Updated on Feb. 28, 2023
A sports medicine doctor tells us finding the best walking shoes for you can help you stay active for years. Podiatrists share their picks, plus the features your perfect walking shoes should offer.
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Walking is the most popular form of exercise with more than 145 million Americans calling walks a part of their regular routine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The many benefits of walking make it no wonder: not only can regular strolls help you maintain a healthy weight, but they can also help address or prevent heart disease and high blood pressure, help manage blood sugar, strengthen your bones and muscles, and improve your overall mood. The accessibility of walking is part of what makes it such a fan favorite: all you need are some shoes (plus maybe a pal, your pup, and a good podcast or playlist will make it even more pleasurable). But note: the walking shoes you choose can dictate the impact your walk has on your overall, long-term wellness.
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Says Christopher Varacallo, DO, CAQSM, FAAFP, a sports medicine physician in DuBois, Pennsylvania and former NCAA Division I women’s basketball team physician: “Starting with a nice, supportive shoe is the essential foundation to a long-lasting, injury-free exercise routine.” Varacallo adds: “If your feet hurt, everything is going to hurt. I see many patients with lower back, hip, knee, and foot problems that could easily be solved with a quality shoe.”
And, this doctor adds, when it comes to the needs of your feet, “Everyone is different.” We spoke with podiatrists on how to choose the best walking shoes for you, based on your foot type and activity level. Here’s what these foot experts recommended for anyone looking to put some mileage on their treads.
Because each person’s foot and body are unique, a shoe that’s good for you might not be the same for someone else. Here are the factors to consider when you’re purchasing a good pair of walking shoes:
You need to feel balanced in the shoe you’re walking in. “A stiff heel counter with a straight or hybrid last will help with the stability of the shoe,” explains Robert Fridman, DPM, president of Division IX American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, and a podiatrist at Foot Associates in New York City.
Unique to each person, your arches need to feel supported, especially as you increase your mileage. “Arch support allows the big toe joint more mobility and to support proper alignment,” says Dawn Figlo, DPM, member of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, founder of The Organic Foot, podiatric surgeon in New York City.
If the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t buy it. This may seem like common sense, but many individuals will try to shove their foot into a shoe that’s too small, either because they really like the shoe (and can’t find it in the correct size), or they think the shoe will stretch out with wear. “Have your foot measured with a Brannock Device for both length and width, because sizing can be different across brands,” says Miguel Cunha, DPM, founder of Gotham Footcare, leading podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon in New York City.
Another pro tip? “I recommend always buying shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are most swollen,” Cunha says. “If they feel comfortable at the end of the day, most likely they will feel comfortable throughout the day.”
A shoe could have everything you’re looking for, but if it doesn’t allow for ample airflow, your foot is likely to be sweaty and uncomfortable. “Look for shoes with a breathable fabric upper. That will help manage moisture and odor, too,” says Dr. Fridman.
Some shoe stores will allow you to try the shoes for a certain amount of time before deciding if they work for you. Be sure to ask about this so you’re able to test the breathability.
Comfort is personal, especially when it comes to the width and shape of your foot. If you have wide toes, a narrow fit probably won’t work for you. “A wider toe box will prevent overcrowding of the toes and decrease the influence for bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas,” says Dr. Figlo.
The flex point of a walking shoe is the point at which it bends while walking. “For optimal comfort, the flex point of the shoe should match the bending point of your foot,” says Dr. Cunha. “When it doesn’t align with your foot it can cause problems like arch pain or plantar fasciitis. You can check the flex point of the shoe by holding it by the heel and pressing the toe of the shoe onto the ground. The point where the shoe bends and creases is the flex point.”
With all this in mind, we asked our experts to share some of their favorite walking shoes. Here’s what these podiatrists consider to be the best walking shoes for foot health.
These sneakers have an incredible amount of cushioning underfoot that can withstand many, many miles walked. This is also a very stable shoe and has a built-in Meta-Rocker that allows for a smooth transition from the heel to toe with each step. In addition to being a favorite among some of our executives, Dr. Fridman weighs in on the HOKA One One Bondi 7: “It’s my favorite shoe on the market and I recommend it many times a day for people who have foot issues but want to continue with their exercise protocols. It’s also surprisingly light.”
That’s great for all of us—perhaps especially, Dr. Fridman suggests, for seniors.
If walking is a part of your daily routine, consider investing in this pair. “It provides a good amount of foot stabilization, and cushions well with through their AmpliFoam midsole,” says Dr. Figlo. Not only is the fabric inside breathable, but the shoe also has an Ortholite sockliner that provides support, comfort, and wicks away moisture.
Brave the elements in this pair thanks to the water-resistant membrane—and when it’s hot and sunny, the moisture-wicking mesh liner will help keep your feet cool and dry. “I like that this shoe has a biomechanical orthotic that also has an antibacterial top cover,” says Dr. Figlo.
Translation: Your shoes are more likely to stay smelling fresh, even after lots of wear.
Calling all those who are heavy-footed: The rear gel cushioning in this shoe is made to absorb and reduce the shock made by your foot, for smoother, more comfortable mileage. “These shoes are heavier than others, however, they are very durable and can be worn for longer periods of time,” says Dr. Cunha. “The advantage of these shoes is that they’re designed for all arch-types.”
This shoe was created as a solution for individuals who suffer from plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or other foot issues. And, combining comfort with style, this shoe looks as good as it performs. “This shoe provides air cushioning and has a protective interior,” says Dr. Figlo. “They are orthotic friendly, have deep and wide toe boxes, good arch support, and cushioned heels, too.”
If you prefer a low-profile walking shoe, look no further. But don’t let this shoe fool you—while it may look basic, it’s anything but.
The midsole is lined with compression-molded EVA—a stretchy, rubber-like material—to cushion and support your foot, and the endurance outsole can stand the test of time. “Structurally, this style can accommodate most pedal deformities because of the wider toe box,” says Dr. Figlo. “The arch support and stability allow for more comfort and less injury risk.” It has a removable footbed, too.
If you struggle with hammertoes, bunions, gout, or arthritis in your toes, then it’s critical you get a walking shoe with an extra-wide toe box to prevent worsening your condition and to avoid pain, says Sophia Solomon, DPM, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Manhattan Specialty Care in New York City. These Ryka Devotion Plus 2 walking shoes get high marks for comfort and cushioning, and they are designed with a roomier toe box compared to other women’s shoes.
The best walking shoe is the one you’ll wear often, says Dr. Solomon. These Skechers check the boxes for comfort, durability, affordability, and fit.
The slip-on style can be helpful to people with conditions that make it difficult to bend over or tie laces, she says. Plus, their casual look doesn’t scream “workout shoe”—so they may pair well even on occasions when you step out of your activewear.
Can’t find the perfect walking shoe? Make your own! “A secret for healthy feet is to customize your favorite shoe with an insole,” says Dr. Solomon. And, she suggests, you don’t need pricey custom orthotic inserts—technology these days allows for a custom fit with off-the-shelf products.
Her favorites? Powerstep adjustable insoles. (New Balance insoles, she says, are another winner.)
