Whether you walk for exercise or simply enjoy a good evening stroll, having the right shoes is crucial. A good pair of walking shoes provides the comfort and support you need to enjoy all the time spent on your feet. What's more, the right shoes can potentially help you avoid the development of foot, ankle, and heel problems that can stem from wearing subpar footwear.
But which walking shoes are especially well-suited for men who amble, ramble, or otherwise spend a lot of time up and about? We tested a number of top products for comfort, support, durability, and more. Here are ACTIVE's picks for the best walking shoes for men.
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The Best Walking Shoes for Men - Our Top Picks
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- Best Walking Shoes for Men Overall: adidas Supernova +
- Best Walking Shoes for Men With Flat Feet: Hoka Arahi 6
- Best Walking Shoes for Men With Wide Feet: New Balance 608v5
- Best Walking Shoes for Men With Plantar Fasciitis: Hoka Mach 5
- Best Walking Shoes for Men With High Arches: New Balance 577v1
- Best Budget Walking Shoes for Men: adidas Questar Flow NXT
- Best Walking Shoes for Men for Work: New Balance 806v1
- Best Lightweight Walking Shoes for Men: adidas Swift
- Most Comfortable Walking Shoes for Men: Salomon Ultra Raid
Best Walking Shoes for Men Overall - adidas Supernova +
SPECS
- Weight: 11.2 oz. (for size 9)
- Materials: Plastic, rubber, polyester
- Cushioning: Bounce cushioning
- Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
Our best-in-class pick is the adidas Supernova +, one of the rare shoes that work equally well for running and walking. That's partly because of the Bounce cushioning, which gives you the padding you need for maximum comfort without adding a lot of weight. The cushioning is concentrated at the forefoot, providing a little extra oomph every time you take off.
Additionally, we love the balanced midsole, calibrated to deliver comfort and energy with each stride. A mesh upper and padded tongue provide just the right level of protection. And the classic adidas stripes ensure you’re stylin', no matter which colorway you choose.
What We Like
- Great forefoot cushioning
- Well-balanced midsole
- High-quality, durable materials
- Several colorways to choose from
What We Don't Like
- No antimicrobial elements
- Won't hold up as well in water and inclement weather
Best Walking Shoes for Men With Flat Feet - Hoka Arahi 6
SPECS
- Weight: 9.3 oz.
- Materials: Rubber, foam, recycled fabrics
- Cushioning: Balanced
- Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
Men with flat feet typically benefit from balanced, stable midsoles. Enter the Hoka Arahi 6, one of our picks for the best men's walking shoes overall. The protective cushioning offers a balanced heel-to-toe feel, which is just the thing to keep flat feet from aching.
There are plenty of other reasons to love this shoe. An extended heel tab makes it easy to slide this shoe on and off. Zonal rubber increases the longevity of the sole. And a high level of stability helps prevent you from slipping or rolling.
What We Like
- Very stable
- Balanced cushioning and support
- Made with durable, long-lasting materials
- Extended heel tab for easy on and off
- Several colorways to choose from
What We Don't Like
- Slightly higher price point
- Not everyone loves the bulkier Hoka style
Best Walking Shoes for Men With Wide Feet - New Balance 608v5
SPECS
- Weight: 13.7 oz.
- Materials: Leather, mesh, PU foam
- Cushioning: Heel crash pad
- Heel-to-toe drop: N/A
Need a men's walking shoe that can accommodate a wider foot? Consider the New Balance 608v5. Available in wide and extra wide, this is a durable, comfortable, and affordable pick for men who may otherwise have a hard time finding a shoe that fits them well.
Beyond the availability of wide sizes, we also love the leather upper, a high-quality design flourish that speaks well to the shoe's long-term durability. Extra heel padding creates comfort, though it does come at the expense of some added weight.
What We Like
- Modest price point
- Leather upper
- Wide and extra-wide sizes available
- Minimal seaming, which reduces irritation
What We Don't Like
- Heavier
- Very limited color/style options
Best Walking Shoes for Men With Plantar Fasciitis - Hoka Mach 5
SPECS
- Weight: 8.2 oz.
- Materials: Recycled mesh and fabric, rubber
- Cushioning: Low-profile cushion bed
- Heel-to-toe-drop: 5mm
If you struggle with chronic heel pain, specifically due to plantar fasciitis, you need a shoe that provides extra stability. The Hoka Mach 5 is our top pick, offering a low-profile cushion bed and a firm, stabilizing design.
We love this shoe for its rubberized outer sole, lending extra durability. An articulated heel collar means a more secure fit. The meshed upper is breathable and lightweight, and an early-stage meta-rocker gives you a smooth stride, each and every time. This is a great shoe for getting back on your feet after being sidelined by heel concerns.
What We Like
- Rubberized outer sole provides durability and traction
- Breathable, lightweight mesh upper
- Stable and well-balanced design
What We Don't Like
- Slightly higher price point
- Not as many color options as other Hokas
Best Walking Shoes for Men With High Arches - New Balance 577v1
SPECS
- Weight: 13.6 oz.
- Materials: Leather, rubber
- Cushioning: Shock-absorbing heel cushion
- Heel-to-toe-drop: N/A
For high-arch support, we recommend the New Balance 577v1. Though it's not the most stylish shoe in the world, it does offer the solid rubber outsole, shock-absorbing heel cushion, and stabilizing midsole that high-arched feet require in order to find succor.
Also take note of the leather upper, made to take plenty of wear and tear without showing any signs of degradation. There are reflective accents included, too, which can promote visibility if you happen to go walking at night.
What We Like
- Durable design
- Plenty of cushioning and support, including shock absorption at heel
- Modest price point
What We Don't Like
- Not exactly fashion-forward
- Heavy
- Limited colorways
Best Budget Walking Shoes for Men - adidas Questar Flow NXT
SPECS
- Weight: N/A
- Materials: Mesh, Cloudfoam, textile
- Cushioning: Cloudfoam
- Heel-to-toe-drop: N/A
It's possible to spend an arm and a leg on men's walking shoes. Possible, but not mandatory. Just look at the adidas Questar Flow NXT for proof that you can get a high-quality, high-performance shoe for a really modest price point.
The adidas Questar Flow NXT boasts a classic, minimalist style that works well in almost any context. The use of Cloudfoam ensures a great balance of cushioning and support, well-suited to almost any foot. And while the textile construction isn't super durable, it's at least lightweight and breathable.
What We Like
- Lightweight and breathable design
- Modest price point
- Supportive Cloudfoam
- Stylish, minimalist design
What We Don't Like
- Not the most durable shoe
- Not as well-suited for inclement weather and wet road conditions
Best Walking Shoes for Men for Work - New Balance 806v1
SPECS
- Weight: 9.2 oz.
- Materials: N/A
- Cushioning: Fresh Foam
- Heel-to-toe-drop: N/A
When you're up on your feet all day, having the right shoe is essential. The New Balance 806v1 is our option for the best working shoe, a good choice for men who teach, wait tables or spend their days in an industrial setting.
As with other New Balance sneakers, this model opts for function over fashion. But if you're all right with the minimalist look, there's a lot to love about the New Balance 806v1, starting with its Fresh Foam cushioning. Built using clinical data about foot pressure points, this shoe is specially calibrated for all-day support.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Designed to be supportive even if you're on your feet all day
- Wide and extra-wide sizes available
What We Don't Like
- Only comes in black
- Not the most stylish option
Best Lightweight Walking Shoes for Men - adidas Swift
SPECS
- Weight: N/A
- Materials: Rubber, knitted textile
- Cushioning: Lightweight/minimal
- Heel-to-toe-drop: N/A
For a men's walking shoe that won't weigh you down, consider the adidas Swift. Available in the classic, streamlined adidas style, this shoe offers lightweight cushioning to support your stride all day long.
Beyond its lightness and fashion-forward look, we love this shoe for its durable rubber outsole. The midsole is appropriately lightweight, while a built-in sockliner spares your feet from any undue irritation.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Decent cushioning
- Sleek, stylish design
- Robust outsole
What We Don't Like
- Only two basic colors to choose from
- Not as supportive as other shoes
Most Comfortable Walking Shoes for Men - Salomon Ultra Raid
SPECS
- Weight: 280gm
- Materials: Rubber, textile
- Cushioning: PU foam
- Heel-to-toe-drop: 9mm
Salomon Ultra Raid shoes are made to provide a premium experience. Every aspect emanates luxury and comfort, from the generous PU foam cushioning to the abrasion-resistant Ripstop fabric. Also note the all-terrain traction grip, making this a great shoe for outdoor adventures.
The textile lining is lightweight, soft, and breathable. An included insert is responsive and shock-absorbent, and you can also pick from several different colors and styles.
What We Like
- Great cushioning
- Abrasion-resistant fabric
- Excellent traction
- Several colorways
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- No wide/narrow sizing available
What to Look for in Men’s Walking Shoes
As you shop for the best walking shoes for men, there are a handful of factors to keep top of mind.
Fit
Finding that sweet spot, where the shoe fits snugly and securely but doesn't pinch or cause discomfort, can be tricky. Many experts recommend trying on shoes toward the end of the day, once you've had a chance to get some blood flowing away from your feet.
Material
Seek materials that offer flexibility and comfort as well as durability and protection. Leather uppers are usually the best option. Also look for antimicrobial insoles, which can help keep odors in check.
Support
Built-in arch support can increase comfort and shock absorption. By contrast, thin, flat soles will usually lead to heel pain sooner or later.
Cushioning
Walking shoes usually have a bit less cushioning than running shoes, as your feet aren't striking the ground with quite so much force. While some cushioning is good, you don't want your shoes to be too bulky or too heavy.
FAQs About Walking Shoes for Men
What type of sneaker is best for walking?
It really depends on your feet, and on how far and how frequently you walk. For a good overall walking shoe, we recommend the adidas Supernova +.
How are walking shoes different from running shoes?
There are a number of important distinctions between walking shoes and running shoes. Running shoes typically come with more cushioning at the heel and the forefoot, areas where there tends to be a lot of impact when the shoe strikes the ground. Walkers don't need as much cushioning, which makes walking shoes lighter in weight. Walking shoes also tend to have lower heel heights.
Are walking shoes worth it?
If you spend a lot of time walking, whether for exercise or just recreation, a good walking shoe can be absolutely worth it, increasing your comfort and also helping you prevent problems with your foot, heel, or ankle.
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