Best Walking Shoes: Top Picks for Comfort and Support

Finding the right walking shoes can make all the difference in your comfort, posture, and overall health. A good pair should provide proper arch support, cushioning, and stability to reduce strain on your feet and joints. Whether you’re walking for fitness, commuting to work, or just spending long hours on your feet, the best walking shoes keep your stride smooth and prevent fatigue — no matter how far you go.
In 2025, brands like New Balance, Brooks, Skechers, and Hoka continue to lead the way with lightweight designs, responsive midsoles, and breathable materials. Look for features like memory foam or gel cushioning for extra comfort, and durable rubber outsoles for better grip on different surfaces. Investing in a quality pair of walking shoes isn’t just about style — it’s about long-term comfort, healthy movement, and keeping your steps pain-free every day.

Our Top Picks:

Brooks Men’s Ghost Max 2
HOKA Mens Clifton 10
On Men’s Cloud 5 Sneakers
New Balance Unisex-Adult 990 V6

Brooks Men’s Ghost Max 2

If you’re after a walking shoe that delivers plush cushioning without sacrificing stability, the Ghost Max 2 is a strong contender. It features a tall stack height (around 39 mm in the heel and 33 mm in the forefoot) and a 6 mm drop, making for a soft yet smooth ride underfoot. The midsole uses Brooks’ nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam for improved energy return and longer-lasting comfort, and the wide outsole base helps keep you steady with every step. The engineered mesh upper gives a comfortable fit with good toe-box space, and many walkers report that the fit and support make it great for long hours on your feet. The trade-off: it’s a bit heavier than some lighter models and may feel more “cruiser” than ultra-responsive—but if comfort and support are your priorities, the Ghost Max 2 absolutely delivers.

Reasons to buy:

Excellent cushioning for long walks or all-day wear
Stable and supportive design with wide base
Breathable mesh upper and roomy toe box
Smooth, comfortable ride with soft DNA Loft v3 foam
Great for reducing foot fatigue and joint stress

Reasons to avoid:

Slightly heavier than average walking shoes
Not as responsive for faster-paced walks or runs
Premium price compared to basic walking models

HOKA Mens Clifton 10

The Clifton 10 is built for walkers and runners who prioritize ultra-comfort and smooth transitions over speed. With an increased stack height and an 8 mm drop, it delivers significant cushioning underfoot, making every step feel plush and supported. The engineered mesh upper offers a secure, roomy fit—especially in the toe box—while the wide outsole base enhances stability on pavement or longer strolls. It’s a great choice if you spend a lot of time on your feet or want a shoe that eases impact on joints and keeps things comfortable for extended wear.

Reasons to buy:

Super soft cushioning for all-day comfort
Stable and supportive with a smooth heel-to-toe feel
Breathable upper and roomy fit

Reasons to avoid:

Slightly heavier than average
Not ideal for fast-paced walking
Can feel warm in hot weather

On Men's Cloud 5 Sneakers

The Dreo HM311S smart humidifier is designed for hassle-free comfort in medium-sized rooms, boasting a 4-liter top-fill tank for easy refilling, whisper-quiet operation (~28 dB), and intelligent control via app or voice command. It features an auto mode that senses ambient humidity and adjusts mist output accordingly, a tiltable 30° mist nozzle for better coverage, and even an aroma pad tray for a subtle fragrance while you humidify. Designed to run up to around 32 hours on low output, it’s well-suited for bedrooms, nurseries or home offices—just be sure to maintain it regularly for best performance.

Reasons to buy:

Smart app and voice control support
Auto humidity sensing for consistent comfort
Quiet operation ideal for sleep or work
Easy top-fill design with tiltable mist nozzle
Compact and stylish build

Reasons to avoid:

Smaller tank than some competitors
Needs frequent cleaning for optimal performance
Limited coverage for very large rooms

New Balance Unisex-Adult 990 V6

The New Balance 990 V6 blends premium materials with modern cushioning tech to deliver a standout sneaker for walking and all-day wear. It features a mesh upper with pig-skin suede and synthetic overlays for durability and style, while the updated mid-sole incorporates FuelCell foam for a propulsive feel and ENCAP reinforcement for support throughout the day. With reflective accents and a streamlined design, the 990 V6 offers strong comfort and classic looks wrapped into a versatile package you’ll feel good in from morning commute to evening errands.

Reasons to buy:

Premium cushioning and support with FuelCell/ENCAP build.
High-quality suede/mesh upper, available in multiple widths.

Reasons to avoid:

Premium price tag.
Fit may run narrow or require sizing adjustments.