I walk about five miles on an average workday. While I love a stylish pair of loafers, I want my feet to feel comfortable and supported, so I almost always put on a pair of walking shoes. I’m not alone in my thinking, when I take a look around New York City many people are sporting some type of walking shoe.
But what makes walking shoes more comfortable than other kinds of shoes? And can my running shoes pull double duty? We spoke with podiatrists to find out, and we got their top-picks for the best walking shoes for men.
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Selected.Our top picks
We spoke with podiatrists to learn more about what to consider when shopping for the perfect pair of men’s walking shoes. To select our top picks, we kept the following advice in mind:
- Size: Similar to running shoes, fit is the most important part of any pair of walking shoes, according to our experts. We included each shoe’s sizing and width options below our recommendation.
- Cushioning: The right amount of cushion depends on personal preference and comfort, according to our experts. However, they did note that more cushioning absorbs shock better than less. Our top picks range in cushion thickness and weight.
- Terrain: We included shoes with a variety of outsoles — the grippy material at the very bottom of the shoe (the part that makes contact with the ground). Some outsoles are better suited to indoor or outdoor terrain. Think about where you spent most of your time walking before adding a pair to your cart.
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Our recommendations come from a mix of expert and NBC Select staff picks, mostly from shoe brands like Brooks, New Balance, Hoka and On Running. Most of our picks are technically running shoes, but running shoes are generally a great choice for most types of walking, according to our experts.
All of our recommendations come in different colors and patterns — browse each retailer to find your favorite style.
Staff-pick: On Running Cloud X3
What we like
- Comfortable support
- Breathable upper
Something to note
- Outsole takes getting used to
“I had what you could best describe as a Cinderella moment when lacing these up for the first time,” says NBC commerce editor Jordan Bowman. The Cloud X3 are so comfortable, well-cushioned and stable that Bowman’s previous walking shoes just couldn’t compete.
The shoe has a molded, firmer heel and a wide platform for your toes, as well as a star-shaped lace pattern at the top of the foot. The upper is made with mesh fabric, which Bowman finds breathable and cooling. The outsole has a mostly smooth but grippy tread, appropriate for paved surfaces. The comfort, support and style helped make this shoe a winner in our most recent NBC Select Wellness Awards.
Sizes: 7-14 | Widths: Medium | Heel drop: 8 mm | Weight: 8.57 oz (243 g)
Expert-pick: Allbirds Tree Runners
What we like
- Simple and comfortable
- Machine washable
- Competitive price
Something to note
- Not the best for running
This walking shoe comes recommended by Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare. They are lightweight, comfortable and machine washable. Plus, they can easily be worn with or without socks, and feel cozy on hot and cold days, says Cunha. While I did not have the best time running in them (despite the name), they were perfectly comfortable for a few miles around town.
The outsole is mostly smooth, with no deep tread to speak of, so these are best for paved surfaces or the treadmill.
Sizes: 8-14 | Widths: Medium | Heel drop: 9.6 mm | Weight: 8.6 oz (244 g)
Budget pick: Saucony Cohesion 17
What we like
- Competitive price
- Supportive fit
Something to note
- Not many colors
These shoes are spacious, comfortable and provide excellent ankle and arch support, says Cunha. They are also the lowest-priced shoe on our list at around $75. They have a breathable upper and slight tread on the outsole, enough for gripping streets and sidewalks.
Sizes offered: 7-15 | Widths offered: Medium, wide | Heel drop: 12mm | Weight: 8.5 oz (240g)
Maximum cushion: Brooks Ghost Max
What we like
- Ample cushioning
- Comfortable all-day
- Inclusive sizing
Something to note
- On the heavier side
These are my go-to running and walking shoes since the brand sent me a pair at launch in 2023. It’s one of the brand’s most cushioned shoes, and makes long runs and all-day outings feel easy. Or, at least, easier.
The toebox is very spacious, with enough room for all my toes to rest comfortably, but not float unsupported. The shoe has a slight rocker shape that helps propel you forward. The outsole is made of textured, grippy rubber that feels stable on all sorts of flat terrain, in my experience.
You can read more in our Brooks Ghost Max review.
Sizes: 7-15 | Widths: Medium, wide, extra wide | Heel drop: 6 mm | Weight: 10.0 oz (283 g)
Best for wide feet and bunions: Hoka Clifton 9
What we like
- Wide toe-box
- Multiple width options
Something to note
- Thicker soles not for everyone
If you’re looking for a wide toe-box shoe, Cunha recommends the Hoka Clifton 9. The shoe has a spacious toe-box that accommodates most wide feet and bunions, says Cunha. I’ve walked and run many miles in these shoes — they have a wide, spacious and supportive footbed. The mesh upper is breathable, and the outsole has deeper lugs for added durability and traction in varied terrain.
The shoe is also available in medium and wide width sizing, as well as a waterproof GTX version.
Sizes: 7-16 | Widths: Medium, wide | Heel drop: 5 mm | Weight: 8.7 oz (247 g)
Best long-distance: Brooks Ghost 15
What we like
- Great all-day comfort
- Inclusive sizing
Something to note
- Slightly heavy
If you’ve got miles and miles ahead of you, Cunha recommends these shoes for extra durability, arch cushioning and shock absorption. I’ve worn various Ghost shoes over the past five years, including the 15s — they are always comfortable, balanced and easy to walk in. The outsole is thick and grippy — I’ve never felt any uneven traction while wearing them. They also have the most width options of all our recommendations.
The brand has since released the Ghost 16, so you can find the 15s at a discount while supplies last.
Sizes: 7-15 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide, extra wide | Heel drop: 12 mm | Weight: 10.1 oz (286 g)
Grippy and durable: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
What we like
- Grippy outsole
- Inclusive sizing
Something to note
- Slightly heavy
- Pricey
“I have traditionally in my life worn stylish shoes with little comfort. It wasn’t until trying these that I learned what actual support is,” says NBC Select video producer Josh Rios. Recommended in our guides to men’s running shoes and women’s sneakers for wide feet, the 1080v13s are comfortable, durable and grippy. The shoes have a breathable mesh upper and a deep lug pattern on the outsole for tackling uneven terrain. “If I’m doing a ton of walking, I know these shoes will hold me down,” says Rios.
Sizes: 7-15 | Widths: Medium, wide, extra wide | Heel drop: 6 mm | Weight: 10.0 oz (283 g)
Best recovery sandals: Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
What we like
- Slips on easily
- Very breathable
Something to note
- For recovery, not daily walks
“These sandals are engineered with a meta-rocker sole similar to the bottom of a boat that allows your foot to smoothly roll from heel to toe minimizing shock on your foot, ankle, knees and back,” says Cunha.
The slides are, naturally, very breathable, especially if you forgo socks. They have a wide base and moderate stability and support, according to the brand. Unlike our other recommendations, they are best for recovery and casual use, not miles of walking around town.
Sizes: 7-14 | Widths: Medium | Heel drop: 6 mm | Weight: 7.8 oz (221g)
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Walking shoes have more flexible soles that allow for the natural motion of walking, says Cunha. While many of our recommendations are running shoes, they are also a good choice for walking, according to our experts. Running shoes have slightly stiffer soles, and prioritize stability and shock absorption to better support high-impact activities, says Cunha.
Regardless of the type of walking shoes you consider, our experts say to keep the following in mind:
Consider where you’ll be walkingIf you will mostly be walking outside, look for shoes with a more durable outside and tread patterns, says Cunha.
If you plan to walk mostly on a treadmill, look for lightweight shoes with adequate cushioning — treadmills are softer and more uniform than outdoor terrain, says Cunha.
Try them on in-person for the best fitOur experts recommend trying on shoes in-person, or even better, get fitted at a store that specializes in running or athletic shoes. Shoe stores usually have specialty tools and an informed staff that can help you identify and consider things like your foot shape, arch type and gait. Some stores can even perform a treadmill analysis of your walk.
Cunha recommends shopping in-person later in the day when your feet are a little swollen. “If your walking shoes are comfortable at the end of the day when your feet are tired and swollen, they most likely will feel good throughout the day,” he says.
Frequently asked questions
Experts recommend replacing most types of sneakers every 300 to 500 miles, including walking shoes. Make a note of when you buy a new pair, and put a reminder for yourself every six months or so to consider your mileage.
There are three types of arches: flat, neutral and high, says Dr. Olga Shvets, a podiatrist at Central Park Podiatry. You can learn more in our full story about how to identify your arch type.
Shvets finds that people with flat feet do well in neutral (or pronator) shoes. She also recommends an insert to help the shoe fit in a more neutral manner. Anyone with a high arch may benefit from a high lacing shoe to keep the ankle stable, as well as inserts like orthotics.
The best way to get a precise determination of your foot type is to consult a podiatrist, especially if you are experiencing foot pains and discomfort, says Cunha.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Miguel Cunha is a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City.
- Dr. Olga Shvets is a podiatrist at Central Park Podiatry in Yonkers, New York.
Harry Rabinowitz is a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including guides to fitness trackers, workout earbuds, cycling shoes and more. He spoke with medical professionals to better understand walking and walking shoes. He regularly tries new walking and running shoes, incorporating them into his fitness routine.
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