Best Overall for Men

Dr. Scholl's Feel Ready Lace Up Sneaker

$130

$86 at Amazon View on Zappos $125 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Sizes: Men's 8-13 (medium, wide) Materials: Recycled knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Not listed Drop: Not listed Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers who need supportive shoes they can wear all day for work, errands, and even exercise.

Why We Love Them

Dr. Scholl's Men's Feel Ready Lace Up Sneakers are podiatrist-recommended to relieve back pain and provide all-day support, which is why we recommend them as our best overall pick for men. Their extra shock absorption reduces impact, especially in the heel. And their cushioning and heel cup distribute weight and pressure with every step. We found these shoes to be super easy to wear all day with no issues.

These shoes fit true to size, with the arch and heel support aligning with our feet right where we needed it. We also noted there was plenty of toe box room to allow our toes to splay naturally. The laces are stretchy, allowing for an adjustable fit, and the recycled fabric is breathable, machine washable, anti-microbial, and anti-odor. We felt energized all day in these shoes and think they're a great value.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes are only available in three colors, so if you're looking for more color or pattern choices, you might consider other shoes on our list.

Best Overall for Women

Hoka Bondi SR

$180 at Zappos $180 at Nordstrom $180 at REI

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-11 (medium, wide), Men's 7-15 (medium, wide) Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 11.5 ounces, Men's 14 ounces Drop: 6 millimeters Cushioning: Plush Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers who are on their feet all day for work, walk a lot for exercise, or experience chronic foot pain.

Why We Love Them

Hoka's Bondi SR Sneakers are a great choice for anyone who spends a lot of time walking or is on their feet all day. These are one of the most cushioned shoes in Hoka's lineup. We wore these while exercising, running errands, and attending our kids' sporting events, and we loved how comfortable they felt, thanks to their plush cushioning and solid stability. We easily wore them all day with no issues. The arch support lined up perfectly with our foot, giving these shoes a true-to-size fit. And the best feature of all—they relieved our plantar fasciitis pain.

We like the water-resistant leather and the extra padding around the tongue and heel collar. The tread is slip-resistant, so we felt no instability at all. And our heel stayed secure inside the shoe. We also liked how springy and energizing they felt. We found they propelled us forward with every step. We especially love the foot pain relief of these shoes and think they're a great value for that alone.

Also available in men's sizes at Zappos and Hoka.

Potential Flaws

• The leather upper is water-resistant and durable, but it does make the shoes a bit heavier than some others on our list.

Best for Overpronators

New Balance Made in USA Fresh Foam X 1540v4

$200

$180 at Amazon View on Newbalance.com View on Holabirdsports.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 6-13 (medium, wide, extra-wide, extra extra-wide), Men's 7-16 (medium, wide, extra-wide, extra extra-wide) Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 11.1 ounces, Men's 13 ounces Drop: 4 millimeters Cushioning: Plush Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers who walk a lot for exercise or commuting who need firm support.

Why We Love Them

New Balance's Made in USA Fresh Foam X 1540v4 Sneakers have the signature cushioning and stability that New Balance is known for. Available in four widths, these shoes offer plush cushioning and minimize excess heel motion, reducing overpronation. We loved the snug fit, which felt like a hug around our feet, and we experienced no ankle or knee pain while wearing these shoes.

These shoes feature two removable inserts, allowing for a custom fit, and carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health. We like the very thick sole and feel these shoes are much more supportive than other shoes we've tried. It's worth noting that the website recommends sizing up a half size; however, we had no issues and liked the secure fit of our regular size.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and New Balance.

Potential Flaws

• During testing, we observed that the shoes started to crease after only a few wears, raising concerns about long-term durability.
• We noticed the shoes weren't especially springy, so while they're great for walking, they may not be good for higher-impact activities.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Aetrex Danika Arch Support Sneaker

$150

$140 at Amazon $140 at Zappos View on Aetrex.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-12 Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 10 ounces Drop: 4 millimeters Cushioning: Plush Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for walkers with flat feet and plantar fasciitis who want a well-cushioned, supportive shoe for exercise and casual wear.

Why We Love Them

If you’re flat-footed and prone to plantar fasciitis, Aetrex’s Danika Sneaker is our top pick. It features excellent support and padding, particularly in the heel, to help alleviate foot pain and prevent future flare-ups. During testing, we immediately noticed the pair’s cloud-like cushioning. It felt plush and responsive, providing good shock absorption—another crucial feature for combating plantar fasciitis. We were able to wear this pair for long periods without any pain.

Despite its extra-thick cushioning and ample support, this shoe didn’t cause our feet to overheat when walking in hot weather, thanks to its breathable construction. Additionally, the toe box felt spacious, with ample room for our toes to spread naturally. We also like the padded tongue and collar, which enhance the shoe’s overall comfort.

Potential Flaws

• We liked the overall fit of the shoe, but we noticed that our feet slipped slightly in the heel area. However, it didn’t lead to any blisters or chafing.

Best for Orthotics

Aetrex Carly Arch Support Sneakers

$130 at Amazon $130 at Zappos View on Aetrex.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-12 (medium, wide) Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 9 ounces Drop: Not listed Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want lightweight shoes with removable insoles that still have ample arch support and cushioning.

Why We Love Them

Aetrex’s Carly Arch Support Sneakers feature a removable insole that offers light cushioning and molds to your feet with comfortable arch support. We love that you can replace the insoles with your own orthotics if you need more customized support. When we first tried on this pair, we were impressed with the glove-like fit, which hugged our feet in all the right places.

During test walks, this shoe provided reliable shock absorption and stability. Even when walking and standing in them for eight hours, we didn’t notice any pain in our feet, ankles, or knees. The combination of stellar arch support and ample padding in the heel area also makes these shoes a solid option for those with plantar fasciitis.

Potential Flaws 

• After wearing these shoes for eight hours straight, we noticed that they held onto odor over prolonged wear. However, they’re machine-washable, so it’s easy to get them looking and smelling fresh.

Best Cushioned

Under Armour Unisex UA Apparition Shoes

View on Dicks Sporting Goods $110 at Underarmour.com View on Kickscrew.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-19.5, Men's 3.5-18 Materials: Synthetic and leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 8.5 ounces, Men's 8.5 ounces Drop: 8 millimeters Cushioning: Plush Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for those with flat feet looking to invest in a cushioned, reliable shoe for daily walks and occasional runs. 

Why We Love Them

For a walking shoe that’s packed with soft cushioning, we recommend Under Armour’s UA Apparition Shoes, which have thick foam padding in the midsole. When testing this pair, we felt nimble and light on our feet, thanks to impact protection and a responsive footbed. Even after wearing them all day, we didn’t notice any foot pain or soreness.

The shoe’s tongue and collar are padded to help prevent blisters and other irritation. We also appreciated that the wide toe box provided ample room for toes to splay, even when wearing thicker socks. Additionally, the shoe provided substantial arch support and a snug fit in the heel, ensuring a secure hold.

Also available in men's sizes at Dick's Sporting Goods and Under Armour.

Potential Flaws

• With leather accents on the upper, these shoes may be too warm and not breathable enough to wear in hot weather.
• When walking in wet conditions, we noticed the shoes felt a bit slippery, so the grip could be improved.

Best for Knee Pain

Aetrex Chase Arch Support Sneakers

$150 at Amazon View on Aetrex.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Men's 8-14 Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Men's 10.8 ounces Drop: 6 millimeters Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They're For

Best for those who need alignment and plenty of thick support for foot and joint pain relief.

Why We Love Them

We immediately felt aligned and stable when we wore Aetrex's Chase Arch Support Sneakers. Our hips and knees stayed level, providing great stability we didn't even know we needed until the shoes made us feel more supported. We also appreciate the heel cup, which provides heel pressure relief, and the arch support that promotes natural alignment—both of which help alleviate knee pain.

The microfiber, antimicrobial insole is removable if you need to insert your own orthotics, and the extra cushioning in the forefoot felt good during long walks. During test walks and hikes, we found the shoes were just responsive enough to make transitions easy, even on dirt trails and hills. We like how breathable the shoes are, and they're machine washable, making caring for them super easy.

Potential Flaws

• During testing, we noted the shoes' soles are very thick. While it provides plenty of cushioning and support, we felt like we were wearing bulkier platform shoes.

Best With Arch Support

Asics Gel-Kayano 14

$259 at Amazon View on Asics.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Men's 6-13, Women's 5-12 Materials: Synthetic mesh and leather upper, gel and foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Men's 12.4 ounces, Women's 8.6 ounces Drop: 10 millimeters Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best for regular walkers who need stability and strong arch support in an everyday shoe.

Why We Love Them

If you like or need strong arch support that provides plenty of stability, we recommend Asics' Gel-Kayano 14 Sneakers. The wide toe box allowed our toes to splay naturally, and the firm arch gave us plenty of support and proper alignment. We noticed improvement in knee and ankle pain thanks to the structured midsole and cushioning. We also liked the padding around the heel collar for added support and comfort.

The mesh upper provides plenty of breathability, allowing us to wear these shoes comfortably all day without any issues. The gel midsole cushioning was great for all-day shock absorption, and the shoes were just responsive enough to offer controlled support with every step. We used them on a variety of surfaces, including a treadmill, concrete path, and running track, and found them to be very stable with good traction.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and Asics.

Potential Flaws

• We found these shoes to be slightly heavier and stiffer than other walking shoes we've tested, but this didn't affect their performance, and we still consider them a great option for those seeking solid arch support.

Best With Traction

Brooks Addiction Walker 2

$113 at Amazon $140 at Zappos View on Brooksrunning.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-12 (narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide), Men's 7-15 (narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide) Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 12.9 ounces, Men's 14.5 ounces Drop: 12 millimeters Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They're For

Best for everyday wearers who frequently walk in rain or wet conditions.

Why We Love Them

Walking in rainy and wet conditions can be treacherous if you don't have the right shoes. That's why we recommend Brooks' Addiction Walker 2 Sneakers for their superior grip and traction. We felt very well supported in these shoes during testing in the rain, and even in large puddles. They allowed us to stride smoothly without worrying that we would slip or slide all over the place.

These shoes feature a sturdy midsole that provides maximum support and stability while still allowing for a natural stride and proper foot alignment. We felt secure and supported by the thick sole, and the shoe's sturdiness made it feel more durable than other shoes we've tested. Despite the minimal ventilation of the leather upper, we noted there were no lingering odors in these shoes throughout our test.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Brooks.

Potential Flaws

• We found these shoes to be quite stiff, and it's worth noting that we developed cuts and blisters during initial wear as a result of the stiffness. However, after the initial break-in period, we loved wearing these shoes, especially in wet conditions.

Best Customizable

Orthofeet Relay

$125 at Amazon View on Orthofeet.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 6-12 (medium, wide, extra wide) Materials: Fabric upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 9 ounces Drop: 11.7 millimeters Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They're For

Best for low-impact activities and wearers who need customization options for each foot.

Why We Love Them

Being able to customize your shoes to fit each foot can be so helpful for pain relief and hip and spine alignment. That's why we recommend Orthofeet's Women's Relay Sneakers. Each pair comes with a fully removable insole, two different-sized spacer inserts, and an arch booster insert. We love how great these shoes fit and the ability to get the exact support we needed.

The breathable upper is flexible and soft, so there's no pressure, which is especially helpful if you need a shoe for bunions or hammertoes. We also appreciate that the interior of the shoe has no seams, which helps reduce irritation. Our feet didn't slide around inside the shoes, and we found the outsole traction to be solid on all kinds of terrain, including mud, concrete, grass, and gravel. We appreciate the lightweight feel of these shoes and that they're available in three widths for even more customization.

Potential Flaws

• We found the fit of these shoes to be perfect; however, the shock absorption was a little lacking, so we don't recommend them for higher-impact activities.

Most Stylish

Vionic Kimmie Court

$140

$78 at Zappos

$150

$75 at Nordstrom View on Vionicshoes.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-13 (medium, wide) Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Women's 13 ounces Drop: Not listed Cushioning: Low Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers who want light support and cushioning, and want a stylish shoe for casual wear.

Why We Love Them

Vionic's Kimmie Court Sneakers are stylish and functional, allowing you to dress them up or down for dressy or casual wear. We appreciate that they're available in two widths and half sizes so that you can find the perfect fit. The deep heel cup, roomy toe box, and plush insole made these shoes comfortable enough for us to wear them all day during testing. The insole provides good shock absorption and is also removable, allowing you to use custom orthotics.

The leather upper provides both style and durability, and although it makes the shoes slightly heavier than other options, we didn't notice any sluggishness while wearing them. We wear-tested them on a variety of surfaces, including grass, pavement, and rocks, and noted solid stability and good motion control every time.

Potential Flaws

• During our test, we noticed the tongue of these shoes rubbing our feet slightly; however, it did get better over time. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend wearing these with thicker socks.

Best Sandals

FitFlop GEN-FF Back-Strap Sandals

View on Fitflop.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 5-11 Materials: Recycled webbing and leather straps, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight: Not listed Drop: Not listed Cushioning: Plush Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers who want a cushioned sandal that supports foot conditions like plantar fasciitis.

Why We Love Them

FitFlop's GEN-FF Adjustable Sandals are a great choice if you need a warm-weather shoe that provides ample support, especially for conditions like plantar fasciitis or joint pain in the knees. We found these sandals so comfortable and plush that we were able to wear them all day at work, to our child's softball games, and while fitness walking and running errands. We never felt unsupported, and we appreciated that the sandals provided good motion control, so we always felt stable. Although the toe straps are not adjustable, we found that there was plenty of room for our toes to move comfortably.

Designed with three levels of targeted cushioning—medium in the toe area to help with push off, soft in the middle for comfort, and firm in the heel for support and shock absorption, these sandals feel great and allow for smooth transitions with every step. We also appreciate that they have the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for footwear, which means a group of podiatrists has determined that they promote good foot health.

Potential Flaws

• During our test, we found that even after the straps were properly adjusted, some excess strap remained, which we didn't like the look of. However, we like the adjustability, so we think it's worth the trade-off.
• These sandals are super comfortable, but we found them to be a little sporty-looking and would prefer a more stylish look for casual wear.