On an average workday, I walk about four to five miles and I need my feet to feel supported. Walking shoes have a flexible sole that supports the natural motion of walking, and are a must-have for anyone walking for exercise, commuting on foot or working a physically-demanding job.
But what is it that makes walking shoes different? And can running shoes offer the same comfort and support? I spoke with podiatrists to find out, and tested dozens of options to find the best men’s walking shoes.
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The best men’s walking shoes in 2026
My recommendations come from a mix of expert and NBC Select staff picks (including my own). Most of the top picks are also considered running shoes, but running shoes are generally a great choice for most types of walking, according to our experts.
All of our recommendations come in different colors and patterns — browse each retailer to find your favorite style in stock.
Editors’ pick
Brooks Ghost Max 3 are my go-to walking shoes — I wear them to work and for errands in the neighborhood. They are one of the brand’s most cushioned shoes, and feel incredibly comfortable even after all-day strolls.
The toebox is very spacious, with enough room for all my toes to rest comfortably, but not float around unsupported. The shoe has a slight rocker shape that helps propel you forward. The outsole is also made of textured, grippy rubber that feels stable on all sorts of flat terrain, in my experience.
Expert pick
This walking shoe comes recommended by Dr. Miguel Cunha, a board certified foot surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare. They are lightweight, comfortable and machine washable. Plus, they can easily be worn with or without socks, and feel cozy on hot and cold days, says Cunha.
The outsole is mostly smooth, with no deep tread to speak of, so these are best for paved surfaces or the treadmill. While I did not have the best time running in them (despite the name), they were perfectly comfortable for walking a few miles around town.
Budget pick
If you are looking for a more affordable walking shoe, Cunha recommends the Cohesion line from Saucony. They have reliable cushioning and neutral support that makes them great shock absorbers for everyday wear. They are also the lowest priced shoe on this list at around $70.
Best long-distance walking shoes
If you’ve got miles and miles ahead of you, Cunha recommends the latest Brooks Ghost shoes for extra durability, arch cushioning and shock absorption. I’ve worn various Ghost shoes for more than five years (including the Ghost 17s) — they are comfortable, balanced and easy to walk in. The outsole is thick and grippy — I’ve never felt any uneven traction while wearing them. They are also very size-inclusive, with four different width options.
Walking shoes for wide feet and bunions
If you’re looking for a wide toe-box shoe, Cunha recommends the Hoka Clifton 10. The shoe has a spacious toe-box that accommodates most wide feet and bunions, says Cunha. I’ve walked and run many miles in the Clifton line, and appreciate the wide, spacious and supportive footbed. The mesh upper is breathable, and the outsole has deeper lugs for added durability and traction in varied terrain. The shoe is also size-inclusive, with availability in medium, wide and extra wide sizing.
Max cushion walking shoes
NBC Select video producer Josh Rios used to wear stylish shoes with little comfort, but all that changed when he tried the New Balance Fresh Foam. The extra-cushioned footbed, grippy outsoles and breathable mesh upper make them excellent walking (and running) shoes for almost anyone. “If I’m doing a ton of walking, I know these shoes will hold me down,” says Rios.
Best recovery sandals
Unlike our other recommendations, these sandals are best for recovery and casual use, not miles of walking around town. They come recommended by Cunha, who says they are “engineered with a meta-rocker sole similar to the bottom of a boat that allows your foot to smoothly roll from heel to toe minimizing shock on your foot, ankle, knees and back.” The slides are, naturally, very breathable, especially if you wear them without socks.
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How I picked the best walking shoes for men
I spoke with podiatrists to learn more about what to consider when shopping for the perfect pair of men’s walking shoes. To select our top picks, I kept the following advice in mind:
- Size: Fit is the most important part of any pair of walking shoes, according to our experts. I highlighted shoes with a wide range of sizes and width options so you can dial in your perfect fit.
- Cushioning: The “right” amount of cushion depends on your personal preference. However, our experts noted that more cushioning absorbs shock better — many of our top picks have ample cushioning as a result.
- Terrain: The best shoes for the treadmill are often not the best for outdoor trails. I highlighted shoes with different outsoles — the grippy material at the very bottom of the shoe that makes contact with the ground.
How to shop for men’s walking shoes
Walking shoes have flexible soles that allow for the natural motion of walking, says Cunha. While many of our recommendations are technically running shoes, they are also a good choice for walking, according to our experts. Running shoes have slightly stiffer soles than walking shoes, and prioritize stability and shock absorption to better support high-impact activities, says Cunha, but those qualities translate to walking too.
Regardless of the type of walking shoes you consider, our experts say to keep the following in mind:
Consider where you’ll be walking
If you will mostly be walking outside, look for shoes with a more durable outside and tread patterns, says Cunha. If you plan to walk mostly on a treadmill, look for lightweight shoes with adequate cushioning — treadmills are softer and more uniform than outdoor terrain.
Try them on in-person for the best fit
Our experts recommend trying on shoes in-person, or even better, get fitted at a store that specializes in running or athletic shoes. Shoe stores usually have specialty tools and an informed staff that can help you identify and consider things like your foot shape, arch type and gait. Some stores can even perform a treadmill analysis of your walk.
Cunha recommends shopping in-person later in the day when your feet are a little swollen. “If your walking shoes are comfortable at the end of the day when your feet are tired and swollen, they most likely will feel good throughout the day,” he says.
Frequently asked questions
Experts recommend replacing most types of sneakers every 300 to 500 miles, including walking shoes. Make a note of when you buy a new pair, and put a reminder for yourself every six months or so to consider your mileage.
There are three types of arches: flat, neutral and high, says Dr. Olga Shvets, a podiatrist at Central Park Podiatry.
Shvets finds that people with flat feet do well in neutral (or pronator) shoes. She also recommends an insert to help the shoe fit in a more neutral manner. Anyone with a high arch may benefit from a high lacing shoe to keep the ankle stable, as well as inserts like orthotics.
The best way to get a precise determination of your foot type is to consult a podiatrist, especially if you are experiencing foot pains and discomfort, says Cunha. Learn more about how to identify your arch type here.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Miguel Cunha is a board certified foot surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City.
- Dr. Olga Shvets is a podiatrist at Central Park Podiatry in Yonkers, New York.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology, fitness and the outdoors, including stories on fitness trackers, wireless earbuds and point-and-shoot cameras. I’ve been testing walking and running shoes for years, walking and running miles in them daily. I spoke with medical professionals to better understand podiatry and the specific mechanics of walking and walking shoes.
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