The 17 best walking shoes for men in 2025, per a podiatrist

When it comes to finding the perfect pair of the best walking shoes for men, it all comes down to comfort.

Getting your hands on those cloud-like shoes is the hard part but boy, is it worth the challenge! There’s plenty of options to choose from — including best-sellers from brands like On Cloud, Hoka, and New Balance.

To help you find the best pair of walking shoes, the New York Post spoke with Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City to get expert insight into what makes a high-quality, walking shoe that you’ll want to do everything in.

While many pros will say that shopping for walking shoes online isn’t as ideal as going into your local shoe shop, that’s not always possible or convenient! That’s why it’s important to know what to look for when perusing options online. While you’re there, check out our favorite athlesire brands.

Making sure your walking or running shoes fit properly and suit your specific needs is the best way to avoid injury. According to the Asics website, “around four in five runners risk injury in shoes that don’t suit their running style.”

For extensive information from Cunha about what to look for when shopping for walking shoes online, check out our FAQ section toward the bottom of the article.

Best Walking Shoes for Men

Best Overall Men’s Walking Shoes: On Cloud 5 Men’s Sneakers

If you can’t stand being weighed down, On Running’s Cloud 5 sneakers are the way to go in Cunha’s book. Available in 18 different colors and made of 44% recycled materials they off comfort, bounce and support.

“These shoes are stylish, comfortable, and designed to be the most lightweight fully cushioned running shoes available,” Cunha said.

Width: Regular | Size range: 4-17 | Heel drop: 7 mm | Materials: Rubber, Foam

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Best Men’s Casual Walking Shoes: New Balance Made in USA 993

If you’re willing to splurge, Cunha loves the New Balance MADE in the USA 993 Core sneakers.

“These shoes are expensive but they are an investment as they are designed to last. The NB 993’s provide increased durability, cushioning, shock absorption, and a rigid heel counter for ankle stability,” Cunha said.  

Width: Standard, Wide, Extra-wide | Size range: 7 – 16 | Heel drop: N/A | Materials: Suede, Rubber

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We can’t talk about men’s walking shoes without acknowledging Nike. The renowned footwear brand makes a host of popular kicks for every occasion, but the Killshot 2’s have everything you could want and more in an on-trend shoe. From their leather and suede layering to the retro-style, signature blaze logo, they’re an easy way to add a pop of color to one’s wardrobe while still giving feet the proper support. They might be on the flatter side, but reviewers agree they hold up amazingly well and bring on lots of compliments.

Width: Regular | Size range: 6 – 15 | Heel drop: N/A | Materials: Leather, Suede

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Most Comfortable Sneakers for Men: Saucony Men’s Cohesion 16

When it comes to a smaller budget, Cunha likes the Saucony Cohesion 13 sneakers for a budget-friendly but long-lasting pair of walking shoes.

“These walking shoes are spacious, comfortable, provide excellent ankle and arch support, and best of all they only cost $75,” Cuhna said.

Width: Regular and wide | Size range: 7 – 15 | Heel drop: 12mm | Materials: synthetic rubber (heel)

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Best Orthopedic: Skechers Max Cushioning Premier 2.0 – Vantage

According to the Occam Razor in the comments section, Skechers Max is a must-have. In fact, customers rave about it being ‘super comfy.’ The soles are highly breathable and the rebound is excellent for momentum with its GoodYear tire-like tread.

Customer Review: “These Skechers shoes are so comfortable and snug on my feet.
I get a lot of support in these shoes while on my daily walking routine.
Just a great every day shoe to wear.”

Looking for more Skecher shoes? Check out our Skechers’ shoe roundup.

Width: Medium and extra wide | Size range: 7 – 14 | Heel drop: 32mm | Materials: GoodYear rubber (heel)

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Best Men’s Shoe with Arch Support: Hoka Clifton 9 Men’s Shoes

Get the Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers in many different colors and enjoy the ninth iteration of the popular shoe that are lighter and more cushioned than ever before.

“To accommodate bunions, shoes have a wide and spacious toe-box toe accommodate a wide foot. The Hoka Clifton 9 comes in standard and wide-width shoes that are comfortable and supportive to accommodate feet that are wider or have bunions,” Cunha said.

What our editors are saying: “Hokas are listed as walking shoes but they’re really so much more than that,” shared Live Experiences Reporter, Matt Levy. “They’re perfect for a morning jog, evening hike or impromptu dance night. For just $116.00, you’re pretty much set. The last thing you’ll be worrying about is foot pain or insoles. They’re everything you need. I really can’t imagine my painful pre-Hoka existence anymore. I would switch between New Balance and Nike with insoles and found myself suffering from quite a bit of discomfort. Once Hokas entered the picture, the cushioned sneaker solved all my problems. It’s like walking on air. “

Width: Regular, Wide | Size range: 7 – 16 | Heel drop: 5 mm | Materials: Rubber, EVA foam

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Most Supportive Men’s Walking Shoes: KEEN WK400 Walking Shoes

For an incredible pair of walking shoes that are both durable and comfortable, Cunha recommends the KEEN WK400s.

“This walking shoe is designed with a rocker bottom sole to facilitate heel to toe movement with movement and a comfortably supportive EVA midsole that springs back with every step,” Cunha said. “The lugged rubber outsole is durable and thick for increased shock absorption.”

Width: Regular | Size range: 7 – 15 | Heel drop: N/A | Materials: Rubber, mesh

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Best Men’s Walking Shoe for Flat Feet: Asics Gel Kayano 29

“The forefoot of this sneaker is designed with a well-cushioned FF Blast Plus footbed and anatomical arch that is firmer and denser on the medial side of the shoe to support and hold the plantar fascia and prevent it from collapsing to minimize fatigue and pain associated with overpronation,” Cunha said.

Featuring a low-profile external heel counter, this piece comfortably cradles your foot with advanced rear-foot support. Available in more than 20 different colors.

Cunha is also a fan of the Hoka Arahi Men’s Running Shoes ($140) and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Men’s Running shoes ($120) for those seeking arch support.

Width: Regular, Wide, Extra-wide | Size range: 6 – 16 | Heel drop: 10 mm | Materials: Rubber

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Best Men’s Walking Shoes for Hiking: Danner 4-inch Trail 2650 Mid GTX

For the guy who loves to hike but needs a little bit of extra support, consider these Danner shoes.

“These shoes are very lightweight and durable with rigid heel counters that support your ankles when walking. The outsoles come with grooves for traction on rocky or wet terrain. The toe box is spacious to accommodate your forefoot comfortably,” Cunha said.

Width: Regular | Size range: 8.5 – 13 | Heel drop: N/A | Materials: Leather, Textile

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Best Men’s Slip-On Walking Shoes: Vionic All Gender Blissful Rejuvenate Recovery Sandal

With summer just around the corner, it’s never a bad idea to have a pair of durable slides on hand.

“These sandals are podiatrist-designed and approved with a shock-absorbing midsole and microfiber-covered footbed that restores the natural alignment of your foot as it comfortably supports and cushions your arch,” Cunha said. “These sandals also include dual adjustable closure straps and a sturdy one-inch platform heel for stability and walkability.”

Width: Regular | Size range: 5 – 12.5 | Heel drop: N/A | Materials: N/A

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Best Versatile Walking and Running Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

With updated dynamic cushioning and the signature GuideRails support system, this shoe helps reduce excess motion, keeping you locked in for walking about town. Our Editorial Director owns multiple pairs and highly recommends them.

New York Post Review: “They are very comfortable and supportive without feeling like I am wearing some sort of Kangoo shoes. I have fairly standard arches — not too high, not too flat — and I have always felt like these were the best shoes for me time and time again. I have tried other brands with success including Hoka and Nike, and other Brooks styles including Ghost and Glycerin, but I always find myself returning to the Adrenaline or the Adrenaline GTS because I know it fits, feels good, and won’t ever rub me the wrong way.

I am a standard size 10 in sneakers and a 10.5 in athletic shoes. I know if either of these sizes doesn’t work, the shoes just weren’t built for my feet. All of Brooks’ Adrenaline styles have always fit straight from the website.” — Barret Wertz, our commerce editorial director

Not sure if you should buy Hoka vs Brooks? Read our review on the brands.

Width: Regular | Size range: 7-15 | Heel drop: 12mm | Materials: DNA Loft v3 foam, some recycled materials

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Best Dressy Walking Shoes for Men: adidas Men’s Samba Classic Soccer Shoe

Meet the streetwear sneaker you’ve probably already seen all over the internet. The adidas Men’s Samba Classic Soccer Shoe is one of the brand’s more iconic styles, constructed with smooth leather and a sleek build that styles well with just about any outfit. Currently on discount, they’re a classic city shoe worth scoring while you can.

What customers are saying: “I don’t see the point of getting the more expensive model when this pair exists, they’re super durable, versatile, comfortable, stylish, and pretty good for football indoors or in the street. For $70 I couldn’t imagine a better pair, especially the white which looks amazing.”

Width: Regular | Size range: 6.5 – 15 | Heel drop: N/A | Materials: Leather

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Best Walking Tennis Shoes for Men: Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes

Go vintage this year with some laidback, tennis-style sneakers. The Club C 85’s are a great street-style shoe, available in an off-white color with maroon logos on the back, side, and tongue. Plus, they’ve got plenty of traction to prevent slips and skids. Featuring a supportive die-cut EVA midsole that absorbs impact, the low-top design also enhances ankle mobility.

What customers are saying: “Compared to other similarly styled all-white sneakers, these are my favorite. More comfortable than Converse or AF1s, these are a great shoe. I love the off-white color, which ages much better than the white leather options.”

Width: Regular, Wide | Size range: 5.5 – 16.5 | Heel drop: 31.5 mm | Materials: Leather

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Most Comfortable Walking Shoes for Men: Skechers Men’s Gowalk 5 Qualify-Athletic Mesh Lace Up Performance Walking Shoe Sneaker

If you’re looking for a more custom width, we suggest trying out a pair of Skechers Gowalk sneakers. These sneakers are available in both medium and extra-wide, so you can pick the size that suits your foot shape best. The Goga Mat cushion is designed to bounce back with a similar feeling to a yoga mat, which provides an ample amount of cushioning for all your outdoor activities. Another great feature? These shoes are also machine washable — making it easier to keep them looking great.

“They have great rebound, and provide a good amount of cushion without having a ridiculously thick heel like many current models of sneakers. They’re super lightweight, and I think they look great,” a satisfied shopper wrote.

Width: Regular, Extra-wide | Size range: 7 – 16 | Heel drop: N/A | Materials: Leather

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Best Men’s waterproof walking shoes: Sorel Madison II Field Boot

We’ve covered the best walking sneakers and slip-ons, but what about boots? Sorel’s Madison boots have received rave reviews, with one customer saying they kept up perfectly during a rainy football tailgate, and another using them for work. Available in black jet and caribou bluff.

Width: Regular | Size range: 7.5 -11.5 | Heel drop: N/A | Materials: Leather, Textile

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Best for Narrow Feet: NOBULL Men’s Journey

No matter how long you’re journey is, NOBULL has you covered. This shoe is designed for all-day comfort, whether you’re walking to work or chasing the kids around at soccer practice. A built-in, flexible nylon plate acts as a springboard that responds to your step with excellent energy return. Reviewers have said they feel like they’re “floating” when they wear them, which is exactly what you want in a shoe that you plan to wear for hours on end.

Width: Regular | Size range: 6 – 15 | Heel drop: 8.5 mm | Materials: Rubber, PEBAX

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An FAQ on shopping for the best walking shoes for men

Ahead, Dr. Cunha provides insight into the foot and sneakers world.

What do I look for when shopping for walking shoes online?

• Flex Point: The point where the shoe bends and creases is the flex point. For optimal comfort, the flex point of the shoe should match the bending point of your foot; 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.
• Comfortable Footbed & Insole: You’ll want to support the arch with memory foam or EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) anti-compression insole.
• Shock Absorbant Outsole: Outsoles made of rubber will help alleviate the impact of each step far greater than a shoe with a hard sole.
• Supportive & Durable Uppers: It’s important to pick a shoe that offers as much durability and protection as possible without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.  Look for a shoe designed with smooth, solid leather uppers that are not only highly durable but also flexible and comfortable.

How to identify what foot type I have:

To determine your foot type look at the soles of a pair of worn-in shoes. The wear patterns illustrate where you are accumulating pressure when you walk. Certain foot types are more prone to specific types of foot discomfort and foot-related injuries.  For instance, people with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, or inner knee pain, tend to have flat feet and be pronators, which means your feet roll inward.  People who commonly sprain their ankles or have outer knee pain in contrast, tend to be supinators because they have higher arches and roll outward. 

There are three wear patterns to look for in your shoes. 

1. If your shoe is worn out in this area you’re a supinator or an underpronator.  With this foot type you will need cushioning sneakers for shock absorption. 
2. If your shoes are evenly worn you are neutral and have an average gait with equal weight distribution across the foot. With this foot type, you need stability or moderate-stability sneakers, which offer a balance of cushioning and support. 
3. If you notice that your shoes have the top inner edge worn, you’re a pronator.  With this foot type, you need motion-control or high-stability sneakers to keep your feet better aligned with your legs.

Supinator

If you are a supinator, look for shoes with soft, flexible midsoles and look as if they don’t have an arch but are rather filled in with more sole and cushioning as this foot type doesn’t provide enough shock absorption on its own.   When picking a running shoe pick one with extra rubber incorporated into the sole which translates to a smoother and bouncier gait.  When picking a shoe for cross-training, pick a shoe with flexible grooves in the sole to facilitate ballistic pivoting and cutting.

Neutral

If you’re neutral, fortunately, with this type you distribute weight evenly across your feet so motion control is not as critical as stability.  A lightweight shoe that bends just to the ball of the foot will be sufficient enough to offer a good balance of cushioning and support.   When picking shoes for cross-training, pick shoes that have soles that look slinky which help put an extra spring in your step.  When picking shoes for running look for a shoe that provides traction and reduces instep strain.

Pronator

If you’re a pronator, look for shoes that have the presence of a dense supportive arch which helps provide reinforcement and keep the arches of the foot from collapsing. These shoes tend to be fairly stiff and will flex only near the toe area.  When picking shoes for cross training choose a side a wide toe box allows for comfortable lateral movement as pronating feet will collapse and spread within the shoe.  When picking shoes for running, pick a shoe with stabilizing roll bars to help protect the arches.

How do I break into my new walking shoes?

1. Wear the shoes around the house or running errands for short periods of time and gradually increase usage
2. Wear thicker socks or double up on socks initially
3. Try stretching shoe spray and shoe stretchers
4. Use a hair dryer to heat up the shoes for 2-3 minutes while wearing them to help them expand

What are the best walking shoe brands for men?

The best walking shoe brand depends on a person’s foot shape, lifestyle needs, and personal style. Podiatrists often recommend brands like Hoka or New Balance, but there are many others loved by specialists and shoppers.

Sneaker brands like Brooks and Nike are only a few, so don’t be afraid to look around.

In the end, the best walking shoe brand will be the one that caters to your personal needs, offering support and long-lasting comfort.

Should walking shoes be a size bigger?

According to Harvard Health, it’s best to size up when you pick out a new shoe that you plan to move around in frequently: Opt for a half-size up to accommodate swelling during activity.

Similarly, you’ll still want to focus on a shoe design that supports your specific needs. Take into consideration the shape of your feet, if you have high arches or are flat-footed. These bits of personal details will also impact the type of shoe that’s best for you, as well as the appropriate sizing.

Expert tips:

• Routinely replace your shoes: Good sneakers are designed to last for 300 to 500 miles.  As a result, your shoes will need to be replaced approximately every six-10 months. It doesn’t matter if they still look new, if the support has been worn out you’re at a much higher risk of injury.  I also recommend taking note of the date each time you buy a new pair of walking shoes, this will help you to keep track of when you’re due for a new pair.
• Make sure you’re buying the right size: I recommend always buying shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen.  If they feel comfortable at the end of the day most likely they will feel comfortable throughout the day.  Have your foot measured with a brannock device for both length and width. It’s important to remember that sizing can be different across different brands, due to their design and the materials used. 
• Try at least three different shoe models: Try two different models at the same time, wearing one model on each foot. The tip of your thumb should fit between the end of the shoe and the end of your longest toe.  Make sure the toe box is wide enough to accommodate your toes; make sure there is enough room to slightly wiggle. If you can’t move your toes at all then the shoes are too tight and will eventually become painful.  

How do you clean walking shoes at home?

To clean walking shoes at home, start by removing the laces and insoles. Brush off dirt and debris with a soft brush or cloth. For a deeper clean, hand-wash the shoes with mild soap and warm water, or use a paste of baking soda and water for stubborn stains. If the shoes are machine washable, place them in a mesh bag and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Allow them to air dry naturally, stuffing them with paper to maintain their shape. Avoid using a dryer as it can damage the shoes.

What shoes do foot doctors recommend?

Foot doctors generally recommend shoes that provide proper arch support, cushioning, and stability to prevent foot strain. Popular choices include orthopedic shoes, which are designed for comfort and support, as well as walking and running shoes from brands like Brooks, Asics, and New Balance, which offer excellent cushioning and shock absorption. Podiatrists may also recommend sandals with arch support, like Birkenstocks or Vionic, and custom orthotics for individuals with specific foot concerns. The key is choosing shoes that fit well and support your foot’s natural alignment.

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