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The Best Walking Shoes for Men He’ll Never Want to Take Off
Updated Feb. 01, 2024
Your sole will thank you
Walking is one of the simplest and easiest exercises men can do, helping everything from brain function to weight loss. It’s one of the most versatile forms of fitness because it can be done just about anywhere at any time. But the key to making the most of your walks is having the right footwear, and that definitely doesn’t mean your run-of-the-mill flip-flops or house slippers. Finding the best walking shoes for men means looking for some very specific features.
“You want to make sure there’s enough shock absorbency,” says Michael Fishkin, a certified pedorthist at Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists, of the best walking shoes for men. “You want to control all of that excessive motion from the foot that can affect your ankles, knees and hips, back all the way up to your shoulders and your neck. It’s very important to reduce all of that stress that’s being exerted on the rest of your body.” While this can be achieved in a variety of footwear styles ranging from sneakers to more polished-looking kicks, the right fit is non-negotiable, he adds.
Ready to make your life really easy? Each of the stylish options below has been chosen for comfort and overall foot health, so you can scroll down, pick your favorite and then stroll through your day without a care in the world—or a blister. If you’re looking for the best walking shoes for women, we have those, too, as well as some incredibly comfortable sandals and flip-flops you’ll want to live in all summer.
How we chose the best walking shoes for men
The best walking shoes for men were chosen based on high user reviews, comfort and a consideration of what activities they’re best for. We gave high regards to shoes with special features, like if they ease Plantar Fasciitis pain.
Criteria
- Quality of materials
- Special features
- Comfort
- Activity
- Price
via Merrell.com
Best overall walking shoe
Merrell Alpine Sneaker
Not only are these colorful kicks some of the best walking shoes for men who are always on the go, they’re also perfect for everyday wear. They’re a relatively lightweight sneaker-style shoe with leather and nylon uppers, breathable mesh lining to keep feet cool and well ventilated and a proprietary Kinetic Fit removable contoured insole that offers flexible support when you need it most. The rubber outsole also offers traction and durability.
Reviewers rave about how comfy they are—and how many compliments they receive when wearing them. The only downside is you’ll probably wear them so often that you’ll need to study our tips on how to keep your shoes smelling fresh.
“I’m on a six-week Scandinavian trip with these bad boys,” writes reviewer Todd. “In week three of 10-17 mile days (mostly urban walking) they are cool, comfortable and not a single blister. Will buy again.”
Pros
- Stylish and comfortable for everyday wear
- Fits true to size
- Breathable
- Durable traction
- Available in half sizes
- Available in six color combinations
Cons
- Only one solid color option available
- Only one width option available
Best budget walking shoe
Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk Max Sneaker
These Skechers walking shoes for men are one of the best affordable fashion finds that doesn’t skimp on quality. They’re designed with Skechers Performance technology, so they’re ideal for athletic walking, standing or long wear throughout the day. The Goga Max Technology insole with high-rebound cushioning offers maximum comfort and support. The heel features extra padding while the rubber soles provide durable support and traction.
Still need convincing? They’re a Walmart bestseller, and shoppers love the lightweight feel of these kicks. Did we mention over 400 shoppers give them five stars?
Reviewer MG shares, “These shoes fit perfectly and are really comfortable for work. I stand all day for 10 to 12 hours and these shoes really help my feet, knees and back stay comfortable.”
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight mesh fabric upper
- Durable cushioning in the sole and heel
- Available in half sizes
Cons
- One color option available
- One width option available
via merchant
Best high-intensity walking shoe
Hoka Men’s Clifton 8
If you’re focused on long walks, speed walking or making your daily stroll a major part of your fitness plan, these Hoka sneakers should be on your shortlist. Offering the perfect balance of soft and light, these shoes feature a responsive midsole and streamlined silhouette that doesn’t feel bulky.
An extended heel crash pad absorbs shock impact, a compression-molded midsole adds comfort and the early-stage Meta-Rocker ensures every step is like walking on a cloud. These kicks boast an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, so we know you’ll be in good hands with the Hoka Clifton 8 shoes.
“A comfortable walking shoe should provide support and comfort in three zones: the heel, the arch and the metatarsals,” says Timothy Oldani, DPM, a podiatrist in St. Louis. “The shoe should fit well to the heel, so there’s no slipping or sliding of the heel that would lead to blisters.” The Clifton 8 checks all of those boxes.
Pros
- Lightweight yet durable for everyday walking and running
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance
- Features recycled materials
- Available in two widths
Cons
- At $140, these shoes are on the pricey side
- Some reviewers have found the shoes fit small, so pay extra close attention to the specs for each size
via merchant
Best sandal walking shoe
Chaco Chillos Sport Sandal
Every summer wardrobe needs a great pair of sandals, and if we’re being honest, a lot of walking gets done in them. That’s why upgrading your current pair of flip-flops to a more supportive pair like these Chaco Chillos sandals makes sense.
“Walking sandals should essentially function like a walking shoe, only in sandal form,” Oldani explains. “Many foot problems start in the spring or summer when wearing inadequate and unsupportive sandals. They should still provide ample support through the arch, extending to the ball of the foot.”
These Chacos offer easy summer comfort with a supportive contoured footbed and a back strap to keep sliding and shifting at bay. Before you buy, make sure you know these things a podiatrist won’t tell you.
Pros
- Sandal design keeps feet cool in hot weather
- Comfortable, everyday warm weather shoe
- Vegan
- Features a supportive ankle strap
- Affordable price point
- Three colors available
Cons
- Not available in half sizes
- One width option available
via zappos.com
Best stylish walking shoe
Naot General Boot
This easy-to-style walking boot from Naot offers both form and function, and they look just as great with khakis as they do with distressed denim. “Quality walking boots still provide support through the heel and arch, but tend to be more lightweight than hiking shoes,” explains Oldani. “The sole of a walking boot will also be more flexible to allow for more comfort when walking on surfaces such as those one would find at work. This can be accomplished by having a shank built into the sole to keep the shoe lightweight and flexible.”
These Naot booties will be your new favorites for days at the office and nights out. They boast a smooth water-resistant leather upper, dual side zips for easy wear and a removable anatomic cork and latex footbed that’s wrapped in microfiber and leather to mold to the shape of your foot. While you’re shopping, check out these other brands you probably didn’t realize were on Zappos, as well as the best winter boots for men.
Pros
- Stylish yet comfortable
- Water-resistant leather
- Fits true to size
- Dual side zips make the shoe easy to slip on
Cons
- On the pricey side
- Not ideal for everyday, casual walking
via amazon.com
Best casual walking shoe
Orthofeet Orthopedic Asheville Slippers
You probably won’t get the bulk of your daily steps in while wearing slippers, and they’re definitely not driving shoes, but these orthopedic slippers are the perfect way to make the most of your steps around the house. With a practical rubber outsole, they’re basically the perfect blend of a house slipper and a comfortable around-town clog, but with added arch support and a fuzzy inside that adds warmth and comfort. The brand also makes some of the best slippers for women if you’re into matchy-matchy comfort.
Pros
- Comfortable and cozy around the house shoe
- 100% leather
- Premium orthotic insoles
- Wide and roomy toe box
- Ideal for sensitive feet
- Slip-on style
Cons
- At over $100, this slipper-style walking shoe is on the pricey side
- Only two colors available
via merchant
Best slip-on walking shoe
Oofos Oomg Fibre Low Shoe
If you’re into slip-on-style shoes that offer both ease and comfort, you’re in the right place: This Oofos design is made of durable Fibreflex fabric that’s breathable yet boasts a thick, cushioned sole that molds to each individual foot perfectly. The foam sole has been tested to absorb up to 37% more impact than traditional footwear, and the entire shoe is machine washable.
Five-star Amazon reviewers rave about how great these shoes are for plantar fasciitis, ankle pain, spinal stenosis and neuropathy. Verified Amazon reviewer Jack writes, “I was shocked at how nice these are. Owning a pair of Oofos recovery slides, I bought these with high expectations. They have more than succeeded. Whereas many recovery shoes are ungodly ugly, these are casually wearable without fear of how they look. Buy them and enjoy.”
Pros
- Slip-on style
- Breathable, four-way stretch mesh fabric
- Ideal for wearers with plantar fasciitis and foot sensitivity
- American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance
- Machine washable
Con
- Limited colors available
via merchant
Best walking shoe for wide feet
Rockport Mudguard Sneaker
This Rockport Mudguard Sneaker is a dream for both medium and wide widths, but especially the latter because it’s so hard to find stylish, supportive shoes in expanded size ranges. The rubber sole offers extra traction, while the cushioned, arch-supporting footbed provides hours of comfortable walking, strolling or carrying on with your day. They’re easily one of the best walking shoes for men who crave more even weight distribution and buoyant comfort with each step.
Pros
- Wide and medium widths available
- Affordable price point
- Flexible yet durable
- Stylish for casual office attire and everyday apparel
Cons
- Only two colors available
- This style tends to sell fast, so you’ll want to claim your size ASAP
via atoms.com
Best classic walking shoe
Atoms Model 000
You can’t go wrong with these Atoms Model 000, especially if low-top canvas kicks are your faves. Much like those beloved classics, these provide sleek white styling that goes with just about everything. But they also boast a super comfy insole, an antimicrobial copper lining that keeps sweat stink under control, a pliable upper and shoelaces that the company boasts you only need to tie once. Imagine all the time and aggravation you’ll save with laces that always come undone! The future is here, and it’s looking as bright as a pair of stark white walking shoes. Here’s how to clean shoes, by the way, so they stay in tip-top shape.
“It’s always great to have fashion-staple shoes in your closet like a plain white sneaker,” explains Taylor Draper, a men’s fashion expert and founder of popular suiting company Inherent. “When looking for comfort and style, make sure the details on the shoe are minimal. You want the design to be timeless and classic.”
Pros
- Classic, everyday canvas sneaker
- Elemental copper threads kill microbials (aka it won’t stink)
- Proprietary foam midsole offers flexibility
- Available in multiple colors, if white’s not your thing
Cons
- White shoes tend to show wear and tear quicker
via Merrell.com
Best walking shoe for hiking
Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
These Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking shoes are Amazon bestsellers because they’re great for rugged terrain, but they’re also suitable if you simply want to get your steps in outdoors. Even better? They perform marvelously in wet, slushy and downright muddy places and hiking trails. That’s thanks to a water-resistant performance suede leather with bellows and a closed-cell foam tongue.
The protective rubber toe cap also comes in handy when you need more reinforcement, and the breathable mesh lining helps keep you cool. They offer just as much shock absorption as the best walking shoes, but they were designed for a more adventurous lifestyle.
And this able-bodied Merrell, which has more than 21,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, will likely last you through years’ worth of hikes, as verified purchaser Bryan attests to: “I purchased these Merrell Moab 2s in December of 2017. Since then, I’ve been walking and hiking year-round, 600 to 700 miles a year. These shoes have served me well hiking throughout Central America and will soon join me on a three-month backpacking tour through Asia. I highly recommend these shoes for both hiking and walking!”
Pros
- Durable and comfortable for hiking
- 100% leather
- Wide tongue keeps out debris
- Shock-absorbing heel
Con
- Ideal for rugged terrain
via merchant
Best indoor walking shoe
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
From indoor tracks to treadmills, this padded pair of Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 shoes is just what you need to make the most of your fitness plan. Technically, these were designed for indoor running, but walking enthusiasts credit the inner airbag design with some of the cushiest, most comfortable walking they’ve ever experienced on indoor surfaces.
The light, flexible response makes them an easy go-to, and the translucent mesh makes them a stylish wardrobe piece. You don’t have to wear them indoors, but they’re on the more delicate side in terms of fabric, so you’ll want to take care of these the way you would any other treasured favorite.
Pros
- Springy, supportive bounce with every step
- Nike React cushioning
- Streamlined silhouette
- Lightweight, breathable upper
Cons
- Some color options tends to go fast, so limited sizes are available in the more colorful versions
via merchant
Best for Plantar Fasciitis pain
Kuru Quantum Men’s Sneaker
How do you know if a shoe is a good walking shoe? “Make sure it has some type of structure, some type of shank in the midfoot or in the midsole of the shoe,” Fishkin says. And if you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you’ll want to “reduce the shoe from flexing at the midfoot,” he adds. That means finding a high-quality shoe with serious inner arch support and plenty of shock absorption in the heel. These Kuru Quantum Men’s Sneakers earn high regards from shoppers thanks to the sole that improves alignment and posture, a broad toe box and shock absorbing heel.
Just take it from Patrick who can’t get enough of these kicks’ comfort: “As soon as I put on my Kurus I realized they were what I needed. I was crippled by plantar fasciitis. The Kurus provide the best arch support and heel cup I’ve ever experienced. I can’t help but think I could have avoided plantar fasciitis had I been wearing these sooner.”
Pros
- Midsole provides ample cushioning
- Three times more support than regular sneakers
- Patented KUROSOLE technology
- Insoles adjust to the wearer’s foot
- Two widths available
Cons
- Availability of some colors is low
Additional reporting by Bryce Gruber.
Sources:
- Michael Fishkin, a certified pedorthist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists
- Tim Oldani, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist in St. Louis
- Taylor Draper, a men’s fashion expert and founder of popular suiting company Inherent
Originally Published: July 13, 2021
