7 Best Walking Shoes With High Energy Return in 2026

The Adidas Supernova Rise 2 is centred on comfort, enabling us to reach at least 10,000 steps every day. This lightweight shoe absorbs impact and moves fluidly with our feet, yet stands out in our strolls and lab tests with endless bounce, making it our best high-energy return walking shoe.

We tested the heel cushion’s ability to return the power we exert, and recorded an impressive energy return of 69.5%, much higher than the 58.5% average. The responsiveness helps us move forward with less effort. 

Moreover, fatigue is reduced with the way the rear dampens the forces of the ground, and proves it does so remarkably well with a great shock absorption score of 127 SA.

We enjoyed lasting comfort since the Supernova Rise 2 moves as one with our feet. It weighs really light at only 9.1 oz (257g), and feels even more weightless because of its highly flexible build. In our bend test, it emerged 52.3% more pliable than average, making the midsole easy to manoeuvre.

However, the toebox has limited room, so we can’t recommend this pair to those with broad or square-shaped feet.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 gave the sensation of walking on clouds with its soft touch and gentle landings. The sky is the limit when it comes to comfort and bounce, as lab results show it offers the best shock absorption among high-energy return walking shoes. To ensure controlled movement, the broad base enhances stability.

The More v6 captures its maximalist nature, offering tonnes of foam beneath our feet. We measured the behemoth stack at 41.8/38.5 mm, ensuring zero ground feel. Moreover, our legs stayed fresh all day because of the cushion's ability to reduce impact, which avoids pain and strain. In our shock absorption test, the heel scored an astounding 152 SA.

To ensure smooth and consistent forward motion, the heel offers a strong energy return of 60.1%. It feels bouncy and fun, ensuring that the massive stack doesn’t drag us down.

To counteract its plush and tall nature, the midsole runs wide at 122.5/102.0 mm. We felt safe inside the shoe as it’s almost impossible to lose our balance on the platform.

However, More v6 feels best when the temperatures drop. With limited ventilation, it will feel too hot in warm weather.

The Hoka Mach 6 makes our strolls well-cushioned without sacrificing weight, its natural feel, and bounce. We found it very versatile, allowing us to stay on foot for long hours with its impact protection and flexible build. However, it stands out in the lab as our best lightweight walking shoe.

For everything that it offers, Mach 6’s minimal 8.2 oz (232g) build is such a pleasant surprise. Compared to the average, it’s 12.1% lighter, so it never made us drag our feet around.

Its weightless feel is further enhanced by the springy cushion, which keeps our transitions smooth and consistent. Testing for the heel’s energy return, we recorded an impressive 65.4%. Meanwhile, each step is cushioned by the shock-absorbing heel, which scored a solid 135 SA in our test.

The fluid midsole keeps the experience effortless, as the shoe moves as one with our feet. Our bend test verifies that Mach 6 is 10.5% more flexible than average, offering comfort that endures.

However, we found the upper and inner lining fragile in our abrasion test. Those who often puncture these areas should find a more durable pair.

We thoroughly enjoyed our walks as Nike Motiva offered strong forward momentum with its responsive midsole and unique geometry. It’s hard to ignore its exaggerated shape, making it our best rocker among high-energy return walking shoes. Our lab results prove that Motiva’s one-of-a-kind ride, insane plushness, and robust outsole take walking shoes to the next level.

Each stride forward feels silky smooth thanks to its standout rocker design. While its geometry is evident, it truly comes alive in motion, encouraging us to take the next step quickly. To maintain this movement, Motiva offers pleasant responsiveness, backed up by its high energy return score of 58.0% in our lab test.

Motiva highlights superior comfort with its thick stack made of ultra-soft foam. In our shock absorption test, the heel registers a strong 133 SA score. We feel like we can walk all day with its bottomless cushioning that oozes pure bliss. The unique waves underfoot contribute to even out the pressure on our feet.

The outsole cements its durability with its tough rubber compound. Our durometer confirms a 92.0 HC reading, 17.9% harder than average. It barely showed any signs of wear in our tests, so we expect it to last hundreds of miles.

Due to its soft midsole, we advise overpronators to opt for a more supportive shoe, as Motiva may lack the additional stability required for their gait.

The Altra Experience Flow 2 suits its name because “go with the flow” became our mantra while sporting this pair. Our lab assessment reveals it has an effortless yet lively character, boosting agility and comfort through its accommodating fit and low weight. Among the high-energy return walking shoes we’ve tested, Experience Flow 2 is the best for wide feet.

We created a gel mould to accurately measure the shoe’s interiors, and verified the roominess we felt with an impressive 99.1 mm at the widest section. Compared to the 95.1 mm average, we found it incredibly friendly to those with broad feet or bunions.

Moving to the midsole, we found it exceptionally springy and protective despite its low 30.3/25.9 mm profile. Testing for its responsiveness, the heel impressed with 60.3%, and showed its strong ability to absorb shock with a high 127 SA rating.

EF2 is undeniably agile, with our scales showing a mere 8.3 oz (235g) on the scale, 11.0% below average. The midsole bends seamlessly with our feet, which adds to its weightless feel. Our flex test shows it’s 34.6% more adaptive than average.

However, the poor performance of the outsole in our Dremel test makes durability its Achilles’ heel. Those looking for a long-lasting option should check sturdier options.

We felt well-grounded and established our footing during our walks in the Saucony Hurricane 25. Lab results reveal its steadiness stems from its wide, rigid, and grippy base, without foregoing responsiveness and impact protection. Among high-energy return walking shoes, it takes the lead for stability.

We had lots of room to find our balance, verified by a massive calliper reading of 124.4/102.2 mm. Moreover, Hurricane 25 features the CenterPath technology and has a twist-resistant midsole that prevents us from going over our ankles. Our manual assessment confirms a solid 4/5 torsional rigidity score.

Beneath our feet lies a thick stack of luscious PWRRUN PB foam, reaching 40.2/33.1 mm. Each takeoff feels vibrant, backed up by high energy return scores of 68.4% in the heel and 74.0% in the forefoot. Meanwhile, its shock-absorbing foam allowed us to last all day, reaching a staggering 151 SA score in the rear.

We analysed the XT-900 rubber in the lab and validated its premium status, delivering both all-weather grip and supreme wear resistance. In our traction test, it emerged 10.2% grippier than average, while in our Dremel test, it emerged 18.2% more durable.

However, its poor performance in our breathability test tells us Hurricane 25 only works best in cool weather. Those who prioritise ventilation should skip this pair.

The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v8 delivers the perfect balance of bounce and impact protection, wrapped in a fluid and breathable package that further enhances comfort. For all that it offers, its £80 price is a pleasant surprise. Being 32.8% cheaper than the average walking shoe in our lab roster, the 680 v8 is our best budget high-energy return walking shoe.

This kick’s light weight and low resistance lead to high versatility and lasting comfort. Our scales show it’s only 9.2 oz (261g), making it easy to bring around all day. Moreover, its flexible midsole enhances an effortless sensation. Our bend test verifies it’s 41.2% more pliable than average.

The Fresh Foam midsole delivers both impact protection and bounce, backed up by lab results. Testing for the heel’s energy return, we recorded a strong 61.2%, keeping each stride dynamic. With every touchdown, a plush cushion awaits, absorbing shock at a high rate of 124 SA.

The upper feels soft without foregoing ventilation. It showed strong airflow in our smoke test, earning the maximum 5/5 breathability score.

However, the plush foam may feel unstable for overpronators or on tired feet. Those who need additional support should invest in alternatives.