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Whether you walk for exercise or spend a lot of time on your feet, you need a walking shoe with good all-around cushioning and support to keep your feet from feeling fatigued and sore. A good pair of shoes will also help keep you from developing uncomfortable foot issues, like bunions and blisters. We’ve sorted through the options for the best shoes, based on overall quality, support, durability, design, and comfort.
Here are the best men's walking shoes for all your needs.
Known for their high-quality and comfortable shoes, New Balance has created a lasting favorite with the 990. This shoe features the perfect blend of firmness and high-energizing cushioning, so your feet will be sufficiently supported while walking. The lightweight, breathable upper helps keep your feet cool and dry. With a sleek, updated take on New Balance’s classic silhouette, the 990 version is an attractive shoe that goes well with athletic or casual styles.
The shoe comes in a range of widths, from extra-narrow to extra-extra-wide, so it’s easy to find a custom, comfortable pair you’ll never want to take off. The shoe comes in men's sizes 7 through 16.
Asics shoes are extremely popular among runners, but their reasonably-priced GEL-Venture running shoe is a solid choice if you’re looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe for fitness walking, travel, or all-day wear.
Asics’ well-known GEL cushioning in the shoes’ heels enhances comfort, improves shock absorption, and helps prevent pain from plantar fasciitis. With a mesh fabric upper, these shoes are also very breathable, so you don’t have to worry about your feet overheating. They come in a variety of colors and in men's sizes 7 through 15.
Despite their lightweight feel, these shoes from Skechers offer the maximum comfort and performance you’d expect from a heavier shoe. The shoe’s GOwalk Max midsole and outsole provide high-level cushioning and support, while the extra padded heel allows for a comfortable, glove-like fit.
Flexible, responsive, and durable, these shoes are ideal for long walks or all-day wear and are also a versatile choice to slip into your suitcase. The shoes come in black, charcoal, or navy/gray colors and in men's sizes 7 through 15.
Every step you take on the hiking trail will feel supported, smooth, and stable while wearing these Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport shoes. Made for off-road treks, each shoe features a contoured foam footbed and molded heel counter for stability and shock absorption.
The lining is treated with Merrell’s odor-fighting technology to keep feet feeling fresh longer, while the lightweight, mesh upper ensures breathability. This hiker offers excellent traction and grip on both wet and dry surfaces, thanks to the Vibram outsole with 5-millimeter lug treads. The shoe comes in a range of earth tones and in men's sizes 8 through 14.
This attractive walking shoe delivers the out-of-the-box fit and all-day comfort that you expect from Rockport. A cushioned EVA footbed will mold to the shape of your foot for a custom fit, while a padded tongue helps to prevent irritation and blisters. With a wide, stable base and a resilient rubber outsole, you get plenty of traction and stability.
The premium leather upper (full-grain or nubuck) and lace-up ties give this well-constructed shoe a classy look that can be dressed up or down, perfect for your commute and workday. It comes in a range of colors and in men's sizes 6 through 17.
The leather New Balance 577 walking shoe is an excellent, reasonably-priced choice for men who need a supportive, comfy shoe for all-day wear. The cushioned, walking-specific footbed is made for enhanced comfort and impact protection. Equipped with a sturdy, rubber sole, the 577 walking shoe is extremely durable, regardless of what type of surfaces you’re walking on.
One con is that, while the leather outer layer is stylish, it can make your feet hot during warmer weather. On the other hand, these shoes offer more protection than lightweight shoes in colder months. They’re available in narrow widths, so they’re ideal for men who find some walking shoes to be too wide. The shoes come in men's sizes 7 through 15.
New Balance is a category leader in walking shoes, and with good reason. With several different width options, their 608 walking shoe is a good option for anyone who needs some extra room for wide feet or orthotics. The shoe’s Abzorb midsole will make you feel as if you’re bouncing with each step, giving you more energy to keep walking.
They’re comfortable, durable, and supportive, without being too bulky or stiff, even right out of the box. With a high-grade leather upper and a grippy, non-marking outside, the New Balance 608 shoe will handle all types of weather conditions and surfaces. Sleek and stylish, they can serve double-duty for fitness or casual wear. The New Balance shoes come in a variety of styles and in men's sizes 6.5 to 18.
If you have flat feet, you need some extra support and cushioning when you’re walking. The Brooks Addiction Walker features an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar that provides excellent arch support and corrects any overpronation, which is common with flat feet.
With a full-length BioMoGo DNA midsole, you get a soft yet stable feel that offers a cushioned step and excellent energy return. With a supple leather upper, the Brooks Addiction Walker is stylish but also durable, comfortable, and perfect for anyone with flat feet who walks a lot or spends hours standing. The Brooks shoe comes in a range of colors and in men's sizes 7 through 15.
A tried-and-true favorite shoe for walking, Saucony’s Grid Omni Walker offers the cushioning and support needed for those dealing with plantar fasciitis and other foot issues. The shoe’s compression-molded, responsive EVA midsole provides stellar shock absorption and cushioning, so you’ll get good injury protection.
It also features a rearfoot Grid system consisting of a woven configuration of Hytrel filaments, which help to cushion and center the heel on impact. If you’re looking for an affordable, comfortable shoe to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, the Grid Omni is a great choice for walkers or those who spend a lot of time on their feet. The shoe comes in men's sizes 7 through 15.
If you have high arches, it can be tough to find walking shoes that feel just right. You need a shoe that’s supportive and cushioned for good shock absorption, but it should also be a flexible, neutral shoe without a lot of motion control. Reliable and affordable, the Asics GEL-Contend Walker offers that perfect blend of flexibility and cushioning.
Its AmpliFoam midsole is designed to provide lightweight but durable comfort, while the rearfoot GEL cushioning system allows for exceptional shock absorption. Additionally, the shoe’s Ortholite sock liner offers more support as well as moisture management for walking in warm weather. The shoe comes in men's sizes 6 through 15.
If you're looking for a top walking shoe, the New Balance 990 Running Shoe offers the perfect blend of firmness and cushioning to keep your feet protected without sacrificing comfort. For a high-quality running shoe with fewer bells and whistles but available at a more affordable price, opt for the Asics GEL-Venture Running Shoe.
As a running coach and marathon runner, Christine Luff has spent years researching and recommending running and walking shoes. To walk in comfort and avoid painful foot problems, she suggests getting properly fitted for walking shoes and regularly replacing them.
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Lee HJ, Lim KB, Yoo J, Yoon SW, Yun HJ, Jeong TH. Effect of custom-molded foot orthoses on foot pain and balance in children with symptomatic flexible flat feet. Ann Rehabil Med. 2015;39(6):905-13. doi:10.5535/arm.2015.39.6.905