Maybe you have a job that requires you to be on your feet all day. Or perhaps walking is a part of your regular exercise routine. Whatever the case may be, walking shoes are a necessity as they are specifically crafted for walking/standing all day long. What makes a good walking shoe you might ask? In our opinion, a good walking shoe is one that hones in on support, stability, traction, and cushioning. If you are in need for a new walking shoe or are just simply browsing for things to add to your wishlist, we've put together a list of the 18 best men's walking shoes for all day comfort. These shoes are ones that pair well with your workout shirts (and maybe even part of an entire workout clothes wardrobe), while still being casual enough to go with something like skinny jeans and chinos. From the Hoka Clifton 9 ($145) to the Columbia Hatana ($81.63), these are some of the best on the market.
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The 18 Best Men's Walking Shoes for All Day Comfort
Comfortable shoes are a necessity. What are some of the best out there?
The Best Men's Walking Shoes, at a Glance:
- Best Walking Shoes for Men Overall - Hoka Clifton 9, $145
- Best Walking Shoes for the Trails - Columbia Hatana, $81.63
- Best Podiatrist Approved Shoes - Orthofeet Pacific Palisades, $108.95
- Best Walking Shoes for Distances - Skechers GO WALK Flex, $52.99
- Best Dressy Walking Shoes for Men - L.L. Bean Comfort Fitness Walking Shoes, $89
- Best for Arch Support - Brook's Ghost 15, $140
- Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - KURU Footwear Chicane, $155
- Best Athletic Walking Shoe for Men - New Balance Men's 877 Walking Shoe, $99.99
1. Hoka Clifton 9
Best Walking Shoes for Men Overall
- Sizes: 7 - 16
- Colors: Black, Rust, Flame, Olive Haze, Nimbus Cloud, and 9 others
- Lace style: Lace tightening
- Width: D
- Heel to toe drop: 5mm
- Key feature: Early Stage MetaRocker™
- A promising review: "I recently purchased a pair of Hoka Clifton 9 athletic shoes, and I must say they have exceeded my expectations in every way. Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but they also possess a stylish design that I love. These shoes have been an absolute game-changer for my recovery and rehabilitation after a broken foot." - Hoka Reviewer
Hoka is one of the best brands out there for walking shoes as they hone in on comfort, arch support, stability, and durability. The Clifton 9 features Early Stage MetaRocker technology, a breathable engineered mesh upper, a compression molded EVA foam midsole that adds to the comfort component, and a Durabrasion rubber outsole for additional traction. The Clifton 9 is lightweight, and also zones in on stability as the shoes are predominantly made with recycled polyester.
2. Columbia Hatana
Best Walking Shoes for the Trails
- Sizes: 7 - 12
- Colors: Black/Compass Blue, Black/White, Dark Grey/Monument, Mosstone/Golden Yellow
- Lace style: Lace tightening
- Width: D/E
- Heel to toe drop: .5 inch
- Key feature: Techlite™ lightweight EVA
- A promising review: "This shoes have great support, have taken them for a run on the trail and you can feel the traction on any surface. They look so cool that also wear them casually during business hours." - Zappos Reviewer
The Columbia Hatana is loaded with awesome features that will assist you in your walking activities such as a Techlite™ lightweight EVA midsole for comfort in the mid-foot area, Omni-Heat™ Reflective Thermal Reflective Warmth technology that does a good job of creating warmth as you walk, a rubber outsole that gives you prime traction and slip-resistance, and waterproof construction. Clocking in at $87, this is a great shoe for an affordable price that is certain to be well worth the investment should you choose to make it.
3. Orthofeet Pacific Palisades
Best Podiatrist Approved Shoes
- Sizes: 7 - 14
- Colors: White/Black
- Lace style: Lace tightening
- Width: Standard, Wide, Extra Wide
- Heel to toe drop: N/A
- Key feature: Premium orthotic insoles
- A promising review: "I had major surgery to reconstruct my arch last year and Pacific Palisades are the most comfortable sneakers I have ever worn.The like walking on pillows. Just amazing. I usually by either Brooks or New Balance and it's not even close. These shoes beatthe both and its not even close. I will buy them again!!!" - George DuPont, Orthofeet Reviewer
Orthofeet is a shoe that's literally built for the arches with removable anatomical arch support and an arch booster that re-align the foot and entire body posture. There's also a built-in wide toe-box to alleviate pressure on swollen feet, bunions, and hammertoes, a cushioning sole, rubber outsole, and a soft padded fabric interior that helps to prevent irritation all while protecting sensitive feet.
4. Skechers GO WALK Flex
Best Walking Shoes for Distances
- Sizes: 8.5 - 13
- Colors: White/Black, Red/Black, Navy/Red, Gray/Orange, Black/Gray
- Lace style: Lace tightening
- Width: Medium
- Heel drop: 1.25 inch heel (toe height not listed)
- Key feature: Skechers Air-Cooled Goga Mat
- A promising review: "Felt great first time I put them on so I got a second pair. Very little break in needed. I walk 45-60 min each day for fitness. Great comfort & cushioning." - KAB, Skechers Reviewer
The GO WALK Flex is another great walking shoe to consider as they come highly-rated for their Skechers Air-Cooled Goga Mat™ breathable insole that features lightweight and responsive high-rebound cushioning, and an Ortholite® comfort foam insole layer that contributes to the breathability. There's also the inclusion of the brand's Flex Pillars that provide further stabilization and flexible traction.
5. L.L. Bean Comfort Fitness Walking Shoes
Best Dressy Walking Shoes
- Sizes: 7 - 14
- Colors: Classic Navy, Dark Loden, Frost Grey
- Lace style: Lace tightening
- Width: Medium D/Wide EE
- Heel drop: N/A
- Key feature: VertiGrip Rubber
- A promising review: "Very comfortable walking shoes....extra wide width and right size. Arrived on time and in good condition." - L.L. Bean Reviewer
Made with a VertiGrip rubber outsole and EVA midsole technology, L.L. Bean's Comfort Fitness Walking Shoes are anatomically designed for cushioning and comfort, all while boasting minimal seams for extra comfort and a intricate combination lacing system that locks the foot in place. All of this means that the shoe is equipped for great comfort and arch support, making this worth every dollar of that $89 price tag.
6. Brook's Ghost 15
Best for Arch Support
- Sizes: 7 - 15
- Colors: Blue/White, Illusion/White, Black/Ebony, Alloy, Flintstone, and 32 others
- Lace style: Lace tightening
- Width: Medium 1D/Wide 2E
- Midsole drop: 12mm
- Key feature: VertiGrip Rubber
- A promising review: "I have four pair of Brooks Ghost, models 14 and 15. I take 11-2E … they fit my feet better than anything else I’ve tried. They have great cushion and support without being extra thick. Keep making these!" - Van R., Brooks Reviewer
Brooks describes the Ghost 15 as being "of their most-loved running shoes," which is thanks in part to its a soft feel, smooth ride, and trusted fit for elevated comfort and performance. In addition to the improved cushioning, smooth transitions, and enhanced upper, the shoes are made with 15% recycled materials in the upper to make them partially sustainable. The comfort is there and so is the sustainability, so why not splurge.
7. KURU Footwear Chicane
Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Sizes: 7 - 14
- Colors: Smokestack Black, Jet Black, Mustang Brown, Woodstock Brown, Toffee Brown, Leady Gray
- Lace style: Lace tightening
- Width: Medium/Wide
- Heel drop: 11mm
- Key feature: KURUSOLE heel-hugging technology
- A promising review: "I am a mechanic and on oily concrete all day long. I usually go through a pair of shoes every 3-4 months. I tried these KURU's and have had these Chicanes for 10 month now and although they are beat up, they are super durable and feel great. Love them!! Will definitely go back after these fail someday!" - KURU Footwear Reviewer
You can take a look at KURU Footwear for some walking shoe options as well. Our personal recommendation is the Chicane Shoe which offers built-in support, grippy outsoles, moisture-wicking properties, and breathable mesh as some of its features. Weighing in at 190z, the sneakers are lightweight, and a convenient resource for when you know you will be standing/walking all day.
8. New Balance Men's 877 Walking Shoe
Best Athletic Walking Shoe for Men
- Sizes: 8 - 14
- Colors: Gray
- Lace style: Lace tightening
- Width: Medium D/Wide EE
- Heel drop: N/A
- Key feature: Dual-density Cardio Comfort System
- A promising review: "Looks different than my older new balance sneakers but still great comfort and traction. I also like the gray color after all my white new balance sneakers." - L.L. Bean Reviewer
The Dual-density Cardio Comfort System makes the New Balance 877 automatically worth the purchase, along with the shock-reducing Abzorb midsole and rugged rubber outsole that adds to the shoe's durability. The New Balance 877 is designed specifically for those with busy lifestyles with New Balance noting that you should order one half size larger than your usual shoe size, and wear with them with mid-weight socks.
9. Saucony Triumph 21 Road-Running Shoes
- Sizes: 7.5 - 15
- Colors: Black/White, Concrete/Black, Sundown/Linen, White/Umbra
- Lace style: Lace tightening
- Width: N/A
- Heel to toe drop: 10 mm
- Key feature: PWRRUN+ cushioning
- A promising review: "Great running shoes. Sole is bigger than in previous itterations and provides more cushion. Noticable difference." - K, REI Reviewer
Made with PWRRUN+ cushioning and PWRRUN+ sockliners, the Saucony Triumph 21 is an upgraded take on previous models that includes flat-knit upper construction and a redesigned lacing system for extra power and comfort. The shoes are also sustainable as well with many of its features being made with 100% recycled materials. Throw in the durable rubber outsole and you're good to go!
10. Merrell Agility Peak 5
- Sizes: 7 - 15
- Colors: Highrise, Black, Pine Green, Tahoe
- Lace style: Lace tightening
- Width: Medium
- Heel to toe drop: 6mm
- Key feature: Vibram® MegaGrip®
- A promising review: "The Merrell Agility Peak 5 certainly lived up to my hopes for it. I needed more cushioning especially in the heel area for pounding down long mountain descents and this shoe has delivered . The outsole has great grip on smooth rock and mud and the mesh upper breathes well while keeping out dirt and dust. It is built on a well thought out last, ensuring that your toes don't hit the end of the shoe on steep downhills" - Bryan, Merrell Reviewer
Giving you the option to select either a waterproof or non-waterproof version, Merrell's Agility Peak 5 comes with a Vibram® MegaGrip® high performance rubber outsole, Vibram® traction lugs, a FloatPro™ Foam midsole, FLEXconnect® dual-directional flex-grooves that allow for enhanced ground connection and plenty more. A technical shoe to the fullest, there's also enhanced stretch properties and rear sling locks in the heel to assure there's no slipping and sliding as you walk.
11. Omega Walk Soft Ankle Shoes
- Sizes: 6.5 - 12
- Colors: Red, Blue, Black, Beige, Yellow, Army Green
- Lace style: Lace tightening
- Width: N/A
- Heel drop: N/A
- Key feature: Advanced grip technology
- A promising review: "Best shoes I have ever owned! I love 'em! Fit perfect and can even wear it over my Arizona Brace! Thank you folks again so very much! I appreciate you all." - Gerald, Omega Walk Reviewer
At first glance these may not look like walking shoes thanks to the soft leather structure, but make no mistake, the Omega Walk Lace-Up Ankle Shoes gets the job done stylishly with its Advanced grip technology to prevent falls, toe-cap protection that reduces friction in-between the toes, and emphasis on stability. With the ability to wear in the office and out of it, these are an excellent option to consider.
12. KURU Atom Slip-On
- Sizes: 7 - 13
- Colors: Jet Black/Slate Grey, Midnight Blue/Mineral Blue, Lead Gray
- Lace style: Slip-on
- Width: Medium
- Heel drop: 8mm
- Key feature: NOVAKNIT Upper
- A promising review: "My favorite pair of sneakers! Super comfortable and great for plantar fasciitis. I unfortunately have it in both feet and it’s pretty severe. With these shoes I can walk all day with little to no pain." - Justin, KURU Footwear Reviewer
The ATOM Slip-On from KURU Footwear comes highly rated and reviewed as the slip-on construction of the shoe makes for taking the shoe on and off easily without having to worry about laces. Additionally, the shoes are designed to feel like a sock with their lightweight 110z construction, KOVAKNIT Upper and Rubber Outsole.
13. ON Men's Cloudflow Shoe
- Sizes: 7 - 14
- Colors: Glacier, Dust, Black/Turmeric, Rust/Eclipse, Alloy, and 2 others
- Lace style: Lace-up
- Width: N/A
- Heel drop: 9mm
- Key feature: NOVAKNIT Upper
- A promising review: "This is actually my third pair of Cloud Runners. I love them. They have wonderful support and last a surprisingly long time. I run in them 3 to 4 times a week, and they have great knee support in my opinion. That said, my feet are wide and these shoes are standard size. Once broken in, they are incredible. But it does take a few wears for them to mold to my foot." - Altitude Sports Reviewer
On's Men's Cloudflow Sneaker features explosive Speedboard engineered for power and precision, CloudTec® in ultralight Helion™ superfoam for comfort, and an engineered mesh upper that offers a secure fit. Built with multi-directional cloud elements that react to your every movement, these make for a great walking shoe once broken in.
14. Vessi Cityscape Classic
- Sizes: 6 - 14
- Colors: Storm Black on Black, Charcoal Grey, Storm Black, Birch White, Altitude Grey
- Lace style: Lace-up
- Width: N/A
- Heel drop: N/A
- Key feature: Dyma-tex® 100% waterproof technology
- A promising review: "This is our third pair of Vessi shoes and, of course, they don't disappoint. They look great, are super-comfortable, and are ready for any weather conditions." - Vessi Reviewer
Made with a sleek narrow-fit design for lightweight comfort, the Vessi Cityscape Classic Sneakers offer a flexible breathable upper knit, Dyma-tex® 100% waterproof technology, removable insoles, a reflective pull tab and more to make them super technical. Throw in their lightweight nature and the fact that they are made with Vegan materials, and you've got yourself a wonderful walking shoe for just $89.
15. Nike Motiva Men's Walking Shoe
- Sizes: 7.5 - 13
- Colors: Pale Ivory, Bright Crimson, Black
- Lace style: Lace-up
- Width: N/A
- Heel drop: N/A
- Key feature: Comfortgroove innovation
- A promising review: "These shoes take walking on clouds to a new level. It’s a must buy in my opinion. Also the shoes are true to size just gotta walk in them for a day and you’re set." - Victor, Nike Reviewer
The Nike Motiva Men's Walking Shoes feature Comfortgroove innovation, which is a uniquely patterned outsole that allows the foam to compress a little bit more which in turn gives you more cushioning. There's also an exaggerated rocker on the outsole which propels your steps and helps make them smooth, and a generative outsole pattern for durability and traction. Top tier comfort and durability? Say no more.
16. adidas Ultraboost 1.0
- Sizes: 7 - 14
- Colors: Bright Blue, Active Red, Team College Gold, Dark Green, Carbon, and 9 others
- Lace style: Lace-up
- Width: N/A
- Heel drop: N/A
- Key feature: BOOST midsole
- A promising review: "It's a great overall comfort shoe. Got the wrong size and had to wait to make an exchange for a size bigger. You should try it out in store first." - adidas Reviewer
The BOOST Midsole offered on a good percentage of adidas shoes makes for automatic comfort, the 1.0 included. There's also the PRIMEKNIT upper to wrap your foot in place, the Stretchweb outsole to your steps, adidas' Continental™ Rubber outsole, and the fact that the upper is made with a high-performance yarn which contains at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic, with the other half being recycled polyester. Sustainability. Gotta love it.
17. Xero Shoes Prio Suede
- Sizes: 6.5 - 15
- Colors: Black/Gum, Moonlit/Ocean Blue, Steel Gray
- Lace style: Lace-up
- Width: N/A
- Heel drop: N/A
- Key feature: Huarache sandal-inspired heel
- A promising review: "I’m in love with these shoes. I have problem with flat feet and everything that has to do with it, I drive long hours as well, occasional weekend racing and daily driver is a manual. This pair of shoes has brought peace and comfort to me. I also bought the Kona’s for casual occasions, same thing. I wish y’all could add a safety toe so I can use them at work. Thanks again!!" - Xero Reviewer
According to Xero Shoes, "if you could only have one pair of shoes, the Prio Suede would be a perfect choice." Why is that? Due to the upgraded breathable mesh upper, the huarache sandal-inspired heel, the non-elevated “zero drop” heel that helps with better posture, and a low-to-the-ground design which promotes better balance and agility. That all sounds good to us, the only question is if it sounds good to you as well.
18. Reebok DailyFit DMX Men's Shoes
- Sizes: 7.5 - 13
- Colors: Core Black
- Lace style: Lace-up
- Width: N/A
- Heel drop: N/A
- Key feature: DMX Triple Max
- A promising review: "Great price, great product, very comfortable feels like your walking on a cloud, very comfortable." - Ed, Reebok Reviewer
Reebok's DMX Daily Fit is not only sustainable as it uses at least 30% repurposed materials, it's also loaded with comfort as it has DMX Triple Max cushioning which as Reebok says "cushions every step and cradles your arches to fight foot fatigue," plus a soft textile upper and padded heel to add to the shoe's support and comfort. Whether you are wearing to work or just simply for a stroll, these make for a great option.
What to look for in a good walking shoe:
What should you look for in a good walking shoe? Let's break it down one by one:
Width: The width just might be the most important factor here as if a shoe is too narrow you'll be uncomfortable, and if the shoe width is too large, you'll also be quite uncomfortable. It seems as though a medium width is the way to go for most people, but there are some brands that allow you to choose a wide or extra wide option if you need it. Make sure to browse through the reviews to see how the shoes are fitting others who have purchased.
Materials: The most important factors here are a rubber outsole as rubber outsoles help with grip and traction, a breathable upper (preferably mesh), and some sort of EVA or padded midsole. As long as your shoe has those components, you'll be comfortable.
Sole: To our last point, rubber outsoles are the most common on walking shoes, and the most preferred as they are best with traction and grip. Rubber outsoles are also important in making sure you don't slip and slide as you're walking.
Support: The outsole and overall grip of the shoe is what helps with support as you're walking. All of the shoes we included in this list have a good source of support as they provide shoes that are crafted to practically mold to your feet.
How we made our selections:
In addition to using our personal experiences, we pored through loads of shoes and reviews before putting together our lists. We also consulted some studies conducted by medical journals. According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, the ideal walking shoe should be stable from side to side, well-cushioned, and it should enable you to walk smoothly. Additionally, walking shoes always feel comfortable and fit well, and you shouldn't "cut corners" on the budget because buying shoes is the only real expenditure necessary for the sport (walking). Our research combined with our experience and reviews is what led to these specific selections, with comfort, support, and durability being the most important factors to us.
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