The Most Comfortable Shoe for Walking, Ranked

Choose the shoe you think is the most comfortable!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:22
Many have encountered the discomfort of a poorly chosen pair of shoes during a long walk. To help alleviate this common predicament, a community-driven ranking system is invaluable, allowing individuals to share their experiences and advice. This offers practical insights into the best footwear choices, increasing comfort for everyone's daily strides. On this site, your opinions shape the rankings, creating a dynamic and useful guide to the most comfortable walking shoes. By casting your vote, you contribute to a collective pool of knowledge, helping others make well-informed decisions about their footwear purchases. This way, every step can be a step toward greater comfort and better walking experiences.

What Is the Most Comfortable Shoe for Walking?

  1. 1
    62
    votes

    Brooks Ghost 13

    Brooks Running Company
    This shoe provides a plush, cushioned feel that makes it ideal for long walks. It also has a durable outsole that offers excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.
    The Brooks Ghost 13 is a versatile cross training shoe designed for both road and gym workouts. It provides a comfortable and responsive ride while offering stability and support for dynamic movements.
    • Upper Material: Engineered Mesh
    • Midsole Material: BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft foam
    • Outsole Material: Blown Rubber
    • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10mm
    • Weight: 9.4-10.4 oz (depending on size)
    Brooks Ghost 13 in other rankings
  2. 2
    41
    votes

    Hoka One One Bondi 7

    Hoka One One
    This shoe has a thick, soft midsole that provides exceptional shock absorption and comfort. It also has a wide toe box that allows your feet to spread out naturally.
    The Hoka One One Bondi 7 is a highly cushioned and comfortable shoe designed for wear on concrete surfaces. It provides exceptional support and impact absorption, making it an excellent choice for long periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces.
    • Cushioning: Maximum cushioning for superior comfort
    • Support: Enhanced support and stability
    • Shock Absorption: Exceptional impact absorption to reduce strain on joints
    • Durability: Long-lasting construction for extended wear
    • Breathability: Optimal ventilation to keep feet cool and dry
    Hoka One One Bondi 7 in other rankings
  3. 3
    24
    votes
    This shoe has a plush, cushioned feel that makes it ideal for long walks. It also has a breathable upper that keeps your feet cool and dry.
    The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 is a high-performance running shoe designed for comfort and durability. It features a Fresh Foam midsole that provides exceptional cushioning and support, along with a Hypoknit upper that delivers a comfortable, snug fit. The shoe is ideal for runners who want to go the distance in comfort.
    • Material: Hypoknit upper
    • Midsole: Fresh Foam cushioning
    • Outsole: Blown rubber
    • Weight: 9.1 oz (women's) / 10.7 oz (men's)
    • Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
    New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 in other rankings
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    This shoe has a responsive, cushioned midsole that provides excellent support and comfort. It also has a breathable upper that helps keep your feet cool and dry.
    The ASICS Gel-Kayano 27 is a high-quality running shoe designed for optimal comfort and support on concrete surfaces. Its advanced features and technologies cater to the needs of long-distance runners and those who spend extended periods standing on hard surfaces.
    • Cushioning: Gel technology for excellent shock absorption
    • Stability: Dynamic DuoMax system for enhanced support
    • Upper: Breathable mesh and synthetic overlays for a secure fit
    • Outsole: AHAR rubber for increased durability and traction
    • Midsole: FlyteFoam Propel and FlyteFoam Lyte for lightweight cushioning and energy return
    ASICS Gel-Kayano 27 in other rankings
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    This shoe has a lightweight, flexible design that makes it easy to move around in. It also has a cushioned insole that provides excellent comfort and support.
    The Skechers Go Walk Max is a highly comfortable walking shoe designed for optimum support and cushioning. It is a popular choice among walkers for its lightweight construction and versatile design. The shoe provides excellent breathability and a flexible fit, allowing for natural movement during walking. With its innovative technology and attention to detail, the Skechers Go Walk Max delivers a superior walking experience.
    • Material: Synthetic and mesh fabric upper
    • Sole: Rubber
    • Closure: Slip-on with lace-up option
    • Insole: Goga Max high-rebound cushioning
    • Midsole: 5GEN cushioning
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    This shoe has a responsive, cushioned midsole that provides excellent support and comfort. It also has a breathable upper that helps keep your feet cool and dry.
    The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 is a running shoe designed for both newcomers and experienced runners. It offers a comfortable fit and cushioning that reduces impact on the joints, suitable for daily runs or longer distances.
    • Upper Material: Engineered Mesh
    • Sole Material: Rubber
    • Weight: Approx. 9.05 oz. (Women’s), 10.05 oz. (Men’s)
    • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm
    • Cushioning: Nike React foam and Zoom Air units in forefoot and heel
    Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 in other rankings
  7. 7
    19
    votes
    This shoe has a responsive, cushioned midsole that provides excellent support and comfort. It also has a breathable upper that helps keep your feet cool and dry.
    The Adidas Ultraboost 21 is a highly popular and innovative running shoe designed for maximum comfort and support on concrete surfaces. It is the latest iteration of the Ultraboost series, known for its exceptional cushioning and energy return.
    • Sole Technology: Boost midsole with Torsion System for enhanced cushioning and stability
    • Upper Material: Primeknit textile upper for a lightweight and breathable feel
    • Fit: Snug and adaptive fit with a supportive heel counter
    • Outsole: Durable Continental Rubber for excellent grip on both wet and dry surfaces
    • Weight: Approximately 340 grams (size US 9)
    Adidas Ultraboost 21 in other rankings
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    This shoe has a durable, supportive design that makes it ideal for long walks on rugged terrain. It also has a breathable upper that helps keep your feet cool and dry.
    The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is a hiking shoe that provides excellent breathability and comfort to its wearer. Its design prioritizes support and durability without compromising on style.
    • Material: Suede leather and mesh upper
    • Closure: Lace-up
    • Sole: Vibram TC5+ outsole
    • Protection: Protective rubber toe cap
    • Comfort features: Breathable mesh lining and EVA contoured footbed
    Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator in other rankings
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    This shoe has a soft, cushioned footbed that provides excellent comfort and support. It also has a flexible, lightweight design that makes it easy to move around in.
    The Clarks Unstructured Un Rio Cross is a comfortable and versatile shoe designed for walking. It combines modern style with innovative technology to provide superior comfort and support throughout the day. The shoe features a lightweight and breathable leather upper that promotes airflow and keeps your feet cool and dry. The OrthoLite footbed with Cushion Max technology provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption, reducing foot fatigue and enhancing walking comfort. The shoe also includes a flexible and durable rubber outsole that offers good traction and stability on various surfaces. With its sleek design and adjustable hook and loop closure, the Clarks Unstructured Un Rio Cross offers a secure and customizable fit. Whether you are exploring the city or going for a long stroll, these shoes are designed to keep you comfortable and stylish.
    • Upper Material: Leather
    • Footbed: OrthoLite with Cushion Max technology
    • Closure: Hook and loop
    • Outsole: Rubber
    • Breathability: High
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    This shoe has a supportive, cushioned midsole that provides excellent comfort and shock absorption. It also has a breathable, flexible upper that conforms to your foot for a custom fit.
    The Ecco Biom Fjuel is a highly comfortable shoe designed specifically for walking. It provides excellent support and cushioning, making it ideal for daily walks or longer journeys. The shoe features a sleek and stylish design, suitable for both casual and active wear. It is constructed using premium materials to ensure durability and long-lasting performance.
    • Footbed: Anatomically-shaped footbed for enhanced comfort
    • Midsole: BIOM technology midsole for excellent cushioning and support
    • Outsole: Durable rubber outsole with multi-directional tread pattern for traction
    • Upper: Quality leather and textile upper for breathability and flexibility
    • Closure: Secure lace-up closure for a customized fit

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Ranking factors for comfortable shoe

  1. Fit and size
    The shoe should fit perfectly, neither too tight nor too loose. Ensure there is enough space in the toe box and that your heel does not slip out when walking. Also, consider any foot issues or abnormalities that might require extra support or a wider shoe.
  2. Arch support
    Good arch support is crucial for long walks as it helps evenly distribute weight and reduce the risk of injuries. Look for shoes with supportive insoles or ones that accommodate your preferred orthotics.
  3. Cushioning
    Adequate cushioning helps absorb shock, making walking more comfortable and reducing the risk of injury. Look for shoes with cushioning in the midsole, particularly in the heel and forefoot areas.
  4. Stability
    Stability features like a firm heel counter and supportive shank can help prevent excessive motion, allowing you to maintain proper alignment as you walk.
  5. Flexibility
    A flexible shoe allows your foot to move naturally through the walking motion, which can help reduce fatigue and discomfort.
  6. Breathability
    Walking can cause your feet to sweat, so look for shoes made from materials that offer good ventilation and moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
  7. Traction and grip
    A good walking shoe needs to have a durable outsole with sufficient treads to offer traction on various surfaces.
  8. Durability
    Look for shoes made from high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of long walks.
  9. Lightweight
    Heavy shoes will make you tire quickly, so opt for a lightweight walking shoe that provides sufficient cushioning and support without compromising comfort.
  10. Style and personal preference
    Ultimately, choose a shoe that complements your personal style and meets your individual needs. Browse different brands and styles to find the ideal walking shoe for you.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most comfortable shoe for walking. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or shoe is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1410 views
  • 215 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each shoe once every 24 hours. The rank of each shoe is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most comfortable shoe for walking

When it comes to walking, having comfortable shoes is essential. Your feet endure a lot of stress during a long walk, and choosing the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. Walking shoes should be lightweight, flexible, and provide good arch support. They should also have a cushioned sole to absorb shock and reduce pressure on your feet. There are many different types of walking shoes available, including running shoes, hiking shoes, and walking-specific shoes. It's important to find a shoe that fits well and provides the support and comfort you need for your specific walking needs. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which shoe is the most comfortable for you. That's where StrawPoll comes in - we've collected thousands of opinions from real people to help you make an informed decision on the most comfortable shoe for walking.

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