Looking for the best walking shoes of 2025? Want to power walk the city, hike forest paths, or rack up steps on your daily commute? Here, we break down the best-selling walking shoes for men and women to meet a range of needs from joint-supporting cushioning to barefoot-like flexibility.
Our picks focus on real-world performance—not just specs. We’ve tested dozens of models for arch support, long-distance comfort, durability, breathability, and fit, and compiled the top 10 walking shoes that stand out this year. From brands like Hoka, Altra, Brooks, and On, these shoes combine innovation with everyday reliability.
Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, travel prep, injury rehab, or just want to take your everyday shoe game up a notch, this review will help you find your perfect fit.
1. Hoka Transport
Best Overall Walking Shoe
- Weight: ~310 g (Men’s US 9)
- Drop: 5 mm
- Upper: Waterproof ripstop recycled fabric
- Outsole: Vibram® EcoStep for hybrid terrain grip
- Fit: Runs true to size; wide width options
Performance: The Transport marries Hoka’s max cushioning with commuter-friendly design. The EVA + sugarcane midsole is soft yet supportive, and the Vibram outsole grips securely on wet roads, gravel, and soft trails. The easy-toggle lacing system is easy and secure, and the rocker geometry of the shoe encourages smooth striding.
Comfort & Fit: Roomy toe box and padded collar make it ideal for all-day wear. Upper is moderately warm in hot weather but light enough for year-round wear. Wide sizes accommodate wider feet comfortably.
Final Thoughts: The ultimate all-rounder. Walking to work, exploring canal towpaths, logging daily miles – the Transport delivers comfort, grip, and durability in a modern, fashionable package.
2. Altra Experience Flow
Best for Natural Foot Positioning
- Weight: ~250 g
- Drop: 4 mm
- Upper: Engineered mesh
- Outsole: Full rubber with rocker geometry
- Fit: Wide toe box, snug midfoot
Performance: Altra’s first non-zero-drop shoe keeps the brand’s foot-shaped feel with the added goodness of a subtle drop and rocker for even better transitions. The EGO P35 midsole feels good and reactive, great for recovery days or longer walks.
Comfort & Fit: Natural splay is offered by the wide toe box, while a snug-fitting midfoot offers stability. Feet are cooled by ventilating mesh, although high-volume feet will find the midfoot constrictive.
Final Thoughts: A smart step forward for Altra loyalists and converts alike. A solid option for walkers desiring natural movement with a touch of structure and a smooth, efficient ride.
3. Skechers GO WALK Joy
- Best Budget Pick
- Weight: ~175 g
- Drop: Neutral
- Upper: Soft mesh
- Outsole: Lightweight EVA
- Fit: Sock-like slip-on
Performance: Lightweight and flexible, the GO WALK Joy is perfect for daily walks, errands, and vacations. The Goga Mat insole provides soft comfort underfoot, and the slip-on design is perfect for active life.
Comfort & Fit: Fits true to size with close, stretch fit. The cushioning is lenient and soft, though arch support is not present.
Final Impressions: Not built for off-road walking, but as a daily walking shoe at an entry-level price, the GO WALK Joy has no peer. A great backup or travel shoe.
4. Hoka Clifton 10
Best Cushioned Walking Shoe
- Weight: ~250 g
- Drop: 5 mm
- Upper: Engineered mesh
- Outsole: Durabrasion rubber
- Fit: Slightly tight midfoot; improved toe box
Performance: The Clifton 10 offers ultimate cushioning with a smooth, rockered ride. CMEVA midsole is a shock-absorbing par excellence, and therefore ideal for high-mileage walkers or joint-conscious individuals.
Comfort & Fit: The new upper offers improved breathability and lockdown. The generous toe box is a godsend, though the shoe is still somewhat narrow across the midfoot.
Final Thoughts: If you’re looking to walk on clouds but not sacrifice ground feel, the Clifton 10 is your choice. It’s a recovery-day fantasy and a daily performer for comfort runners.
5. On Cloud 6
Best for Style + Performance
- Weight: ~230 g
- Drop: 8 mm
- Upper: Recycled mesh
- Outsole: CloudTec® pods
- Fit: Narrow; speed laces included
Performance: The Cloud 6 is light, nimble, and airy. CloudTec pods ensure a springy yet stiff ride, and speed lacing facilitates quick adjustments. Great for city stroll and limited gym time.
Comfort & Fit: Slight narrow fit—perfect for thin feet. Breathable mesh upper and included traditional laces ensure an adjustable fit.
Final Thoughts: Not the most luxurious, but one of the most stylish and versatile. Ideal for city dwellers who want a shoe that looks as awesome as it performs.
6. Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Best for Support and Stability
- Weight: ~388 g
- Drop: 12 mm
- Upper: Leather or mesh
- Outsole: Slip-resistant rubber
- Fit: Multiple widths to choose from
Performance: A control shoe with serious arch support and a spacious, stable platform. The BioMoGo DNA midsole adapts to your stride, and the Progressive Diagonal Rollbar stabilizes overpronators.
Comfort & Fit: Sizing is accurate with ample width choices. The leather upper is warm but resilient—ideal for cooler weather or wear indoors.
Final Thoughts: Not flashy, maybe, but a workhorse. If you desire support and stability above all else, the Addiction Walker 2 is a safe bet.
7. Vivobarefoot Primus Trailknit FG
Best Barefoot-Style Walking Shoe
- Weight: ~250 g
- Drop: Zero
- Upper: Recycled knit
- Outsole: 4 mm lugs
- Fit: Wide toe box; snug heel
Performance: Flexible, grippy, and foot-shaped. Offers great ground feel and proprioception. Ideal for experienced barefoot walkers or for those who want a minimalist shoe.
Comfort & Fit: The sock-like upper is breathable and secure. No arch support—this is barefoot walking at its finest.
Final Thoughts: Not for everyone, but for those who love barefoot walking, the Primus Trailknit is a top-tier choice. Just ease into it if you’re new to zero-drop.
8. Danner Trail 2650
Best for Trail-to-Town Versatility
- Weight: ~340 g
- Drop: 8 mm
- Upper: Suede + mesh
- Outsole: Vibram® Megagrip
- Fit: True to size; roomy toe box
Performance: Sneaker-like walking, hiking shoe. Grippy, ventilated, and dressy enough for daily wear. Suitable for mixed terrain and travel.
Comfort & Fit: Breaks in well out of the box with a stable, cushioned ride. Wide widths available.
Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for one shoe for forest trails, cobbled sidewalks, and all the in-betweens, the Trail 2650 is a fashionable workhorse.
9. MBT Yasu
Best for Arch Support and Recovery
- Weight: ~360 g
- Drop: Rocker sole (variable)
- Upper: Mesh
- Outsole: Pivot Axis rocker
- Fit: Snug heel, roomy forefoot
Performance: The curved sole encourages forward motion and reduces joint stress. Excellent for plantar fasciitis, knee pain, or long hours on hard surfaces.
Comfort & Fit: Memory foam insole and rocker shape provide a unique rolling sensation. Conforms over time but is well worth the effort.
Final Thoughts: It’s a specialty option, but for rehab or recovery, the Yasu is a winner. Just be patient to acclimate yourself to the rolling sensation.
10. Arc’teryx Sylan GTX
Best Lightweight Waterproof Walking Shoe
- Weight: ~280 g
- Drop: 6 mm
- Upper: GORE-TEX knit
- Outsole: Vibram® Megagrip
- Fit: Performance fit; slightly narrower
Performance: A slim, waterproof trail-runner hybrid that’s light, nimble, and grippy. Perfect for rainy-day strolls or speedy hiking.
Comfort & Fit: Sock-like fit and breathable knit upper. Slightly narrower in the midfoot—perfect for slender to medium feet.
Final Thoughts: If you want waterproof protection without additional bulk, the Sylan GTX is an excellent option. It’s fast, dry, and surprisingly ventilated.
