
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.
It didn't even feel like I was running on pavement while wearing these.
A greater height of cushion throughout but keeps your midfoot stable with the wider distribution of the sole, something that Brooks does so well.
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.
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.
Hoka's legendary Clifton gets even better with 3mm more heel cushioning and a roomier toe box. Lightweight for its stack height, with a MetaRocker sole that keeps you rolling forward all day.
OutdoorGearLab's unanimous top pick for both men and women after thousands of test steps. The wide toe box and zero-drop-adjacent platform let your feet move naturally, testers say they can wear these all day without fatigue.
Under $75 and no break-in period, the Gel-Contend 9 punches well above its price with great arch support and a breathable mesh upper. OutdoorGearLab says anyone buying a different pair should order these alongside to compare.
Runner's World's top overall walking pick, upgraded with FF Blast Max foam that's lighter and bouncier than its predecessor. Clean enough to wear with weekend outfits, supportive enough for 25,000-step NYC days.