rabbit.reviews

The Best Walking Shoes

Updated April 2026·Experts: Good Housekeeping, REI, Runner's World, OutdoorGearLab · Community: AskRunningShoeGeeks, brooks, FashionistaVibes

Best OverallBrooks Ghost 17

Brooks Ghost 17

$109
$109 at Amazon→
Community experiences with the Brooks Ghost 17 reveal a shoe that divides longtime Ghost loyalists while winning over newcomers. Many users found the 17 a clear improvement over the polarizing 16, one walker noted the “thicker and better cushioned midsole” but was surprised to find it “fit narrower in the forefoot”, forcing a width change that left their feet “swimming in the shoes for 500 miles”. On durability, the consensus is consistent if unspectacular: one runner reported the Ghost 17s began to “feel flat around 330 miles”, in line with previous Ghost models dating back to the 13. Perhaps the most striking split is between those for whom the “more responsive” foam made it a genuine daily trainer beyond just walking, and those who felt the 17s were “totally different than the 15s”, different enough to hunt down older pairs on eBay before a marathon.

What holds up

  • DNA LOFT v3 nitrogen-infused midsole with 37mm heel stack absorbs serious impact
  • Versatile enough to transition from walking to running
  • Available in wide and extra-wide sizing (sizes 5, 13)
  • Breathable air mesh upper keeps feet cool on long walks

What to know

  • 10mm heel drop may feel unstable for those with balance issues
  • Some testers recommend sizing up a half size for toe room
  • Higher price point than budget alternatives
Expert verdict
Brooks is a popular running shoe brand, but walkers love the Ghost series for its ample cushioning and comfortable heel. The Ghost 17 has a massive following for being a supportive, versatile sneaker that can easily transition from walking to running.
Good Housekeeping InstituteView source
Expert verdict
It didn't even feel like I was running on pavement while wearing these.
Good Housekeeping consumer testerView source
From the community
A greater height of cushion throughout but keeps your midfoot stable with the wider distribution of the sole, something that Brooks does so well.
REI customer reviewerView source
From the community
My Ghost 17s started to feel flat around 330 miles and I'm going to retire them at 350-360. I've had Ghosts going back to the 13 and they've all lasted 350-400 miles for me.
r/AskRunningShoeGeeksView source
Bottom line ★

The Ghost 17's 37mm nitrogen-infused midsole delivers enough cushioning that everyday walkers with chronic foot pain, who struggle to tolerate any shoe, can finally walk comfortably, and it holds up across hundreds of miles with the kind of consistent performance that keeps runners coming back generation after generation.

Get it for $109
Read the full breakdown →
Best Max CushionHoka Clifton 10

Hoka Clifton 10

$169
$169 at Amazon→
Reddit users consistently praise the Clifton 10 as an unusually approachable shoe, with one noting they were “the first shoes that were comfortable from the very first run”, a contrast to the break-in discomfort experienced with previous Hokas. Wide-footed wearers in particular have found a reliable fit, with one user sharing that “they're the best shoes I've ever owned, especially in wide” after a month of daily use. For high-mileage walkers logging 10, 15k steps a day, the shoe earns points for stability, as one commenter found they “feel more stable in the Clifton's” compared to the softer Nike Vomero 18. Longer-term durability also draws praise, with community members noting Clifton wearers tend to hold onto them “for years”, though some runners caution the stack height may feel “a bit too high” for those seeking ankle support on longer distances.

What holds up

  • 42mm heel stack with compression-moulded EVA midsole for all-day impact absorption
  • Early-stage MetaRocker geometry promotes smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • Lighter than most max-cushion shoes at 9.8 oz (men's)
  • Roomier toe box than previous Clifton models

What to know

  • Neutral setup lacks support for flat-footed walkers or overpronators
  • Higher price at $155
  • Some testers find the cushioning too firm compared to Bondi
Expert verdict
The firm but ample cushioning hits the sweet spot for me. I like to have some cush underfoot, but in an age where everything has gotten bloated and pillowy, it's nice to have a shoe that is resilient and gives you snappy feedback, but still delivers protection from the pavements so you get some extra bounce in your step.
Runner's World testerView source
Expert verdict
Best Cushioned Shoe for Women, Hoka Clifton 10 offers premium cushioning, perfect for logging long miles.
OutdoorGearLabView source
From the community
Clifton 10 are my the first shoes that were comfortable from the very first run. I've had Hoka Mach 6 and Clifton 9 before, and both times felt discomfort while adjusting to them
r/RunningShoeGeeksView source
From the community
Despite this subreddit's tendency to criticize Hoka, I've been wearing them for over a month now, and they're the best shoes I've ever owned, especially in wide.
r/HokaView source
Bottom line ★

The Clifton 10's 42mm cushioned midsole is firm enough to stay responsive through 20,000-step days, and owners report wearing them for years without reaching for anything else.

Get it for $169
Read the full breakdown →
Best Overall Lab PickAltra Experience Flow 3

Altra Experience Flow 3

$123
$123 at Amazon→
Reddit users comparing the Experience Flow 2 and 3 largely agree that the newer version is an improvement, with one r/AltraRunning commenter noting “the Experience Flow 3's updates actually made most of the shoe better than the 2's.” A user who tested the shoe on a grueling Rome trip, “a city where 30k steps a day is minimum”, found the fit transformative after years of struggling with narrow shoes, declaring “a shoe that just fits me well.” Not all transitions were seamless, however: one runner upgrading from the 2 flagged a heel-drop sensation in that version, writing “feels like my midfoot/heel sinks in but forefoot doesn't,” though they noted “I read the 3 fixed this problem” with added midfoot traction. Across threads, the Experience Flow 3 emerges as a meaningful refinement rather than a lateral move, particularly for walkers and travelers prioritizing all-day foot comfort.

What holds up

  • Foot-shaped toe box prevents toe squishing on long walks
  • EGO P35 midsole foam delivers excellent shock absorption and energy return
  • Extremely lightweight at 6.85 oz (women's size 6.5)
  • No break-in period, comfortable from the first step

What to know

  • Low heel drop (6mm) can feel unusual for traditional shoe wearers
  • Not ideal for those needing high arch support or pronation correction
  • Traction not suited for loose dirt or gravel
Expert verdict
My feet never ache or feel fatigued in these shoes. I can literally walk in them all day, every day, and not get tired of them.
OutdoorGearLab lead testerView source
Expert verdict
Both our men's and women's walking shoe teams found the Altra Experience Flow 3 to be among the best, which has a comfortable toe box, a soft and springy midsole, and proved a versatile workhorse in our testing.
OutdoorGearLabView source
From the community
I used to run and walk in flow and wild 2s and bought the 3s (flow 3 and wild 3+ to be exact) and to me they are even a better fit.
r/AltraRunningView source
From the community
The Experience Flow 3's updates actually made most of the shoe better than the 2's I LOVE!
r/AltraRunningView source
Bottom line ★

The Experience Flow 3's foot-shaped toe box and EGO P35 foam deliver a shoe you can wear for 30,000 steps a day, with zero break-in and zero foot fatigue, making it the rare walking shoe that actually fits how feet are shaped.

Get it for $123
Read the full breakdown →
Best BudgetAsics Gel-Contend 9

Asics Gel-Contend 9

$65-$75
$65-$75 at Amazon→
Community experiences with the Gel-Contend 9 are genuinely mixed, reflecting both loyal fans and frustrated returners. One r/walking user reported that “they were better than any other brand shoe I tried” for foot pain on the tops, praising “the price point on Contend” as a major draw, while an r/indianrunners member picked them up as “replacements for my New Balance Tempo V2s” and found them great for daily walking. However, not everyone had a smooth experience, one r/asics user encountered a “fabric defect when stepping the shoe front goes within and pressed my thumb finger hard AF”, ultimately returning the pair. A Gel Contend 8 reviewer on r/RunningShoeGeeks, who logged “easily 100+ miles of walking” in the predecessor, noted the upper's durability as a concern but acknowledged the 9 introduced “a thicker tongue to address” fit issues from the prior model.

What holds up

  • No break-in period, comfortable from day one
  • Best arch support among budget options tested by OutdoorGearLab
  • Highly breathable mesh upper ideal for warm weather
  • Available in regular and wide widths

What to know

  • 9mm heel drop can cause achy toes on very long walks
  • Longevity concerns, may need replacing after one season
  • Minimal rubber traction not suited for gravel or dirt paths
Expert verdict
From the first moment we slipped these on, we were impressed. They had no break in, just comfort from our first walk onward.
OutdoorGearLabView source
Expert verdict
The Asics Gel-Contend 9 is a traditional-style sneaker with a lot to offer for less than $100. For the daily errands, dog walks, and mid-length walks, these are shockingly comfortable (with no break-in period!).
OutdoorGearLab women's reviewView source
From the community
bought gel contend 9 and they have a fabric defect when stepping the shoe front goes within and pressed my thumb finger hard AF so I returned them
r/asicsView source
From the community
I have feet that often have pain on the tops and they were better than any other brand shoe I tried. The price point on Contend is great though and I hope you have good luck with them.
r/walkingView source
Bottom line ★

For under $75, you get best-in-class arch support, zero break-in discomfort, and a full season of daily walks covered, without spending twice the price for the same result.

Get it for $65-$75
Read the full breakdown →
Best Everyday VersatilityAsics Gel-Cumulus 28

Asics Gel-Cumulus 28

$130, $150
$130, $150 at Amazon→
Community reception to the Gel-Cumulus 28 has been notably divided, with durability concerns dominating early discussion. One r/RunningShoeGeeks commenter argued that “Blast max has barely more energy return than blast+ and is tremendously less durable”, calling it “a really poor tradeoff” for a shoe once trusted to last 400 miles. Meanwhile, on r/AskRunningShoeGeeks, a new runner who switched to the Cumulus 28 “after a gait analysis at a running store” reported unexpected outer foot pain, echoing a French user who described their experience as “la cata” (a disaster) after a single 10km run. Those hunting for a straightforward daily trainer found some optimism in the new foam, with one commenter curious whether the 28 might be “a little firmer than the Novablast 5's”, though the lingering complaint that “soles on Asics dont last very long for the price” tempered enthusiasm.

What holds up

  • FF Blast Max midsole foam is lighter and bouncier than previous FF Blast+ version
  • Smooth heel bevel and 38.5mm stack height ideal for all-day walking
  • Clean silhouette works as a casual lifestyle shoe, not just a gym shoe
  • Gusseted knit tongue prevents bunching during long walks

What to know

  • Laces can feel a bit short
  • 8mm drop may not suit walkers transitioning to lower-drop shoes
  • Technically a running shoe, not purpose-built for walking
Expert verdict
I live in New York City, and my step count is rarely below 15,000 thanks to calling this place home. I know a bit about what shoes work best for walking, and after testing umpteen million of them for our walking shoe guide, I found my new casual Friday (OK, Thursday) besties, the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 running shoe. They've got great cushioning, look really cute, and my pronating feet loved them even at 25k steps.
Runner's World senior editor Cat BowenView source
Expert verdict
The Gel-Cumulus 28 strikes the balance most runners and everyday wearers are actually looking for: dependable comfort, versatility, and consistency. It performs well across a wide range of activities without feeling overly specialized or complicated.
Runner's WorldView source
From the community
Blast max has barely more energy return than blast+ and is tremendously less durable. IMO, a really poor tradeoff. Give me the durable shoe with 5% less energy return.
r/RunningShoeGeeksView source
From the community
I've been running for two months (25, 30 km/week). I recently switched from regular sneakers to Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 after a gait analysis at a running store.
r/AskRunningShoeGeeksView source
Bottom line ★

The FF Blast Max midsole and 38.5mm stack height make the Gel-Cumulus 28 the rare shoe you can walk 15,000 steps in, run your weekend miles in, and wear out to dinner, without swapping shoes or sacrificing comfort in any of those situations.

Get it for $130, $150
Read the full breakdown →