I own several pairs of Hoka walking shoes, but the Mach 6 is the one I reach for most. After about 200 miles, the cushioning still feels springy and supportive—soft enough to absorb impact without that overly squishy, sink-in sensation. The midsole has a semi-firm feel that keeps my stride stable, while the 5 mm heel-to-toe drop promotes a smooth, natural gait for long walks. I also appreciate the lighter, more streamlined design, which feels less bulky than most Hokas and looks good with everyday outfits. At 20 percent off, it’s an affordable upgrade for serious walkers.
This is one of the few times I’ve seen the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 on sale. The sneaker, which we’ve dubbed the brand’s best overall walking shoe, features firm foam pieces on the inner and outer sides of the heel to keep your feet locked in during your hot girl walks. Our editors who overpronate (have collapsing arches) and have flat feet say it helps correct their gaits. WH associate style and commerce editor Shannen Zitz has walked over 50 miles in it, and says, “it nails the balance between cushion and support, keeping my stride steady without feeling stiff or squished.”
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The Brooks Ghost 16 may be an older iteration of the Ghost 17, but it’s still a top walking shoe worth adding to your cart. The midsole feels soft as a marshmallow to absorb impact and reduce joint stress, while extra foam in the heel blunts impact for walkers who land on their heels. It has multiple layers of plush cushioning, and it’s WH associate health and fitness editor Addison Aloian’s, NASM—CPT, go-to for walking on the StairMaster and post-run recovery. Plus, it has the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of approval.
Beyond its mega-soft cushioning, the New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080v14 offers inclusive sizing: narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide fits. Andriakos says it fits her narrow feet perfectly while providing great support. “These are absolutely perfect if you deal with any foot pain issues or struggle with sneakers being a bit too wide—I have walked over 100 miles in these at this point and have never even had a sore or tender spot from rubbing or chafing,” she says. I have the opposite issue—wide feet from bunions—but the spacious toe box keeps my feet from throbbing when walking for hours.
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The Reebok Club C 85 is one of my most-worn sneakers, since it provides great cushioning for my long walks, while looking super chic. Its all-white leather upper is super sleek, matches all my fits, and repels water on rainy days. The interior is made with a plush, sweat-wicking terry cloth that keeps my feet comfortable and cool all day.
I’ve racked up over 300 miles in this pair without foot pain. The shoe bends naturally with my foot, so it doesn’t limit my mobility. Plus, its foam feels semi-firm to provide moderate stability during long walks.
Nicolette Accardi is the Fitness Commerce Editor at Women’s Health with a specialty in running content and athleisure. She likes to chase her next best time by testing out shoes and other running gear, and styling her workout clothes as streetwear. She’s also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Nicolette studied journalism and health sociology at Rutgers University. She has written for NJ.com, VICE, Rolling Stone, NBC News Select, and U.S. News & World Report.
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