5 Best Walking Shoes in 2023

Laci
Laci on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
5 Best Walking Shoes in 2023
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Walking is rarely considered a fitness activity on its own. That’s why people usually go with their running shoes or gym trainers for taking strolls and getting around. And these shoes do get the job done in many cases.

But when your feet start craving for more comfort and support in your daily walks, it’s time to consider a dedicated walking shoe.

We have tested over 80 pairs of walking shoes to help you find the best one. Understanding that people may expect different things from their walking shoes, we have selected top picks in five different categories.

Best overall
Allbirds Tree Runners Allbirds Tree Runners
$105 $64 From Allbirds
Best lightweight
On Cloud 5 On Cloud 5
$140 $119 From Zappos
Best for standing all day
On Cloudnova On Cloudnova
$160 From On Running
Best waterproof
On Cloud 5 Waterproof On Cloud 5 Waterproof
$170 From Zappos
Best travel
Hoka Transport Hoka Transport
$140 From Zappos
See all 116 walking shoes

    How we test walking shoes

    We are a team of shoe fanatics who has dived into the nitty-gritty details of 250+ walking shoes from over 10 brands. Our specialists spend 7 hours per product on average, putting hundreds of user and expert reviews into a concise summary.  

    On the back-end, our proprietary algorithm collects all available user ratings for every shoe. The result comes back as a number from 0 to 100, which we call the CoreScore. Based on the users’ opinion only, it shows where the product stands compared to all other models.

    Best walking shoes overall

    allbirds tree runners review
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    Allbirds Tree Runners
    94
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    Despite its simple looks, the Allbirds Tree Runner is very likely to entice you into buying multiple pairs. The merino wool goodness blended with a lightweight, flexible, and foot-hugging design made the shoe a love at first try for thousands of people. Take it on your next trip or wear it around the office, the Tree Runner is going to feel equally at home.

    Pros

    • Extra comfortable interiors
    • Equally cozy in 40 and 85ºF
    • Can be worn without socks
    • Lightweight and packable
    • Flexible sole
    • Removable insoles
    • Easy to style
    • Machine washable
    • Sustainable design

    Cons

    • No half sizes
    • Lacks arch support
    Full review of Allbirds Tree Runners

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    $64
    See deal  
    No stock  
    No stock  
    No stock  

    Best lightweight walking shoes

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    On Cloud 5
    89
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    Numerous owners of the Cloud 5 commented that, thanks to this shoe, they finally understood the hype around this high-class footwear. It is a quality lifestyle shoe that shines as a daily driver and as an athleisure option. If you are someone living on the go, you will be delighted with its weightless construction and the ease of on-and-off. This shoe just disappears on the foot.

    Pros

    • Perfect for all-day wear
    • Unbelievably lightweight
    • Can do low-impact workouts
    • Amazing in-shoe feel
    • Very breathable
    • Super easy on-off
    • Great flexibility
    • Regular laces are added
    • Sustainable materials (44%)

    Cons

    • Not for wide feet
    • Lacks durability
    • Outsole catches pebbles
    Full review of On Cloud 5

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Niagara Black (5998915)
    Black (5998919)
    Blue (5998916)
    Green (5998912)
    All Black (5998986)
    Olive/Alloy (5998364)
    All White (5998902)
    Green (5998559)
    More colors
    $119
    See deal  
    $136
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $165
    See deal  

    Best walking shoes for standing all day

    on cloudnova review
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    On Cloudnova
    90
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    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.

    Pros

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

    Cons

    • Pricey
    • Sole catches debris
    • Mid-cut is not for everyone
    Full review of On Cloudnova

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Phantom White (2699116)
    Black (2699814)
    White/Mineral (2698989)
    White/Red (2698991)
    Navy White (2699117)
    Eclipse/Meadow (2698992)
    White (2698493)
    98492 Ivy Eclipse (2698492)
    $160
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $174
    See deal  
    $175
    See deal  
    $185
    See deal  

    Best waterproof walking shoes

    on cloud 5 waterproof review
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    On Cloud 5 Waterproof
    86
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    This is the rainy weather edition of On’s most popular walking shoe. The Cloud 5 Waterproof inherits most of the well-loved characteristics of the original. It is amazingly light, comfortable, and easy to put on, making it perfect for daily wear and traveling.

    Pros

    • Perfect for all-day wear
    • Super light for its kind
    • Easy on-and-off
    • Amazing in-shoe feel
    • Sustainable materials (40%)
    • Regular laces are added
    • Reflective elements

    Cons

    • Catches rocks and debris
    • Can get smelly
    Full review of On Cloud 5 Waterproof

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    All Black (5998838)
    Blue (5998837)
    Olive Black (5998836)
    Mustard/Rock (5998529)
    Blue (5998531)
    Cocoa/Frost (5998839)
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $252
    See deal  

    Best travel shoes

    hoka transport review
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    Hoka Transport
    83
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    Whether the roads are slippery, wet, or have a bit of light trail in them, these walking shoes from Hoka make sure that your feet stay well-protected and your strides well-planted throughout your adventure. For commuters who are always on the go, its overall comfort and good looks make it the perfect daily beater. As an added bonus, it’s super easy to slip on, too!

    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
    Full review of Hoka Transport

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Grey (CKBC)
    Black (BBLC)
    Green (AHMS)
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Comparison of the 5 best walking shoes

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    Best
    CoreScore
    Users rating
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    3 types of walking shoes

    Depending on how you are going to use your pair of walking shoes will help you decide on the kind of shoe you need. Here are the three most common categories of walking footwear based on their intended use:

    All-day wear

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    Shoes in this range are meant for walking and standing all day long, be it for leisure, errands, fitness, casual outings, or a trip to Disneyland.

    They will keep you comfortable on concrete or any other urban surface, as well as cobblestone, and not too rocky trails.

    Additionally, you can consider running shoes designed for walking to expand your options.

    See our selection of comfy walking shoes for all-day wear.

    Traveling

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    These are lightweight, airy shoes that are barely noticeable on foot. Most of them have a slip-on design, which makes them easy to put on and take off.

    This footwear will cushion your feet in long airport lines, on sightseeing trips, and while meandering around your vacation spot.

    Check out the full list of travel walking shoes.

    Work

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    These models are meant for the workers of healthcare, food, and other essential industries. They typically come with a leather upper which makes them hard-wearing and easy to maintain.

    The outsole often features a slip-resistant characteristic to keep the wearer sure-footed on dusty and wet tile floors.

    Medical staff might specifically look into walking shoes for nurses.

    See our collection of footwear for work.

    Walking shoes for flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and other foot conditions

    Do your feet have special needs? 

    Be it a proven condition like diabetes or just a periodic heel pain, your walking shoe should relieve discomfort and not aggravate it. Here are some general guidelines on what type of footwear to choose for various health issues:

    Flat feet / Overpronation

    • stabilizing components prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot
    • the heel is held firmly by a solid ankle collar or an external stabilizer

    Go for stability walking shoes if the overpronation is moderate and choose motion control footwear in severe cases.

    Plantar fasciitis

    • moderate cushioning: soft enough to protect the foot from the impact but firm enough to prevent wobbling
    • more padding in the heel takes the strain off the plantar fascia ligament
    • a broad sole ensures stability and cushioning in the entire heel area
    • the heel is locked inside a firm heel counter

    See walking shoes for plantar fasciitis that meet these criteria, according to users.

    Bunions

    • a spacious toe box doesn’t constrain the forefoot
    • flexible upper material stretches in the ball foot area

    If you need even more space in the forefoot, go for wide and extra-wide walking shoes.

    Diabetes

    • spacious toe box doesn’t cramp the forefoot and helps to accommodate foot deformities if any
    • a moderately-soft midsole keeps the foot cushioned and ensures stable movement
    • the interior is seamless, minimizing any chance of chafing and blistering
    • the midsole has supportive elements that don’t let the foot roll excessively

    These shoes are marked with an A5500 code, which makes them subject to compensation by Medicare.

    Heavy weight / Obesity

    • extra space in the toe box can fit a larger foot
    • firmer and thicker cushioning helps to absorb impact effectively under heavy load
    • more durable materials prevent the shoe from wearing out too soon

    Consider shoes for heavy walkers recommended by overweight wearers.

    Disclaimer: These recommendations are based on the general podiatrists’ advice and are not meant as a substitute for professional medical treatment.

    Choosing the right material in walking shoes

    For a soft, light, and airy experience, choose knit or mesh walking shoes. You can expect a more supportive feel and longer service from shoes with leather or suede uppers.

    Knit

    		 Mesh Leather Suede
    Pros

    vegan

    more breathable

    softer feel

    more durable

    more supportive

    take longer to soak

    some models are waterproof
    Cons

    less durable

    less supportive

    soak easily

    not waterproof

    non-vegan

    less breathable

    stiffer feel
    Other properties
    stretchy, conforming moderately stretchy stretch to a small degree with usage
    easier to clean and maintain

    require special maintenance
    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.

    Email All articles and reviews

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