The 11 Most Comfy Walkings Footwear, Examined

What makes a shoe really comfy? Suppose well-cushioned, supportive sneakers that may deal with lengthy days of strolling, operating, or standing. Probably the most comfy strolling sneakers differ from individual to individual: “Discovering the correct shoe and arch help actually relies on every particular person’s foot measurement, form, and pure arch,” says Shannon Thompson, DPM, a Boston-area podiatrist and the proprietor of Ace Ft. To establish the highest pairs, we first consulted with Thompson and different specialists to find out the key options each strolling shoe ought to have for optimum consolation.

Then, we examined over 100 expert-approved strolling sneakers from high manufacturers. Generally, we had two individuals take a look at the identical shoe to see the way it suits and feels on completely different foot varieties. We wore the sneakers on a treadmill at three completely different paces and even sliced some sneakers in half to test their inner development. Our high picks earned excessive scores for his or her consolation, cushioning, responsiveness, match, and worth.

Credit score: Nike

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Finest for walkers who need a extremely responsive shoe with nice shock absorption for every day put on.

Why We Love Them

The responsive rocker design and superior shock absorption left us feeling like we may stroll in Nike’s Motiva Strolling Footwear ceaselessly. We love how the shoe pushes us ahead, serving to us roll via our toes with every step. Due to the only’s revolutionary form, we felt conneacted to our stride and felt like we may stroll for longer with out getting drained.

The Motiva combines springy foam cushioning with stable arch help, making a sneaker that seems like a spa for our toes. Plus, we like that there is extra padding across the collar for nice ankle help. Sturdy and steady, they took us from concrete to grass with ease. After testing over 100 sneakers, the Motiva is really among the best pairs we have discovered. We additionally assume it is a nice worth—we would gladly pay extra for it, contemplating how comfy it’s.

Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Nike.

Potential Flaws

We observed that these sneakers felt tight within the toe field, so it’s possible you’ll wish to order a measurement up out of your ordinary.
Though we love the Motiva’s rocker form, it did take us a couple of wears to get used to.

Meet Our Testers

Each of our testers regularly stroll on concrete round their neighborhoods. After they store for a strolling shoe, they prioritize cushioning and magnificence. Earlier than testing Nike’s Motiva Strolling Shoe, our testers most well-liked to put on sneakers from Allbirds, Hoka, and Reebok.

Fashionable Nike Motiva Girls’s Strolling Footwear are sturdy and maintain as much as put on nicely.
Credit score: Verywell Match
These sneakers really feel comfy and springy, due to thick foam midsoles and curved rocker outsoles.
Credit score: Verywell Match

Credit score: On-running

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Finest for walkers or runners with excessive arches.

Why We Love Them

On’s Cloud 5 is our high general males’s decide as a result of it is modern, light-weight, and extremely comfy. This sneaker is designed for all-day adventures, with loads of arch help and a pre-laced, slip-on design that is straightforward to put on. And like Nike’s Motiva Strolling Shoe, we have been impressed by how responsive they have been throughout testing. Tender padding within the midsole absorbs shock for well-cushioned landings, whether or not you are strolling throughout concrete, pavement, or grass.

We additionally love the mesh higher, which is each breathable and antimicrobial to stop sweat from increase inside. And when you wish to stroll or run within the rain, you are in luck—a water-proof model can also be out there. We advocate it for walkers and runners alike, notably you probably have excessive arches (like each of our testers do).

Additionally out there in girls’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Items, Nordstrom, and On.

Potential Flaws

These sneakers aren’t machine-washable, so you will have to clean any dust or mud out by hand.

Meet Our Testers

Certainly one of our testers walks and runs on pavement every day. He additionally offers with plantar fasciitis ache and located that these sneakers helped alleviate irritation. Our different tester walks round her neighborhood daily and runs errands in her On Cloud 5s. Each testers have excessive arches and determined to check this sneaker after listening to nice evaluations from family and friends.

This sturdy shoe has a grippy rubber outsole that may deal with uneven terrain and moist situations with ease.
Credit score: Verywell Match
The On Cloud 5 Waterproof Footwear have comfy foam midsoles, huge toe bins, and waterproof, but breathable mesh uppers.
Credit score: Verywell Match

Credit score: DSW

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Finest for every day, informal put on.

Why We Love Them

Funds-friendly with out skimping on model or consolation, Reebok’s Traditional Leather-based Legacy AZ Footwear additionally earned a spot on our checklist after testing. We love the retro design, which is available in a variety of head-turning colour mixtures. However much more importantly, these sneakers are constructed for strolling, with glorious traction for navigating your every day steps with ease.

The Traditional Leather-based Legacy AZ has a nylon and leather-based higher made with recycled supplies—throughout testing, we observed it felt ultra-comfortable. These sneakers additionally match nicely and felt responsive underfoot. We discovered that these sneakers are straightforward to stroll in. Plus, we acquired a number of compliments throughout our take a look at walks—one other bonus.

Potential Flaws

We observed that these sneakers haven’t got as a lot arch help as another pairs on our checklist do.
These are our heaviest picks, weighing 12 ounces every.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester lives in Boulder, Colorado, and goes on lengthy walks and hikes within the mountains a number of instances per week. She was impressed that these sneakers have been each light-weight and really grippy, making them well-suited to strolling on uneven terrain.

WalkHero Men's Wide Toe Box Shoes with Arch Support

Credit score: Stroll Hero

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Finest for anybody with knee ache or plantar fasciitis.

Why We Love Them

From the second we placed on WalkHero’s Large Toe Field Footwear with Arch Assist, we have been impressed by how nicely they match. The footbed has a barely elevated heel, which we discovered took the stress off and helped alleviate our plantar fasciitis signs throughout testing. There’s additionally a number of arch help, which aligned our toes and offered a massage-like really feel with each step.

With responsive cushioning, safe laces, and nice traction (even on wet days), these strolling sneakers are steady and durable. Even higher, we have been stunned to search out how significantly better our ankles and knees felt after sporting them—plus, we observed we may stroll longer and farther. In case you’re a walker or runner with knee ache, like our tester, we extremely advocate selecting up a pair of those sneakers to your restoration days.

Additionally out there in girls’s sizes at WalkHero.

Potential Flaws

Whereas these sneakers have good arch help, they will not be supportive sufficient you probably have excessive arches. You might must add your personal orthotics.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester has gentle plantar fasciitis and normally wears sneakers or flip-flops. He walks and runs lengthy distances on concrete and grass recurrently, and his job entails standing for a minimum of an hour at a time. He was drawn to those sneakers from WalkHero due to their superior heel and arch help.

WalkHero’s Large Toe Field Footwear alleviate plantar fasciitis ache with a massage-like really feel.

Verywell Match

Credit score: Allbirds

Professionals

Machine-washable
Wonderful traction
Water-repellent

Cons

No half sizes
Could run small

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Finest for anybody whose toes are at all times chilly.

Why We Love Them

Allbirds’ Wool Runner Mizzles are our favourite comfy sneakers for journey due to their versatility and sturdiness. Constructed from sustainable and recycled supplies, these sneakers are water-repellent and function glorious traction for stomping via less-than-ideal climate situations. We particularly love the nice and cozy, gentle wool higher that hugged our toes like a blanket as we walked throughout testing.

Responsive and well-cushioned, the Mizzles are a breeze to put on, even for lengthy distances whereas procuring or sightseeing. They’re additionally light-weight and straightforward to toss in your suitcase or carry-on. The very best half? They’re machine-washable, so you do not have to fret about annoying odors, stains, or spots.

Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Items, and Allbirds.

Potential Flaws

Be aware that the Mizzles do not are available half sizes.
Additionally they are likely to run small—we advocate ordering a measurement up out of your ordinary.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is a frequent traveler who was on the lookout for a shoe she may simply pack in her suitcase for trip. She loves how comfy these sneakers are when standing for lengthy intervals and likewise actually enjoys the cosy match.

Credit score: Zappos

Professionals

Wonderful arch help
Machine-washable
Smooth silhouette

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Finest for anybody who wants extra arch help, particularly if you would like a pair that you may slip on quick.

Why We Love Them

In search of a slip-on that does not compromise on consolation or help? We extremely advocate Skechers’ GO WALK Arch Match Grateful sneakers. The midsole is layered with gentle, responsive cushioning that feels gentle and springy underfoot. We additionally like that the knit mesh higher is extremely breathable and prevents sweat and odors from increase as you stroll in heat climate.

Throughout testing, we have been stunned by how supportive these sneakers felt—they matched among the extra technical sneakers on our checklist. Plus, they’re machine-washable, like a few of our different high picks. With a modern silhouette and loads of foot-friendly options, they’re a perfect consolation shoe for on a regular basis put on. Simply use the pull tabs on the heel to slide them on, and also you’re able to go.

Potential Flaws

Since these sneakers haven’t any laces or straps, the match is not adjustable.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester seems to be for arch help in her strolling sneakers and was pleasantly stunned by how a lot these sneakers delivered in that class. Since she lives in a colder local weather, she most well-liked to put on these when she wanted extra help indoors or on neighborhood walks. When she did put on these exterior, she wore them with thicker socks.

Credit score: Ryka

Professionals

APMA Seal of Acceptance
Extremely-soft lining
Large toe field

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Finest for anybody with sore, achy arches, particularly you probably have bunions.

Why We Love Them

After testing Ryka’s Devotion X Strolling Shoe, we’re satisfied they’re probably the most comfy strolling sneakers with arch help available on the market. However you do not have to take our phrase for it: They’ve additionally earned the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, that means a bunch of podiatrists have decided that sporting these sneakers can really enhance the well being of your toes.

We love the roomy match and huge toe field, full with a gentle lining that by no means gave us any irritation or blisters. Steady, supportive, and springy, the Devotion X has firmer cushioning that absorbs shock nicely. Constructed from high-quality, sturdy supplies, these sneakers additionally earned a near-perfect worth rating, that means we would gladly pay extra for them primarily based on how comfy they felt throughout testing.

Potential Flaws

We observed that the toe field is fairly spacious, so it could be too huge for some individuals with slender toes.

Meet Our Testers

Our testers stroll between three and 5 miles daily, totally on concrete, pavement, and onerous flooring. Throughout testing, they wore Ryka’s Devotion X Strolling Shoe whereas strolling on treadmills, lifting weights, commuting, and operating errands. Each testers have flat toes, and one has bunions. They agree that the Devotion X outshined lots of their go-to sneakers, due to its plush really feel.

This strolling shoe feels comfy all day, due to its light-weight design and cushioned midsole.
Credit score: Verywell Match
These high-quality strolling sneakers provide stable arch help and have breathable mesh uppers.
Credit score: Verywell Match

OOmg Low Women's Shoe - Lightweight Recovery Footwear - Reduces Stress on Feet, Joints & Back - Machine Washable

Credit score: Amazon

Professionals

Easy lining
Steady
Sock-like design

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Finest for kicking your toes up on the finish of an extended day.

Why We Love Them

Designed to assuage sore toes after a tricky exercise, OOFOS’ OOmg Low Shoe is our favourite comfy shoe for restoration days. The sock-like design contains plush cushioning all through the arch and heel, for taking the stress off once you want it most. Throughout testing, we have been additionally pleased to search out that the clean lining did not result in any rubbing, blisters, or different irritation.

These sneakers remained springy and supportive as we walked and offered on the spot and steady aid from our foot ache, even after a full day on the workplace. And in contrast to different slip-ons, they’re additionally tremendous steady. In case you’re in want of a sporty slip-on for days when your ordinary sneakers simply aren’t chopping it, we extremely advocate this pair.

Potential Flaws

These sneakers could run small—we advocate ordering a half measurement up out of your ordinary.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester has arch and heel ache because of plantar fasciitis. She loves her OOFOS slides and needed to see if the model’s slip-on fashions felt simply as comfy and supportive. Throughout testing, she wore these sneakers to the workplace, whereas operating errands, and on walks across the neighborhood.

Credit score: Zappos

Professionals

Extremely adjustable
Light-weight
Steady and supportive

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Finest for anybody who underpronates (that means your ankles roll outward once you stroll).

Why We Love Them

With three adjustable straps, Merrell’s Bravada Backstrap Sandal provides a customizable match that helped earn it a spot on our checklist. We love that the froth insole is sculpted to supply good arch help and stability on completely different surfaces. Plus, this pair has a safe match that retains our toes locked in all day lengthy—no extra slipping out of your sandals on account of sweat or moist climate.

The Bravada’s rubber outsole has deep lugs for nice traction on uneven terrain. Throughout testing, we observed that they have been straightforward to put on for prolonged intervals on account of their light-weight development. Bouncy and responsive, these sandals stored us feeling gentle on our toes whether or not we have been on the workplace or strolling on the seashore.

Potential Flaws

Like a few of our different high picks, this shoe would not are available any half sizes. We discovered that they run barely lengthy, so we advocate sizing down when you’re in between sizes.

Meet Our Testers

Our testers are underpronators who stroll daily. They sometimes put on sneakers, however needed to strive a supportive sandal for on a regular basis put on in heat climate. Each testers have been stunned by how a lot they beloved these sandals and would gladly buy a second pair.

Credit score: Amazon

Professionals

Stable arch help
Thick, comfy sole
Nice worth

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Finest for informal put on in heat climate.

Why We Love Them

Chaco’s Lowdown Slide Sandals aren’t like different flimsy, slip-on sandals you’ve got tried earlier than. In testing, we discovered that they run true to measurement, plus, they’ve ample arch help and a thick sole that is shock-absorbent whereas strolling, which helps forestall achy, drained toes. We additionally like that the webbed straps really feel clean to the contact and do not trigger any irritation.

Adjusting the match is a cinch—merely use the buckle on every sandal till the straps relaxation snugly in opposition to your toes. Sturdy sufficient for simple sporting all summer time lengthy, the Lowdown Slide Sandal is a must have for anybody who enjoys strolling on the seashore. We additionally discovered that they are a nice worth, at lower than half the price of another sneakers on our checklist.

Additionally out there in girls’s sizes at Amazon and Chaco.

Potential Flaws

We want these sandals had a backstrap, for added safety.
Throughout testing, we observed that the straps tended to loosen after lengthy intervals of strolling. You’ll have to readjust them all through the day.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester walks a bit over 5 miles a day to run errands and get train. He sometimes wears sneakers however was on the lookout for a pair of comfy strolling sneakers for the summer time, so he turned to those sandals. He was initially drawn these sneakers for his or her versatile lace-free model.

Credit score: Dick’s Sporting Items

Professionals

Nice traction
Breathable
Fast-drying

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Finest for restoration days or strolling laps round your neighborhood in hotter months.

Why We Love Them

For a easy slip-on that is ultra-comfortable and excellent for summer time, Kane’s Revive Lively Restoration Shoe is our high decide. Straight away, we observed how roomy they have been, with a wider match that runs true to measurement. Throughout take a look at walks, we have been additionally stunned by how steady they felt—we strolled throughout sand, grass, and concrete with ease.

Grippy channels on the outsole present stable traction, whereas the froth materials dries rapidly, ought to you have to navigate round puddles or mud. We additionally just like the breathable perforations within the higher, which permit air to circulate to maintain your toes feeling cool and dry. Actually a do-anything shoe, we have been pleased sporting these slip-ons whereas doing yard work, lifting weights, and extra.

Potential Flaws

These sneakers do not soak up shock in addition to another pairs on our checklist.
Like Allbirds’ Wool Runner Mizzles, they don’t seem to be out there in half sizes. In case you’re in between sizes, the model recommends sizing down you probably have slender toes and sizing up you probably have huge toes.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester walks between two and 6 miles a day, usually along with his canine. He has flat, huge toes. Earlier than testing the Revive Lively Restoration Shoe, he was dedicated to Brooks sneakers due to how comfy they’re.

Comfy Strolling Footwear We Additionally Examined

We examined and reviewed over 100 sneakers, however solely 11 have been comfy sufficient to earn a spot on our checklist. Whereas these pairs impressed us in some methods, they in the end fell brief.

After we first put Ryka’s Romia Strolling Footwear on, they felt wonderful on our toes—we beloved the true-to-size match and soft really feel. However over time, we realized that the soles have been too skinny, and we want the laces have been adjustable.
The North Face’s VECTIV Levitum FUTURELIGHT Footwear have been virtually too steady, placing stress on our Achilles tendon. We additionally observed that they did not really feel very springy or versatile underfoot, in contrast to lots of our different high picks.
We preferred that Vionic’s Captivate Sneakers have been sturdy and ultra-supportive. However they felt stiff throughout testing, and it took some time for our toes to get used to their intense arch help.

On’s Cloud 5 delivers loads of arch help in a modern, light-weight design at 8.8 ounces.

Verywell Match

What to Search for When Looking for Comfy Strolling Footwear

Cushioning: Most sneakers have foam cushioning, gel cushioning, or a mix of each. Make certain your sneakers have sufficient padding to assist soak up shock, however not an excessive amount of—you should not really feel like your foot sinks into the shoe, says Thompson.
Arch Assist: The extent of arch help you want relies on your foot form and whether or not you over- or underpronate. When you’ve got low arches or flat toes, you possible overpronate. Search for sneakers with average arch help that may gently right your gait with out inflicting your arches to cramp. Walkers and runners with greater arches can profit from a extra supportive shoe. You may additionally profit from sporting sneakers with extra arch help when you expertise frequent foot ache, though it is at all times a good suggestion to test with a physician or podiatrist first.
Weight: Some sneakers are heavier than others. In case you stroll or run lengthy distances, search for lighter sneakers that will not weigh you down. Heavier pairs are higher suited to shorter treks or hikes on tough terrain.
Fashion: Be sure you’re searching for comfy strolling sneakers which are designed for the actions you do most frequently. In case you stroll lengthy distances, you will need a shoe with extra cushion that will not weigh you down. And when you’re on the lookout for a snug journey shoe, it’s possible you’ll wish to go for a slip-on sneaker that you may simply tackle and off once you undergo safety.
Value: Comfy strolling sneakers can be found at a variety of costs—most pairs value between $50 and $150. Preserve your price range in thoughts whereas procuring, and be looking out for gross sales.

How We Examined the Most Comfy Strolling Footwear

We take a look at every shoe for match, cushioning, consolation, responsiveness, and general worth.

Verywell Match

To search out probably the most comfy strolling sneakers, we have consulted a number of podiatrists to study extra about which options each pair ought to have. We have additionally examined over 100 sneakers, slip-ons, and sandals from well-liked health manufacturers. Throughout testing, we stroll inside, exterior, and on treadmills. Generally, we’ve two individuals take a look at the identical shoe to see the way it suits and feels on completely different foot varieties. We consider every shoe primarily based on the next key standards:

Match: After we first strive the shoe on, we analyze the way it suits. Does it really feel cosy, however not too tight? How roomy is the toe field—can we comfortably wiggle all 5 toes? We additionally test to ensure there is a thumb’s width of house between the tip of our longest toe and the entrance of the shoe. These observations assist us decide whether or not the shoe runs massive, small, or true to measurement.
Cushioning: As we begin strolling or operating within the shoe, we word how the padding feels underfoot. Is it agency, gentle, or overly squishy? We additionally sliced among the sneakers on our checklist in half to look at the layers of cushioning close-up.
Consolation: Cushioning performs a task in how comfy a shoe is, however so do different elements. Throughout testing, we think about every shoe’s supplies and design to assign it a consolation rating. Is the higher breathable, or does it lure warmth and sweat contained in the shoe? Is there extra padding within the tongue and behind the heel to stop blisters from forming? How do our toes, ankles, and knees really feel after we take our sneakers off on the finish of an extended day?
Responsiveness: A responsive shoe has a midsole that feels springy underfoot, pushing us ahead with every step. Is the cushioning gentle and bouncy? Or is it too thick and ponderous?
Worth: To assign every shoe a price rating, we wait till the tip of the testing interval, after we have scored it in all different classes. Based mostly on the shoe’s efficiency, do we predict it is priced precisely? Or would we solely purchase it if it went on sale?

Our Specialists

We spoke to specialists at each stage of researching and reporting for this story. Some, like podiatrist Elizabeth Bonarigo, DPM, helped us perceive how comfy sneakers ought to match and really feel. Others guided us on which key options comfy strolling sneakers ought to have and the way to buy the correct pair. Though we select merchandise independently, professional enter influences our decisions.

Shannon Thompson, DPM, a Boston-area podiatrist and the proprietor of Ace Ft
Elizabeth Bonarigo, DPM, a New York Metropolis-based podiatrist and foot surgeon
William Spielfogel, DPM, a New York-based, board-certified podiatrist and medical advisor for The Good Ft Retailer

Often Requested Questions

How do I measure my shoe measurement?

To search out your shoe measurement, measure the size of your foot (out of your heel to the tip of your longest toe), the width of your foot on the widest half, and the size of your arch. For accuracy, ensure you measure whereas standing up, ideally in the course of the day or within the early evenings to account for swelling, says Bonarigo.

How ought to strolling sneakers match?

Your sneakers ought to really feel cosy, however not tight—search for a spacious, rounded toe field that may permit your toes to suit comfortably contained in the shoe, says Bonarigo. She recommends avoiding pointy, slender, or tapered toe bins that may power stress in your toes, inflicting calluses, corns, or blisters.

How do I break in my new sneakers?

Most specialists agree that in case your sneakers really feel like they have to be damaged in, they only do not suit your toes appropriately. Spielfogel says the correct pair will not require any breaking in if they’ve sufficient help and stability.

Why Belief Verywell Match

Sydney Greene, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, Verywell Match author, and an enormous walker. When she shouldn’t be seeing shoppers, you could find her taking lengthy strolls or climbing within the mountains in Boulder, Colorado. Sydney encourages her shoppers to get exterior and transfer each time doable, and she or he is aware of how necessary a great-fitting and comfy strolling shoe is to make this occur.

Further reporting by Sherri Gordon, CLC.

As a Verywell Match author, Sherri Gordon, CLC, has a ardour for connecting individuals with the correct merchandise to handle their health objectives. An avid walker, Sherri is aware of how necessary consolation is when you will have an extended day forward of you. Skechers are her go-to sneakers as a result of they aren’t solely straightforward to slide on, however additionally they have an awesome, soft really feel.