The Best Walking Shoes for Men (2024)

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (1)

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

The right shoes can make a world of difference if you're spending the day on your feet. Without the proper support and cushioning, every step you take has the potential to lead to discomfort and even injury. The best walking shoes for men are lightweight, offer superior foot support and cushioning, and, above all, are comfortable during extended wear.

Our top picks:

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab has tested walking shoes, hiking shoes and running shoes for years. Senior product analyst Emma Seymour spoke with foot and ankle surgeon A. Holly Johnson, M.D., who practices at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, about walking shoes and what to look for.

Dr. Johnson said, "In general, if the shoe is comfortable, it is the right shoe. You can read everything about shoes, but if it's not comfortable, it's not the right shoe for you." With a specific eye toward comfort, we reviewed data from three of our previous tests of walking shoes, poring through over 400 data points on more than 15 brands and combing through hundreds of online reviews to compile a list of the best walking shoes for men.

For more on how we chose the best sneakers and what to look for when shopping, keep reading after our picks.

1

Best Overall Walking Shoes for Men

Brooks Ghost 14

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (10)

1

Best Overall Walking Shoes for Men

Brooks Ghost 14

Now 40% Off

Pros
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (11)Cushioned "crash pad" reduces stress on back of foot
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (12)Wide color and style selection
Cons
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (13)Not for underpronators

We love these Brooks shoes for the stability they offer walkers and runners alike. The heel is fitted with a "Segmented Crash Pad" that helps to absorb shock to the back of the foot. They also come in a bevy of colors so finding a style that suits you won't be a problem. Testers love these sneakers for offering excellent support when walking and feeling comfortable mile after mile It's worth noting however that these shoes are designed for those with overpronation (inward rolling of the ankle), so those with underpronation are best off looking for a pair more suited to their foot.

Size range7-15
Weight per shoe281 grams
Heel drop12 millimeters
Colors32

2

Best Value Walking Shoes for Men

TIOSEBON Slip-On Walking Shoes

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (14)

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (15)

2

Best Value Walking Shoes for Men

TIOSEBON Slip-On Walking Shoes

Now 20% Off

Pros
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (16)Great value
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (17)Amazon-reviewer approved
Cons
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (18)May offer less support than other picks

At this price, it's tough to find a shoe that provides as much comfort as these from TIOSEBON. Although our testing of the women's counterpart showed these shoes to offer less support than other picks, testers were keen to highlight the cushioning effect, saying, "They felt as if they were padded with 4 inches of memory foam." More than 2,800 five-star reviews on Amazon rave about these shoes, from the style to the comfort to the price, making them a top pick for walkers on a budget.

Size Range7-14
Weight per Shoe< 150 grams
Heel DropNot listed
Colors15

3

Best Men's Walking Shoe for Long Distances

ASICS Men's Gel-Cumulus 24 Running Shoes

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (19)

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (20)

3

Best Men's Walking Shoe for Long Distances

ASICS Men's Gel-Cumulus 24 Running Shoes

Now 38% Off

Pros
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (21)All testers said they preferred ASICS to their previous shoe
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (22)Breathable knit materials
Cons
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (23)Thick cushioning, according to online reviewers

Many walking shoes tend to compromise on style for comfort, but not so with the futuristic, fashionable look of these sneakers from ASICS. In our past walking shoe test, ASICS sneakers were top performers with consumer testers raving about their comfort and style. With ample cushioning in the midsole (some online reviewers found it too thick) and a breathable knit upper, this pair is designed to offer a great mix of neutral support and stability. ASICS gel cushioning system is popular among testers for feeling comfy mile after mile. This style is available in 18 shades with regular, wide and extra-wide sizing.

Size range7-14 with wide and extra wide sizing
Weight per shoe255 grams
Heel drop8 millimeters
Colors17

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

Best Men's Walking Shoes for Trails

Columbia Men's Hatana Max Outdry Hiking Shoe

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (24)

4

Best Men's Walking Shoes for Trails

Columbia Men's Hatana Max Outdry Hiking Shoe

Now 40% Off

Pros
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (25)Waterproof
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (26)Provide good ankle support for a sneaker
Cons
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (27)Heavier than other walking shoes

These waterproof trail shoes from Columbia have the robust construction necessary to tackle even your longest walks. Coming in at 396 grams per shoe, they're heavier than some of our other picks, but without compromising on comfort. One consumer tester who tried a pair said, "They move with my feet. I’ve walked in them for hours without feeling weighed down. They’re heavier than my other shoes but feel just as comfortable." They also noted that the top of the shoe comes up higher than others, offering improved ankle support. And for trekking in the great outdoors, you'll appreciate the high-traction outsole to keep you from slipping.

Size range7-15
Weight per shoe396 grams
Heel drop10 millimeters
Colors6

5

Best Cushioned Walking Shoes for Men

Hoka Bondi 8

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (28)

5

Best Cushioned Walking Shoes for Men

Hoka Bondi 8

Pros
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (29)Thick cushioning
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (30)Good size and color range
Cons
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (31)Pricey

In conversations about the best walking and running shoes, the name "Hoka" came up ad nauseam, and for good reason. The Hoka Bondi 8 was a top performer in our recent test for walking shoes for women, so it only makes sense that the men's counterpart appears on our list. Despite being among the more costly on the list, the thick cushioned soles and breathable mesh upper strike a balance between stability and flexibility that really pleased our Textiles Lab. They also come in wide sizing and a whopping 15 colorways, so there's a pair for everyone.

Size range7-16 including wide and extra-wide
Weight per shoe306 grams
Heel drop4 millimeters
Colors17

6

Best Men's Walking Shoe for Travel

Allbirds Men's Tree Runners

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (32)

6

Best Men's Walking Shoe for Travel

Allbirds Men's Tree Runners

Pros
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (33)Machine washable
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (34)91% of testers said they were very comfortable
Cons
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (35)No half or wide sizes

A whopping 91% of our testers gave Allbirds Tree Runners a perfect score for comfort. Our Textiles Lab experts were impressed by the machine washability of these shoes, noting that they did not deform or change in appearance after being washed. We also appreciate the variety of perennial color options, with the addition of limited edition colors that cycle in and out. It's worth noting, however, that they don't have as robust of a size selection as some of our other picks, not having half sizes or wide options.

Size range8-14 (no half sizing)
Weight per shoeNot listed
Heel dropNot listed
Colors7

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Best Walking Shoe for Men with Wide Feet

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (36)

7

Best Walking Shoe for Men with Wide Feet

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe

Now 23% Off

Pros
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (37)Huge size selection
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (38)Received perfect scores from consumer testers for fit and comfort
Cons
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (39)Sizes run large per the manufacturer

These New Balance running shoes give a whole new meaning to the perfect fit. Available in sizes 4 to 16 including half sizes and in narrow, wide and extra-wide options, you're bound to find a shoe that fits your foot comfortably. In recent running shoe tests conducted by the Textiles Lab, testers gave it a perfect score in terms of cushioning, fit and comfort. Seymour also pointed out that the construction of these shoes is smartly designed, having extra cushioning in the widest points of the shoe while maintaining flexibility where needed. It's worth noting that the manufacturer claims these shoes run slightly large, but given their plethora of size options, it shouldn't be too hard to find a good fit.

Size range4-16 including narrow, wide and extra-wide
Weight per shoe292 grams
Heel drop8 millimeters
Colors26

8

Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Men

adidas Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex Sneaker

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (40)

8

Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Men

adidas Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex Sneaker

Pros
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (41)Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (42)Spiky soles help prevent slipping
Cons
  • The Best Walking Shoes for Men (43)Limited color options

The very design of these sneakers from Adidas screams ruggedness and durability. With a Gore-Tex lining, they'll keep your feet perfectly dry even as you wade through damp trails or city puddles. Though we haven't tested these shoes in Lab, we appreciate the deep lugs on the soles for added traction, as well as the impressive size range, going all the way down to a men's size six. Only having two color options, however, leaves a bit to be desired from the aesthetic perspective.

Size range6-15
Weight per shoeNot listed
Heel dropNot listed
Colors4

How we choose the best walking shoes for men

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (44)

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab regularly evaluates shoes for their performance in daily activities from walking to running and hiking. We depend on our network of consumer testers with varying shoe sizes and foot shapes to provide feedback on the comfort, aesthetics and utility of shoes as they use them in their day-to-day lives. We combine this feedback with in-Lab data, assessing the construction, materials, and durability.

Though we haven't completed a comprehensive test of men's walking shoes, we have tested many of their women's counterparts. We extrapolated that data to infer the quality and wearability of the men's versions. We combined previous test results with online reviews and editor favorites to make our list of the best men's walking shoes on the market.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

What to look for when shopping for walking shoes

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (45)

There are a few items to consider when looking for walking shoes:

✔️ Check in with your podiatrist: If you're experiencing foot pain or have recently sustained an injury, check with your podiatrist or orthopedist for recommendations or their thoughts on a pair of shoes you're considering. Their knowledge of the foot's anatomy and your specific needs related to pain/injury will help you make the right decision.

✔️ Weight: Generally speaking, lighter-weight shoes will offer more comfort and be easier to walk in for extended durations. The exception is if you have flatter feet, which may require the greater support of a heavier shoe.

✔️ Flexibility: In preparing her roundup of the best walking shoes for women, Seymour spoke with Emily Splichal, D.P.M., a podiatrist at the Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine in Chandler, Arizona. Splichal advises twisting the sneaker as if you were wringing out a towel. The more "twistable" the shoe is, the more it will help you develop stronger muscles from your feet to your glutes.

✔️ Comfort: Dr. Johnson advises that comfort is of utmost importance when selecting a walking shoe. Be sure to try on a pair and guarantee that it feels good on the feet before locking in your purchase. If you're shopping online, choose retailers who allow returns in case the fit isn't just right.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (46)

Nikolas Greenwald is a data engineer at the Good Housekeeping Institute, collaborating across Labs to develop new testing protocols, manage data and solve engineering problems. For this story, he spent over 20 hours researching shoes, reviewing previous test data and combing through online reviews to make the best picks.

In preparing for this story, he consulted with Emma Seymour, senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, who has extensive experience in reviewing shoes based on their durability and construction.

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (47)

Nikolas Greenwald

Data Engineer

As a data engineer in the Good Housekeeping Institute, Nik (he/him) works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (48)

Tested byEmma Seymour

Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.

The Best Walking Shoes for Men (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rob Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 5649

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rob Wisoky

Birthday: 1994-09-30

Address: 5789 Michel Vista, West Domenic, OR 80464-9452

Phone: +97313824072371

Job: Education Orchestrator

Hobby: Lockpicking, Crocheting, Baton twirling, Video gaming, Jogging, Whittling, Model building

Introduction: My name is Rob Wisoky, I am a smiling, helpful, encouraging, zealous, energetic, faithful, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.