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10 Best Walking Shoes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9, Black (002)/Black, 10.5 X-Wide US

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Fit and Comfort
Support
Weight

Most important from
55069 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The shoes offer exceptional comfort and support, making them ideal for everyday wear and active use.
Support
The shoes offer exceptional comfort and support, making them ideal for everyday wear and active use.
Weight
The lightweight design and breathable materials keep feet cool and reduce sweat even during long wear.
Breathability
The lightweight design and breathable materials keep feet cool and reduce sweat even during long wear.

The Under Armour Charged Assert 9 is designed with extra wide feet in mind, making it a comfortable choice for those who often struggle with narrow shoes. Its lightweight mesh upper ensures good breathability, helping your feet stay cool during walks. Leather overlays add durability and midfoot stability, which can support your foot well without feeling too rigid.

The EVA sockliner offers soft cushioning for comfort right out of the box, while the Charged Cushioning midsole provides responsive and durable support that helps absorb impact as you walk. The outsole features solid rubber in high-impact areas, giving it decent grip and durability without making the shoe too heavy.

The shoe uses mostly leather in its construction, which might reduce breathability compared to fully mesh models, potentially making it less ideal for very warm conditions. Also, with a 10mm offset, it offers decent heel-to-toe drop that can suit neutral walkers but may not be ideal if you're looking for minimal or zero-drop shoes. This shoe works well for walkers needing extra width and solid cushioning with good support, though those wanting maximum breathability or a very lightweight feel might want to explore other options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Fit and Comfort
Support
Weight

Most important from
55069 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The shoes offer exceptional comfort and support, making them ideal for everyday wear and active use.
Support
The shoes offer exceptional comfort and support, making them ideal for everyday wear and active use.
Weight
The lightweight design and breathable materials keep feet cool and reduce sweat even during long wear.
Breathability
The lightweight design and breathable materials keep feet cool and reduce sweat even during long wear.
#2

Hoka Men's Bondi 9 Black/White 11 Medium

Rating
9.7
Fit and Comfort
Support
Cushioning

Most important from
1291 reviews

Fit and Comfort
A secure, true-to-size fit with extra room in the toe box ensures no pinching or slippage, even during extended use.
Support
The shoe’s support and cushioning significantly alleviate pain, making it ideal for those with conditions like plantar fasciitis or joint replacements.
Cushioning
The cushioning feels like pushing off on clouds, offering unmatched comfort for long walks and all-day wear.
Weight
Despite its thick cushioning, the shoe remains lighter and more responsive than expected, avoiding a bulky feel.
Breathability
Breathable engineered mesh and textile lining keep feet cool and comfortable during longer sessions.
Outsole Grip
Durable rubber outsole provides reliable traction and holds up exceptionally well on concrete and pavement.

The Hoka Men's Bondi 9 is designed with comfort and support in mind, making it a solid choice for walking enthusiasts who prioritize cushioning. Its engineered mesh upper and textile lining allow for good breathability, helping to keep your feet cool during longer walks. The shoe uses a rubber sole, which typically offers reliable grip and traction, important for maintaining stability on different surfaces.

Weighing around 3 pounds, it might feel a bit heavier compared to some other walking shoes, which could affect those looking for a very lightweight option. The fabric inner material combined with the mesh outer suggests a comfortable fit that adapts well to the foot while allowing airflow. If you prefer an ultra-light shoe or one that feels minimal, the Bondi 9 might feel a bit bulky.

This shoe is well-cushioned, which is great for absorbing impact and providing a smooth walking experience, especially for longer distances or harder surfaces. This model is best suited for walkers who want excellent cushioning and support with good breathability, though those who need a very light shoe might want to consider other options.

Rating
9.7
Fit and Comfort
Support
Cushioning

Most important from
1291 reviews

Fit and Comfort
A secure, true-to-size fit with extra room in the toe box ensures no pinching or slippage, even during extended use.
Support
The shoe’s support and cushioning significantly alleviate pain, making it ideal for those with conditions like plantar fasciitis or joint replacements.
Cushioning
The cushioning feels like pushing off on clouds, offering unmatched comfort for long walks and all-day wear.
Weight
Despite its thick cushioning, the shoe remains lighter and more responsive than expected, avoiding a bulky feel.
Breathability
Breathable engineered mesh and textile lining keep feet cool and comfortable during longer sessions.
Outsole Grip
Durable rubber outsole provides reliable traction and holds up exceptionally well on concrete and pavement.
#3

New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 11 Wide

Rating
9.7
Fit
Cushioning
Arch Support

Most important from
86547 reviews

Fit
Comfortable and nice fit with very attractive design.
Cushioning
Great arch support and cushioning, true to size and lightweight.
Arch Support
Great arch support and cushioning, true to size and lightweight.
Breathability
Comfy and breathable, making it ideal for daily use.
Durability
Durability is on a different level; holds up amazingly even after extensive use.
Weight
Great arch support and cushioning, true to size and lightweight.

The New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer in White/Navy, size 11 Wide, is a versatile option for those who need a reliable pair of walking shoes. One of its strong points is the leather upper, which ensures durability and a classic look. The ABZORB midsole cushioning is designed to absorb strong impacts, making your walks more comfortable. Additionally, the premium PU comfort insert adds to the overall cushioning, which is beneficial for long walks or standing for extended periods.

This shoe is also known for its good fit, especially since it comes in a wide size, catering to those with broader feet. However, leather might not be the best material when it comes to breathability, as it tends to retain heat and moisture, which could be a drawback for some users. The rubber sole offers a good grip but may not be the lightest option available, contributing to the shoe's weight of 2.4 pounds. Flexibility seems adequate but might not be exceptional due to the robust build of the leather upper.

It is a well-rounded shoe that offers solid arch support, making it suitable for those who need a bit more structure in their walking shoes. Considering all these aspects, this shoe seems to be an excellent choice for those looking for a durable, comfortable option for everyday walking and light cross-training activities.

Rating
9.7
Fit
Cushioning
Arch Support

Most important from
86547 reviews

Fit
Comfortable and nice fit with very attractive design.
Cushioning
Great arch support and cushioning, true to size and lightweight.
Arch Support
Great arch support and cushioning, true to size and lightweight.
Breathability
Comfy and breathable, making it ideal for daily use.
Durability
Durability is on a different level; holds up amazingly even after extensive use.
Weight
Great arch support and cushioning, true to size and lightweight.

Buying Guide for the Best Walking Shoes

Choosing the right walking shoes is essential not only for comfort but also for the long-term health of your feet and joints. The best walking shoes should support your walking style, feel good during your daily activities, and last through regular use. The right pair depends a lot on your walking environment, your foot shape, and how much support or cushioning you need. Paying attention to a few key features can help you sort through the options and pick the best fit for your needs.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort refer to how well the shoe conforms to your foot and how comfortable it feels when you walk. This is crucial because a shoe that doesn't fit can cause blisters, sore feet, or long-term problems with your posture. Walking shoes should have enough room in the toe box so your toes can move freely, but also be snug around the heel to prevent slipping. To pick the best fit, try shoes on in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen from the day. Walk around the store or at home to ensure there are no tight spots or uncomfortable seams. If you have wide or narrow feet, look for brands or models that offer multiple width options.
SupportSupport describes how much the shoe helps stabilize your foot, particularly around the arch and heel. Good support can prevent pain and injuries, especially if you walk long distances or have flat feet or high arches. Walking shoes usually come with varying degrees of support: minimal (for natural foot movement), moderate (for most people), and maximum (for people who need extra stability). If you have a history of foot issues, or if you walk on uneven surfaces, consider shoes with more structure and built-in arch support. Otherwise, a moderate support shoe should suffice for everyday walking.
CushioningCushioning is the padding inside the shoe that absorbs the impact when your foot hits the ground. The level of cushioning needed depends on your preference and walking habits. Lightweight cushioning is often best for those who prefer a more connected feeling with the ground or walk short distances. Medium cushioning suits most walkers, balancing comfort and responsiveness. Maximum cushioning is ideal if you cover long distances, walk on hard surfaces, or need extra comfort underfoot. Try different levels and choose what feels most comfortable over the distances you usually walk.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the shoe feels when worn. Lighter shoes generally make walking less tiring and are preferred for brisk or long walks, while heavier shoes might offer more support and durability, especially for rugged environments. If you plan to walk quickly or for exercise, look for lightweight models that don’t weigh you down. For more casual or daily use, weight is less important, so prioritize support and comfort over the lightest weight.
BreathabilityBreathability means how well the shoe lets air flow to your foot, keeping your feet cool and dry. Shoes with mesh uppers or ventilation holes are more breathable. This is especially important if you walk in warm climates, or if your feet tend to sweat. If you often walk in wet or cooler conditions, you might prefer less vented shoes or those made from water-resistant materials, balancing breathability with weather protection.
Outsole GripOutsole grip is about how well the bottom of the shoe holds onto different walking surfaces, preventing slips or falls. Shoes with deeper treads or patterned soles provide better traction, which is useful for outdoor, trail, or variable conditions. If you stick mainly to paved or indoor surfaces, a basic flat grip will likely be fine. People who walk on grassy, gravelly, or uneven paths should look for shoes with rugged, grippy outsoles.

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