking Shoes in 2023

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






































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
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Best new lightweight walking shoes









































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
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New walking shoes with the best cushioning










































What makes it the best?
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
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New walking shoes with the best sock-like fit









































What makes it the best?
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
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New walking shoes with the best versatility

What makes it the best?
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
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New walking shoes with the best rocker

What makes it the best?
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
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New walking shoes with the best arch support

What makes it the best?
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
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Comparison of the 7 best new walking shoes
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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.