7 Best Running Shoes For Walking in 2024

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Running Shoes For Walking in 2024

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Running shoes have the best cushioning that works wonderfully not just for marathons but also for your daily casual walks. If you want to have just one shoe to rock your daily jogs and stay comfortable all day long, there are a lot of running shoe options that can double as your pair of walking shoes.

In this list, we are giving you the cream of the crop in terms of cushion. We also test the shoes' support, stability, durability, breathability, and other features. Now it's on you to choose a shoe that matches your preferences!

How we test running shoes

There are a lot of things we should consider before choosing the best running shoes for walking. And to make sure we end up with the finest, we put them through a series of tests in our lab. Here, we do the following: 

  • Use a durometer, force gauge, smoke machine, dremel, tyre tread gauge, and other tools to measure 20+ parameters
  • Cut the shoes in half and into pieces to perform more tests that could be done accurately only on shoes cut in half

We also run 30-50 miles in each pair to be able to combine first-hand experience with the shoe with our lab data. We buy all the running shoes that we test with our own money to avoid brand bias.

Best running shoes for walking overall

What makes it the best?

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.

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

Running shoes for walking with the best comfort

Brooks Ghost 16
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What makes it the best?

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, optimised 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.

Pros

  • Fiables
  • Parte delantera espaciosa
  • Óptimas para los talonadores
  • Suela exterior muy resistente
  • Muy estables
  • Retorno de energía mejorado
  • Versátiles para varias actividades
  • Mantienen un precio asequible

Cons

  • Lengüeta sin refuerzo
  • Contrafuerte del talón rígido
  • Poco volumen en la parte delantera
Full review of Brooks Ghost 16

Running shoes for walking with the best cushioning

What makes it the best?

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 epitomises 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 calliper 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).

Pros

  • Premium all-around comfort
  • Enhanced toebox design
  • Exceptional durability
  • Best-in-series outsole
  • Ideal for long distances
  • Superb knit upper
  • Surprisingly stable
  • A dream for heel strikers

Cons

  • Increased weight
  • Limited energy return
  • Tongue lacks padding
Full review of ASICS Gel Nimbus 26

Best stability running shoes for walking

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Excellent stability without being intrusive
  • Ideal for easy miles
  • Specifically designed for heel strikers
  • Outstanding breathability
  • Comfortable and cushioned
  • Availability in narrow and wide sizes
  • Capable of handling tempo paces
  • Not expensive at all

Cons

  • The engineered mesh upper lacks durability
  • Lacks cushion for forefoot strikers
Full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Best lightweight running shoes for walking

Hoka Clifton 9
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What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Thicker and more energetic midsole cushioning
  • Lighter than the v8
  • Easy on the knees
  • Durable upper
  • Available in wide
  • Good traction on roads and mild trails
  • Mild, unobtrusive stability elements
  • Can handle faster paces better than previous editions
  • Best for easy days and long runs

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Upper needs some time to break in
  • Average breathability
Full review of Hoka Clifton 9

Best road-to-trail running shoes for walking

What makes it the best?

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 cosy 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.

Pros

  • Fully gusseted tongue
  • Reflective elements
  • Durable upper construction
  • New rockered sole
  • Incredibly roomy toebox
  • Great for heel strikers
  • Reasonably priced
  • All-around comfort

Cons

  • Weight increase
  • Possibly too plush for trails
  • Still lacks traction
Full review of Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Best budget running shoes for walking

Nike Winflo 11
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What makes it the best?

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 £110 price tag vs. the £140 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.

Pros

  • Comfortable engineered mesh
  • Exceptional durability
  • Excellent value for price
  • Spacious toebox
  • Gusseted tongue
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Plush foam cushioning
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Full-length Air unit

Cons

  • Small price increase from v10
  • Notable weight gain
  • Lacks stability
Full review of Nike Winflo 11

Unsurprisingly, the best running shoes are also excellent walking shoes. Many essential shoe features remain unchanged, no matter your speed.

Brooks Ghost 15

However, that doesn’t mean all running shoes are suitable for more pedestrian pursuits. And running shoes are increasingly designed around performance-oriented features, sometimes at the expense of their walking versatility.

Here is how to identify and choose among the best running shoes that are still fit for walking.

What makes a running shoe good for walking?

Whether you’re walking or running, the best shoes do the same things well: they are comfortable, durable, supportive, and (hopefully) stylish enough to be more versatile than your typical pair of running shoes. 

Comfort

Adequate midsole cushioning, flexible and breathable upper construction, and ergonomic footbed design are nearly universal qualities of every great running shoe. These qualities make for the best walking shoes, too.

The most comfortable running shoes for walking tend to have average-to-high stack heights (midsole thickness). Low-stack (minimally cushioned) shoes provide ground contact and feel light and nimble, but are not very comfortable for walking or working on your feet.

hoka-clifton-9-stack-heel.JPG
The optimal heel stack height for a comfortable walking shoe ranges from 30 to 40 mm.

Durability

Durable running shoes are often even more durable when used as walking shoes. This is because walking creates significantly smaller impact forces than running, so it takes longer to compromise the material integrity of a shoe’s midsole foam. Compressed midsoles are what typically spell the end of a running shoe’s useful lifespan, as they will no longer absorb and distribute shocks effectively.

High-quality and durable running shoes last for at least 500 miles. If you use them mostly for walking, it is possible to double that mileage.

We also test the durability of each shoe's toebox and heel padding as well as the rubber outsole. Using a Dremel allows us to see how wear-resistant each of these shoe parts are.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Toebox durability

Support

The support features you need depends on personal preferences and your unique biomechanics. Fortunately, the shape of your foot remains the same—whether you’re running or walking. If you need extra arch support or stability features to correct overpronation, you will benefit from wearing those supportive shoes for both running and walking.

Some of our favourite running shoes with arch support are Brooks with "GTS" in their names. GTS stands for "Go-To-Support." Another all-time favourite is the ASICS Gel Kayano series.

Style

Neon green and orange running shoes look slick if they’re paired with split shorts and a race bib. But they’re a little more conspicuous than desired for a casual weekend stroll through town. The best running shoes for walking tend to reign in the bright colorways in favour of more versatile styles.

Adidas Ultraboost Light tie

The best running shoes for walking shoes to consider

In testing dozens of running shoes for comfort, support, style, and more, we identified the running shoes that best moonlight as reliable walking shoes. Here is a quick summary of what makes them exceptional.

Adidas Ultraboost

Cushioned Comfort

Well-cushioned yet super responsive, the Ultraboosts are simply a joy to walk in. It is also supportive, stable, and built with durable outsoles and upper components.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS

Stability Stand Out

Brooks’ GTS guide rails arm the Adrenaline with outstanding stability characteristics. Further, its comfort, cushioning, and breathability outmatches most other running stability shoes.

Asics Gel Nimbus

Plush Cushioned Cruiser

The Gel Nimbus was designed to eat up easy miles and protect tired feet on recovery runs. It is also a maximum cushion, endlessly comfortable walking shoe.

Nike React Pegasus Trail

Off Road Versatility

The Pegasus Trail is a lightweight and comfortable trail running shoe. Smaller lugs make it perfect for hiking and trail running on dirt trails, but it is not too overbuilt for casual wear around town.

Hoka Clifton

Do-it-all Daily Trainer

Big on cushioning and comfort for long days on your feet, the Clifton is a classic daily training or work shoe.

Adidas Duramo

Low-budget, High Performing

The Adidas Duramo is comfortable, breathable, and provides impressive cushioning. It’s more than you’d expect for a shoe and an entry-level price point. 

Brooks Ghost

Lightweight All-Rounder

The Ghost is Brooks’ eternally popular daily trainer. It is lightweight yet comfy and durable—a perfect all-round running and walking shoe for anyone who regularly does both.

asics-gel-nimbus-25-weight.JPG

Running shoes for walking: features to avoid

Although similar in many ways, the biomechanics of a walking and running stride still have some remarkable differences. With innovations in shoe technology, designers are increasingly targeting the biomechanics of running specifically. As a result, many modern running shoes do have features that make them super-optimised for running but not ideal for walking. 

Some features to avoid when choosing running shoes for walking include:

Carbon plates: High-end performance-oriented running shoes feature a thin carbon plate above the midsole. These ultralight plates maximise stride efficiency and encourage a quick heel-to-toe-off. It makes them a game-changing innovation for uptempo running, but the propulsive effects are actually a bad thing for walking due to the biomechanical movement changes they encourage.

Saucony Endorphin Elite Drop
The black piece inside the white foam is the carbon plate

Aggressive rocker designs: Running shoe insoles have a rockered shape to encourage an efficient and propulsive stride. Rockered insoles that are particularly stiff and aggressive may feel awkward while walking.

new-balance-fuelcell-supercomp-trainer-style.JPG

Advanced PEBA-based foams: PEBA (polyether block amide)-based foams are used in many running shoes marketed for race day or uptempo training sessions. They are light, stiff, and bouncy to encourage optimal running efficiency. While helpful for chasing a marathon PR, this efficiency is unnecessary for walking. Stiff foam midsoles like this create greater instability and are less suitable for slower paces and walking gaits.

FAQs

What are the best running shoes for walking?

The best walking shoes for running are comfortable and breathable, with moderate midsole thickness and excellent durability. The Adidas Ultraboost Light is our overall favourite walking shoe for running. 

Can I use trail running shoes for walking?

Trail running shoes can make for excellent walking shoes, especially if you are walking primarily on natural surfaces. Indeed, many hikers and backpackers now prefer the comfort, breathability, and traction of trail running shoes over heavy and clumsy hiking boots. 

Are low-drop running shoes appropriate for walking?

Low-drop running shoes can be good for walking, but like most things, it depends on your stride and personal preferences. Higher drop (10-12mm) shoes encourage heel striking, which puts more strain on the knees and hips, but less on the calves and feet muscles. Low-drop (0-6mm) shoes do the opposite.

hoka-clifton-9-outsole.JPG

Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.