6 Best Fitness Walking Shoes, 20+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Laci
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6 Best Fitness Walking Shoes, 20+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Lace-up with any of these fitness walking shoes to take your workout to a higher level. From established brands like Skechers, ASICS, and On to relatively new labels like OluKai and Propet, you have several great options to keep your long walks comfortable and enjoyable.

Depending on the weather or the terrain where you’ll walk, there’s a perfect pair of walking footwear for you. If you prefer lightweight, easy-to-wear style, and quick-dry ability shoes, then the OluKai Inana will definitely fit the bill. For more known brands, Skechers’ Arch Fit and On Cloud Nexus are the popular choices.

To help you get your ideal pair, we’ve tested and ranked all the best fitness walking shoes out there. Read in-depth reviews from experts and check out our top picks in different categories.

How we test walking shoes

Each shoe comes with specific functions and commercial features. To identify the top performers for this list, we’ve examined each model inside our independent shoe testing lab. We test the shoes in an actual walking regimen covering around 10000 steps for each pair.

These are the steps involved in our selection:

  • We purchase the fitness walking footwear ourselves. This is the best way to provide 100% unbiased reviews and top rankings.
  • To assess the shoe’s comfort, ankle support, breathability, and durability, we walk thousands of steps to get a first-hand impression and our final assessments.
  • We subject the shoes through a series of tests and scrutiny to check their cushioning technology, lacing system, heel protection, and all other key parameters.
  • We walk in these pairs on different surfaces to see each shoe's strengths and shortcomings.

In the end, we give each pair of fitness walking shoes a rating from 0 to 100. Go to the CoreScore to see the overall rating of a particular model.

Best fitness walking shoes overall

On Cloudnova
On Cloudnova

CoreScore

90
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 469 users
88 / 100 from 5 experts

Pros

  • Perfect for all-day wear
  • Great travel shoe
  • Attractive design
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Fits well straight from the box
  • High quality
  • Weighs below average
  • 10% recycled materials

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Sole catches debris
  • Mid-cut is not for everyone

Verdict

On Cloudnova is part of the brand’s athletic lifestyle series which packs all the right things from their running shoes to make a go-to daily beater. The Cloudnova exceeded the expectations of first-time purchasers. It has become many people’s favorite for its comfort and exclusive visual appeal.
On Cloudnova full review

Best fitness Skechers walking shoes

Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit
Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit

CoreScore

92
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 2,041 users
N/A

Pros

  • Offers lasting comfort
  • Supportive footbed
  • Appealing design
  • Adds height to wearers
  • Alleviates pain
  • No break-in period
  • Attracts repeat buyers

Cons

  • Low collar section
  • Noticeable wear after a few months

Verdict

The Max Cushioning Arch Fit is an athletic-inspired shoe ideal for everyday walking. It is also a reliable work companion because of its sustained comfort. Moreover, this neutral walking shoe also provides ample support for flat-footed wearers. It also has an elevated sole unit and fashionable style that earned the admiration of many owners.
Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit full review

Best fitness walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

OluKai Miki Trainer
OluKai Miki Trainer

Out of stock in all 52 shops

OluKai fitness walking shoes  

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 754 users
N/A

Pros

  • Comfortable footbed
  • Versatile
  • Handy adjustable rearfoot
  • Ample arch support
  • Lightweight
  • Appealing sporty style

Cons

  • Loose heel and narrow forefoot
  • Requires a break-in period

Verdict

Appreciated mostly for its comfort, the OluKai Miki Trainer also received praises for its versatility, supportive arch section, and lightness. Its aesthetics also didn't disappoint. Many adored its stylish design too. However, some were not pleased with how roomy the heel and narrow the forefoot is. Despite that, this walking shoe comes highly recommended for its multifaceted purpose.
OluKai Miki Trainer full review

Best fitness New Balance walking shoes

New Balance 624
New Balance 624

CoreScore

86
Good!
4.3 / 5 from 1,178 users
N/A

Pros

  • Comfortable for walking
  • Available in multiple widths
  • Helps to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis
  • Affordable
  • Fits well with orthotics
  • No slipping or sliding
  • Good for moderate gym use
  • Approved for diabetes (A5500 code)

Cons

  • Laces are too long
  • Not many colorways

Verdict

The New Balance 624 belongs to the brand’s long-standing silhouettes. Over the years, it has gained plenty of “believers” who claim it to be their 3rd, 6th, and even 20th(!) pair. With a classic dad-shoe appeal, it may not be a head-turner but it surely delivers comfort and support.
New Balance 624 full review

Best value

CoreScore

92
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 1,067 users
90 / 100 from 1 expert

Pros

  • Mind-blowing cushioning
  • Can be used for jogging
  • Helps to ease foot pain
  • Needs no break-in
  • Accommodating toebox
  • Breathable
  • Surprisingly lightweight
  • Machine-washable
  • Good-looking
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Lacks colorways
  • Tongue could be more padded

Verdict

For those who want to get as much cushioning out of a Skechers shoe as possible, the Max Cushioning Elite - Destination Point is the way to go. It offers wearers heavenly underfoot comfort with its 2-inch heel thickness. A relief to many tired feet, the shoe also grabs attention with its visual aesthetic.
Skechers Max Cushioning Elite - Destination Point full review
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.