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10 Best Walking Shoes 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive Running & Walking Shoe - Grey/Blackened Pearl/Coral - 9 Medium
The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 25 is a great choice for walkers who need strong support and comfort. It uses the GuideRails system, which helps keep your feet stable and controls excess movement, making it especially good if you want extra support during longer walks. The cushioning is soft and lightweight thanks to the new nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam, so your feet feel comfortable without being weighed down. The shoe’s upper is made from breathable mesh, allowing air to flow and helping keep your feet cooler, which is a plus for extended wear. It also features a smooth outsole design that helps with easy, natural transitions step by step, supporting a fluid walking experience.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,236
Fit and Comfort
Support
Cushioning
Most important from
377 reviews
#2
New Balance Women's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
The New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer is designed with durability and cushioning in mind, making it a solid choice for walking. Its NDurance rubber outsole is built to last, especially in areas of heavy wear, which means the shoes should hold up well over time. The ABZORB midsole combines cushioning and impact absorption to help protect your feet during walks, and the lightweight EVA foam adds extra comfort without making the shoes feel heavy. With a wide fit option (8.5 Wide), it can accommodate those who need more room, enhancing comfort.
Rating
8.5
Cushioning
Fit
Durability
Most important from
42330 reviews
#3
Hoka Women's Bondi 9 Black/Black 8 Medium
The Hoka Women's Bondi 9 is designed with walking comfort in mind, featuring engineered mesh and textile lining that help with breathability, so your feet stay cooler during long walks. Its cushioning is a strong point, thanks to the Ethylene Vinyl Acetate sole, which provides a soft and supportive feel with each step. This can reduce foot fatigue, making it a good choice for people who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Rating
8.2
Fit and Comfort
Support
Cushioning
Most important from
1843 reviews
Top 10 Best Walking Shoes 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive Running & Walking Shoe - Grey/Blackened Pearl/Coral - 9 Medium
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive Running & Walking Shoe - Grey/Blackened Pearl/Coral - 9 Medium
Fit and Comfort: GuideRails system for stability
Support: GuideRails controls excess movement
Cushioning: Nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam
Weight: Lightweight
Breathability: Breathable mesh upper
Outsole Grip: Good on surfaces, poor on slick
Chosen by 1236 this week
New Balance Women's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
New Balance Women's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
Fit: Wide fit option (8.5 Wide)
Cushioning: ABZORB midsole cushions and absorbs impact
Breathability: Leather upper limits breathability
Durability: NDurance rubber outsole lasts in wear
Weight: Lightweight EVA foam adds comfort
Hoka Women's Bondi 9 Black/Black 8 Medium
Hoka Women's Bondi 9 Black/Black 8 Medium
Fit and Comfort: medium width
Support: solid support
Cushioning: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate sole
Weight: lightweight but heavier than simple shoes
Breathability: engineered mesh and textile lining
Outsole Grip: reliable on various walking surfaces
Hoka Men's Bondi 9 Black/Black 12 Medium
Hoka Men's Bondi 9 Black/Black 12 Medium
Fit: secure fit
Cushioning: ethylene vinyl acetate sole
Arch Support: decent
Flexibility: moderate
Breathability: engineered mesh upper
Durability: solid for regular walking use
Weight: lightweight
Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - White/White/Grey - 8 Medium
Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - White/White/Grey - 8 Medium
Fit and Comfort: 3D Fit Print for secure ankle fit
Support: Neutral support
Cushioning: Soft nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3
Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Breathability: Breathable engineered air mesh upper
Outsole Grip: RoadTack rubber grips pavement well
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Brooks Men’s Revel 8 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Primer/Blackened Pearl - 10 Medium
Brooks Men’s Revel 8 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Primer/Blackened Pearl - 10 Medium
Fit and Comfort: good fit and comfort
Support: decent
Cushioning: DNA Loft v2 cushioning
Weight: reasonably light
Breathability: breathable mesh upper
Outsole Grip: RoadTack rubber with good traction
New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 11 Wide
New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 11 Wide
Fit: good fit, wide size
Cushioning: ABZORB midsole, PU comfort insert
Arch Support: solid arch support
Flexibility: adequate
Breathability: leather not best material
Durability: leather upper
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Ryka Women's, Devotion X Walking Shoe Black
Ryka Women's, Devotion X Walking Shoe Black
Fit and Comfort: Women's shape, narrow heel, roomy toe box
Support: Solid support for fitness walking
Cushioning: Full-length RE-ZORB, extra forefoot and heel
Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Breathability: Mesh material promotes breathability
Outsole Grip: Rubber outsole provides decent grip
Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Coconut Milk/Gray/Zephyr - 10.5 Medium
Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Coconut Milk/Gray/Zephyr - 10.5 Medium
Fit and Comfort: stable shoe, wide base, raised sidewalls
Support: solid support via wide base, sidewalls
Cushioning: nitrogen-infused midsole foam
Weight: heavier than minimalist walking shoes
Breathability: decent breathability from materials
Outsole Grip: rubber outsole with reliable grip
#10
Brooks Men’s Ghost Max 3 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Primer Grey/Ebony - 11 Wide
Brooks Men’s Ghost Max 3 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Primer Grey/Ebony - 11 Wide
Fit and Comfort: wide base, raised sidewalls, fits orthotics
Support: wide base, raised sidewalls, natural stride
Cushioning: nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning
Weight: slightly heavier weight
Breathability: engineered mesh, soft textile upper
Outsole Grip: reliable grip on pavement terrains
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Buying Guide for the Best Walking Shoes
Choosing the right walking shoes is essential not only for comfort but also for the long-term health of your feet and joints. The best walking shoes should support your walking style, feel good during your daily activities, and last through regular use. The right pair depends a lot on your walking environment, your foot shape, and how much support or cushioning you need. Paying attention to a few key features can help you sort through the options and pick the best fit for your needs.Fit and ComfortFit and comfort refer to how well the shoe conforms to your foot and how comfortable it feels when you walk. This is crucial because a shoe that doesn't fit can cause blisters, sore feet, or long-term problems with your posture. Walking shoes should have enough room in the toe box so your toes can move freely, but also be snug around the heel to prevent slipping. To pick the best fit, try shoes on in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen from the day. Walk around the store or at home to ensure there are no tight spots or uncomfortable seams. If you have wide or narrow feet, look for brands or models that offer multiple width options.
SupportSupport describes how much the shoe helps stabilize your foot, particularly around the arch and heel. Good support can prevent pain and injuries, especially if you walk long distances or have flat feet or high arches. Walking shoes usually come with varying degrees of support: minimal (for natural foot movement), moderate (for most people), and maximum (for people who need extra stability). If you have a history of foot issues, or if you walk on uneven surfaces, consider shoes with more structure and built-in arch support. Otherwise, a moderate support shoe should suffice for everyday walking.
CushioningCushioning is the padding inside the shoe that absorbs the impact when your foot hits the ground. The level of cushioning needed depends on your preference and walking habits. Lightweight cushioning is often best for those who prefer a more connected feeling with the ground or walk short distances. Medium cushioning suits most walkers, balancing comfort and responsiveness. Maximum cushioning is ideal if you cover long distances, walk on hard surfaces, or need extra comfort underfoot. Try different levels and choose what feels most comfortable over the distances you usually walk.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the shoe feels when worn. Lighter shoes generally make walking less tiring and are preferred for brisk or long walks, while heavier shoes might offer more support and durability, especially for rugged environments. If you plan to walk quickly or for exercise, look for lightweight models that don’t weigh you down. For more casual or daily use, weight is less important, so prioritize support and comfort over the lightest weight.
BreathabilityBreathability means how well the shoe lets air flow to your foot, keeping your feet cool and dry. Shoes with mesh uppers or ventilation holes are more breathable. This is especially important if you walk in warm climates, or if your feet tend to sweat. If you often walk in wet or cooler conditions, you might prefer less vented shoes or those made from water-resistant materials, balancing breathability with weather protection.
Outsole GripOutsole grip is about how well the bottom of the shoe holds onto different walking surfaces, preventing slips or falls. Shoes with deeper treads or patterned soles provide better traction, which is useful for outdoor, trail, or variable conditions. If you stick mainly to paved or indoor surfaces, a basic flat grip will likely be fine. People who walk on grassy, gravelly, or uneven paths should look for shoes with rugged, grippy outsoles.