The 13 Best Walking Shoes for Men of 2025, Tested

Men’s Walking Shoes We Also Tested

We tested over 90 pairs of men’s walking shoes, but only 13 impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. While we liked some of these pairs’ features, they didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements to be selected as top picks.

• While Zamberlan’s 215 Salathe GTX RR Shoe is comfortable, we think its chunkier design is ideal for hiking, not walking. Plus, we don’t think it’s breathable enough for those who run warm or anyone wanting a shoe that can be worn on longer walks.
• We appreciate that Asics’ Metaspeed Sky+ Shoe is well cushioned. However, it doesn’t offer enough support or stability for those with joint issues, including bad knees.
• Hoka’s Solimar Sneaker prevented our feet from rolling inward excessively. However, their cushioning left a lot to be desired, and they ran narrow, making it difficult to find the right fit.

What We’ve Updated

• Since publishing our initial part-research-based, part-tested roundup of the best walking shoes for men, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested 13 new pairs of shoes. This is now a fully tested article, solely providing our hands-on experience with each recommended men’s walking shoe.
• Based on our testing insights, we’ve reworked some of our product picks, including Best Overall and Best for Distance.
• Based on our testing insights, we’ve added six new superlatives, including Best for Stability, Best for Narrow Feet, Best Cushioned, and more.

What to Look for When Shopping for Walking Shoes for Men

• Foot Conditions: If you have a foot condition, such as bunions, hammer toes, or plantar fasciitis, it’s important to find a walking shoe that will not exacerbate your symptoms. Depending on the condition, you may want to look for shoes with a wide toe box, additional arch support, well-cushioned midsoles, and more.
• Fit: When buying shoes, it’s important to pay close attention to their fit. Your walking shoes should have enough room for your toes to comfortably wiggle without feeling squished. They should also be wide enough to accommodate your feet, even if you experience some swelling. Cunha adds that there should be a thumb’s width of space at the front of the shoe and that your heel should also remain in place without any slippage or lifting.
• Flex Point: To check the flex point of your shoe, hold it by the heel and press the toe onto the ground—the point where the shoe bends is the flex point. The shoe’s flex point should match the bending point of your foot—at the ball. Cunha says your shoes should bend comfortably where your toes bend when walking to accommodate your natural movement. When it doesn’t align correctly or when a shoe bends at the arch instead, it can lead to issues, including arch pain, blisters, or plantar fasciitis.
• Material: Look for a shoe made with high-quality, durable materials that will last. If you tend to run warm and plan on wearing the shoes in warm weather or while taking long walks, Cunha recommends looking for a shoe with mesh or knit uppers or perforated leather to help your feet feel comfortable and dry.
• Arch Support: Look for a walking shoe that provides solid arch support. This can help keep your feet aligned properly and improve your posture and gait while walking. Wu says a flat foot needs low arch support, and a high arch will need more arch support, while a neutral foot will require minimal or moderate arch support. To determine which arch support is best for you, wet your entire foot and step on a sheet of paper. Wu says a large and wide imprint indicates a flat foot, a narrow imprint indicates a high arch, and a moderate imprint indicates a neutral arch.

How We Tested the Walking Shoes for Men

To find the best walking shoes for men, we tested over 90 pairs at home, wearing them on sand, grass, trails, concrete paths, and more. When testing walking shoes for men, we evaluate each pair based on the following key criteria.

• Fit: When we first try on the shoes, we note if they fit true to size and if there is a thumb’s width of space between our toe and the end of the shoe. We ask ourselves if the shoe feels too loose or too tight. We also note if the toe box is wide enough to wiggle our toes and if our feet slide around or stay put. We prioritize shoes that fit our size as expected.
• Stability: When walking in each pair of shoes, we note whether our ankles and knees feel supported and stable. We consider whether the shoes provide enough shock support and balance with each step. We also note whether the stability of the shoe changes with different surfaces, such as grass, gravel, or concrete.
• Responsiveness: After wearing the shoes for at least three hours, we evaluate how well they help propel us forward with each step. We note how springy and bouncy the shoe feels and whether the curve of the sole helps with propulsion. After wearing the shoes for several hours, we note whether our legs feel fresh or heavy and fatigued.
• Cushioning: To evaluate the cushioning, we note whether it feels pillowy or firm, how well it absorbs shock, whether we feel pain or pressure points anywhere, and whether the cushioning is evenly distributed throughout the shoe. After the testing period, we evaluate if the cushioning has held up over time, including whether it has deflated or compressed.
• Comfort: The first time we put the shoes on, we ask ourselves: Do they feel light or heavy? Do the shoes feel breathable? Is the upper fabric soft and flexible or stiff and rigid? Are there any seams or stitching that chafe or irritate? After our test walks, we note whether our feet stay comfortable or get sweaty and overheated. We also consider whether we develop any blisters or hot spots.
• Quality: To evaluate quality, we note whether the shoes arrive in good condition and whether the materials are durable and high-quality. We also perform a bend test to determine whether the shoes bend where they should—under the ball of the foot. At the end of the testing period, we note any wear and tear on the shoes.
• Value: To determine the value of each pair of walking shoes, we wait until the end of the testing period, after evaluating all other criteria, to check the price. Based on the shoes’ performance, we note if they’re fairly priced or if we would only buy them on sale. We also consider whether we would recommend the shoes to friends and family.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts provided insights into what key features to look for when choosing the best walking shoes for men and guidance on our testing process. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions.

• Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, podiatric surgeon at NYC Foot and Ankle Center
• Nathan Buelow, former Senior Brand Marketing Manager at the footwear company Merrell
• Saylee Tulpule, DPM, board-certified podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic
• Miguel Cunha, DPM, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare
• Karena Wu, PT, DPT, OCS, board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and owner and clinical director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in NYC and Mumbai

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to break in new shoes?

A good shoe shouldn’t require much breaking in. If your shoes feel a bit stiff, you can wear them around the house for a bit or try wearing them with thicker socks to help prevent blisters.

Are running shoes good for walking?

Yes, some running shoes work well for walking. However, there are some key differences between them. Running shoes are typically lighter, more breathable, and have more cushioning. Compared to running shoes, walking shoes may have more stability features, be heavier, and be more flexible at the forefoot. Wu says that wearing certain running shoes while walking can lead to issues including foot, ankle, and leg pain, as well as improper muscle usage.

How long do walking shoes last?

Tulpule says you should generally replace your walking shoes every 300 to 400 miles or after six to eight months because their materials break down and lose their ability to support and protect your feet. This may result in an increased risk of injury, including slipping. She adds that this loss of cushion and shock absorption can add stress to the soft tissue and joints of the foot and even transfer to the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the associate editor for Verywell Fit. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she’s dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing. She’s tested walking shoes, leggings, sports bras, walking socks, and more.