What makes a shoe truly comfortable? Think well-cushioned, supportive sneakers that can handle long days of walking, running, or standing. The most comfortable walking shoes vary from person to person: "Finding the right shoe and arch support really depends on each individual’s foot size, shape, and natural arch," says Shannon Thompson, DPM, a Boston-area podiatrist and the owner of Ace Feet. To identify the top pairs, we first consulted with Thompson and other experts to determine the key features every walking shoe should have for optimal comfort.
Then, we tested over 100 expert-approved walking shoes from top brands. Sometimes, we had two people test the same shoe to see how it fits and feels on different foot types. We wore the shoes on a treadmill at three different paces and even sliced some sneakers in half to check their internal construction. Our top picks earned high scores for their comfort, cushioning, responsiveness, fit, and value.
