Best Men's Overall

Brooks GTS 19 Running Shoe

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The versatile Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 shoe features cushioning that’s soft, comfortable, yet responsive. Upon first putting them on, we immediately noticed the shoes' plush cushioning and were impressed that they felt comfortable right out of the box, with no break-in period needed. The shoes’ DNA Loft cushioning—a combination of EVA foam, rubber, and air—dynamically adapts to each step with a soft yet responsive feel and offers good shock absorption during walks.

A plush interior liner that conforms to the foot and the engineered mesh upper combine to provide an excellent fit, helping to secure the shoe a perfect score for that category. As for stability, the shoes have a GuideRails support system that keeps excess movement in check. Even after wearing the shoes for hours, our feet still felt well-supported.

With a breathable mesh upper and wide toe box, the shoe also excelled in blister protection, receiving a nearly perfect score for that attribute. The one drawback of these shoes is that they're pricier, but we think they're worth the investment for shoes that excel both for walking and running. We love how well-cushioned they are while still feeling lightweight and not at all bulky.

The Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 is an ideal choice for men with a neutral gait who need a sturdy, comfortable shoe for walking, running, or all-day wear.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 10 ounces Closure: Lace-up Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber sole Cushioning Level: High Care: Hand-wash, air-dry}

Best Women's Overall

Hoka Bondi 7 Shoes

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Hoka One One shoes are well-known for their outstanding cushioning, and their Bondi 7 shoe doesn’t disappoint. During testing, the shoes delivered plush comfort and stellar shock absorption, receiving a perfect score for cushioning. We were impressed with the shoe’s soft, memory-foam collar, which added to the overall comfort and helped to provide a snug, secure fit.

What really makes these shoes stand out is that they’re extremely comfortable and well-cushioned but still somehow lightweight and supportive. The shoe feels firm and stable without being super rigid. Plus, we like that its mesh construction allows for good breathability.

The shoe also scored high in lateral stability and support and offered the right structure and firmness needed in a walking shoe. The strong, sturdy rubber outsole provides reliable traction and enhances the shoe’s durability and stability.

The Bondi’s thick, wide sole may not be desirable to those who prefer a streamlined look. However, we think the shoe’s comfort and support make up for its lack of style. If you’re a fitness walker, into treadmill desks, or need a comfy shoe for all-day wear, the Bondi is an excellent choice that provides plush cushioning without weighing you down.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 11 ounces Closure: Lace-up Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber outsole  Cushioning Level: Thick and plush throughout Care: Hand-wash, air-dry}

Best Men's Budget

Asics Gel-Venture 8

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Asics shoes are a tried-and-true pick for runners, but their reasonably priced GEL-Venture 8 running shoe is a nice option for those looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe for fitness walking, travel, or all-day wear.

During our tests, the shoe stood out for its cushioning. We noted that the shoe’s GEL cushioning was especially effective in the heel area, right where those prone to plantar fasciitis need it most. We liked the shoe’s cushioned comfort and good support. It also has excellent traction, making it suitable for trail, pavement, or treadmill walking for a very versatile, affordable option.

We also found that the shoe offered a snug but very comfortable fit, with no need for a break-in period. The one drawback we noticed while testing was that the shoe’s upper is not very well ventilated, which helps with durability and water resistance in wet conditions, but may lead to some overheating during hot weather walking.

Overall, the Venture 8 is an affordable, comfortable option for walking or casual wear.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 10 ounces  Closure: Lace-up  Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber sole  Cushioning Level: Medium  Care: Hand-wash, air-dry}

Best Women's Budget

Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Sneaker

$67

$39 at Amazon View on Dsw.com View on Shoemall.com

We like the Skechers Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe for an affordable option that’s both comfortable and stylish for casual wear. At 6 ounces, the Go Walk Joy was the lightest shoe we tested, yet it still felt supportive and well-cushioned.

Stepping into these shoes feels like putting on a comfortable slipper but with lots of cushioning and good support. We like that they’re really easy to put on and get off. We wouldn’t necessarily wear these shoes for a 10-mile fitness walk, but they’re a comfortable and affordable option for all-day casual wear.

The shoe’s soft, sock-like upper is made of a flexible knit fabric that stretches for a snug, supportive fit. During testing, we were impressed with how the shoe locked down the heel while offering plenty of room in the toe box. It also comes in narrow, regular, or wide, so getting the right width for your foot is easy.

We appreciate the lightweight and breathable feel of these shoes and love the slip-on design and pull tab on the heel. One downside is that the shoes’ soles are a bit squeaky and slippery on some surfaces, such as wood floors, but that dissipates once the bottoms get scuffed.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 6 ounces  Closure: Slip-on Materials: Rubber sole, synthetic upper  Cushioning Level: Medium Care: Machine wash cold, air-dry}

Best for Overpronators

Saucony Omni Walker 3

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$110

$50 at Zappos View on Saucony.com

Exceptional support and stability are not always easy to find in a well-cushioned shoe, but the Saucony Omni Walker 3 offers the perfect combination of both. Overpronators, whose feet tend to roll inward as they walk, can get the motion control they need while still benefiting from the light, springy cushioning. 

During testing, the shoe offered plush comfort and provided good stability without feeling too stiff. Right out of the box, they were easy to walk in and felt snug and supportive, yet not constricting. These shoes are extremely comfortable and well-constructed. Although they feel plush, we still felt like our feet were well-supported. The padded tongue and collar really add to the overall comfort.

We also love the shoe’s wide toe box, which helped prevent irritation and boosted its blister protection rating. Additionally, it comes in wide sizes for those needing even more space for toes to spread.

With a sleek leather upper, the shoe has a versatile look that makes it suitable for everyday wear. When testing, we were also impressed with the shoe’s durable, slip-resistant rubber sole. However, the leather upper may not offer as much ventilation as walking shoes constructed with mesh.

Although they’re a solid choice for walking in mild or cold weather, these sneakers could cause some overheating during walks in hot conditions.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 11.6 ounces  Closure: Lace-up Materials: Rubber outsole, leather upper  Cushioning Level: Medium-density  Care: Hand-wash, air-dry}

Best Lightweight

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 1080 V11

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The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 shoe proves that a walking shoe can be well-cushioned and still feel lightweight and flexible. The full-length Fresh Foam midsole offered soft, plush comfort during test walks. We immediately noticed these shoes' cloud-like comfort and were impressed that they didn’t feel heavy or bulky.

This shoe felt very lightweight and flexible but still very cushioned and supportive for walking and great for all-day wear or traveling. They’re extremely comfortable and easy to walk in.

As for fit, the shoe’s bootie-like, stretchy upper hugged the foot, offering good support and comfort. We also noted that the rear design helped keep the heel locked in. The shoe also features a smooth, streamlined heel collar that isn’t overly padded and doesn’t rub or irritate that area.

The 1080v11 comes in a range of widths—including narrow, regular, wide, and extra-wide—so it’s easy to get a custom-like fit. Walkers with a history of foot blisters or bunions will appreciate the wide toe box that offers plenty of room for toes to splay.

Additionally, the smooth, breathable fabric helped prevent rubbing and moisture accumulation, helping to earn the shoe a perfect score for blister protection. However, the well-ventilated upper may not be protective enough for harsh weather conditions.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 8.1 ounces Closure: Lace-up Materials: Knit and mesh upper, rubber outsole  Cushioning Level: Soft and plush Care: Hand-wash, air-dry}

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Vionic Walker Classic Sneaker

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If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis, you can help prevent a recurrence by choosing a walking shoe with good cushioning, especially in the heel area. During our test walks, the Vionic Women's Classic Walker shoes stood out as an obvious choice for protection and relief from plantar fasciitis and other heel pain, thanks to the well-cushioned rearfoot. The support actually extends the length of the shoe, offering plush comfort.

Of course, all that cushioning and the leather upper material means the shoe initially feels a little stiff. We recommend wearing them for short walks or around the house to help break them in.

One of our testers, who has been prone to plantar fasciitis, said she really appreciated the cushioning and support in these shoes.

The shoe scored well for lateral support and stability, thanks in part to its removable podiatrist-designed orthotic. For even more heel protection, it also features a thermoplastic heel counter that helps to lock in the rearfoot. When testing, we were impressed by the rubber outsole, which offers exceptional traction and enhances overall stability.

During longer walks, we noticed that the shoe started to feel a bit heavy, which is expected for a shoe that offers such a high level of support and cushioning.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 13 ounces  Closure: Lace-up Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsole  Cushioning Level: Medium-density Care: Wipe with clean cloth}

Best for Stability

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

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The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is our favorite cushioned shoe for walkers who need lateral stability because it provides good support but is still lightweight and flexible. When wearing these shoes, we were really impressed by their stability and support, plus comfy cushioning, and that they still managed to be lightweight and flexible. It’s unusual to find all that in a stability shoe, making it such a good value.

The shoes scored well for lateral stability and support, thanks to Brooks’ GuideRails support system—two firm pieces of foam made on either side of the heel—which helps to minimize excess movement. Additionally, the shoe’s durable, engineered mesh upper enhances its overall stability. The lightweight material also allows for good ventilation, helping to prevent overheating during long walks or all-day wear.

During test walks, it offered a snug but comfortable fit right out of the box, which helped to earn it a good score for fit. Plus, the shoe comes in narrow, regular, wide, and extra-wide, so it’s easy to find a width right for your foot.

While it’s technically a running shoe, the Adrenaline GTS’s support and cushioned comfort make it ideal for walking. Our feet didn’t feel tired or sore in these shoes, even after a long walk. It’s a great pick and a worthwhile investment for someone who needs a stability shoe but wants a lightweight, athletic-looking option.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 9.1 ounces  Closure: Lace-up Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, rubber sole Cushioning Level: High energizing Care: Hand-wash, air-dry}

Best for High Arches

Dansko Pace Walking Shoe

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If you have high arches, you’ll need a walking shoe that’s flexible but supportive. Dansko Pace walking shoes check those boxes, with a lightweight, flexible feel and cushioning that provides comfortable support.

When testing these shoes, we found them to be comfortable, durable, and supportive enough for walking but also well-suited for other activities or all-day casual wear. They offered a great fit right out of the box and didn’t require a break-in period. We immediately noticed the stellar cushioning and shock absorption, especially in the heel area, a huge plus for those prone to plantar fasciitis or other heel pain. A smooth, padded collar added to the overall comfort, hugging the back of the foot for a snug, locked-in feel.

The shoe’s Natural Arch Plus technology provides comfort and support right where it’s needed, helping to earn it a nearly perfect score for support and stability. We were impressed that the shoe offered excellent support and good energy return when walking.

Unfortunately, the shoe doesn’t come in wide sizes, and the toe box might be a bit too narrow for those with bunions or wide feet. Although the shoe is quite breathable, the narrow toe box led us to give it a lower score for blister protection.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: Not listed Closure: Lace-up  Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber sole  Cushioning Level Type: High  Care: Hand-wash, air-dry}

Best for Travel

OluKai Pehuea Slip-On Sneaker

$100

$90 at Amazon $100 at Zappos View on Olukai.com

Lightweight and versatile, these OluKai Pehuea slip-on sneakers are a comfy option to pack when you’re hitting the road. Designed with a drop-in heel, they can be worn as regular sneakers or with the heel down as a slide-in mule.

During both casual wear and test walks, the cushioning felt soft and supportive, securing the shoe a nearly perfect score for cushioning. They also provided good arch support and heel stability, and a rubber sole added to the shoe’s durable feel.

As for fit, the shoes felt comfortable right out of the box, with no break-in needed. However, they aren’t available in wide widths, so they may not work for walkers who need some extra room in the toe box.

The shoe is also very breathable, making it a comfortable option for long sightseeing days at your destination. We even wore them without socks and didn’t notice any irritation or hotspots that might lead to foot blisters.

We love these shoes for traveling or weekend wear when you want your feet to feel comfy and supported but still look cute.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: Not listed  Closure: Slip-on  Materials: Rubber sole, textile upper and lining  Cushioning Level Type: Medium, full length Care: Hand-wash outsole, machine-washable insole}