Person standing with Hoka shoe on the foreground.

Walking shoe quick picks

Expert-favorite sneakers for walking: Keen Men's WK400

Walking shoes for narrow feet: Brooks Women's Addiction Walker 2

Walking shoes for wide feet: Hoka Women’s Bondi 8

Slip-on walking shoes: Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3

Walking can be an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages. But in order to stay healthy, comfy and, most importantly, free from injury, you’ll want to be sure you’re wearing the right pair of walking shoes. Luckily, you have a variety of brands, styles and materials to choose from these days.

To better help you in your quest, we asked multiple podiatrists and seasoned long-distance walkers exactly what to look for when selecting the best walking shoes. We quizzed these experts about how to maximize comfort as well as what you need to know about foot and ankle health.

Keep reading for their expert-approved shoe picks and how to find the right walking shoes for your needs.

Sneakers for walking

Walking shoes for narrow feet

Walking shoes for wide feet

Slip-on walking shoes

They may be a little clunky looking (though in line with the ugly slides TikTok craze), but we love the unisex Ora Recovery Slide 3 for walking because they are outrageously comfortable and provide tons of cushioning. If you prefer a flip-flop-style slide, Galoyan suggests checking out?the Hoka Ora Recovery Flip-Flop Sandals. “They provide a soft footbed with enough rigidity to reduce stress on the feet,” he says.

“These sandals are engineered with a meta-rocker sole similar to the bottom of a boat that allows your foot to smoothly roll from heel to toe, minimizing shock on your foot, ankle, knees and back,” Cunha says.

Walking shoes with arch support

FAQs