After over 150 reviews of walking shoes, our recommended Best walking shoes is the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Shoe and Skechers Go Walk 5.
There are so many different types of walking shoes to choose from. It can be overwhelming, but the good news is that you don’t have to spend hours researching and testing them out! We’ve already done all of that for you by creating this list of the 12 best walking shoes for 2021. Whether you’re looking for wide-toed sneakers or comfortable shoes, we’ve got it covered in this article.
FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN A WALKING SHOE:
Comfortable
You want your walking shoes to give you the most support and comfort possible so it’s important that they fit properly. Look for a shoe with no-sew seams as well as padded heels, toes, and tongues! You don’t want anything too stiff or tight fitting like foot binding (unless that is what you’re going for). If your feet start to ache after wearing them all day then those aren’t good enough! Your walking shoes should be able to handle long walks without adding any extra pain to your step.
Breathable
This goes hand in hand with comfortable because if something isn’t breathable it won’t feel very pleasant against bare skin especially when worn throughout an entire workday. A lot of dress shoes and sneakers have mesh or perforated fabrics to keep your feet cool at all times. This is even more important in the hot summer months when it’s too hot for socks! There are also walking shoe options that are made with water-resistant material which makes them perfect for rainy days, but they’re not able to breathe as much so you might want to opt out of those if possible.
Wide Toes
If you haven’t noticed yet then let me tell you now – I’m a huge fan of wide toe box shoes! Wider toes equal wider smiles in my book because there is absolutely no reason why anyone should be wearing anything other than these types of footwear unless their doctor tells them otherwise. A lot of modern walking shoes are being made with wider toes for this very reason because people are finally understanding the importance of having enough room in between your big toe and second toe. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than wearing shoes that don’t give you enough space to spread out – it just makes pain worse, trust me!
Durable
You want to choose a walking shoe that is going to last so durability shouldn’t be an issue here. If they have stitching everywhere then consider yourself done shopping right there on the spot! When I say durable I mean absolutely no stitch-work whatsoever including glue or anything else manmade. Shoes should always be handcrafted by real human beings not machines which means less material used overall (which equals less waste).
Lacing System
It’s nice if your walking shoe has laces so you can tighten them down for a secure fit but it doesn’t mean anything if the lacing system is garbage! For instance, over-laced sneakers will look cool on first glance until you realize that there isn’t any way to loosen or tighten them after wearing them once (bad news bears). These types of shoes aren’t good for everyday use because they’re just too much work – plus nobody wants their feet slipping around all day. Women should always opt out of this style and go with something more simple instead like slip-on loafers.
Upper Material
This one is different for everyone depending on what they’re looking for. Do you want a shoe that has an open mesh upper or something more closed off? Sneakers are usually made with perforated fabrics while dress shoes tend to be going the other way by using more leather and suede materials. It’s totally up to your personal preference as long as it’s not too thick because hot feet don’t make walking fun at all!
Traction
Having good traction can sometimes be a life-saver when walking outside in wet conditions so choose wisely here if possible. A lot of modern footwear uses rubber soles which have been proven over time to be reliable, but there are also fabric boots that have excellent grip on the feet (those are usually for colder weather).
New Balance 990v5 Running Shoe
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This is a modern take on our classic running shoe, the New Balance® M990v.
STYLE: Running Shoes; Athletic Sneakers; Sport/Athletic Footwear
COMFORT: CUSHIONING – Maximum shock absorption and protection without sacrificing weight or stability – High rebound foam / Stability Web provides midfoot support and reduces rear foot movement – Removable cushioned insole (C-CAP) for added underfoot comfort
MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY– Abzorb™ SBS advanced cushioning system with TPU film that absorbs impact forces to provide exceptional shock reduction while being extremely lightweight which makes it perfect for long walks at work – ENdurance Rubber Outsole maximum durability you will have to buy a new pair of shoes before you wear through this one!
WATER-RESISTANT: No – if your feet get wet, they will stay wet for some time so avoid wearing them during heavy rain at all costs.
SIZING NOTES: Runs smaller than standard New Balance footwear styles; we recommend going up half a size from your regular shoe size or order a wide width / Wide Fit version of the shoe to accommodate foot swelling while walking/exercising (if applicable).
TECHNOLOGY FEATURES: ABZORB cushioning system provides maximum shock absorption and protection without sacrificing weight or stability – High rebound foam maximizes energy return to keep every step charged with an endless supply of light, fast energy – Stability Web provides midfoot support and reduces rear foot movement
MATERIALS: Nubuck upper offers lightweight comfort and breathability; Mesh lining enhances airflow to keep feet cool and dry throughout the day.
WEIGHT: 12 oz (344 grams).
LIFETIME WEAR GUARANTEE: New Balance guarantee’s their shoes for a lifetime against material defects or faulty craftsmanship so if your walking shoe rips after six months then they will replace it with another one at no charge! This shows how confident they are in their product quality which is definitely something worth considering when buying anything over-the-counter nowadays.
RECOMMENDED USE FOR THESE SHOES: Casual use
ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 7 Running Shoes
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The GEL-Venture series has been ASICS’ flagship walking shoe model for 30 years, and it shows no signs of slowing down!
STYLE: Casual Sneakers; Sport/Athletic Footwear – Mesh Upper provides ventilation to keep feet cool and dry throughout the day
COMFORT: CUSHIONING – Maximum shock absorption and protection without sacrificing weight or stability – High rebound foam / Stability Web provides midfoot support and reduces rear foot movement.
MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY– Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.) employs linked componentry that enhances the foot’s natural gait from heel strike through toe‐off – FluidRide creates an incredibly plush underfoot feel
while maintaining a responsive ride – Solyte Midsole material is lighter and more resilient than standard EVA, which provides enhanced cushioning without sacrificing durability.
Skechers Performance Go Walk 5 Walking Shoe
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The Go Walk series has been Skechers’ flagship walking shoe model for 30 years, and it shows no signs of slowing down!
STYLE: Casual Sneakers; Sport/Athletic Footwear – Mesh Upper provides ventilation to keep feet cool and dry throughout the day.
COMFORT: CUSHIONING – Maximum shock absorption and protection without sacrificing weight or stability – High rebound foam / Stability Web provides midfoot support and reduces rear foot movement – Removable cushioned insole (C-CAP) for added underfoot comfort.
MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY– Segmented Crash Pad offers smooth transition from heel strike through toe‐off by linking independent crash pads across multiple planes of movement – Abzorb™ SBS advanced cushioning system with TPU film that absorbs impact forces to provide exceptional shock reduction while being extremely lightweight which is perfect for walking long distances.
Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Shoe
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Brooks Addiction Walker series has been the flagship walking shoe model for 30 years, and it shows no signs of slowing down!
STYLE: Casual Sneakers; Sport/Athletic Footwear – Mesh Upper provides ventilation to keep feet cool and dry throughout the day.
COMFORT: CUSHIONING – Maximum shock absorption and protection without sacrificing weight or stability – High rebound foam / Stability Web provides midfoot MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY– BioMoGo DNA Midsole cushioning dynamically adapts to every step you take by reacting to pressure instead of storing energy like traditional midsoles that rely on gravity to spread out impact – Progressive Diagonal Rollbar provides superior support and reduces rear foot movement.
Asics GEL-Contend Walker Shoe
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES
The Asics GEL-Contend Walker is an excellent choice for those who want a lightweight and versatile walking shoe.
STYLE: Casual Sneakers; Sport/Athletic Footwear – Breathable mesh upper with no-sew overlays provides ventilation to keep feet cool and dry throughout the day.
COMFORT: CUSHIONING – Maximum shock absorption and protection without sacrificing weight or stability – Rearfoot Gel cushioning system absorbs impact / FluidRide midsole creates responsive, durable ride that lasts longer than standard midsoles
MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY– AHAR+ high abrasion rubber in key wear areas adds durability where you need it most.
The Asics GEL-Contend Walker is an excellent choice for those who want a lightweight and versatile walking shoe.
Hoka One One Bondi 7 Running Shoe
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES
The Hoka One One Bondi is a high-mileage trainer that provides maximum cushioning and durability with the superior shoe construction you’ve come to expect from Hokas.
STYLE: Casual Sneakers; Sport/Athletic Footwear – Mesh upper with synthetic leather overlays for stability, breathability, and support / TPU heel counter offers improved fit around the entire ankle area.
COMFORT: CUSHIONING – Maximum shock absorption and protection without sacrificing weight or stability – Impact-absorbing midsole made of premium lightweight foam reduces fatigue on every step / Durable rubber outsole designed for excellent traction over any terrain. MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY– Stability Web provides midfoot support and reduces rear foot movement.
The Hoka One One Bondi is a high-mileage trainer that provides maximum cushioning and durability with the superior shoe construction you’ve come to expect from Hokas.
FitVille Women’s Rebound Core Shoes
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES
The FitVille Rebound Core is an excellent walking shoe for women who are looking to get a high-level of comfort and stability.
STYLE: Casual Sneakers; Sport/Athletic Footwear – Breathable mesh upper with no-sew overlays provides ventilation to keep feet cool and dry throughout the day.
COMFORT: CUSHIONING – Maximum shock absorption and protection without sacrificing weight or stability – High rebound foam / Stability Web provides midfoot support and reduces rear foot movement. MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY– AHAR+ high abrasion rubber in key wear areas adds durability where you need it most.
The FitVille Rebound Core is an excellent walking shoe for women who are looking to get a high-level of comfort and stability.
Skechers Ultra Flex Harmonious Walking Shoe
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES
The Skechers Ultra Flex is a unique walking shoe that provides maximum comfort and stability, ensuring you have the best experience when wearing this model.
STYLE: Casual Sneakers; Sport/Athletic Footwear – Breathable mesh upper with no-sew overlays provide ventilation to keep feet cool and dry throughout the day.
COMFORT: CUSHIONING – Maximum shock absorption and protection without sacrificing weight or stability – High rebound Memory Tech Massage footbed adds cushioning for all-day comfort / FluidRide midsole creates responsive, durable ride that lasts longer than standard midsoles MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY– ABZORB foam in forefoot adds superior bounce back characteristics that last longer than standard midsoles.
The Skechers Ultra Flex is a unique walking shoe that provides maximum comfort and stability, ensuring you have the best experience when wearing this model.
STYLE: Casual Sneakers; Sport/Athletic Footwear – Breathable mesh upper with no-sew overlays provide ventilation to keep feet cool and dry throughout the day / HPR Plus outsole delivers long-lasting durability in high wear areas while maintaining flexibility for a smooth ride from heelstrike through toe off COMFORT: CUSHIONING – Maximum shock absorption and protection without sacrificing weight or stability – High rebound Memory Tech Massage footbed adds cushioning for all-day comfort
FAQ
How Long Do Walking Shoes Last?
Walking shoes are extremely durable and can last up to two years if they are worn on average once per week.
Are Running Shoes Good for Walking?
Running shoes are not ideal for walking due to their high-impact, hard cushioning.
How to Stop Shoes from Squeaking When Walking?
Walking shoes tend to squeak due the high-friction material used in their construction.
There are several ways that you can eliminate this issue, such as using wax or fabric spray on your shoe’s base before wearing them.
you can go about relieving this problem, BY covering the sole of your shoe with tape or adding an extra layer of cushioning underfoot where needed.
