When searching for a good pair of walking shoes, it's important to keep in mind that their features will often overlap those found in quality running, hiking and trail shoes. What sets walking shoes apart from their more rugged, outdoorsy counterparts is their overall casual, often fashionable nature as opposed to a primarily utilitarian function.  

A walking shoe is designed for everyday use and will likely become your normal, day-to-day, go-to footwear.  A good walking shoe should provide comfort and support, as well as ease in slipping on and off. Beyond that, different brands tout various features and benefits that set their style apart from another. 

We've compiled a list of our top picks for the best walking shoes for men. From the simple to the high-tech, advanced arch support and sweat drainage systems, we've found a shoe sure to benefit everyone, ensuring you (and your feet!) are properly covered. 

New Balance sneakers are known for their high-level of comfort they provide and the Men's 847V3 Walking Shoe is no exception.

Proudly made in the USA, New Balance 847V3 Walking Shoes provide a balance of comfort, stability and style. Constructed of a synthetic and textile blend, the shoes offer breathability for all day wear.

However, the drawback to the breathable upper is that it’s not as durable as other materials such as leather. The inner lining seems especially prone to quick wear, which is something to keep in mind prior to purchase.

Longevity issues aside, the New Balance 847V3 features advanced cushioning, impact absorption and stability features. First, they’ve combined a PU insert with a Strobel board for style and comfort. A full-length ABZORB ultra-responsive midsole allows the shoe to absorb impact, while the rubber sole provides exceptional grip and stability.

Whether you should choose the New Balance 847V3 is a bit of a tradeoff in terms of features. If you’d like long-lasting, durable shoes that will stay with you for years, you’re better suited for leather walkers. However, if comfort, style, and stability trump durability, the New Balance 847V3 walking shoe may be your perfect match.

Key Features
  • Shoe constructed from a mixture of synthetic and textile materials
  • Made in the USA
  • Features a rubber sole for optimal grip
  • Combines a PU insert and Strobel board for comfort
  • Full-length ABZORB ultra-responsive midsole
  • Available in a large array of widths
Specifications
  • Size Range: 7-15
  • Notable Materials: Textile, synthetics
  • Number of Colors: 5
  • Brand: New Balance
Pros
  • Comfort technology
  • Made in the USA
  • Available in various widths
Cons
  • Not highly durable

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who finds themselves primarily doing nature walks, your best choice of a walking shoe may be one designed for mixed terrain and rocky trails.

Merrell offers a men’s Jungle Moc slip on shoe that’s designed with all your outdoor endeavors in mind. From the M-Select Grip rubber sole for high slip resistance on both wet and dry ground to the water-resistant leather upper, this shoe truly works for all type of adventures.

However, don’t mistake “all type of adventures” with “indoor friendly”, because you will soon find the Merrell Jungle Mocs were not designed with the city dweller in mind.

For short trips into town the Jungle Moc will work accordingly. So if your biggest shopping plans include ducking into a convenience store for a bottle of water, you'll be fine. But working long shifts in a building is out of the question due to the risk of falls, while walking on wet, slippery floors is practically a death sentence!

Bottom line is, you'll really want to assess your needs prior to selecting the Merrell Jungle Moc. However, if your intended purposes for walking include outdoor trails or hiking, you'd be hard pressed to find a better shoe for your active lifestlye than the Merrell Jungle Moc.

Key Features
  • M Select GRIP outsoles provide advanced anti-slip technology
  • EVA blended contoured footbed provides organic odor control
  • Targeted heel cushioning reduces stress on feet while walking
  • Low maintenance, easy to take on and off
Specifications
  • Size Range: 6.5-15
  • Notable Materials: Suede leather, rubber
  • Number of Colors: 27
  • Brand: Merrell
Pros
  • Easy on/off
  • Anti-slip technology
  • Heel cushioning
Cons
  • Slippery when wet
  • Not great for indoors

If you’d like your walking shoes to provide a combination of softness and support, Skechers Men's Go Max-Athletic Air Mesh Slip on Shoe offers the best of both worlds.

Goga Max technology is the secret behind Skecher’s famous squishy insoles, which simulates a walk through the clouds with every step.

Working in perfect harmony with the softness of Goga Max, the 5Gen sole provides an injection molded compound designed for optimal foot support and impact absorption, and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor walking.

The outer shoe is made from 100% woven mesh textile for lightweight breathability, which prevents the dreaded “sweaty feet” feeling. However, the drawback to the woven mesh outer is that it doesn’t provide any elasticity or “give.” Therefore, if you have a wider foot you might want to skip these shoes as you could experience difficulty sliding them onto your feet.

However, for those with narrow or average foot width, the Skechers provide an ideal balance of softness, support, and breathability, making them a perfect all-around walking shoe.

Key Features
  • 100 percent textile woven mesh upper for breathability and ideal fit
  • 5Gen sole features a proprietary, injection molded compound which retains memory and aids impact absorption
  • Skechers go Walk max midsole and outsole provide the ultimate in cushioning and support
  • Goga max technology provides an insole which is both cushioning and supportive
Specifications
  • Size Range: 7-16
  • Notable Materials: Mesh, synthetic components
  • Number of Colors: 6
  • Brand: Skechers
Pros
  • High-level cushioning and support
  • Breathable fabric
  • Sole features impact absorption
Cons
  • No stretchability to tops

If comfort and durability are both equally important to you, you’d be hard pressed to find a better combination walking shoe than the Ugg Men's Feli Hyperweave Sneaker.

With an upper blend of soft cotton and springy nylon , the Feli Hyperweave combines durability with breathability while the EnerG comfort system provides built-in arch support. The Feli also allows for lightweight, flexibility and its single layer construction allows the shoe to more easily adjust to your movements.

And, while they can’t be considered true waterproof shoes, the Feli is great for those in humid, sweaty climates as its leather-lined, open-cell foam insole is breathable, moisture-wicking and anti-microbial.

For stability and grip, the Feli features a Treadlite by UGG outsole which provides the ultimate in cushioning and traction, along with the durability you’d expect from the Ugg brand. The Treadlite outsole makes the Feli an ideal choice for slip-proof stability in both wet and dry conditions.

The drawback to these shoes is that they become dirty quite easily and require extensive maintenance and upkeep in order to be kept clean. However, if durability, quality and comfort are your most important elements when selecting a shoe, the maintenance requirements of the Feli Hyperweave are easy to look past in favor of its many positives.

Key Features
  • 100 percent textile HyperWeave upper for breathability
  • EnerG Comfort System insole provides arch support and moisture-wicking, antimicrobial benefits
  • Features Treadlite by UGG outsole
Specifications
  • Size Range: 7-13
  • Notable Materials: Synthetic materials
  • Number of Colors: 5
  • Brand: Ugg
Pros
  • Breathable
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Anti-microbial
Cons
  • Require maintenance/upkeep to stay clean

If you’d like a pair of walking shoes that work well for a stroll along the beach, you’ll want to check out the Under Armour Men's Kilchis Sneaker.

Constructed of a highly breathable textile upper, the Under Armour Kilchis Sneaker offers exceptional breathability while the contoured midsole and footbed provide a rapid drainage system.

And, while these shoes are an obvious choice for a trip to the lake or ocean, they’ll also work just as well for those living in rainy climates. The Under Armour Kilchis’ non-marking rubber outsole provides a firm, solid grip while ensuring optimal traction on smooth, wet surfaces.

Another great feature of the Kilchis walking shoe? They don’t have the typical shoelaces which go soggy when wet. Instead, Under Armour has replaced the laces with bungee cords, which better retain their spring and ensure ease of removal, even while the shoe is wet.

For added durability, the Kilchis feature welded synthetic overlays which provide protection against abrasion. However, while the outer shoe has an extra layer of protection, the inner shoe does not, and in fact wears more quickly.

Despite its shortcomings for durability, the Under Armour Kilchis is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts or those living in rainy or coastal climates due to its exceptional drainage system, traction, and ease of shoe removal when wet.

Key Features
  • Highly breathable, quick drying textile upper
  • Bungee lacing system provides quick tying/untying
Specifications
  • Size Range: 8-14
  • Notable Materials: Textile, bungee
  • Number of Colors: 7
  • Brand: Under Armour
Pros
  • Breathable
  • Durable outer
  • Easy on/off
Cons
  • Inner shoe wears rapidly

If you suffer from diabetes or plantar fasciitis, you’ll want to explore Orthofeet's Tacoma Men’s Walking Shoes, which may provide you with much needed comfort and relief.

The Tacoma offers a non-binding fit, protection against painful pressure points, and extra room for toe movement. Featuring a lightweight, ergonomic sole with air cushioning and premium orthotic insoles with anatomical arch support, you can take comfort knowing these advanced benefits will help ease your heel and foot pain.

The Tacoma is also the perfect choice for those with sensitive feet as it features soft, pliable uppers with a seam-free fabric lining, as well as an extra layer of foam padding. Its added therapeutic benefits qualify the Orthofeet Tacoma as Medicare certified and covered under code A5500 of the Diabetic Shoe Bill.

While the Tacoma is a great choice for those with diabetes or plantar fasciitis, thanks to its wide toe box, the Orthofeet is also a smart pick for folks who suffer from bunions or Hammer-Toe.

And while, overall the Orthofeet Tacoma is a shoe lauded for its exceptional comfort, support and non-binding fit, as with any shoe there is an adjustment period. Initially you may experience some stiffness and discomfort as your shoe “breaks in” and adjusts to your foot. Keep in mind it’s only temporary though, and the longer you wear your shoe, the more comfortable it will become.

Key Features
  • 60-day risk-free money back guarantee
  • Orthopedic shoes are perfect for those with diabetes and plantar fasciitis
  • Features anatomical arch support and cushioning layers
  • Extended widths ensure a perfectly customized fit
Specifications
  • Size Range: 7-14
  • Notable Materials: Synthetics
  • Number of Colors: 1
  • Brand: Orthofeet
Pros
  • Orthopedic
  • Risk-free guarantee
  • Extended widths
Cons
  • Stiff

For a powerful combination of pain relief and shock absorption technology, check out the Gravity Defyer Men's G-Defy Ion Pain Relief Walking Shoe.

Featuring a lightweight Omega sole with VersoShock Technology, the patented spring system is designed to absorb the shock from hitting the ground and convert it into positive energy.

The seamless interior provides much needed padding and prevents irritation for sensitive feet and for those suffering from diabetic neuropathy, while the removable insoles accommodate custom orthotic support.

The front rocker sole features a supported midfoot to prevent and relieve planar fasciitis while the extra roomy toe box provides extra wiggle room for bunions and diabetes sufferers.

But while the shoe's upper is constructed of a quality mesh for breathability and flexibility, keep in mind that it just won't offer the same level of durability as competing shoes designed with an all leather upper.

However, for a quality shoe that combines pain relief with shock absorption technology, you'll definitely want to give the Gravity Defyer Men's G Defy Ion Pain Relief Walking Shoe a try!

Key Features
  • Features lightweight Omega sole and VersoShock™ Technology
  • Ion technology absorbs impact
  • Durable mesh upper for breathability and flexibility
  • Soft padded collar and tongue shields protect skin from irritation
Specifications
  • Size Range: 8-15
  • Notable Materials: Fabric and synthetic
  • Number of Colors: 6
  • Brand: Gravity Defyer
Pros
  • Breathable
  • Impact absorption
  • Soft and comfortable
Cons
  • Not incredibly durable

If you’re in search of a comfortable walking shoe but are on a tight budget, you’ll want to consider the WellUp Men's Walking Shoes.

The WellUp features a knit upper for advanced air circulation to help avoid stuffy, sweaty feet, while a dual-sided webbed pattern in contrasting colors lends visual appeal as an interesting design element.

A slightly undercut heel provides cushioning and advanced shock absorption during long walks, so your feet won’t end up beaten and bruised from a simple stroll around town.

The WellUp also features advanced arch support and, at just one pound, is ultra-lightweight making it the ideal footwear for everyday wear. But while its lightness and flexibility lends to the WellUp’s comfort, it also poses a negative, since the shoe isn’t highly durable and will wear out quickly.

The bottom of the WellUp features a patterned sole for increased grip and anti-skid protection. However, while it may be touted as slip-proof, the WellUp should not be relied on for advanced slip protection such as working long shifts, rock climbing or hiking mixed terrain. These are value priced shoes, after all, and as such should be used accordingly.

Key Features
  • Ultra-lightweight shoes weigh only a pound
  • Anti-skid grooves on bottom provide needed traction while walking
  • Comfortable knit upper for breathability
  • Provides cushioning support for shock absorption and stability
Specifications
  • Size Range: 7-13
  • Notable Materials: Knitted textile
  • Number of Colors: 7
  • Brand: WellUp
Pros
  • Breathable
  • Flexible
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Flimsy

If you’re looking for a shoe that scores high marks for durability, lean towards one that’s constructed with a leather upper. Reebok offers their Men's Ridgerider 4.0 Leather Walking Shoe, which is available in a choice of three colors.

The Ridgerider 4.0 is made with a leather upper for style and durability while a cushioned, synthetic sole provides much needed comfort and support.

This shoe takes fashion and reliability a step further by offering an EVA midsole for responsive cushioning and a patterned rubber outsole, which provides dependable traction on all types of surfaces.

As is the case with other brands of leather shoes, plan for the necessary time it takes to break them in. Leather needs a chance to soften up and mold towards the contours of your foot, and initially you may experience stiffness, discomfort and blisters from walking great distances. Therefore, it’s not recommended to sport the Men’s Ridgerider 4.0’s on a trip backpacking across the country — at least not until they’re fully broken in!

Key Features
  • Features a leather upper for quality and durability
  • EVA midsole provides responsive cushioning
  • Patterned rubber outsole provides increased traction for stability on all types of surfaces
Specifications
  • Size Range: 7-15
  • Notable Materials: Leather, EVA
  • Number of Colors: 3
  • Brand: Reebok
Pros
  • Leather construction for durability
  • Patterned sole for traction
  • EVA midsole for cushioning
Cons
  • Need time to break in

If you have an arch which often gives you pronation issues – collapsing too slowly or quickly upon impact, you’re said to supinate or overpronate. While these terms may sound confusing, they’re really quite simple.

To supinate means your arch collapses relatively little upon landing and thus won’t absorb much impact, leaving you with bruised, sore feet.

If you’ve got highly collapsing arches your foot overpronates, which while doing an excellent job of absorbing impact, can also lead you susceptible to a rolled ankle or other injury.

With pronation, the goal is to be somewhere in the middle which is the driving force behind the Saucony Men's Grid Omni Walker Walking Shoe, with its compression molded EVA midsole that boasts a higher durometer to slow the rate of pronation.

While designed as a walking shoe, the Saucony Grid Omni has all the same benefits of a running shoe including high levels of cushioning, support and stability, including a rear foot grid system, forefoot high-rebound compound and mid-foot support bridge.

While the overall shoe is well-made and durable, the heel area is the exception and finds itself particularly prone to wear and tear.

For unsurpassed fit and style, you can count on the Saucony Grid Omni to be a perfect choice as both an athletic and as a comfy, everyday shoe.

Key Features
  • Leather and synthetic blend
  • Compression molded EVA midsole
  • Walk Trac patented outsole design provides smooth traction
  • Rear-foot grid system for stability and support
Specifications
  • Size Range: 7-15
  • Notable Materials: Leather and synthetic blend
  • Number of Colors: 3
  • Brand: Saucony
Pros
  • Stability
  • Supportive
  • Good traction
Cons
  • Heel wears down quickly

If you prefer a more casual approach towards fitness versus running marathons or hiking unknown terrains, a good pair of walking shoes may be your ideal fit. However, as you'll soon discover, the term "walking shoe" is frequently used as an umbrella, and the footwear often finds itself lumped into the same groupings with "casual and fashion" sneakers.

Due to the sheer breadth of its category, this often leads to wide variances in quality and durability in the shoe you select. Therefore, it's important to have an understanding of what features are important to you prior to your purchase so you can properly assess your shoes for quality and fit.

Here are our top considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a new pair of men's walking shoes.

Consider the Terrain

To ensure that your walking shoes are slip-resistant, you'll want to look towards the outsoles for a clue as to the type of terrain they're designed for.

Trail shoes, for instance, provide a textured rubber sole designed for the mixed terrain of the outdoors but aren't great in an office. Conversely, synthetic, injection-molded soles are perfect for walking indoors, but won't hold up to extended outdoor walking across the asphalt, pavement or rocky terrain.

Put 'em to the Test!

Here's an easy way to gauge whether your shoe is specifically designed as a walking shoe:

Pick up the shoe by its heel and toe and bend the toe upward. If it bends under the ball of the foot, it was designed as a walking shoe. If it bends halfway down or in a random spot, your shoe wasn't specifically designed for walking.

Walking shoes should have light to moderate resistance. You can test your shoes' resistance by twisting the sole from the heel to the toe. If it twists too easily, that's a clear sign your shoe isn't specifically designed for walking.

Cushioning

Keep in mind that walking isn't a high impact activity like running. For this reason, a true walking shoe won't be heavy on the cushioning inside the heel area. Instead, walking shoes usually focus on providing cushion under the ball of the foot, for support and stability. So emergency situations aside, if you plan on doing a lot of jogging, you'll want to forego walkers and select heel cushioned running shoes instead.

Consider Climate for Waterproofing

Walking shoes are available in both waterproof and non-waterproof options. Whether you choose a waterproof model should depend on your intended purposes. For instance, if you do a lot of outdoor walking, choosing a trail-specific waterproof walking shoe will be your best option.

Waterproof shoes are great for their drainage ability, so water doesn't buildup inside the shoes and cause mold. Ditto for sweat, which makes waterproof shoes particularly great for those who live in a humid climate.

If you live in a drier climate or will be keeping mostly indoors, lean towards non-waterproof shoes as they tend to be the more durable choice. While waterproof shoes are known for their anti-microbial benefits, their woven mesh exterior often snags and wears more quickly than their leather counterparts.

Resources— REI , AAPSM, Running Warehouse 

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