people's choice

The Best Walking Shoes for Men and Women, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers

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No matter how cute a shoe is, if they hurt your feet, you'll never wear them again (unless you keep a backup pair and lots of Band-Aids on deck). But if you're on your feet all day, uncomfortable shoes just aren't an option. To help you find some more comfortable shoes that you can walk long distances in — or stand all the livelong day — we rounded up a bunch that the most enthusiastic reviewers on Amazon recommend. And if you're looking for something a touch more trendy or specific, we have roundups for Chelsea boots, hiking boots, and more comfortable shoes for you to check out afterwards.

Related Articles: Best Men's Hiking Boots | Best Women's Hiking Boots

STQ Slip On Breathe Mesh Walking Shoes Women

With over 12,000 five-star reviews, these slip-on walking shoes appealed to customer for how comfortable (yet actually kind of nice-looking) they are. "I will wear these out for coffee with friends or dinner with family – they are such an attractive shoe," says one reviewer who also calls them "SUPER comfortable." A lot of customers say you should order a half size down because they run a little big. Says one shopper, ordering a size down is "a smart move because they fit perfectly." The shoes also have a platform to them, which some thought was just a style element, but also actually helps with pain. "I didn't realize how much a platform sole helped prevent leg pain (knee, foot, ankle, etc.) until I began to wear woven-wedge platform shoes in 2015," says one. With these, she can wear them all day with lots of walking and feel no discomfort. And if you need any more convincing, one reviewer calls them "the best shoes I've put on in my entire life."

VenusCelia Comfort Walking Flat Loafer

These loafers are preferred by those who can't wear regular walking sneakers to work. One customer is traveling to Manhattan "for the first time ever." She "didn't want to wear tennis shoes everywhere, but needed shoes with support." She did "an overly specific Google search" for loafers to wear in New York City." These were top of some list she found, so she bought them, and she reports, "As soon as I got them and tried them on, I was immediately hooked. The leather is super soft and supple and comfy, and the soles felt cushioned and supportive. My plantar fasciitis isn't a problem at all anymore." Another customer doesn't have any feet issues; she was just "looking for a comfortable pair of walking shoes that weren't athletic type shoes." She calls these "perfect," and says even after she spent a weekend walking around Austin, "never once were [her] feet tired and sore." She plans to order all the other colors.

New Balance Women's WW411v2 Walking Shoe

One customer with "stupid narrow" feet says, "I'm usually stuck ordering shoes that are either too small so my heel can fit, but then my toes are pinched, or I buy a shoe that fits my toes, but my heels pop out when I walk." But New Balance is the first brand she's found that offers properly narrow shoes. "I'm seriously considering buying several pairs as 'insurance' in case they ever stop selling them in the future," she adds. Another bought a pair of these shoes for her and her daughter years ago because "It's very difficult to find a shoe size in narrow for women anymore, especially in sports shoes." She laments how many other brands discontinued their narrow styles, but New Balance apparently saved the day. But even if you don't have a specifically narrow size, reviewers say these shoes are a great buy. One more customer bought them for a trip to Japan and writes, "These give great support, especially when I walked around Disney Japan for about 12 hours.They offer an ample toe box and great support for someone like me who has had foot surgery and both knees replaced. And the laces stay tied!"

New Balance Women's WW877-SB Walking Shoe

Over 15 percent of five star reviewers say these New Balances work well for wide feet because not only do they come in a large size range but they also have a larger toe box. "The wide deep toe box was exactly what I was looking for," writes one reviewer who wears prescription orthotics and needed something that could take the extra padding. She walks "about three miles a day in them as well as play badminton in them," and now she "wouldn't wear anything else" because she loves these so much. Another calls these "one of the most comfortable shoes I have purchased in a long time" because she has "wide feet and these are actually wide." She plans to get a second pair "to have on hand for when these wear out."

Keen Women's Presidio Shoe

The wide toe box on these Keen walking shoes impressed reviewers who have a tough time finding shoes that fit. "I have a bad neuroma between my middle and fourth toe, and I need a lot of stability, support and cushioning. Also, my foot shape is rather narrow in the heel, yet flat and wide at the toe, so I tend to swell and get sore in the toe box," says one reviewer. But she says her Keen shoes are the first to fit her properly. "They are literally the most comfortable, supportive shoes that I own, they are somewhat cute, and based on what I've heard, Keen shoes last forever." Another customer says she's now "an old lady with bad feet." She's on an exclusive "quest for comfort," not style, and loves these shoes. "These shoes accommodate my orthotics with toe wiggle room to spare. I can walk all day and not have the pain I had before." Not all reviewers are as forgiving with the style, and many choose to wear them only in private because they are, admittedly, a little chunky. But customers with real foot issues seem to be able to look past it. "They're ugly, but they're awesome," says one, adding, "To call them awesome, despite how very unattractive they are, one needs experience in the elements I've dealt with, I suppose, with the wrong shoes. I can wear them all day without thinking about them."

Skechers Sport Women's Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneaker

Almost 15 percent of all five-star reviewers call out the memory foam sole in these Skechers sneakers. "It's like walking on those memory foam egg shell gel mattress covers, or stepping on a cloud," says one customer with "no-arch feet." Another customer is a nurse and spends 16 hours a day on her feet. Before buying these walking shoes, she said her feed would "kill" after each shift. "I can't even feel my toes sometimes." Then a co-worker told her to buy these, and she says they are "the best purchase ever," adding, "The memory foam is life! These sneakers have saved my feet and life." She recommends them to anyone who works "long hours on your feet or walks long distances daily."

Saucony Women's Pro-Grid Integrity Walking Shoe

Aside from the mesh tongue, these Saucony sneakers are all-leather, which was a selling point for many customers, especially in cooler climates. "I bought these all leather Sauconys for colder weather in mind and took the chance that they will be as comfortable," explains one customer. She reports back, "I am very happy to say that these all leather Sauconys are just as comfortable and supportive as the running shoes." She warns that they're pretty stiff and "restrictive in the toe box" at first, but she doesn't think that's abnormal for leather shoes. "All leather shoes tend to feel that way until broken in," she adds. But another customer thought "they fit perfectly out of the box." She calls them "The most comfortable leather shoes I have had in years." And another selling point for her is that "there is a removable insole that provides extra arch support," so the shoes are comfortable for long distances.

Konhill Women's Casual Walking Shoes

The mesh material of these walking shoes stood out to customers with relatively sweaty feet. "It doesn't make your feet super hot when I have them on for long periods of time," says one customer who wears them for her serving job. She sometimes wears them "for 11-13 hours per day" and says her "feet are never in pain." Another customer thinks the mesh makes them particularly light, which is her favorite part. And much like the first customer, she too thinks the "mesh design keeper [her] feet breathing and not smelling too bad after miles of walking." Plus, one more describes them as "light, cushiony, and very comfortable." She wears them for 10 hours every day and hasn't had an issue with pain or sweaty feet yet. And one more customer thinks that the slip-on style makes them more versatile. She calls them "the best shoes [she has] actually ever bought" because "they slip on and fit like a glove, while the no laces makes a clean look."

Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe

Not all walkers are into slip-on shoes, because they think their feet slide out easily. One reviewer of these Rykas generally prefers lace-up sneakers, but with these, she writes, "Not only do my heels not slip out, it feels like I'm walking on pillows all day long." And she's not the only one who describes her experience as "walking on pillows." About a dozen more reviewers express the same sentiment, like another customer who adds, "There is obvious 'squish' to the padding, but my feet feel stable. They are immediately comfortable, and the very first day I wore them (other than trying on in the house) I walked for one mile without any issues." A third customer loves them so much that she even sings about them: "Now, when I'm at work and go to walk somewhere, I sing to myself 'I'm walking on pillows' because that's EXACTLY what it feels like." Plus, she no longer is "hobbling around like an old lady" at the end of the day because her feet hurt.

Skechers Performance Women's Go Walk 4 - Pursuit Walking Shoe

The perk of these Skechers slip-on walking shoes is how light they are. "I have been searching for a good looking comfort shoe that's not a sneaker. This shoe looks like a loafer but is very lightweight and has good support," says one customer. She describes them as a "very nice shoe," while one more calls them "super comfortable, lightweight, go with a lot of outfits, and easy to put on but won't slip off." For her, "These are everything I was looking for in a walking shoe." And one more thinks they feel "like custom-made slippers." She wore them on a three-mile walk and says they're extremely comfortable, even for someone with foot problems.

Skechers Performance Women's Go Walk 2 Slip-On Walking Shoe

"These shoes are heaven," writes one customer with "chronically tired feet," who swears she's never worn a more comfortable shoe before. "As soon as I slipped my foot into my Skechers, the sun came out from behind the clouds, small woodland creatures came out from hiding to frolic about, and a sweet little flock of birds gently placed a halo of flowers on my head. There was also a chorus of angels singing somewhere in the distance," she writes. Another customer who recently underwent bunion surgery goes as far as calling them "the best shoes ever made." She owns two pairs and says walking in them is "like walking in your slippers." And as a third customer puts it, "They may not be the most fashion forward design, but they are comfy! Trust me. Your feet will thank you." And because her "feet scream" for a week if she wears the wrong shoes, all she wants to wear are these shoes. "I am buying a second pair right now because whenever I find a great pair of shoes, I run them into the ground and when I go to replace them, I end up screaming in frustration that they are no longer being made." She says you better be safe than sorry and also buy multiple pairs now.

Ryka Women's Sky Walk Walking Shoe

Nearly five dozen reviewers call these Ryka walking shoes "lightweight," including one customer who describes them as "VERY, VERY lightweight." She has been telling all her friends about them because "these shoes do their job in the area of comfort." Another says her arches always get sore or her "toes would get scrunched as [her] feet slide forward" with most walking shoes. But after trying "at least 20 different pairs," she's finally happy with these. "These shoes have enough 'hold' to keep my feet from sliding forward, and they have enough 'softness' to give my arches support and pillow cushioning. One other plus, they are really lightweight." And one more says you don't even have to break them in. They're comfortable right out of the box, and as she says, "I can wear them all day. They're constructed well, while also being lightweight."

New Balance Women's WW577 Hook and Loop Walking Shoe

Over 20 percent of five-star reviewers specifically love the Velcro straps on these walking shoes. Many customers say it just makes them easier to put on, especially for those who say they have low mobility. One customer says she has to walk to "increase mobility," but getting shoes on can be difficult. Plus, she has "plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, which can cause extreme discomfort with walking or standing." She bought these on the recommendation of her podiatrist and says they have "excellent quality leather upper, sturdy rugged sole and heel, and attractive design in any color. Plus, at my age, the velcro closure is a godsend." But some people seem to really hate laces. "Having a hatred of shoestrings as I do, these are perfect," says one customer. And another who also "hates tie shoes" says, "The velcro on these shoes stays tight. They're very well-made. Also, they wash well."

Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe

Customers with different foot issues, such as bunions and plantar fasciitis, love these walking shoes because they don't irritate their condition further and are actually comfortable to wear. One customer with "the worst feet you can imagine" due to her bunions, hammer toes, and flat-footedness, calls these shoes "great," explaining, "They have a supportive foot bed that feels like memory foam, and the cloth upper stretches enough so that my terrible toes and bad bunions have room without the shoe looking bulky." She plans on buying more pairs in other colors. Another customer describes these as "pure love on my feet." That's because "They really feel like soft slippers and I already walked everywhere with them." And another reviewer with plantar fasciitis on her left foot says shoes are typically "very painful" after a couple of hours, if not sooner. But she heard good things about these and bought them herself. On a five-day trip to Disney World, "I ended up wearing these shoes every day of the 5! Every day at the end of the day my feet had NO PAIN! These shoes exceeded my expectations and I am now buying them for my husband and daughter."

New Balance Women's Walking Shoe-W CUSH + Walking Shoe

These shoes are so comfortable that one customer "immediately called a friend who has major issues with her feet and told her she had to buy these shoes." She calls them "the best walking shoes" and plans on buying them in more colors because they're extremely comfortable and suitable for walking long distances. Another also calls them "great walking shoes" because they have "just the right amount of cushion." She walks her dogs about three miles per day, and "these have been great so far." Plus, there was just about no break-in time, and they don't bother the bunion on her right foot. "It doesn't rub too much on the side and cause pain and discomfort," she adds. And one more describes it as having "a very comfortable fit, extra padding in the heel, and good arch support." She wore them during a seven-day tour of Ireland, walking "an average of six miles per day," and she never took them off or needed a break. She "will definitely buy these shoes again."

Skechers Men's Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker

This sneaker has it all in terms of comfort. Thanks to the memory-foam insole, nearly 100 reviewers compare wearing these shoes to walking on a cloud. "Even when I'm exhausted my feet don't hurt because the memory foam feel like supportive clouds under my feet," says one customer who is on his feet more than 14 hours per day. "These shoes help me get through it with little to no discomfort," he adds. Another reviewer likens the shoe to "walking on marshmallows, adding that he was "immediately blown away at how comfortable they are" and begs Skechers to never discontinue them. The shoes have a plush tongue for extra comfort. "They offer my feet good support while the memory foam and well cushioned tongue make them comfortable as well," one guy says. He wears these every day and is "totally satisfied with this purchase." And as this shopper concludes, "Felt like they were broken in right out of the box." He's thinking about getting a second pair because they have "an unbelievable value."

Skechers Men's Go Max-Athletic Air Mesh Slip On Walking Shoe Sneaker

These are a similar style to our best-rated pick for men, but reviewers say these are even more lightweight. One describes them as "incredibly lightweight, comfortable AND affordable." Another thinks they're particularly "good for walking and wearing all day" because they're "extremely lightweight, which makes it great for long travel, either as the shoe you're wearing or being packed in your luggage since it's so light." And one more loves them so much, he calls them a "godsend," explaining, "Skechers has really stepped up their game and become a tough contender for great-looking comfortable shoes. They also provide great traction. You won't slide around at all on these shoes, especially on a waxed floor."

Skechers Men's Equalizer Persistent Slip-On Sneaker

Nearly 100 reviewers specifically say walking in these sneakers feels like "walking on clouds." As one customer puts it, "They have been like walking on a cloud because they're light, breathable and cushiony." He has even "convinced others to purchase them," and he plans to buy a new pair this month. Another reviewer actually has "never been a fan of Skecher shoes" before he tried these, for apparently no reason, but he calls them "the most comfortable things I have ever owned." He describes them as "super lightweight, thick memory foam inserts, and overall a great slip on shoe." And one more says that "standing in or walking in shoes for hours at a time can make your feet tired and leave you moving from side to side to distribute the pressure better." But as soon as he got these, he "fell in love instantly." He goes on to say, "These shoes however are like walking on pillows, and are genuinely some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. Not only are they a great price, but the quality surpasses some of the more expensive options out there."

Rockport Men's We Are Rockin Chranson Walking Shoe

These Rockport shoes are a bit more rugged than some of the other options on this list, so customers think makes them great for wearing on hikes. "My husband ordered these and he says they are the best on- and off-woods trail shoes he has ever owned," one customer writes. He's worn them a lot for four months, so they were looking a bit rough, but his wife says he "touched them up with saddle soap and they look almost new." She doesn't expect needing a new pair for a while. Another uses them as a "light duty walking shoe," but he thinks they're "rugged enough for off trail hiking" because they're very high quality and sturdy. And one more expresses when trail walking on rough terrains, you need shoes that fit correctly. He writes, "There is no rubbing or movement when I walk, so no calluses or other issues. They're attractive, they hold up well with normal outdoor use, and they're very comfortable for everyday walking."

New Balance Men's MW877 Walking Shoe

"This is the first pair of shoes I've owned in a long time that have a wide enough toe box that my pinky toes aren't getting mashed," writes one customer, who says most shoes (even wide ones) "taper too much to fit properly." He bought these for walking originally, but because they're so comfy, he finds himself "wearing them more often than regular shoes now." Another customer believes "if you are a serious walker, it's important to purchase a shoe designed specifically for walking." For that reason alone, he believes New Balances are the best ones, especially because they're size-inclusive. "I walk four miles every morning without fail and these shoes have met my expectations fully. This is my first pair of this model and I will continue to purchase them as long as available." And many more reviewers say these are the only shoes they'll buy now. "This shoe is the cat's pajamas for me," says one customer. He explains that these are "the first shoes in years that do not hurt my feet." His feet are "between a wide and a regular." Sometimes it's hard for him to find something that's comfortable for him, but "this shoe is just right." He explains, "It has a nice boxy toe box that gives my foot the room it needs. For walking, I could not ask for a more comfortable shoe."

Rockport Men's Eureka Walking Shoe

"I have been wearing these for over a decade and LOVE them," says one customer who just bought his third pair. And even though he wears them every day, they've lasted a long time, because they're "high quality leather shoes." Another reviewer describes these Rockports as "good-looking, well-made, lightweight, and very comfortable." He owns them in three different colors and says, "The leather is supple, and the insoles are nicely padded." Another reviewer warns that the "leather was a little stiff at first," but he says after "a couple of days of wearing, they melded to my foot and are very comfortable." He also appreciates that "they look fantastic," too, so he can wear them for more than just walks.

Reebok Men's Work N Cushion 3.0 Walking Shoe

The reviewers of these Reebok walking shoes have some unique jobs, most of which require slip-resistant shoes. One customer has worked in restaurants for 20 years and always needs "durable, non-slip, sneaker-style shoes," and he says these are the best he's ever used. To him, they're comfortable enough to wear for long days. Another customer works in a jail kitchen, and he says these are excellent for his line of work: "Slip resistant, tight as a new shoe should be, solid black shoe, and approved by the state jails and federal prisons." Plus, they're "very comfortable and proved to be slip resistant" for his job. And one more nursing home attendant is "always standing and walking" in these shoes and thinks these are "perfect," explaining, "I have been able to give showers to patients without worrying about slipping."

New Balance Men's Walking Shoes

Dozens of customers describe these New Balance walking shoes as "lightweight," including one who calls them "very comfortable and lightweight sneakers that actually do what they say." He says, "If you're on your feet most of the day, these are the shoes for you." Another reviewer walks long distances every day and writes, "In all my 60+ years, I've never owned a shoe so lightweight and comfortable. And totally silent when I walk." Many more serious walkers seem to think these are the best walking shoes out there. One customer who walks "EVERYWHERE" says he's tried every other kind of walking shoes out there, yet these are the only ones you need. "I can't say for the longevity of these yet, but I can say they are FAR more comfortable than any brand I've had so far. It's like walking on a cloud and I feel like I finally have a decent gait."

Skechers Performance Men's Go Walk 4 Incredible Walking Shoe

Nearly 1,000 reviewers call these shoes "comfortable," because, like most Skechers performance shoes, these walking slip-ons have a padded insole in them, which reviewers say makes a difference. And while some customers enjoy memory foam found in other Skechers shoes, they like that these have Goga Max foam, which is a bit more supportive than regular memory foam. One customer further explains, "Goga Max is for higher performance and is an upgrade from memory foam." He bought these and says he "absolutely loves them," adding, "It's like walking on clouds. My feet lasted a whole shift with minimal pains all month." And as one more notes, "They are very light and easy to slip on and off." While they're not the most stylish, he says they could be worse, and he is still "considering buying another pair while I still can since the pricing here is good and the style isn't too fugly old man."

New Balance Men's MW577 Hook and Loop Walking Shoe

Nearly 500 customers mention the Velcro straps on these walking shoes, including one customer who thinks shoelaces are a nuisance and will just get caught in things, causing accidents, which is why he prefers Velcro. And with these, he "can adjust for the level of tightness" he wants, making them even a tad better than slip-ons. Another reviewer just appreciates that the Velcro "makes it easy to get the shoes off and on quickly." He's on his second pair and says each lasts three or so years.

New Balance Men's Walking Shoe

Customers with bunions and plantar fasciitis say these are the first shoes in a while that haven't bothered their feet. "My bunions don't hurt at all no matter how long I have the shoes on or how much walking I do," says one reviewer. He's bought this specific shoes for years and recommends others with feet issues to give them a try. Another customer says they break in very quickly, which is great for people with plantar fasciitis. "I've worn nothing but New Balance walking shoes at work since I first saw the light. Since I've faithfully worn new balance men's walking shoes, I've been free from foot trouble and back pain is minimal," he adds. He says you should probably buy two pairs now, before everyone else catches on. And one more says his doctor actually recommended them to him: "I walk 12-15 miles weekly on a treadmill, and these are cool and comfortable with great support, while preventing plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon fatigue." He's worn them exclusively for three years and doesn't plan to switch anytime soon.

Rockport Men's M7100 Milprowalker

Of the arch support, one reviewer says, "You know it's there, but it doesn't keep feeling like a lump in the shoe." He adds that even after "a long day and night in the shoes, my feet still feel great, no sore points or spots." And one more with "abnormally high arches" says these are super comfortable for him "with or without orthotics." He walks "more than 1,000 miles a year in most years" and plans to be a customer of these shoes for a long time.

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The Best Walking Shoes, According to Amazon Reviews