The 10 Best Walking Shoes For Men, Based On Extensive Testing

Sizes: 7 to 14 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 13 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 Forbes Vetted account manager Rich Molinaro appreciates. “I really enjoy the breathability of the shoe,” he says. “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 its 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.” This shoe runs on the smaller side, so you should consider sizing up by a half size.

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Widths: Medium, x-wide, xx-wide | Colors: 25 total, including Academy Blue and Black | Lacing: Pull-tight laces| Upper material: Mesh

• What’s notable: These shoes have breathable mesh uppers, the soles offer great traction and the price can’t be beat.
• What could be better: Some say they run smaller than previous versions of the shoe and comment that the quality could be better.

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 shoes hit the mark for an affordable pair that is outfitted with breathable mesh uppers, well-cushioned midsoles and durable outsoles for traction. Molinaro attests to this pair’s performance, noting that the mesh uppers “provide great breathability” while the outsoles “offer excellent traction that allows for stability and great grip no matter what surface.” If you want an excellent, no-fuss basic that’s comfortable for everyday, this is a solid pick.

Sizes: 7 to 13 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 4 total, including Lead Gray and Jet Black | Lacing: Slip-on | Upper material: Novaknit fabric

• What’s notable: Kuru shoes are popular for their built-in arch support, and users report that they offer good traction on a variety of surfaces.
• What could be better: Some say these shoes run narrow through the toe box and the tongue comes up higher than they’d like on the ankle.

If you want the ease of a slip-on shoe and the cushioning of a sneaker, Kuru’s Atom offers the best of both. Designed with a focus on foot health and preventing pain, Kuru’s sneakers come with built-in arch support and cushioning that molds to your feet over time. While Molinaro describes the knit upper material as “strong and durable,” he notes they aren’t as breathable as our picks from On and Under Armour.

Sizes: 4.5 to 15 | Widths: Standard, wide (EE) | Colors: 16 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.
• What could be better: Some say that the slip-on design isn’t as supportive as they’d like.

Kizik’s shoes have an innovative feature that actually works—the “cage” at the back cradles your heels and provides a slight lift, so every time you push down, your heel subtly propels back up. This takes pressure off the tender parts of your foot and makes it easier to walk all day. Audience development director Spencer Dukoff 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, Dukoff does mention that it “limits airflow compared to traditional lace-up sneakers.”

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: Some wearers say the heel collar and tongue can press against your ankle.

If you struggle to find sneakers with arch support, the Hoka Clifton 9 is a podiatrist-recommended pick. With a 3mm heel-stack height and 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,” says Dukoff. “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.”

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 not meant for rugged pursuits, like hiking.

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. Dukoff 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 rather than rugged terrain.

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Widths: Medium (1D), wide (2E), extra-wide (4E) | Colors: 9 total, including Black and Skylight | Lacing: Tie laces | Upper material: Jacquard warp 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: Some say this version of the Ghost runs large.

Brooks recently updated its wildly popular Ghost with tons of extra cushioning and a rocker-style sole, which is contoured to help “rock” your foot forward as you step down and then lift off. Unlike the original Ghosts, this pair is specifically designed for walking. “Brooks shoes are cut a little bit wider in the toe box,” says Siegel. “This can be important because your toes engage a lot when you’re walking and they really need to be able to spread out.” 

These shoes are favored by podiatrists; they hold a Seal of Approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association. They’re also a favorite of Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar. “The Max is all about making walking more comfortable and stable,” she says.