The 7 Best Walking Shoes for Men of 2020

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall: New Balance 411v2 Men’s Walking Shoe at Amazon

"Available in black, black and white, gray, and white and blue, this New Balance sneaker is simple and effective."

Best Budget: Skechers Performance Walking Shoe at Amazon

"This walking shoe has a tapered mid-foot design and extra arch support."

Best for High Arches: ASICS Men’s Gel-Contend 4 at Amazon

"The synthetic sneaker features the 'Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System.' This feature helps reduce the shock that your feet experience as you walk, they’re especially good for heels."

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Skechers Men’s Balance Sneaker at Amazon

"If you are struggling with plantar fasciitis or other heel pain, try heel-cushioning shoes such as the Skechers Men’s Equalizer 2.0 True Balance Sneaker."

Best for Flat Feet: Brooks Men’s Walking Shoes at Amazon

"The HydroFlow midsole cushioning and support put fluid under the front foot and heel, while the MoGo midsoles add even more cushion and stability in the arch."

Best Lightweight: QANSI Men’s Breathable Athletic Shoes at Amazon

"This combination of materials, complete with the mesh upper and flexible outsole, leads to an incredibly lightweight shoe that also looks great."

Best for Work: Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe at Amazon

"Made with a leather upper and standard laces, these shoes may look average, but the latex foam footbed provides an unparalleled cushion."

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: New Balance 411v2 Men’s Walking Shoe

It may not be the flashiest sneaker, but if you’re looking for a shoe that is durable, comfortable, and reliable, the New Balance 411v2 Walking Shoe is the right one for you. This classic men’s sneaker features a rubber sole and leather construction with simple treads on the bottom and a standard lace-up closure.

Available in black, black and white, gray, and white and blue, this New Balance sneaker is simple and effective. It sports a heel pillow insert for added comfort and cushion as well as a walking strike path outsole for improved gait. This classic walking shoe has “flex grooves” to allow for natural movement in the foot without leading to the stress lines most shoes get over time. Additionally, the CUSHNB midsole adds great arch cushion. These shoes are available in extra-wide sizes for both men and women. They're sure to feel better on your foot when you walk further distances.

Best Budget: Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 4 Walking Shoe

If you’re looking for a walking shoe that puts ease and comfort above everything else, you’ll want the Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 4 Walking Shoe. With a basic design and six color options, this mesh slip-on shoe is perfect for walking around the house or the neighborhood.

This walking shoe has a tapered midfoot design and extra arch support. The entire upper is made of lightweight, breathable mesh and the insole is lined with bamboo for “odor control.” This Skechers shoe has a lightweight rubber outsole that cushions with each step. This shoe even has a handy pull on the heel, making it easy to slide on and pull off of your foot.

Best for High Arches: ASICS Men’s Gel-Contend 4

Having a high arch in your foot means that the ball of your foot and your heel are taking on a lot of pressure — this means less support for your arch. This can lead to significant pain and difficulty walking. The ASICS Men’s Gel-Contend 4 are great sneakers to help you deal with this problem because they provide both cushion and support.

The synthetic sneaker features the “Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System," which helps reduce the shock that your feet experience as you walk. They’re especially good for your heels. These sporty sneakers are available in several designs and colors, including black and white, and can fit a wide range of specialty orthotic inserts for high arches. The ASICS ComforDry Sockliner also lets you have a cushioned and comfortable experience that is cool, dry, and moisture-free. These liners can even be removed for washing.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Skechers Men’s Equalizer 2.0 True Balance Sneaker

Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot issue in which the band that runs along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed and causes heel pain. It occurs in a wide range of people including those who are very active and those who have poor walking mechanics. If you are struggling with plantar fasciitis or other heel pain, try heel-cushioning shoes such as the Skechers Men’s Equalizer 2.0 True Balance Sneaker.

Stylish, sporty, and available in more than a dozen muted designs, the Equalizer 2.0 True Balance Sneaker has a super soft, air-cooled memory foam insole that cradles your feet. The dual density gel material in the insole also adds cushion while the “dual-lite” midsole is designed to absorb extra shock. This shoe tries to make each step as soft as possible to ease any pain you have while you walk.

The entire shoe is made with Skech-Knit Mesh for a stylish looking, lightweight, and breathable design. Note, this shoe has a 1-inch heel.

Best for Flat Feet: Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes

As much as high arches can cause problems for walking, so can flat feet. If you have feet that have minimal arches and hit the ground with each step, consider trying the Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes.

From one of the top running shoe brands, this walking shoe includes multiple forms of low arch support. The HydroFlow midsole cushioning and support put fluid under the front foot and heel, while the MoGo midsoles add even more cushion and stability in the arch. The Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar puts support directly under your flat arches. This shoe comes in narrow and wide sizes, and the synthetic sole is made of environmentally friendly materials that also provide traction.

Best Lightweight: QANSI Men’s Mesh Ultra Lightweight Breathable Athletic Shoes

A lightweight athletic shoe is an excellent option for anyone who enjoys walking. Some sneakers or boots are simply too heavy — the QANSI sneaker, on the other hand, is lightweight, looks great, and has good support.

Available in a dozen cool designs, including a sporty red and blue, this low-cost walking shoe is made with a flyknit fabric and an elastic MD sole. This combination of materials — complete with the mesh upper and flexible outsole — leads to an incredibly lightweight shoe that also looks great. The mesh makes this shoe very breathable which keeps your feet dry and cool. The shoes are very comfortable and have a simple lace-up closure and a low-cut design. Additionally, the insole is a soft material and can be switched out for an orthopedic insole.

Best for Work: Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe

It can be hard to get a comfortable and supportive walking shoe that doesn’t make you look out of place in the office. Luckily, the Rockport Eureka is a respectable work shoe that emphasizes the structural components of the shoe. Available in four shades of brown, black, and white, these shoes will fit a range of attire.

Made with a leather upper and standard laces, these shoes may look average, but the latex foam footbed provides an unparalleled cushion. Rockport makes these shoes with “flex” in all directions, soft materials, and added traction for an optimized walking experience. These comfortable shoes come in a range of narrow and wide sizes.

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