The weather is balmy, the days are longer, and it’s time to get outside—but not before picking up a pair of the best walking shoes you can find. If you’ve ever tried out a flashy new pair of shoes just to wind up with aching, nagging foot pain, you already know that supportive, comfortable shoes are key for your feet (and your mood, for that matter). Strolling, hiking, running errands, or trying a new walking workout call for a pair of walking shoes that fit and feel comfy and supportive step after step (after step).
What should you look for in a high-quality walking shoe?
As SELF has previously reported, there are many benefits of walking, but ill-fitting shoes can put your legs, ankles, and feet at risk of injury, so it’s important to shop for walking shoes that’ll suit your foot. People with wide feet, for example, should choose walking sneakers with a wide toe box. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, you never want your toes to feel cramped (or like they can’t wiggle) when you’re wearing shoes. Hoka Running Shoes Besides plenty of toe room, SELF’s Sneaker Buying Guide recommends taking a shoe’s level of arch support and cushioning into consideration too, whether you have flat feet or high arches. Ultimately, you don’t want to feel like your foot is fighting against the structure of the shoe—rather, you want a pair of shoes that’ll map and mimic the shape of your foot.
When shopping for shoes that you’ll wear for long distances or periods of time, not just any old pair will do. If it’s time to find a new set of sneaks that you’ll be excited to lace up and go walk in, we’ve selected some of the very best walking shoes for you. These shoes are all expert-recommended, SELF award-winning, or top-rated shoe brands like Reebok, Ryka, Hoka One One, New Balance, and many more.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Dick’s Sporting Goods1
Hoka One One Bondi 7 Running Shoes
Whether you deal with plantar fasciitis or just want the cushiest stroll you can get, consider the Bondi 7 from Hoka One One. This shoe has a cult following and is recommended by physical therapists for its lightweight feel yet incredibly comfortable footbed. Beyond that, its breathable mesh upper encourages plenty of airflow, even if you wear these shoes out for a long run.
Available in sizes 5 to 12, in wide and medium.
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Allbirds2
Allbirds Tree Dasher 2
Not only do Allbirds’s Tree Dasher 2 shoes make a fantastic gift for runners, they’re also a treat for yourself if your walking shoes need a refresh—several reviewers noted how well they performed on long walks. The steady ankle support at the cuff and no-slip heel cup will help you feel secure as you stroll outside. And don’t worry about getting dirty: They’re machine-washable.
Available in sizes 5 to 11.
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Dick’s Sporting Goods3
Reebok Women’s DailyFit DMX Training Shoes
These slip-on sneakers from Reebok won a 2021 SELF Sneaker Award for how cushy yet supportive they felt to our testers. Plus their breathable upper keeps feet feeling cool (and not even slightly swampy).
Available in sizes 5 to 11.
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Amazon4
Ryka Women’s Journey Sneaker
Another 2021 SELF Sneaker Award winner, Ryka’s Journey sneaker fit one tester so naturally that they said it felt like “an extension of their foot.” If you have flat or wide feet, this shoe may be particularly well-suited for you thanks to its roomy toe box.
Available in sizes 5 to 11.
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Nordstrom5
Ryka Devotion Plus 3
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Amazon6
Chaco Women’s Z1 Classic Sandal
Podiatrist-approved with arch support and a cool minimalist design, there’s plenty to love about these Chaco walking sandals, which physical therapist Nick Cutri, PT, DPT, FAFS, CSCS, previously recommended to SELF. He gave their rubber outsole and midsole a specific shoutout, for anyone looking for comfort and traction.
Available in sizes 5 to 12, in wide and medium.
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Zappos7
Hoka Hopara
If you’re looking for footwear with the rugged rubber outsole of a hiking shoe and the breathability of a sandal, Hoka’s Hopara sandal strikes that balance. Previously recommended to SELF by Cutri, this pair of “mountain sandals” will make walks over rocky, uneven terrain feel like a breeze.
Available in sizes 5 to 11 (also available in all-gender sizing).
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Nike8
Nike Waffle One
These SELF Certified Nike athleisure sneaks kept our tester’s feet happy while strolling NYC sidewalks, shopping around town, and chasing down the subway. This Nike sneaker has a design that incorporates mesh, suede, and a lug sole, they’re as stylish as they are functional.
Available in sizes 5 to 12.
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Dick’s Sporting Goods10
Reebok Women’s Club C 85 Sneaker
It’s little wonder why these Reebok sneakers remain a top-rated pick (check out the 6,000-plus five-star ratings on Amazon) years after taking home a SELF Sneaker Award. Their simple, timeless design belies technical details like a shock-absorbing EVA midsole and sturdy leather upper. Plus, it’s always good to have a great pair of white sneakers on hand.
Available in sizes 5 to 11.
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Backcountry11
La Sportiva TX4 Approach
Approach shoes are great for walks and easy hikes when looking for a lightweight—yet durable—shoe over a heavy-duty boot. Certified Apprentice Rock Guide Mallorie Estenson previously recommended this pair of La Sportivas to SELF, proudly stating she’d wear these shoes everywhere if she could. They have grippy, slip-resistant soles and a sturdy structure to keep feet stable.
Available in sizes 36 to 43.
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ExperienceInteriors12
Eddie Bauer Flexion Cloudline Sneaker
Moisture-wicking, stabilizing, and incredibly lightweight, these casual Eddie Bauer walking shoes more than earned their 2020 SELF Sneaker Award. Our tester deemed them most suitable for easy or incremental walks on sidewalks and paved roads, and also noted that they fit as if they were molded to her feet.
Available in sizes 6 to 11.
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New Balance13
New Balance Fresh Foam Cruzv1 Reissue
A previous model from New Balance’s cushier-than-cushy Fresh Foam Cruz line won a SELF Sneaker Award, and—case in point—the brand reissued a new version of the original due to popular demand. These shoes are simultaneously flexible and supportive throughout for all-day comfort.
Available in sizes 5 to 12, in wide and medium.
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Dick’s Sporting Goods14
Saucony Triumph 19 Running Shoe
Technically running sneakers, these Sauconys are so cushioned, springy, and stable that you’ll be happy to wear them on your walks too (even if you deal with plantar fasciitis). On top of that, they have a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, meaning they’re beneficial to foot health, according to experts.
Available in sizes 5 to 12, in wide and medium.
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