The 9 Best Walking Shoes for Men of 2024, Tested

We Also Tested These Walking Shoes for Men

We tested over 90 walking and hiking shoes, but only nine impressed us enough to make this list. While we liked some of these pairs’ features, they didn’t stack up against our other favorites:

• Zamberlan’s 215 Salathe GTX RR is comfortable and easy to slide on and off. However, its bulkier construction is best suited for hiking, and we didn’t find it breathable enough for longer walks. 
• Asics’ Metaspeed Sky+ fits great and offers excellent cushioning. But the pair lacked stability on test walks and didn’t offer enough support, especially for walkers with bad knees. 
• Hoka’s Solimar kept our feet locked in place and worked well to accommodate feet that overpronate. However, we found them to be a bit narrow, and their lack of cushioning makes them feel more like a Converse than a plush walking shoe. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Walking Shoes for Men

• Foot Type: Cunha recommends paying attention to the wear pattern of your shoes, which can indicate your foot type and help determine which walking shoes are best for you. When your shoes show wear on the top outer edge, you’re likely a supinator or underpronator. Walkers who underpronate should look for shoes with more cushioning and shock absorption. When your shoes are evenly worn throughout, this implies even weight distribution across your foot. In this case, you’ll want shoes with moderate stability that provide both cushioning and support. Lastly, if your shoes show wear on the top inner edge, this is a sign of overpronation, and you will benefit from motion-control shoes or high-stability sneakers that promote better alignment as you walk.
• Fit: When buying shoes, try them on at the end of the day for a more accurate fit, says Cunha. Your feet swell throughout the day, so finding the right fit at the end of the day will ensure comfort no matter how long you’re on your feet.
• Flex Point: Cunha says that for optimal comfort, the shoe’s flex point should match the bending point of your foot—at the ball. When it doesn’t align correctly or when a shoe bends at the arch instead, it can lead to arch pain or plantar fasciitis. To check the flex point of your shoe, hold it by the heel and press the toe of the shoe onto the ground. The point where the shoe bends and creases is the flex point.
• Material: It is advisable to find a shoe that offers as much protection and durability as possible without sacrificing comfort or flexibility. A breathable shoe is optimal, especially if you plan on standing or walking for a prolonged period, says Cunha.
• Arch Support: Cunha recommends finding shoes with an arch incorporated into its design to provide support, shock absorption, and maximum comfort. A thin, flat sole provides no support and can lead to heel pain, particularly plantar fasciitis, which can cause knee and back pain, says Cunha. 

How We Tested and Selected the Best Walking Shoes for Men

To find the best walking shoes for men on the market, we sought guidance from two podiatrists and one physical therapist to gain insights into foot types and what features to look for when shopping. We then researched dozens of pairs of walking shoes, considering details like cushioning, stability, durability, and more. Then, we tested 90 pairs of walking shoes for men in The Verywell Testing Lab and in our daily lives. When we test walking shoes, we evaluate each pair based on these key criteria.

• Fit: When we first try on the shoes, we note if they fit true to size and if there is a thumb’s width of space between our toe and the end of the shoe. We ask ourselves if the shoe feels too loose or too tight. We also note if the toe box is wide enough to wiggle our toes and if our feet slide around or stay put. We prioritize shoes that fit our size as expected.
• Stability: When we walk in each pair of shoes, we note whether our ankles and knees feel supported and stable. We consider whether the shoes provide enough shock support and balance with each step. We also note whether the stability of the shoe changes with different surfaces, such as grass, gravel, or concrete.
• Responsiveness: After wearing the shoes for at least three hours, we evaluate how well they help propel us forward with each step. We note how springy and bouncy the shoe feels and whether the curve of the sole helps with propulsion. After wearing the shoes for several hours, we note whether our legs feel fresh or heavy and fatigued.
• Cushioning: To evaluate the cushioning, we note whether it feels pillowy or firm, how well it absorbs shock, whether we feel pain or pressure points anywhere, and whether the cushioning is evenly distributed throughout the shoe. After the testing period, we evaluate if the cushioning has held up over time, including whether it has deflated or compressed.
• Comfort: The first time we put the shoes on, we ask ourselves: Do they feel light or heavy? Do the shoes feel breathable? Is the upper fabric soft and flexible or stiff and rigid? Are there any seams or stitching that chafe or irritate? After our test walks, we note whether our feet stay comfortable or get sweaty and overheated. We also consider whether we develop any blisters or hot spots.
• Quality: To evaluate quality, we note whether the shoes arrive in good condition and whether the materials are durable and high-quality. We also perform a bend test to determine whether the shoes bend where they should—under the ball of the foot. At the end of the testing period, we note any wear and tear on the shoes.
• Value: To determine the value of each pair of walking shoes, we wait until the end of the testing period, after evaluating all other criteria, to check the price. Based on the shoes’ performance, we note if they are fairly priced or if we would only buy them on sale. We also consider whether we would recommend the shoes to friends and family.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at every stage of testing and researching for this article. They provided insights into what key features to look for when choosing the best walking shoes for men and guidance on our testing process.

• Miguel Cunha, DPM, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City
• Saylee Tulpule, DPM, podiatrist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
• Karena Wu, DPT, physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York City

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to break in new shoes?

A good shoe shouldn’t require much breaking in and should be fairly comfortable from the start, says Wu. If that’s not the case, though, she says you may want to try wearing them around the house, gradually increasing how long you wear them, and wearing them with thicker socks. Another option is to use a hair dryer to warm up the shoes for two to three minutes to help them expand, recommends Cunha.

Are running shoes good for walking?

Yes, some running shoes can be used for walking, but there are some key differences between them. Running shoes are typically lighter, more breathable, and have more cushioning. Most walking shoes are generally more flexible at the forefoot, allowing walkers to have a better range of motion while pushing off with their toes.

How long do walking shoes last?

According to Tulpule, you should generally replace your walking shoes after 300 to 400 miles or six to eight months, whichever comes first. Even if walking shoes appear to be in good condition, they should be replaced frequently.

How much does a quality pair of walking shoes for men cost?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a quality pair of walking shoes. More budget-friendly options may not have enough support and cushioning to keep you feeling light on your feet all day long. More expensive pairs may have fashion-forward features or additional technology that doesn’t actually enhance the shoes’ comfort.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jack Byram is a freelance writer who covers health and wellness. As an exercise enthusiast, Jack constantly tries new sneakers to help him perform his best while keeping his feet feeling their best. He also walks extensively, so he knows how valuable a proper pair of walking shoes can be when strolling on unforgiving pavement.

Additional reporting contributed by Michelle Parente

Michelle Parente, CYT, is a certified yoga sculpt teacher and experienced fitness writer passionate about making reliable product recommendations. She aims to walk 10,000 steps per day so she knows the importance of investing in a quality pair of walking shoes.