7 Best Running Shoes For Walking in 2024

The Adidas Ultraboost Light provides the ultimate overall walking experience from a running shoe. That’s because of its cloud-like comfort and cushioning, sock-like fit, and terrific durability, which set it apart from other running shoes when it comes to walking.

As great as the Ultraboost Light's boost midsole is for running, it might be even better for walking. With a softness of 15.5 HA, which is 36.7% softer than the average road running shoe, the Ultraboost Light delivered serious comfort during our casual strolls, not to mention a good amount of responsiveness. Moreover, the midsole is sufficiently cushioned in the heel. We measured its heel stack height at 30.1 mm, and it kept our feet well-protected with each step.

Meanwhile, the sock-like upper held our feet perfectly in place for the duration of our walks. And that upper can also withstand the wear and tear from miles of walking. It did brilliantly in our toebox and heel padding durability tests, scoring 4 and 5 out of 5, respectively, with 5 being the most durable.

However, the Ultraboost Light's traction is suspect on wet surfaces. We found the grip to be lacking on a damp patch of cobblestone, so be cautious while walking on wet spots.

The Brooks Ghost series is known for being a daily trainer and its 16th version is our top pick for comfort in the walking-running category. Numbers checked in the lab, it delivers a forgiving and long-lasting ride with its cushioned platform, flexible nature, and robust outsole.

Built for comfort, it hugs our feet with pillowy padding. The 10.4 mm tongue is 85.7% thicker than average, avoiding lace bite. Meanwhile, the foam below feels soft yet springy— especially in the 35.1 mm heel. Paired with a modest forefoot, the resulting heel drop is a steep 12.4 mm, optimized for heel-striking, which is usually the first to land when walking.

Given the soft foam, we expect it to be less stable. Yet to our surprise, the shoe feels steady with its reinforced sidewalls and structured heel. Each step moved effortlessly as the midsole flowed freely with our feet. Our flex test validates this, measuring 53.3% more flexible than average.

We expect the outsole to last long since we barely damaged the rubber after outdoor use. Our Dremel test backs up our observation since Ghost 16 showed less wear vs. average (0.7 mm vs. 0.9 mm).

While accommodating to most foot types, we found that the upper sits lower than most shoes, leading to low toebox volume. Those who experience unwanted pressure in this area should go for higher-volume uppers.

In our quest for the ultimate cushioned walking-running shoes, we rigorously tested various contenders, both in and out of the lab, until we discovered ASICS Gel Nimbus 26. This shoe epitomizes maximalism in every aspect, enveloping our feet with luxurious padding from all angles.

The plushness of the upper material is unparalleled, offering a level of comfort that surpasses anything we've experienced before. Testing this feature was a delight, as the premium material proved to be both stretchy and airy. Our breathability tests confirm its exceptional ventilation, earning a commendable 4/5 rating. Furthermore, it elevates comfort to new heights with its exceptionally soft heel padding.

Even with the visual bulk, we’re blown away by the amount of foam it has. Our measurements with the caliper unveiled a towering stack height of 40.4 mm, boldly surpassing race limits. On top of this, the heel includes the PureGEL technology to facilitate gentler landings. Forefoot strikers also won’t have much ground feel with its above-average 32.0 mm stack. Our durometer readings reaffirm its commitment to comfort, registering a softness level of 18.5 HA.

What we noticed is that the shoe lacks the natural feel some athletes are looking for. While our bend test shows an average 30.2N flexibility for running, it’s quite stiff compared to the average for walking (19.2N).

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is our clear top pick for the best stability shoe for walking. It has an impressive level of cushioning, comfort, and breathability, which other stability shoes just can't compete with.

Rock-solid stability is the Adrenaline GTS 23’s big claim to fame, and with good reason. Its guide rails on both sides of the shoe did a fantastic job of helping prevent our feet from making excess movements. And the wide landing platform provided additional stability and gives us more confidence on each step. We measured the forefoot midsole's forefoot and heel width to be 4.5 mm and 7 mm wider than average.

The Adrenaline GTS 23 shoe doesn't sacrifice stability for comfort, though. We felt the shoe had a good blend of softness and stability during extended walks. And our durometer confirmed the midsole foam was indeed nicely balanced with a softness of 19.5 HA, which is 20% softer than the average running shoe. 

But perhaps the Adrenaline GTS 23’s standout feature is its exceptional breathability. We gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 in our breathability test as the smoke we pumped in almost instantly escaped through the large ventilation holes in the upper. And our feet were kept capably cool on our walks thanks to that breathable upper.

Unfortunately, that upper lacks durability, particularly in the toebox. The mesh material was significantly damaged we put a Dremel to it, which is why it scored a lowly 1 out of 5. So for those looking for a walking shoe that has more durability, look elsewhere.

Among all the daily trainers out there, the Hoka Clifton 9 is clearly the best choice for walking. That’s because of its light weight, soft and energetic midsole cushioning, and great fit, which other daily trainers just can’t compete with.

The Clifton 9 is among the lighter daily trainers around at just 8.78 oz (249g). That's a good 1.3 oz (38g) lighter than the average daily trainer, and it sure felt that way as we hardly had to exert much effort lifting our feet while walking.

And the overall walking experience is made all the more enjoyable by its fantastic midsole foam. Not only is it 16.7% softer than the average road running shoe, but it is also more responsive. There is also a good amount of cushioning, especially in the forefoot, which has 2.4 mm more stack height.

The fit of the upper is excellent, with the semi-gusseted tongue providing a secure lockdown. The tongue, which we measured to be 0.8 mm thicker, and the heel collar are also generously padded and add to the comfortably snug fit.

But the Clifton 9 is not quite wide-foot friendly as its toebox width at the widest part and at the big toe are 2.1 mm and 1.8 mm narrower than average, respectively. However, Hoka does offer a wider option of the shoe.

Among the walking-running shoes we tested on foot and in the lab, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is our top road-to-trail shoe. Its flexible midsole and ideal lug depth make it highly versatile for mixed terrains, while its plush yet energetic ReactX foam leads to an effortless ride.

Starting with traction, the outsole gave us the confidence to run through asphalt, loose soil, and gravel. Our durometer shows that its 87.9 HC rubber is slightly above average, protecting us from sharp rocks and roots. Meanwhile, the 3.2 mm lugs held their ground firmly on the trails without being overkill on the road.

The midsole is made of a comfortable and bouncy ReactX foam, which our durometer proves is 51.1% softer than average. Our heel-to-toe transitions felt smooth thanks to the rocker structure, while a cozy cushion welcomed each landing.

Despite its thick stack, PT5 retains its flexibility through its outsole cutouts. This enhances our comfort and agility since the shoe doesn’t resist our strides. Our bend test shows this trail shoe is 31.3% more adaptive than average, making it a great walking and cross-training shoe.

However, while the dense and multi-layered upper boosts durability, it sacrifices a well-ventilated experience. Scoring only 2/5, we cannot recommend this pair in warmer seasons.

After intensive testing in and out of the lab, we found the Winflo 11 from Nike to be the ideal budget shoe for both walking and running, with a $105 price tag vs. the $137 average. What a steal for all that it offers: a full-length Air unit and plush cushioning, a premium-like upper, and a long-lasting outsole.

Underfoot is a plush and gentle sensation throughout. We weren’t surprised when our durometer revealed it was 35.0% softer than average. It effectively protected us from landing impact most especially in the 37.6 mm heel, babying our legs for long days on foot. Meanwhile, the Air unit adds a bit of spring to our step so that we don’t sink into the foam.

Even the upper feels soft to the touch, embracing us comfortably. Surprisingly, its thick material didn’t block airflow and our feet felt fresh throughout the day. Our smoke test confirms its breathability with an impressive 4/5 rating.

Winflo 11 withstood countless miles with barely any scratches. Our lab results indicate a durable outsole boasting harder and thicker rubber than average, measuring 93.0 HC and 3.6 mm, respectively.

However, its focus on comfort and durability tipped the scales to a heavy 10.4 oz (295g). Runners who prefer lightweight shoes are better off elsewhere.