One of the most common mistakes you can make when buying walking shoes is prioritizing fashion over function, according to physical therapist Karena Wu, PT, DPT, OCS. The best walking shoes can make all the difference in protecting your feet during a stroll, hike, or fitness walk. Shoes that don't fit properly can cause skin conditions like blisters or chafing, as well as foot, ankle, and leg pain, says Wu. When shopping, she recommends looking for walking shoes that fit properly and provide good support and cushioning.
To find the best walking shoes for men, we consulted with experts, including a podiatric surgeon, a footwear expert, two podiatrists, and a physical therapist, to determine the key features to look for in a high-quality pair. We then tested over 100 pairs of shoes at home, wearing them on dirt trails, concrete paths, grass, and more. We evaluated each pair for its fit, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, comfort, quality, and value to find the top options on the market.
Top Picks
Best Overall:
Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 22 at Amazon $165 Most Versatile:
Adidas Lite Racer Adapt 7.0 at Amazon $42 Best Minimalist:
Relxfeet Men's Minimalist Barefoot Shoes at Amazon $36 Best Budget:
SALE
Under Armour UA Charged Verssert 2 at Amazon Best With Wide Toe Box:
SALE
Asics Gel-Excite 11 at Amazon Most Comfortable:
SALE
Oofos Oomy Stride Sneakers at Amazon Best Breathable:
Hoka Rincon 4 at Zappos $125 Best Slip-On:
Skechers GO WALK Jesper at Skechers.com Best Cushioned:
HOKA Clifton 10 at Amazon $148 Best for Plantar Fasciitis:
On Cloudzone at Nordstrom $150 -
What to Look For
- Flex Point: To check the flex point of your shoe, hold it by the heel and press the toe onto the ground. The point where the shoe bends is the flex point. The shoe's flex point should match the bending point at the ball of your foot. Podiatrist Miguel Cunha, DPM, advises that your shoe should bend comfortably at the point where your toes bend when walking, allowing for your natural movement. When it doesn’t align correctly or when a shoe bends at the arch instead, it can lead to issues like arch pain, blisters, or plantar fasciitis.
- Material: Look for a shoe made with high-quality, durable materials that will last. If you tend to run warm and plan on wearing the shoe in warm weather or while taking long walks, Cunha recommends looking for a shoe with mesh or knit uppers or perforated leather to help keep your feet comfortable and dry.
- Arch Support: Look for a walking shoe that provides solid arch support to help keep your feet aligned properly and improve your posture and gait while walking. Wu says that a flat foot needs low arch support, a high arch will require more arch support, while a neutral foot will need minimal to moderate arch support. To determine which arch support is best for you, wet your entire foot and step on a sheet of paper. Wu says a large and wide imprint indicates a flat foot, a narrow imprint indicates a high arch, and a moderate imprint indicates a neutral arch.
- Foot Conditions: If you have a foot condition, such as bunions, hammer toes, or plantar fasciitis, it's important to find a walking shoe that won’t exacerbate your symptoms. Depending on the condition, you may want to look for shoes with a wide toe box, additional arch support, or well-cushioned midsoles.
Verywell Fit
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How We Tested
To find the best walking shoes for men, the Verywell Fit team tested over 100 pairs at home, wearing them on sand, grass, trails, concrete paths, and more. When testing walking shoes for men, we evaluate each pair based on the following key criteria.
- Fit: When we first try on the shoes, we note if they fit true to size and if there is a thumb's width of space between our toes and the end of the shoe. According to Cunha, your heel should also remain in place without any slippage or lifting. We ask ourselves if the shoe feels too loose or too tight and note whether the toe box is wide enough to wiggle our toes. We prioritize shoes that fit as expected.
- Stability: When walking in each pair of shoes, we note whether our ankles and knees feel supported and stable. We consider whether the shoes provide enough shock support and balance with each step. We also note whether the stability of the shoe changes with different surfaces, such as grass, gravel, or concrete.
- Responsiveness: After wearing the shoes for at least three hours, we evaluate how well they help propel us forward with each step. We note how springy and bouncy the shoe feels, as well as whether the curve of the sole aids propulsion. After wearing the shoes for several hours, we note whether our legs feel fresh, heavy, or fatigued.
- Cushioning: To evaluate the cushioning, we note whether it feels pillowy or firm, how well it absorbs shock, whether we feel pain or pressure points anywhere, and whether the cushioning is evenly distributed throughout the shoe. After the testing period, we evaluate if the cushioning has held up over time, including whether it has deflated or compressed.
- Comfort: The first time we put the shoes on, we ask ourselves if they feel light or heavy. Do the shoes feel breathable? Is the upper fabric soft and flexible or stiff and rigid? Are there any seams or stitching that cause chafing or irritation? After our test walks, we note whether our feet stay comfortable or get sweaty and overheated. We also consider whether we develop any blisters or hot spots.
- Quality: To evaluate quality, we note whether the shoes arrived in good condition and whether the materials are durable and high-quality. We also perform a bend test to determine whether the shoes bend where they should (under the ball of the foot). At the end of the testing period, we note any wear and tear on the shoes.
- Value: To determine the value of each pair of walking shoes, we wait until the end of the testing period, after evaluating all other criteria, to check the price. Based on their performance, we note if the shoes are fairly priced or if we would only buy them on sale. We also consider whether we would recommend the shoes to friends and family.
Verywell Fit
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What We’ve Updated
- Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best walking shoes for men, we've re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested 12 new pairs of shoes. This continues to be a fully tested article, solely providing our hands-on experience with each recommended men's walking shoe.
- Based on our testing insights, we've reworked some of our product picks, including Best Overall, Best Slip-On, Best Cushioned, and Best Breathable.
- Based on our testing insights, we've added six new superlatives, including Best Budget, Best With Wide Toe Box, and Best for Plantar Fasciitis.
Verywell Fit
