The most important item to pack for your next adventure is a top-notch pair of walking shoes. Whether you’re getting in the miles on vacation, strolling around your neighborhood, or working a job that has you logging lots of steps, you need a pair that doesn’t leave your arches or your back aching by the end of the day.
But finding such a pair can feel like looking for the needle in a haystack of overwhelming options. There’s lots to consider: Are you looking for comfort over everything, or do you need walking shoes that feel more formal or stylish? How long are you going to be walking in them, and on what kind of surfaces? Do you prefer lots of soft cushion or a firmer feel? Plus, there’s the oh-so-subjective step-in test of what actually feels comfortable on your unique feet. But fear not, I’ve done the hard work for you to find the shoes actually worth wearing.
The best walking shoes for 2026 are: Best overall — New Balance 1080 v15: $169.99, Newbalance.comBest budget option — New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v9: $84.99, Newbalance.comBest walking sandals — Birkenstock Arizona: $139.95, Zappos.comBest for cushioning — Hoka bondi 9: $140, Hoka.com
Read more: Best trail running shoes
How I tested
I paid attention to support, comfort and durability (Lauren Wingenroth/The Independent)
Walking is my preferred mode of transportation (and my favorite mid-afternoon work break). I typically log multiple miles daily, and as a fitness writer, I’m always taking new shoes out on those walks to see how they fare. To determine the best walking shoes, I considered my all-time favorite options that I’m constantly wearing for long walks, city adventures, and vacations. But I also researched new-to-me designs that came highly recommended by experts and fellow walkers.
I put all those pairs to the test, logging at least several miles in each of them around my neighborhood and on weekend adventures. Throughout, I considered the following:
Comfort: Did the shoes feel immediately comfortable when I put them on? Did they give me any blisters or hot spots? Did they continue to feel comfortable after multiple miles of walking? Support: Did my feet feel locked-in and secure? Did I feel stable as I walked? Did they have enough support for my arches? Did I feel any pain in my feet or lower back after walking? Durability: Do the shoes feel well-made? Do the materials seem like they’ll hold up over lots of usage? Are there any early signs of wear and tear? Style: Are these shoes that I’d feel comfortable wearing in a variety of settings? Could I wear them when traveling, or out to dinner?
The seven pairs in this guide came out on top in each of my tests.
Read more: 5 best walking pads for hitting your 10,000 step goal with ease
