Best Walking Shoes For Men 2025

Sizes: 7 to 14 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 10 total, including Glacier/White and Niagara/Black | Lacing: Elastic speed laces and pull-tight laces | Upper material: Antimicrobial mesh

• What’s notable: Made of partially recycled materials, this shoe’s breathable mesh upper and removable cushioned arch insole make it a comfy, easy-to-wear style.
• What could be better: This style runs a bit small and narrow, and Picciurro says they may not have enough foot and ankle support for everyone.

Swiss running shoe brand On is known for its science-backed CloudTec foam, a forgiving material described as “running on clouds.” Designed to provide all-day comfort, the Cloud 5 has a removable cushioned arch insole, should you require additional support, plus a Speedboard that runs the length of the sneaker and promotes stability and propulsion when walking. The sneakers also feature airy mesh uppers, which our tester appreciates. “I really enjoy the breathability of the shoe. The mesh allows air flow that helps keep my feet cool after a long walk.”

Weighing just 223 grams, these shoes are super lightweight, sleek and eco-conscious—around 45% of the materials are recycled. “People often gravitate toward this shoe because it can be worn as a slip-on,” says Mel Siegel, shoe specialist and owner of Sportech. “It doesn’t necessarily look like an athletic shoe, but it has a nice and comfortable sneaker feel.”

Beyond the cushioning, breathability and construction, On includes a second pair of laces that another one of our panelists prefers for a tighter fit. “The extra laces was also a nice touch incase you wanted a tighter fit than the elastic laces that come on the shoes,” he says.

Long-Term Testing Update:  Three months after testing, our panelist continues to lace up his Ons on a regular basis. “I still wear these a few times a week when actively walking. The grip at the bottom of the shoe has worn only slightly, they still feel safe, even walking in this northeast treacherous weather. I plan to wear them in an upcoming 5k race this spring!”

Sizes: 7 to 16 | Widths: Narrow (1B), standard (1D), wide (2E), extra-wide (4E) | Colors: 6 total, including Arctic Grey and Blue Oasis | Lacing: Pull-tight laces | Upper material: Synthetic mesh

• What’s notable: The roomy toe box in this model allows toes room to spread out, and the breathable mesh upper allows for good air flow.
• What could be better: The tongue does not have a lot of padding, according to users, and it can slip to the side easily.

Ask foot experts which shoes are best for wide feet, and New Balances are frequently at the top of the list—this style has a Seal of Approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association. They’re also great at regulating heat. Our tester who laced up the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 before its v14 update wore these sneakers on hot days. “The moisture-wicking properties keep my feet dry on both long walks and on jogs, no matter the temperature outside.” The multidirectional lugs enhance grip, and they exhibit strong traction on both wet and dry surfaces. (The Fresh Foam X 880v13 was also named the top walking sneaker on our list of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.)

The Fresh Foam X 880v14 comes in four width options, which is especially impressive for a sneaker style, and has a spacious toe box so your feet can spread out without feeling pinched or squished. Plus, the bio-based, sustainable foam midsole creates a pillowy walking cushion, no matter where you’re going. “Both runners and walkers love this shoe,” says Siegel. “They’ve added a bit of cushy foam to it, but you’re not going to feel unstable in it.”

Long-Term Testing Update: Nearly three months post-testing, our panelist says, “I like this shoe’s versatility, in that I use it for both walking and neighborhood runs. It’s maintained it’s supple cushioning and also been fairly easy to clean. I have the all-black colorways, and they’re a nice casual sneaker to throw when I’m wearing casual clothes like joggers.”

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 14 total, including Blue Mirage and Black | Lacing: Pull-tight laces | Upper material: Mesh

• What’s notable: This shoe has a durable outsole that’s great for walking, training or indoor running on a treadmill.
• What could be better: While the mesh upper offers some degree of breathability, it’s denser and therefore less breathable than true running shoes. 

Here’s the thing about walking shoes: You can go cheap, but you may end up with poor cushioning and minimal support—which is a waste of money. To get a great pair with quality materials that last, you typically have to invest $50 to $100. Under Armour’s best-selling Charged Assert 10 shoes hit the mark for an affordable pair that is outfitted with breathable mesh uppers, well-cushioned midsoles and durable outsoles for traction. 

“I really liked the overall construction of these shoes; the outsole is quite hard and durable, with a grippy surface that let me hold traction on a variety of surfaces. But even so it’s not a rigid shoe, and the flexibility made for very comfortable walking,” explains our tester. “I frequently found myself wearing it to the gym during testing, where I discovered that it was equally adept on the treadmill, offering solid support, stability and comfort.”

Long-term Testing Update: Five months after the testing process wrapped, this panelist still reaches for the Under Armour Charged Assert 10 sneakers. “Despite having more walking and running shoes in my closet than would seem reasonable for someone like me, I find myself wearing these shoes almost every day,” he says. “Because they’re not rigid, they slip on effortlessly and feel light on my feet, yet offer all the stability I need for workouts at the gym when I forget to pack my Brooks. They’re still going strong, which is great because I don’t want to replace them anytime soon.”

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Widths: Medium (1D), wide (2E), extra-wide (4E) | Colors: 10 total, including Black and Moroccan Blue | Lacing: Tie laces | Upper material: Synthetic knit

• What’s notable: This highly cushioned shoe has a rocker-style sole which can be good for those with limited ankle mobility.
• What could be better: The stack height makes it a poor choice for lateral or pivoting movements that call for stability.

The original Ghost Max came out of nowhere in 2023, surprising us with a thick bed of cushy foam and a rocker profile that made it great for walking, and the updated Ghost Max 2 builds on that platform. Featuring the latest nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole foam, it’s soft, springy and incredibly comfortable, and our tester loved the improved comfort over the original Ghost Max. “I’ve never experienced as cushioned a footfall as I did with these shoes. They retain everything I appreciated about the [original] Ghost Max with a somehow even softer landing as well as a wider array of colors to choose from.”

Beyond the cushioning and support, Brooks built the upper with the same breathable mesh found in the original Ghost Max, but it fits just a little better this time around, and it’s perfect for long walks or runs should you choose to pick up the pace. While the tester points out that you probably “wouldn’t wear these for any activity requiring lateral or pivoting movements, given the sheer height of the heel,” you can lace them up with confidence for less demanding activities. These shoes are also favored by podiatrists; they hold a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Long-Term Testing Update: Though the official shoe testing ended several months ago, “the Ghost Max 2s are in my regular rotation,” our panelist shares. He mentions that they provide ample cushioning with each step and feature “breathable uppers that are great for runs in moderate weather, but do allow some serious wind to cut through them.” He adds, “I take them with me on vacations when I know i’ll be spending a lot of time on my feet.”

Sizes: 4.5 to 15 | Widths: Standard, wide (EE) | Colors: 14 total, including Blackout and Slate Grey | Lacing: Slip-on | Upper material: Knit mesh

• What’s notable: If you’re affected by heel pain, the innovative springy heel of this shoe absorbs impact to improve comfort.
• What could be better: Some say that the slip-on design isn’t as supportive as they’d like. Again, it’s a tradeoff between convenience and stability.

Slip-on shoes usually wear out at the heel because your foot constantly smushes the back when you slide them on. Kizik solves this problem with the “cage”—a rubberized structure on the back of their Athens shoe that pops back into place after you step in. It keeps the heel sturdy, makes them easy to slip on without using your hands and helps the shoes last longer. And because it’s such a valuable feature, it makes the Athens easy to wear all day, for hours on end.

Our panelist praised the secure fit after trying these shoes out himself. “Thanks to a well-cushioned insole and foam padding, the arch support is excellent and impact is absorbed efficiently,” he says. While the slip-on design is fuss-free, he does mention that it “limits airflow compared to traditional lace-up sneakers,” so look elsewhere if you need to manage hot, sweaty feet.

Long-Term Testing Update: Three months since testing, “This is my go-to, everyday sneaker. Since I have an all-white pair, there’s a little more effort for upkeep, but you can still clean them without too much hassle. I’m impressed that the heel mechanism is as springy as they were when I first wore them. I think they’re a bit of a ‘dad shoe’ in terms of fashion, but that works just fine for me when I’m pushing a stroller or taking my toddler to the grocery store. They are extremely comfortable and surprisingly durable.”

Sizes: 7 to 16 | Widths: Regular, wide | Colors: 20 total, including Black/Slate and Frost/Gold | Lacing: Pull-tight laces | Upper material: Recycled polyester

• What’s notable: These popular shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association and get high marks from Piccuirro for heel support and cushioning. Plus, they’re available in both standard and wide fits.
• What could be better: The shoe’s tall stack height, as a result of all the foam underfoot, might make it feel unstable if you’re accustomed to minimalist shoes.

If you struggle to find sneakers with arch support, the Hoka Clifton 9 is a podiatrist-recommended pick. With 32mm of height in the heel, 27mm in the forefoot and a rocker sole design, the newest version of this popular sneaker has an ultra-supportive underfoot with responsive foam to absorb impact. The shoe is stamped with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Approval for foot health, and you’ll also benefit from its breathable mesh upper. “They aren’t only comfortable on my feet, but on my calves and knees as well,” our panelist reports. “My feet were not sweaty after long walks, and were not uncomfortably sweaty (though still a little moist) after a jog.” 

While it’s available in a regular fit (D), the wide version (EE) is a blissful option for broader feet that require a little more room. “This has a big, cushioned midsole and a wider, fuller platform,” says Siegel. “It has a big toe box, and if you have a wider foot, it may be a good fit.” However, Siegel also reports “some people feel unstable in it because it’s so squishy.” Start slow and pick up the pace over time to find your footing.

Long-Term Testing Update: A few months later, our tester shares, “These were my go-to running shoes before I put a few too many miles on them and decided to retire them from working out. But they remain comfortable sneakers, and I’ll often toss them on for doing a little yard work or going on a walk with my family. I love Hoka’s colorways, which often hide wear and tear even years after you’ve been consistently wearing them.”

Sizes: 8 to 14 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 8 total, including Natural White and Dapple Grey | Lacing: Tie laces | Upper material: Merino wool

• What’s notable: This pair has a moisture-wicking insole, and if your shoes ever get dirty or smelly, they’re also machine washable.
• What could be better: Allbirds are stylish but we don’t recommend them for anything more than low-effort activities, like walking and commuting.

Allbirds’ bestselling Merino Wool Runners is made from superfine ZQ merino wool, a fiber that’s soft, sustainable and boosts the shoe’s breathability while reducing unwanted odors. Our tester describes the fit as “extremely comfortable,” also noting, “The shoes needed minimal breaking in, leaving zero blisters as I got adjusted to wearing them.” The sneakers feature a moisture-wicking insole derived from castor bean oil, and the laces are comprised of 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. Beyond that, these shoes are suited for everyday walking and are machine washable (on cold), should you scuff them up. Just keep in mind that this pair is geared more towards urban environments, so we don’t recommend them for hiking or even walking on rooted, rocky paths.

Long-Term Testing Update: Several months following testing, our tester has mixed reviews on this pair. “First, the good: These shoes are still extremely comfortable and have held up despite a ton of wear. The bad? I wore these often without socks, and although you can clean the insoles, they’re a little pitted from stinky feet. I wear these the least out of [the several I tested].”

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Widths: Narrow (1B), medium (1D), wide (2E), extra-wide (4E) | Colors: 14 total, including Cloud Grey and Black | Lacing: Tie laces | Upper material: Engineered air mesh

• What’s notable: The ultra-light design of this shoe makes it comfortable when putting in lots of mileage.
• What could be better: The shoe’s 12mm drop is pretty extreme, and it’s bound to aggravate some knees that are accustomed to low-drop shoes.

Now in its 16th iteration, the Brooks Ghost is as versatile, comfortable and easy to love as ever. Featuring a slightly refined upper, the fit is spot on, balancing flexibility, breathability and structure to keep your feet as happy as can be. Our tester tried out both the Ghost 15 and 16 to compare the two side by side, and while differences were hard to detect, he found the 16 to be “slightly lighter, and thought it’s subtle, that makes a different for longer walks and days where you’re spending a lot of time on you’re feet.” 

Featuring the same nitrogen-infused DNA loft v3 foam found in the Ghost Max 2, the Ghost 16 is a running shoe as much as it’s a walking shoe. The ride is balanced and supportive—something we’d expect to see from a neutral shoe—and our panelist found it to be slightly more durable, which makes it all the more easy to rack up the miles in total comfort.

Long-Term Testing Update: Shares our panelist several months after testing, “Similar to the Hoka and New Balances, I’ll both run and walk in these shoes. They’re a cult-favorite running shoe for a reason, offering springiness, cushion, support and they’re fairly lightweight. I walk in them more than running in them, though, and their sporty design is a great compliment to a performance hoodie and some joggers.”

Sizes: 7 to 13 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 3 total, including Navy and Black | Lacing: Tie laces | Upper material: Engineered mesh

• What’s notable: These lightweight shoes work well if you have flat feet, and the removable Arch Fit insole can be replaced with your own orthotic if you wear them.
• What could be better: The soles don’t offer a lot of traction, so they may not work well on slick surfaces.

The Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 may offer relief if you have flat feet or are prone to joint and back aches due to its (removable) Arch Fit insole, a podiatrist-certified technology that molds to your feet for a custom fit. Our testing revealed that the insole raises the heel more than a conventional pair of sneakers—they added 1.5 inches of lift—which may take some getting used to. Designed to balance weight across your entire foot for enhanced support, the cushioning is firm and supportive, and it’s a solid choice for lifting, too. “Because the stiff midsole provides solid support, it prevents any sinking when squatting,” explains our tester.

It’s also worth noting the Arch Fit 2.0 runs a bit small—our panelist sized down from a men’s 9 to an 8.5 to find the right fit, so consider going down a half size or trying them in-person to ensure you’ve got the right pair.

Long-Term Testing Update: “I wear my Skechers about two to three times a week since getting them in December, mostly when going to the gym since they’re my go-to for treadmill walking,” shares our panelist. “Other than that, I don’t wear them often—not because of the shoe itself, but because the white, blue, and orange color scheme I chose is hard to match with non-gym outfits. If you’re thinking about getting a pair, definitely consider the color scheme and how it fits with your wardrobe.”