The 6 Best Walking Shoes for Men of 2025

Best Overall Walking Shoe

Altra Experience Flow

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 mm | Weight (per shoe): 9.12 oz

After spending 12 hours or more a day on our feet, the Altra Experience Flow quickly stood out as a tester favorite and is one of the most comfortable walking shoes on our list. The compression molded EVA foam midsole has more than enough support and comfort for being listed as a “mid” level cushion. The sole has strategically placed rubber in high-wear areas that keep longevity in mind. We were impressed by their performance on various surfaces, including gravel, concrete, and tile. The engineered mesh upper adapts to the foot, delivering both durability and breathability. The tongue and heel cup are nicely padded, creating a nice snug fit and preventing uncomfortable hot spots. The lacing system is simple and fast, with reinforced eyelets that resist wear over time. True to size, the Experience Flow required no break-in time during our testing period. Our lead tester noted, “These are one of the most comfortable shoes I've worn, thanks to the balance of cushion and stability. I love how my toes have room to splay naturally as I walk.” After cutting the shoes in half in our lab, we measured the heel stack to be 31 millimeters, with a four-millimeter drop, offering a smooth transition from heel to toe.

The roomy toe box measures 4.9 inches across, and we found it allows for a natural, comfortable foot spread, though some users may find it too wide. Those with narrow feet might feel more comfortable in the On Cloud 5. Additionally, these shoes are on the pricey end of the spectrum. We had no concerns for their longevity, even after we walked miles in them. They proved to be a versatile option, so we found the price justifiable. We wore them at work, on grocery store runs, and on walks with our dog. All of which they were great for. All things considered, the Altra Experience Flow is a well-designed shoe that offers all-day comfort and support in a lightweight package.

Read More: Altra Experience Flow review

Best All-Day Walking Shoe

On Cloud 5

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm| Weight (per shoe): 9.23 oz

The On Cloud 5 offers a lot of benefits to someone looking for an agile shoe for all-day use. We put this shoe to the test during extensive 10,000-step walk tests, and it quickly proved to be the ideal companion for long days on the move. Though, we still gladly threw these on for quick errand runs as well. The shoes are equipped with an elastic lacing system, which we found very convenient in getting them on and off. We were even able to get these shoes on hands-free most of the time. Should you dislike these elastic laces, On provides a set of traditional laces, which can get an even more snug fit. The Cloudtec cushioning provides a balance of comfort and support without the instability of bulkiness that can sometimes come with thicker soles. When cut in half, we measured the heel stack at 30 millimeters, with a heel-to-toe drop of eight millimeters. Our tester said, “These deliver a smooth, responsive feel, and I enjoyed these for a variety of activities.” Weighing in at about 9.23 ounces per shoe, they are one of the lighter models tested, and we appreciated the sleeker and more tactile feel when moving about during the day. The antimicrobial breathable mesh upper is reinforced in high-wear areas and adds to the light and airy feeling of the shoe.

Being a slimmer and sleek shoe, the On Cloud 5 may not offer a great fit for those with a wider foot or requiring more support. If you tend to require a wider-fitting shoe, the New Balance 877 V1 will allow for the extra space without sacrificing support. With the On Cloud 5 sole being split up into different sections, debris can get caught in the exposed channels, which is annoying. The Cloudtec sections contain a rubber inlay for traction, which works great, but not all the sections are covered in rubber and can lead to premature wear. Available in some stylish options, these are made of 44% recycled materials, which is a win for the environment. Whether needing an all-day work shoe or something to slip on to run to the store, the On Cloud 5 is sure to keep you comfortable along the way.

Read More: On Cloud 5 review

Best Budget Walking Shoe

Under Armour Charged Assert 10

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm | Weight (per shoe): 11.14 oz

The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 turned out to be an impressive budget-friendly package. The breathable mesh upper features durable overlays for added protection, which was a stand-out feature we noticed during testing. Our feet didn't get hot and we had no concerns for their durability. The rubber sole delivers adequate traction across various surfaces, and the padded tongue and heel cup offer security. One tester shared, “I wore these at work and enjoyed the cushioned feel underfoot, but I also appreciated how understated they look - despite all the cushioning, they don't have a bulky appearance.” With a 33-millimeter heel stack height, these are one of the more cushioned options in the lineup.

The Charged Assert 10 combines a nice mix of comfort and durability but does take a little bit of break-in time to really feel at home. The heel-to-toe drop is on the higher side at 10 millimeters. If you are used to a lower drop, these can take some time to get used to. During testing, we noted the toe box tended to feel a little tight or low, which did have some improvement with use. Should a wide toe box be on your list, the Altra Experience Flow is worth your consideration. We also noted the sole width on the heel was a little narrow and allow the ankle to roll inward more than we like. That said, we suggest a more supportive shoe for extensive wear, like the On Cloud 5. If you are searching for a durable shoe on a budget with a little more room, the Adidas Race TR23 is worth a look. Overall, the Charged Assert had respectable performance through all our tests, held up well in the process, and are right at home for daily activities.

Read More: Under Armour Charged Assert 10 review

Most Versatile Walking Shoe

Hoka Transport

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9 mm | Weight (per shoe): 11.96 oz

The Hoka Transport is a versatile walking shoe capable of handling multiple environments throughout the day. The beefy outsole is made from Vibram EcoStep, and the deep lugs provide plenty of traction on various terrains. Our testers loved the quick-toggle lace, which makes the shoe a breeze to get on and off. Likewise, the molded sock liner provides a snug fit without feeling too tight. They fit true to size and are available in regular and wide-width options. Hoka applies a water-repellent treatment to the shoes, so if you happen to come across wet ground, they should keep you dry. The upper also includes 360-degree reflectivity lightly integrated into the fabric for safety. The thick compression-molded EVA was comfortable during our extensive tests. Our tester noted, “The sole was firm and supportive as I wore these for hours on end. My foot felt secure and I didn't have concern for rolling an ankle.”

The upper of the Hoka Transport is reinforced in high-wear areas for additional protection and is made with Cordura for abrasion resistance. One downside of Cordura is the lack of breathability, and it requires some time to break in. The thickness of the midsole is very supportive but gives it a feel of being bulky or having a larger overall footprint, which can take some time to get used to. This creates a less sensitive or agile feel with quick lateral movements. However, they aren't as plush feeling as other Hokas or the Brooks Ghost Max 2. Overall, the shoe performs very well and has a nice heel to toe movement with slight push off and enough cushion and support for all day use. A supportive alternative to the Hoka with more breathability is the On Cloud 5.

Read More: Hoka Transport review

Best Professional Shoe

Dansko Professional

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 26 mm | Weight (per shoe): 17 oz

The Dansko Professional is well-adopted as a go-to shoe for those who spend hours on their feet. Recognized by the medical world and other service professions, these shoes offer leather construction, making them quite durable and outlasting many others. Simple to slide on and off, the padded instep collar provides secure comfort, while the toe box allows for toe movement as needed. A single-density footbed offers firm support, which is appreciated for those multi hour shifts that are nonstop on the move. Walking in these clogs, the heel moves freely up and down, but the heel counter offers lateral support to prevent instability. The sole has a slight rocker profile to help with forward motion, but it isn't overly pronounced. Our lead tester, Travis Reddinger, spends hours on end in these shoes as a Nurse Practitioner. He states, “I've been wearing these shoes for years and have never had any trouble. In fact, the same pair I purchased years ago are still going strong.”

Clogs may not be the most stylish and seem a bit clunky, but they also take some time to get used to. Weighing in at 17 ounces per shoe (US 10.5), these are the heaviest in our lineup. Additionally, these shoes have a large heel-to-toe drop of 26 millimeters, which can take some getting used to. The leather construction can take time to break in and the polyurethane bottom can seem unforgiving at first, but after long hours the support is appreciated. The heel is designed with a wider bottom to provide stability, and the slip-resistant sole adds to safety. Some users first struggle with ankle support or instability with these shoes, but the learning curve is brief and quickly improves on the first day of use. The full leather upper also protects from spills and means easy clean up, but it doesn't offer a lot of ventilation for warm feet. If you are looking for protection and support for long hours of use, the Danko Professional is the go-to shoe. If you are searching for a shoe with ventilation and an agile feel, the Altra Experience Flow won't disappoint. However, these have a completely different approach as a tennis shoe with just four millimeters of a heel-to-toe drop.

Read More: Dansko Professional review

Best Hands Free Shoe

Kizik Lima Slip On

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 13 mm | Weight (per shoe): 12.47 oz

The Kizik Lima offers a unique hands-free design that doesn't ditch the laces. While most slip-ons are less secure because they can't be cinched down, we didn't have that problem with the Lima. These have an InternalCage technology that allows you to slide your foot in, with the heel popping into place. We were intrigued by the technology initially and are pleased to note that it actually works. As for the laces, you really only need to tie these up once to get the tightness to you prefer. After that, the shoes can be slipped on and off with the laces staying tied to your liking. After months of wear, we had no breakdown of materials either. The upper is made from a breathable mesh that hugs the foot and allows for adequate movement in the toe box. For most activities the RabbitFoam midsole was enough cushioning and stability, though these weren't our top choice for longer walks. This shoe is available in wide and extra wide widths, should you need the extra space. Our tester said, “I enjoyed the quick on and off of these shoes, especially when making frequent trips in and out of the house.”

These shoes are comfortable and convenient. However, they have their time and place. Unfortunately, they don't have the support necessary for long walks. The midsole is softer than other options and lacks adequate arch support, which caused fatigue in our lengthy walk tests. We think these shoes shine when tackling chores or taking shorter walks in town. The Dankso Professional are a better option for long hours on your feet. And, if you plan on walking a few miles at a time, we highly recommend the Altra Experience Flow. However, if you are after a casual walking shoe that has the convenience of hands-free entry and exit, the Lima is an excellent choice.

Read More: Kizik Lima review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	82	Altra Experience Flow Best Overall Walking Shoe	$140
	82	Hoka Transport Most Versatile Walking Shoe	$150
	76	On Cloud 5 Best All-Day Walking Shoe	$140
	75	Dansko Professional Best Professional Shoe	$135
	71	Brooks Ghost Max 2	$150
	65	Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Best Budget Walking Shoe	$75
	62	Nike Motiva	$110
	59	Kizik Lima Slip On Best Hands Free Shoe	$109
	53	Adidas Race TR23	$80
	50	New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe	$100
	48	VAMJAM Ultra Lightweight	$46
	46	Skechers GoWalk Max Effort	$60
	46	Skechers Go Walk Max	$65

How We Test Walking Shoes

Our testing process begins with researching the top and most popular walking shoes on the market that should be included in our testing. We test all our products in real life circumstances, using them the same way you would so we can reveal the strengths and weaknesses of each model. We wore them to the store, around the block, on trails at the park, even spent over 12 hours in them standing at work to give you the best input on their performance.

In the lab, we cut these shoes in half to take precise measurements and to look at the internal construction.. We measured drop, width, rocker angle, weight, and stack height to give you an honest comparison for each manufacturer's measurements. Our real-world testing process involved walking a minimum of 10,000 steps in each of the models to evaluate their comfort and cushioning, arch support, stability, fit, and how the shoes hold up to regular use. We tested traction on multiple surfaces, including concrete, gravel, and tile, to evaluate how the grip changes on each surface. We also measured the weight of each shoe and noted if they caused fatigue or muscle soreness with use.

We test and rate each product objectively and base our recommendations on five metrics, including:

• Comfort (30% of overall score)

• Support (25% of overall score)

• Traction (20% of overall score)

• Weight (15% of overall score)

• Durability (10% of overall score)

Why Trust GearLab

Travis Reddinger is a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner whose shifts are over 12 hours of standing and walking, and he has no problem logging over 15,000 steps in a shift. When not shuffling between rooms and floors at the hospital his time is spent outdoors relieving the stress of work. Needless to say, he is always on the move and understands what a good walking shoe should and shouldn't be. Travis is our main tester for walking shoes and has spent many miles searching for the very best.

Analysis and Test Results

Walking shoes serve different purposes for each individual, and with so many options, it can be difficult to choose what shoe fits your needs. During our testing process, we rate each product and compare them to one another, but as each shoe is a little different, our needs and findings may be different than what you experience. When choosing a shoe, we can help guide you to the right style and offer plenty of information, but ultimately, your feet will determine what works best for you.

What's the Best Value?

When we discuss value, we don't just refer to price; we look for well-built options that balance cost. A product can be moderately priced and have good durability, or high priced but never need replacement, both are examples of a good value. The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 earned a top pick by offering good overall comfort, support, and durability at a very reasonable price. On the higher end of the spectrum is the Dansko Professional, which received high ratings for comfort, support, and durability and will likely last for years before requiring replacement.

Comfort

During the testing process, we paid very close attention to comfort, and with good reason - if a shoe isn't comfortable, it won't get worn. This metric for comfort testing focused on cushioning, fit, and ease of use. During our 10,000-step testing process, we noted how well the shoes provided cushioning and absorbed impact over various terrains. We also made note of the way the shoes fit out of the box and if they required a break-in period. Last, we looked at how easy the shoes were to put on and take off.

The Altra Experience Flow received some of the highest scores in the comfort category. With good impact absorption in a lightweight package, the Experience Flot provides agile comfort without feeling bulky or clunky. The shoe fits great out of the box and is simple to put on, lace up, and get on the move.

The On Cloud 5 is another that scored very well in the comfort category thanks to good impact absorption and design. This lightweight shoe feels very sleek and agile in comparison to others with a wider sole profile. The elastic lacing makes this hands-free shoe easy to slip on and take off, and the shoe provides a fantastic fit true to size. The Hoka Transport is another top performer with the impact absorption people come to expect from Hoka but without the bulk. This shoe is easy to use with quick-toggle laces that enable you to set tension and not have to adjust them again.

Shoes like the ones mentioned are ready to use out of the box and don't need to soften up with time. Other shoes like the New Balance 877 V1 need time to soften up and break in because of materials like suede or leather. The Dansko Professional took longer than any for break-in due to the full leather construction. Break-in isn't always a bad thing, though; once the Dansko is formed, the comfort and support are fantastic.

Closure type and difficulty with use made for some interesting findings during the testing process. A shoe like the Kizik Lima slips on easily and provides good comfort with stretch fabric and the rebounding heel design. The Dansko Professional is a hands-free option that provides long-lasting comfort and support. Some lace-up shoes like the Altra Experience Flow provide comfortable, even tension throughout the upper. Other styles can cause pain across the instep with tension, as we found with the New Balance 877 V1 or the Vamjam Ultra Lightweight, which had fabric bunch up across the instep.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

Support

For the support metric, we focused on the rigidity of the sole, including lateral movement or ankle roll, snug and consistent fit, and a twist test that examines stability. A good walking shoe will provide flexibility in the toe box, have a snug fit that does not loosen over time, and have good resistance to torsion or twist.

To measure the rigidity of the sole, we tested the flexion of the shoe against the ground with the toe and applied downward pressure. A shoe with good support will bend at the toe box but remain rigid throughout the rest of the sole. We also noted the feel of lateral stability when wearing the shoes to see if they provided good support to prevent rolling an ankle. The Hoka Transport and Dansko Professional both rated very high in having a supportive sole that resists flexion, in fact the Dansko didn't flex at all.

We also paid close attention to how the lacing system provided a snug, supportive fit and if they loosened over time or had a gap in the ankle. A supportive shoe will apply even, continuous pressure across the laces and not loosen with use. The Altra Experience Flow provided solid lace tension with extra padding in the heel for a secure fit.

Heel Stack Height

We cut these shoes in half in our test lab to take precise measurements that directly impact support. Heel stack is the amount of shoe below your heel. Thicker heel stacks can offer more cushion and support, which can be more comfortable if you spend hours on end on your feet. The Dansko Professional has the thickest heel stack at 50 millimeters. This can feel overwhelming at first if you are not used to such a high heel stack. Additionally, a very high stack can lead to a feeling of instability until you are used to the design. If you are after a more minimal stack in a shoe that is still supportive throughout, the On Cloud 5 is our pick. They have 30 millimeters under the heel but are still supportive through the midfoot.

Heel-to-Toe Drop

To determine heel-to-toe drop, we first measure the heel and toe stacks. The difference between the two is the heel-to-toe drop. When you walk around barefoot, you experience no drop. Some swear by minimal-drop shoes, while others love large drops. This isn't a one-size-fits-all spec, and this will ultimately come down to what you are the most comfortable in. If you choose a shoe that is drastically different from what you are used to, you'll likely need some break in time. The Altra Experience Flow has the smallest drop in our lineup at four millimeters. Paired with the wide toe box, these are some of the most “minimalist” feeling shoes. On the other end of the spectrum, the Adidas Race at a 21-millimeter drop and the Dankso's at a 26-millimeter drop. Most of the other shoes end up in the middle of these options, ranging from nine to 15 millimeters.

Rocker Design

Some shoes have a pronounced rocker, which can help propel you forward. This can be measured by the rocker angle and apex, or where the angle starts. The Nike Motiva has the most aggressive rocker in our lineup. While a rocker is certainly not essential, it can help with preventing fatigue as it requires less force as you push off your toe. However, if you do a lot of standing, a supportive midsole will be more important than the rocker angle.

The twist test is another visual indicator of how much support a shoe can provide to the user. We performed this test by gripping the heel in one hand and the toe in another and twisting in opposite directions. A supportive shoe will resist the torsion and maintain its shape, while a poorly supportive shoe will twist up without much effort. Supportive shoes like the Hoka Transport and On Cloud 5 had minimal twist, and the Dansko Professional had no twist. In contrast, the Vamjam Ultra Lightweight had no resistance to torsion and took the shape of a twist tie with minimal effort.

Traction

How a shoe grips various surfaces is an important characteristic as nobody wants to slip and get injured. We examined the sole of the shoe, tread depth, and traction pattern before and after testing. To understand how they performed on various surfaces, we tested them on concrete, gravel, and tile in wet and dry conditions to find out which had the best grip and which tended to slip.

Traction Across Multiple Surfaces

Product	Gravel	Tile	Concrete
Hoka Transport	5	3.5	4
Altra Experience Flow	3.5	4	4.5
Nike Motiva	3.5	4	4
On Cloud 5	3	3.5	4
Under Armour Charged Assert 10	3.5	3.5	3.5
Brooks Ghost Max 2	2.5	4	4
Kizik Lima Slip On	3	3.5	3.5
Adidas Race TR23	3	3	4
Dansko Professional	2	4	4
New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe	3	3	3
Skechers Go Walk Max	2.5	2	2.5
Skechers GoWalk Max Effort	2.5	2	2.5
VAMJAM Ultra Lightweight	2	2	3

On gravel and dirt trails, the Hoka Transport provided significant traction and kept up climbing hills with ease. The varying pattern of thicker lugs on the sole dug in for secure placement and didn't pick up any debris along the way. The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 and Altra Experience Flow also performed well on gravel despite a shallower tread pattern. These shoes had good contact with the ground, and the rubber gripped well without picking up pebbles.

Indoor surfaces like tile, linoleum, and vinyl can be tricky flooring to navigate, especially if they are wet or waxed. The Dansko Professional provided solid footing on all indoor surfaces, wet or dry, with the slip-resistant polyurethane sole and varying tread pattern. The Brooks Ghost Max Cushion was also a standout on indoor flooring, with the wide sole placing plenty of rubber against the ground for significant friction.

Many walking shoes spend plenty of time on concrete or paved trails that can be tough on soles and slippery when water is present. We found the Altra Experience Flow to exhibit great traction in dry and wet conditions with the varying tread pattern that helps to channel away water as you step. Other shoes like the Adidas Race TR23, Hoka Transport, and Nike Motiva put lots of rubber on the road for a secure placement.

Weight

It's easy to let other characteristics become more important, but a poorly weighted shoe can cause fatigue, stress, pain, and gait abnormalities. Let's not forget that a heavy or bulky shoe can also feel clunky and cause you to stumble or trip, which is not ideal. In contrast, a light shoe is not automatically better because it weighs less. There is a fine balance between being light and providing support and comfort.

Many of our top shoes landed in the middle of the weight category, navigating that balance of weight and support. The On Cloud 5 and Altra Experience Flow provided great comfort and support as some of the lighter, middle-of-the-weight shoes.

The Dansko Professional was the heaviest of the shoes due to the leather construction and thick soles, but it also provided good comfort and support for long hours. These aren't the shoes you'd want to walk city streets in, but for indoor work where you spend hours upright, the weight isn't a problem.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

Lighter shoes like the Skechers Go Walk Max and Vamjam Ultra Lightweight were some of the most minimal shoes in the group. They may not cause fatigue from weight, but lack of comfort and support for long walks causes fatigue in a different manner.

Durability

Comfort, support, weight, and traction are all essential characteristics of a good shoe, but nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on something that doesn't last. For durability, we examined the materials and construction, how much wear occurred in our use test, and how easy they were to clean and care for.

The materials used for the construction of a shoe really impact how they handle wear and tear over time and in different environments. Take the Hoka Transport for example, this very durable shoe is made of a Cordura upper for abrasion resistance combined with a Vibram rubber sole for prolonged wear. During our tests, we noted no breakdown in materials, and we are confident they will last at least a few seasons. Another tough shoe is the Dansko Professional which consists of a full leather upper with a firm polyurethane sole that people can wear for years. Both of these shoes showed no signs of wear after our testing period and will be very durable options.

Some manufacturers blend their upper materials to offer weight reduction and breathability but reinforce the high wear spots. The Charged Assert 10 and On Cloud 5 have a breathable mesh upper but added protection around the toe box to prevent premature wear.

Assessing for obvious wear and damage is one of the best ways we can give real-world examples of how durable a shoe is. Again, high-quality materials tend to hold up better but also fetch a premium price tag. Aside from the shoes mentioned already, a few others have notable performance for wear. The Altra Experience Flow saw a significant amount of use, as it was one of our favorite shoes during the testing period and exhibited almost no signs of wear. The Kizik Lima was another go-to with due to hands-free convenience and saw a good amount of additional use and held up quite well.

Some shoes like the Skechers Go Walk Max and Vamjam Ultra Lightweight didn't fare very well with regular use. They are on the lower end of the price range and have lower-quality materials, so they shouldn't be expected to be as durable.

Keeping shoes clean will help to prolong life and prevent premature breakdown of materials. Many of our shows had simple cleaning instructions that shouldn't be too tedious or time-consuming to make maintenance a chore. Shoes like the Skechers Go Walk Max And Skechers Go Walk Max Effort are made of mesh and foam, which can be tossed in the washing machine for easy clean up.

Many of the other shoes in the category, like the Nike Motiva, Brooks Ghost Max Cushion, Adidas Race TR23, and more, are all to be washed by hand. Simply remove the visible dirt with a soft brush and clean with a mild detergent and let air dry. Some shoes that have suede, like the New Balance 877 V1, or leather, like the Dansko Professional require a little extra care as these materials require special cleaning or conditioning to prevent breakdown.

Conclusion

Choosing a pair of walking shoes is no simple task. There is a significant variety of shoes on the market and each one has its own personal strengths and weaknesses. The best walking shoe for you depends on your personal needs, desires, and foot type, and we hope our reviews help you make a better-informed decision.