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There are a ton of walking shoes for men on the market—maybe too many to choose from. Why should you buy a pair of walking shoes? And if you’re going to invest, how do you know which one is right for you in 2024?
Whether you are an avid walker who loves counting your steps, a workday warrior with a treadmill stowed under your desk or someone who just wants a pair of comfortable shoesfor errands, the right pair of walking shoes can help you travel farther, more comfortably.
Our Picks for the Best Walking Shoes for Men in 2024:
- Best Casual Walking Shoes for Men: Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners
- Best Cushioned Men’s Walking Shoes: adidas Ultrabounce
- Best Walking Shoes for Men with Wide Feet:Allbirds Men’s Tree Runners
- Best Walking Shoes for Bigger Men: Hoka Bondi 8
- Best Walking Shoes for Men with Flat Feet:Kuru Atom
- Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Men: Salomon X Ultra Pioneer ClimaSolomon Waterproof
- Best Rated Walking Shoes for Men: New Balance Men’s 608 v5
- Best Walking Shoes for Men with Plantar Fasciitis: On Cloudgo
Best Casual Walking Shoes for Men: Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners
- Price: $110
- Sizes: 8-14
- Widths: Regular
- Colors: 12
- Weight: 8.9 ounces
The simple-yet-refined Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners have a look all their own which makes them one of the best casual walking shoes for men. These machine-washable wool-surface sneakers are made from ZQ Merino wool, which is naturally antimicrobial—great for people who are worried about foot odor.
We also like that they are made from the world’s first carbon-negative green EVA, which is a type of foam often used in exercise mats.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Huge variety of colors
- Wash well
- Naturally antimicrobial
Cons:
- Narrow toe box
- Questionable long-term durability
Best Cushioned Men's Walking Shoes: adidas Ultrabounce
- Price: $80
- Sizes: 6.5-14
- Widths: Regular
- Colors:13
- Weight: 23.5ounces (size 9)
Not only are these adidas Ultrabounce shoes relatively budget-friendly at $80, but they are stylish enough to wear out and about during your day. Plus, these cushionedrunning shoesdouble as comfortable, supportive walking shoes. These well-cushioned shoes help to reduce impact with every step.
Reviewers on the adidas website praised the shoe’s comfort and support. “Really comfortable and supportive. Really pleased to have bought these and may get a second pair just for general wear,” one writes.
They do only come in one standard width, so they may be a great fit if you have narrow feet, but not so much if your foot is on the wider side.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Cushioned for comfort
- Flexible
Cons:
- Not available in wide width
- On the heavier side
Best Walking Shoes for Men with Wide Feet: Allbirds Men’s Tree Runners
- Price: $105
- Sizes: 8-14
- Widths: One size
- Colors: 14
- Weight: 7.8 ounces
If you’re intrigued by sustainable footwear brand Allbirds, but have wider feet, the Tree Runners are an excellent fit: user feedback far and away rates the lightweight sneaker as the best for a broader foot. Like the Wool Runner, the Tree Runner comes in an array of colors to fit any look.
The sneaker’s upper piece is sustainably made with Tencel, a fiber derived from eucalyptus trees, and also like the Wool Runner, the Tree Runner uses a carbon-negative green EVA foam midsole.
The contoured insole conforms to the foot to offer modest arch support. “We've been traveling through Europe and they are the perfect match for all the walking we've been doing. They are stylish on top of being comfy,” wrote one self-described wide-footed reviewer on the Allbirds website. And anyone who’s lived in or visited a walking-oriented city knows that’s high praise.
Pros:
- Comfortable, carbon neutral, and breathable
- Lots of color variety, including limited runs
- Easy to wash and lightweight
Cons:
- Available in whole sizes only (no half sizes)
- May lack longer-term durability
Best Walking Shoes for Bigger Men: Hoka Bondi 8
- Price: $165
- Sizes: 7-16
- Widths: Regular, wide, extra-wide
- Colors: 7
- Weight: 10.8 ounces
For men who fit into the “big and tall” category, Hoka’s Bondi 8 sneakers provide a super-plush insole for extra cushioning, and a good variety of sizing options to accommodate just about every foot. They have plenty of lightweight foam along with an extended heel to give you a soft and balanced stride. They also have an OrthoLite hybrid sock liner.
Reviewers love how plush they feel. “These shoes are a lifesaver! I walk several miles a day on concrete floors and these shoes have saved my feet. I never have any pain and they are very comfortable!” However, one reviewer on the Hoka website said the predecessor was much more comfortable with less stiff foam. “The level of pillowy soft plush comfort underneath the foot has been noticeably reduced,” the reviewer writes.
Pros:
- Super lightweight, plush cushion for impact support
- Earned the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance
- Made of recycled materials
Cons:
- Large shoe due to all the foam
- Relatively heavy
- Narrow fit
Best Walking Shoes for Men with Flat Feet: Kuru Atom
- Price: $160
- Sizes: 6.5-14
- Widths: Medium, wide
- Colors: 6
- Weight: Approx. 10.6 ounces- based on a size 8
People with flat feet can benefit from shoes with built-in support, which keeps your feet in a comfortable alignment as you walk. The Kuru Atom is known for exactly that, with three patented layers of built-in technology to cut down on excess movement in your stride. The three technologies that ensure the shoe's support are KURUCLOUD which is a lightweight shock-absorbing foamed cushion, KURUSOLE which protects the heel and ULTIMATE INSOLE which provides arch support for the foot.
Kuru reviewers raved about the all-day comfort. “These are amazing shoes, my feet are supported and feel great. I rarely buy online, but this was an incredible experience and an awesome shoe.,” one reviewer writes.
Pros:
- Hug the heel
- Supportive for arch issues
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the shoes start off stiff and need breaking in
Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Men: Salomon X Ultra Pioneer ClimaSalomon Waterproof
- Price: $135
- Sizes: 7-14
- Widths: Regular
- Colors: 3
- Weight: 13.76 ounces
Whether you like walking in the rain or you just live in a sometimes-soggy area, a waterproof walking shoe can be extremely useful. Our pick: The Salomon X Ultra Pioneer ClimaSalomon Waterproof. It gets high marks for flexibility and has a patterned heel area to provide strong traction—and yes, a water-resistant outer shell.
Note: There is a similar shoe in boot form, which can provide more support if you’re actually planning on using these for more intense hikes.
Pros:
- Exceptional water protection
- Can handle mixed trails
Cons:
- Only sold in regular width
Best Rated Walking Shoes for Men: New Balance Men’s 608 v5
- Price: $79.99
- Sizes: 6.5-18
- Widths: Regular, extra-wide
- Colors: 4
- Weight: 13.5 ounces
The New Balance Men’s 608 v5 features a stylish suede and mesh upper, which is designed for durability and ventilation. The ABZORB midsole is designed to cushion impact, while an internal midsole shank provides structure and support.
Reviewers have great things to say about the comfort this construction provides. “I've been wearing 608s for years and find them the most comfortable shoe I've ever bought in 60 years,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “Being on my feet all day as a delivery driver, these shoes are the best for comfort and support,” writes another.
Pros:
- Good arch support
- Wide range of sizes
- True to size
Cons:
- Narrow toe box for some people
- Faux leather upper
- Heavy
Best Walking Shoes for Men with Plantar Fasciitis: On Cloudgo
- Price:$174.10 - $249.95
- Sizes: 7-14
- Widths: Regular
- Colors: 4
- Weight: 8.99 ounces
With soft cushioning and a shape that’s built for a smooth stride, the On Cloudgo aims to help you stay energized as you move, the company says.
Runners rave about this sneaker, which is a good indicator that it’s also amazing as an everyday walking shoe—even though it is praised for running durability. There’s an extra layer of foam under the insole, which helps it feel comfortable and cushioned.
Related Post: Get Pain Relief With The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Made from about 30% recycled materials some recycled materials
- Solid construction
Cons:
- Lacks some breathability
- Tongue moves too easily
Related Post: On CloudNova Review
Why Buy Men’s Walking Shoes?
Walking shoes aren’t just for men who enjoy long treks. They're great for everyday use.
Some people will use walking shoes for long hikes, while others may don them just to hit the grocery store. What you plan to do in your shoes can dictate which ones may be best.
What to Look for in Men’s Walking Shoes
Fit
Getting a good fit can play into how comfortable the shoe is for you. So be sure to actually walk in them and not just try them on. You want to see how they hold up to your body’s motion when walking; if they rub or feel awkward, they may not be the best fit for you.
People with wide feet may need to search out shoes that come in wider widths—several models on this list, including the Saucony Echelon, come in wide and extra-wide sizes.
Support and stability
How well the shoe supports you, and how stable it keeps you while moving, are important. For instance, if you find that your foot feels like it is rolling inward or outward as you walk in a certain shoe, it probably isn’t the right one for you.
Cushioning
Pay attention to the cushioning and walk around in the shoe before you purchase it. Some shoes can actually have too much cushion, while others are comfortable only when you first put them on and not when you’re actually moving.
Weight
A lightweight shoe is great because it requires less effort to move, which many men find very helpful on longer walks. However, super-lightweight shoes are often less durable.
Cost
A higher price tag doesn’t automatically mean a better walking shoe, but you do get what you pay for. There are a wide variety of walking shoes at various price points, so most men are able to find a walking shoe that fits in their budget and also feels great.
FAQs
How often should you buy new walking shoes?
There’s no hard-and-fast rule for when you need new shoes. If they start to feel uncomfortable, or you feel less stable in them, it may be time for a new pair. Experts generally say that shoes can last 300 to 500 miles or six to eight months.
Should walking shoes be a size bigger?
It depends. Your feet can swell if you are walking for an extended period of time, which may mean that you need a larger walking shoe. So if you use your walking shoes for actual treks, you may want to size up a half size to accommodate any swelling.
Is it okay to wear running shoes for walking?
Yes. Men’s running shoes do differ from walking shoes. They tend to feel more rigid and have a stiffer sole with more cushion in the heel; though they are lighter in terms of weight. Some people prefer that stability and extra comfort.
Running shoes can provide support for people with certain foot issues. And for others, they just may be more comfortable in general. Do what works for you.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
