Best Walking Shoes For Men 2026

Walking shoes are obviously made for walking, but they aren’t exclusively for daily strolls. Whether you’re running errands, working on your feet, traveling or going for long walks, the best men’s walking shoes are versatile, offering comfort and support for all sorts of activities. After testing nearly 20 different styles and consulting experts, we’ve named the On Cloud 6 the best walking shoes for men due to its structure, soft midsole and slip-on simplicity. We’ve also rounded up seven other styles tailored to different needs, all approved by a physical therapist and a personal trainer.

Alongside members of the Forbes Vetted team, we tested shoes from On, Hoka, New Balance and more to find the best walking shoes for men.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

Swiss running shoe brand On is known for its science-backed Zero-Gravity CloudTec foam, a forgiving material described as “running on clouds.” Designed to provide all-day comfort, the Cloud 6 has a bio-attributed midsole made from renewable materials, plus a Speedboard that runs the length of the sneaker and promotes stability and propulsion when walking. The sneakers also feature airy mesh uppers and flexibility, which our tester appreciates. “I liked how breathable and flexible they were, which made them comfortable for long stretches on my feet without ever feeling heavy or clunky.”

The Cloud 6’s CloudTec support makes it incredibly comfortable yet versatile over long stretches.

Spencer Dukoff For Forbes

Weighing just 9.4 ounces per shoe, the style is light, sleek and eco-conscious—much of the materials are recycled or renewable. “People often gravitate toward this shoe because it can be worn as a slip-on,” says Mel Siegel, shoe specialist and owner of Sportech. “It doesn’t necessarily look like an athletic shoe, but it has a nice and comfortable sneaker feel.”

Thanks to the shoe’s plush cushioning, ample breathability and sturdy construction, our panelist continues to lace up his Ons on a regular basis after months of testing. “They offer a nice mix of comfort and energy return that you want for shoes where you’re going to run up the numbers when it comes to step count,” he says.

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Ask foot experts which shoes are best for wide feet, and you’ll find New Balances are frequently at the top of the list; this style in particular has a Seal of Approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association. They’re also great at regulating heat. Our tester who laced up the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14 before its v15 update wore these sneakers on hot days. “The moisture-wicking properties keep my feet dry on both long walks and on jogs, no matter the temperature outside.” The multidirectional lugs improve grip, and they exhibit strong traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

The Fresh Foam X 880v15 comes in four width options—especially impressive for a sneaker style—and has a spacious toe box so your toes can spread out without feeling pinched or squished. Plus, the bio-based, sustainable foam midsole creates a pillowy walking cushion, no matter where you’re going. “Both runners and walkers love this shoe,” says Siegel. “They’ve added a bit of cushy foam to it, but you’re not going to feel unstable in it.”

Our tester vouched for the versatility of this sneaker. “I use it for both walking and neighborhood runs,” he says, adding that it continues to be comfortable and multifunctional after three months of testing. “It’s maintained its supple cushioning and also been fairly easy to clean. I have the all-black colorway, and they’re a nice casual sneaker to throw when I’m wearing casual clothes like joggers.”

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Here’s the thing about walking shoes: You can go cheap, but you may end up with poor cushioning and minimal support—which is a waste of money. To get a great pair with quality materials that last, you typically have to invest at least $50 to $100. Under Armour’s best-selling Charged Assert 10 shoes hit the mark for an affordable pair that is outfitted with breathable mesh uppers, well-cushioned midsoles and durable outsoles for traction.

According to our tester, the construction of these shoe was standout. “The outsole is quite hard and durable, with a grippy surface that let me hold traction on a variety of surfaces. But even so it’s not a rigid shoe, and the flexibility made for very comfortable walking,” he says. And after five months, our panelist still reaches for this pair: “Despite having more walking and running shoes in my closet than would seem reasonable for someone like me, I find myself wearing these shoes almost every day,” he says. “Because they’re not rigid, they slip on effortlessly and feel light on my feet, yet offer all the stability I need for workouts at the gym when I forget to pack my Brooks. They’re still going strong, which is great because I don’t want to replace them anytime soon.”

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The original Ghost Max surprised us in 2023 with a thick bed of cushy foam and a mellow rocker that made it great for walking, and the updated Ghost Max 3 builds on that original platform with a similarly broad base and plenty of cushioning. It isn’t going to be the fastest shoe in your stable, but if you’re after one of the cushiest experiences on the market, this is it.

Featuring the same nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole foam as the Ghost Max 2, it’s soft, springy and incredibly comfortable. It also has the same stack height as the Ghost Max 2, and yet, our tester found it slightly more plush, saying: “I really didn’t think Brooks could take the Ghost Max 2 and make it more pillowy, but somehow, they have. The latest Ghost Max feels softer and more snuggly, like a familiar sweatshirt you throw on when all you want is to be comfortable.”

The Ghost Max 3 features a whole lot of plush cushioning for better impact protection—and it looks good too.

Cam Vigliotta For Forbes

Beyond the cushioning and support, Brooks went with a redesigned double jacquard upper, and it fits about the same—very roomy and wide, so you’ll have to tie it tight for a good fit. While its squishy, spongy design feels like a memory foam mattress for your feet, it isn’t great for much beyond walks and light jogs anymore. The Ghost Max 2 still had some running energy about it, but this version feels slow and unstable as soon as you introduce speed, pivots and lateral movements. With that said, it’s still an amazing maximal shoe, and Brooks nailed the styling once again, giving you every reason to wear it when you need more cushioning.

Related: See further details in our full Brooks Ghost Max 3 review.

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If you struggle to find sneakers with arch support, the Hoka Clifton 10 is a podiatrist-recommended pick—it’s stamped with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Approval for foot health. As the newest rendition of the brand’s popular running shoe, it adds an additional 3mm of cushioning, making it more plush and forgiving for those long walks and repetitive impacts. The collar is also softer to reduce the likelihood of hotspots, and the new mesh upper helps with overheating.

Although it’s available in a regular fit, the wide and extra-wide versions are a blissful option for broader feet that require a little more room. “For those with flat feet (including yours truly), the spacious midfoot and toe box provide plenty of room for your feet to relax, though the fit is still secure,” says our tester. “This one is a winner from top to bottom.”

The Clifton 10’s slightly firmer foam makes it more supportive for flat feet.

Cam Vigliotta For Forbes

As for long-term durability, our panelist notes the Clifton can withstand daily use. “The Clifton has held up incredibly well while serving as my daily trainer for the past month,” he says, adding that “It’s my go-to walking and running shoe, so it gets constant use, but everything from the foam to the fabric upper feels great. Every pair of Cliftons I’ve worn in the past has lasted hundreds of miles—I’ve never replaced a pair due to durability issues.” And in classic Hoka fashion, it comes in a plethora of eye-catching colors.

Related: Read our full Hoka Clifton 10 review to learn more.

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Allbirds’ best-selling Merino Wool Runners are made from superfine ZQ merino wool, a fiber that’s soft, sustainable and boosts the shoe’s breathability while reducing unwanted odors. Our tester describes the fit as “extremely comfortable,” also noting that “the shoes needed minimal breaking in, leaving zero blisters as I got adjusted to wearing them.” As our panelist tested these shoes overtime, he says they continued to be comfortable despite a ton of wear.

The sneakers feature a moisture-wicking insole derived from castor bean oil, and the laces are comprised of 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. Beyond that, these shoes are suited for everyday walking and are machine washable (on cold), should you scuff them up. Just keep in mind that this pair is geared more towards use in urban environments, so we don’t recommend them for hiking or even walking on rooted, rocky paths. Also, we suggest wearing socks with these shoes: “I wore these often without socks, and although you can clean the insoles, they’re a little pitted from stinky feet,” says our tester.

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The Ghost is Brooks’ bread-and-butter training shoe for easy runs, walks and long days on your feet. Now in its 17th iteration, this shoe is as versatile and easy to love as ever. Featuring more of the brand’s nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam, the Ghost 17 adds an extra dose of cushioning and springiness compared to the previous-gen Ghost 16. Although it isn’t quite as plush as some max-cushioned shoes like the Clifton 10 and Ghost Max 3, it still proved to be incredibly comfortable from the moment our tester put it on.

“I like the Ghost 17 for long walks because it balances cushioning and responsiveness, so your feet are comfortable without feeling bogged down,” says our tester. “It’s a shoe you can lace up to walk across town or travel in without so much as a second thought.” The new-and-improved Ghost also features an upgraded upper, which our tester found to be more breathable and durable. In other words, your feet should stay cooler while logging miles (and the shoe itself is less likely to rip).

the Ghost 17’s versatile cushioning works wonders on long walks.

Cam Vigliotta For Forbes

Although we’re continuing to test the Ghost 17 to see how it holds up over time, our panelist noted that the previous version of the shoe wore down well. “Similar to the Hoka and New Balances, I’ll both run and walk in these shoes,” says our tester. “They’re a cult-favorite running shoe for a reason, offering springiness, cushion, support and they’re fairly lightweight. I walk in them more than running in them, though, and their sporty design is a great compliment to a performance hoodie and some joggers.”

Related: For more details, read our full Brooks Ghost 17 review.

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The Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 may offer relief if you have flat feet or are prone to joint and back aches, due to its (removable) Arch Fit insole, a podiatrist-certified technology that molds to your feet for a custom fit. Our testing revealed that the insole raises the heel more so than a conventional pair of sneakers—they added 1.5 inches of lift—which may take some getting used to.

Designed to balance weight across your entire foot for enhanced support, the cushioning is firm and supportive, and it’s a solid choice for lifting, too. “Because the stiff midsole provides solid support, it prevents any sinking when squatting,” says our panelist, who has been using these shoes for nearly 10 months. He adds that he has been wearing them about two to three times a week “mostly when going to the gym since they’re my go-to for treadmill walking.”

It’s also worth noting the Arch Fit 2.0 runs a bit large—our tester sized down from a men’s 9 to an 8.5 to find the right fit, so consider going down a half size or trying them on in person to ensure you’ve got the right pair. We recommend keeping the color scheme and your everyday wardrobe in mind, as well. Our tester notes that some colorways are “hard to match with non-gym outfits.”

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Other Walking Shoes We Tested

We tested over a dozen sneakers to find the eight winners listed above. While the walking shoes listed below didn’t make our final list, they still performed well in specific areas that may make them a good fit for you. Below, we list the other walking shoes we tested, as well as older winners that have since been replaced with newer models.

Other Walking Shoes We Tested That Are Worth Considering

• Best For Walking On Trails: Altra Lone Peak 9: Altra’s fan-favorite Lone Peak 9 is a zero-drop shoe with a grippy outsole, breathable upper and wide toe box. While it’s technically billed as a trail running and hiking shoe, we recommend it for anyone who prefers walking off the beaten path and wants a little added durability. Read our Lone Peak 9 review for more information.

Other Walking Shoes We Tested That We Don’t Recommend

• Kuru Atom Slip-Ons: While this pair initially made our list of winners, we revoked our recommendation after following up with our panelist several months after testing. He explained that the shoes began to feel like they were slipping off his heel with each step, and he no longer wears them.

We tested the Altra Lone Peak 9 on the trails.

Cam Vigliotta For Forbes

Previous Winners That Have Been Replaced With Newer Models

• Best Overall, 2025: On Cloud 5: The Cloud 5 won us over with its breathable mesh upper and removable cushioned arch insole. However, the Cloud 6 has upgraded features that make the shoe more comfortable.
• Best For Flat Feet, 2025: Hoka Clifton 9: This was one of our tester’s go-to running shoes before the Clifton 10 was released. That said, its sizing and colorways are now limited.
• Best For Cushioning, 2025: Brooks Ghost Max 2: The Ghost Max 2 balanced plushness and reactivity to make breaking into a jog easy. Since the release of the Ghost Max 3, its sizing is also now limited.
• Best For Long Distances, 2025: Brooks Ghost 16: This springy shoe powered our walks when we were on the edge of fatigue, but the Ghost 17 has less of a heel drop for a more leveled feel.
• Best Affordable, 2024: Under Armour Charged Assert 9: We praised this shoe’s support and budget-friendly price. It has since been replaced by the Charged Assert 10, which has a more durable sole.
• Best For Cushioning, 2024: Brooks Ghost Max: This shoe surprised us with its super-soft cushioning and breathable upper. It has since been updated several times, and is now difficult to find in stock.
• Best For Long Distances, 2024: Brooks Ghost 15: The Brooks Ghost 15 once impressed us with its durability and versatile design. That said, it has been updated twice for a more cushioned, responsive feel.

The firm, supportive cushioning in the Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 provides a slight lift.

Luke Frangis For Forbes

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Walking Shoes For Men We’re Testing Next

We keep a close eye on new developments in the footwear space to make sure our recommendations stay current. In the coming months, we expect to see (and test) these two upcoming releases:

• On Cloud 7: On sneakers are a favorite among our team, and we anticipate a new version of the shoe set to launch in spring/summer 2026.
• Hoka Clifton 11: The popular Clifton line is also due for an update this year. We plan to test these alongside the Cloud 7 when they drop.

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How We Tested The Best Walking Shoes For Men

To track down the best walking shoes for men in 2026, we tapped seven Forbes Vetted team members to test over a dozen sneakers from reputable athletic shoe brands. During testing, our goal was to find standout shoes for every type of walking activity, from early-morning, pre-work walks to busy weekends filled with errands and more.

Process

• Thorough research: We examined the most popular offerings from reputable brands to identify a list of contenders for our panel testing process.
• Panel testing: We tapped seven Forbes Vetted team members with varying shoe sizes and foot types to test over a dozen sneakers. We wore each walking shoe for hours (and miles) at a time, taking notes along the way—including whether or not we felt any soreness or pressure buildup underfoot.

Criteria

• Comfort: We paid close attention to the upper, collar and heel to see if the shoe rubbed in ways that would cause blisters. And because comfort is tied to the fit of the shoe, we recorded the scope of each shoe’s available sizes and widths. Ideally, your walking shoes should be your most comfortable shoes overall.
• Support: We examined the insoles of each contender, looking for padding or a contoured arch around the midfoot—two elements that provide extra support. We also made note of how the support felt over time, whether it maintained its structure or lost its comfort.
• Stability: To make sure our top picks provide good traction in all scenarios (and to help prevent slips), we walked around on a plethora of terrain. While we were putting in the steps, we also took notes on whether or not the shoe was too soft or too flimsy, causing us to lose our balance.
• Heel Drop: This refers to the difference in millimeters between the heel and forefoot of a shoe. In general, a larger drop means that the shoe offers more cushioning and better responsiveness, while a zero-drop shoe mimics the feeling of walking barefoot. During testing, we recorded and compared the heel drop of each contender whenever possible.

We tested everything from cushioning to fit when searching for the best men’s walking shoes.

Cam Vigliotta For Forbes

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What To Consider About Men’s Walking Shoes

While there are many features to consider when choosing the best walking shoes for your needs, we focused on some key specs at the recommendation of the podiatrists we spoke with:

Size And Fit

Getting the appropriate size and achieving the best possible fit will go a long way toward ensuring you’re comfortable and injury-free while walking. “Make sure the toes have room to spread out in walking shoes,” says Westchester, New York–based podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Elisa Kavanagh. “You don’t want irritation or rubbing, and the right fit also preserves your toenails.”

Unless you require orthotic insoles or a special shoe insert, you should choose your normal size in a walking shoe. “In terms of fit length, you want to be able to fit your thumb in front of your big toe at the toe of your shoe,” says Kavanagh. Sizing often differs slightly from brand to brand, so we recommend checking out the retailer’s notes and customer reviews to see if you should go up or down a half size. If your foot is especially narrow or wide, you may want to go with a walking shoe that is available in different widths. Our top pick for best shoe for wide feet, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15, comes in four widths.

Cushioning

When choosing walking shoes, you never want to wear anything too flat. “As you get older, the Achilles tendon tends to get tighter, and men can often have problems with that,” says Kavanagh. “Ideally, you want some lift at the heel and a thick-soled shoe with lots of cushion.” This can be particularly important if you have heel pain, which is commonly caused by plantar fasciitis. “Adding a bit of lift underneath the insole can typically resolve a lot of foot pain within one week.”

Support

You want to be sure you have support at the midfoot. “Always look for something with arch support,” Kavanagh says. “When we don’t have support underneath the arches of our feet, we tend to pronate, which means your ankles roll inward over your feet. This can lead to ankle arthritis, posterior tibial tendonitis and medial knee pain.” By realigning your foot under your ankle with a good pair of walking shoes, you can eliminate a lot of discomfort.

Stability

Think about the surfaces you’ll be wearing your walking shoes most often. Will you be on pavement, trails, a treadmill or walking through your office? For all, you’ll want a grippy tread to keep you secure, and for more uneven terrain in particular, you’ll want to be sure you have a stable shoe. “I like for shoes to be able to pass the two-finger test,” says board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Ari Rubinstein. “If you can bend and twist your shoes with two fingers it’s too flimsy. A shoe shouldn’t bend too easily.”

If you have limited mobility and range of motion at your ankle, you may benefit from a walking shoe with a rocker sole. “It takes the pressure off of the back of the leg and allows you to get over the foot without bending the ankle as much,” Rubinstein adds.

Upper Fabric

If you tend to have sweaty feet, pay particular attention to the upper fabric in shoes you purchase. Look for things like breathable performance mesh to keep you comfortable on longer walks or long days on your feet. Some styles, like the On Cloud 6, offer a sock-like liner to boost comfort. If you’ll be walking through water on trails, consider shoes with water protection, like a layer of Gore-Tex.

Foot Conditions

A good sneaker can help reduce the pain and discomfort that’s tied to various conditions, such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis or bunions. However, it’s important to make sure the pair you’re interested in contains features designed to meet your needs. Below, we break down the specific elements to seek out for common foot conditions.

• Flat feet: If your arch touches the ground when you stand barefoot, look for a sneaker with firm arch support that helps lift the inside of the foot, which can reduce overpronation. We also recommend picking a shoe with a above-average level of cushioning underfoot to pad each step—the best insoles for flat feet can also help, of course.
• Plantar fasciitis: People with this foot condition should prioritize ample cushioning and sturdy support in their shoes. Together, these features help reduce pain along the bottom of the foot by absorbing shock and keeping the foot in a comfortable, neutral position. For specific recommendations, check out our guide to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.
• Bunions: If you experience joint swelling and bunions, look for a shoe that’s wider than average with a roomy toe box, which will limit the amount of pressure placed on the sides of your feet and allow you to comfortably spread out your toes as you walk.

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Informed Choices: Our Experts

To ensure these men’s shoes are the best picks for walking, this guide was informed by several foot health experts, and our picks were reviewed by a physical therapist and a personal trainer. These are the experts we spoke with:

• Physical therapist Kelly Picciurro, vice president of Spring Forward Physical Therapy in New York City.
• Personal trainer and group fitness instructor Eddie Lemonier, a personal trainer of Chelsea Piers Fitness in Stamford, Connecticut.
• Dr. Elisa Kavanagh, board-certified podiatrist of Dr. Elisa Kavanagh + Associates.
• Dr. Ari Rubinstein, board-certified podiatrist of Lower Westchester Foot & Ankle.
• Mel Siegel, shoe expert and owner of Sportech.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

We evaluate, test and thoroughly analyze the best shoes to fit your footwear needs, including sneakers, dress shoes and boots. Our robust catalog of footwear stories covers a wide range of topics categories, from the best dress sneakers to the best casual shoes for men.

• This article and its updates are overseen by gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who has years of experience covering outdoor and wellness gear, including work boots for men and Hoka shoes for walking. As an avid runner, he’s also logged hundreds of miles while wearing sneakers from Brooks, Hoka and others.
• Staff writer Steven John also contributed to this article. A runner, hiker and frequent long-distance walker, John has run and strolled in shoes from Brooks, Hoka and many other brands. His coverage includes a review of the best trail running shoes and the best boots for plantar fasciitis.
• This article is regularly refreshed to keep product details and prices as accurate as possible. It was last updated in March 2026.

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