These Walking Sneakers Are So Comfortable, I’ve Bought Them Three Times (2024)

One of the shoes that Dr. Tran consistently recommends is the Hoka Bondi, and it’s easy to see why. It has a rocker-shaped sole and piles of squishy cushioning—both features he says to looking in a walking shoe. The heel extends beyond the back of the shoe to create an extra-stable platform despite the inches of foam (which can make shoes a bit less stable). Plus, the color options are many, whether you like a pop of color or a trusty neutral.

Material: Recycled polyester | Width: Standard and wide | Cushioning: Maximum

• Why they stand out: Super cushioned; over a dozen color options; comfortable gusseted tongue that doesn’t rub
• What we didn’t love: The soles feel a bit harder than they look.

As an affordable alternative to the Bondi’s, Dr. Tran recommends these Asics to his patients. “They have many of the same features as the Hoka but are priced much lower,” he says. (We love a sub-$100 walking shoe.) The midsole isn’t quite as exaggerated as Hoka’s, but it has padding right where you need it (the heel), and the mesh upper has vents that allow your foot to breathe even in the sweltering summer heat.

Material: Mesh upper with synthetic leather details | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: More affordable than other options; balanced cushioning and stability; lightweight and breathable
• What we didn’t love: Tongue isn't very padded

On is having a moment right now, and we can’t help but stare at this monstrous model because of the mix of crisp, graphic lines and the statement-making honeycomb outsole. “Although they’re technically running sneakers, these are the comfiest shoes I’ve ever owned. I wear them all the time for walking, and they’re great for traveling. The colors aren’t normally what I go for, so I like the pop it adds to my outfits,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.

Material: Recycled polyester | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Maximum

• Why they stand out: Hefty amount of cushioning in the heel; curved sole rolls forward as you step; bold, eye-catching design
• What we didn’t love: High price point

_{Original photo by Glamour contributor Hannah Singleton}

“When I know I’ll be out and about all day but I want a sneaker that will look cute with my favorite wide-leg jeans, I wear my Nike V2K Runs. (I can’t get enough of the translucent and metallic overlay details!) I’ve racked up almost 15 miles in one day in these, and my feet always feel fresh because the heel has plenty of cushion. They stand up to heavy wear and are versatile enough that I use them for light workouts too,” says Glamour contributor Hannah Singleton.

Material: Mesh upper and dual-density foam | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Feels very stable thanks to the extra-wide base at the heel; on-trend design; versatile for multiple activities
• What we didn’t love: Off-white sole isn’t for everyone—and can look a bit dingy when dirty

Gorpcore is here to stay, and there’s nothing that says you love hiking more than the crunchy aesthetic of the Merrell Moab 3. “It’s technically a hiking shoe (and a very good one at that), but I use mine primarily as walking shoes on the streets of New York. Every pair I’ve owned—three at this point—has required zero break-in time and provides just the right level of support while still giving me room to breathe. They’re durable enough for the trail and near-constant city walking, and I love that they look cool in both of those environments. They’re more than worth the investment, no matter where you live,” says Glamour commerce editor Jake Henry Smith. But they’re not just for style; they’re a true city-to-trail hybrid. You’ll get unmatched traction because of the Vibram sole and stay dry in wet conditions thanks to the waterproof membrane.

Material: Mesh and pigskin leather upper | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Grippy rubber for on and off the trail; durable cushioning doesn’t pack down as fast as running shoes; waterproof and nonwaterproof varieties depending on your needs
• What we didn’t love: Feels heavy on the foot

_{Original photo by Glamour contributor Hannah Singleton}

These trail shoes are a no-brainer in questionable conditions. “I recently wore them during a snow day in NYC, and I stayed upright despite navigating a maze of black ice, so now I grab them anytime I think I’ll be walking in dirty or slippery environments—the tread really sticks to any surface. And while the high arch support took some getting used to, it is a life-saver after a full day of walking. Plus, the chunky design keeps me high off the ground (so my pants don’t get dirty) and the sand beige colorway adds just the right level of flair to my outfits,” says Singleton. One thing to note is they’re listed as hiking shoes, but we recommend them for city streets and mellow trails.

Material: Leather and recycled polyester lining | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Affordable; narrow heel cup designed to fit a woman’s foot; loads of arch support
• What we didn’t love: Laces are a bit stiff

“The Saucony Ride has been my go-to shoe for walking for the past two years,” says Maggie Slepian, a thru-hiker and gear tester, who told Glamour it was one of her all-time favorite shoes (and she tests a lot). “I wear it for everything from town errands to after-work strolls to summertime hikes.” She loves that it fits really well out of the box and strikes the perfect balance of cushion and firmness. “It’s a stellar running shoe as well,” she says, so you get more bang for your buck.

Material: Mesh and PWRRUN foam | Width: Standard and wide | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Extremely lightweight; thick, soft cushioning; flexible upper doesn’t constrain feet
• What we didn’t love: Very athletic design that may not pair well with outfits

Glamour reviewer Margaret Mack walks anywhere from 20 to 30 miles a week around Los Angeles with her little one, and she’s a Brooks girl through and through. “I walk so much that I have to replace my shoes basically every three months,” she says. “Anytime I’ve switched up brands, I regret it.” At this point she can buy any Brooks shoe model and knows that it’ll feel great, but the Ghost is one of the best because it is lightweight and has soft, cloudlike cushioning. Plus if you want to get in on the animal-print craze, the brand’s limited-edition colors feature a mix of zebra and cheetah.

Material: Recycled | Width: Narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Comfortable and stable; stream-lined, basic design; breathable
• What we didn’t love: A bit firmer than other running shoes

Glamour’s Calle wears these NB walking shoes when walking around Jersey City. “I can easily do 10,000 steps on a Saturday in Jersey City, and these are my go-to pairs for just that. My feet are wide, and these give my toes plenty of wiggle room. I like to add insoles to my shoes for extra support. Trust me, your feet will thank you.” The cushioning is balanced, supportive, and very durable. We also like that they quite literally go with everything: Pair them with your favorite white jeans or flared leggings—either way you’ll look great.

Material: Suede and mesh | Width: Standard, wide, and extra wide | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Casual, timeless design; materials are very durable; runs true to size
• What we didn’t love: Only one color option

Glamour senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff (who has narrow feet) swears by this sneaker. “As much as being an Angeleno requires driving, I love to walk around the city wherever and whenever I can, and no shoe is as comfortable, durable, and sporty-chic as the Nike Pegasus. I’ve been a fan for years and still get as excited about a new pair as if I’ve just discovered it.”

Material: Mesh upper | Width: Normal and extra wide | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Feels springy when you step; capable enough for running; waffle pattern on the outsole is grippy in all conditions
• What we didn’t love: Some reviewers noted rubber laces came untied for select styles; normal width runs narrow

The Motiva is meticulously designed to make your walk as pleasant as possible. The half-moon-shaped outsole curves to propel you forward with each stride, and the cushioning is soft and bouncy to absorb any stress that would normally go to your joints. Glamour special products editor Ru Wolle says these have been an absolute game changer for her feet. “With their remarkable cushioning and support, they’ve become my first choice, especially given my high arches. The level of cushioning in these shoes is simply unmatched—it feels like walking on clouds, even during the longest days. What’s more, I’m amazed by how seamlessly they transition from walking to running. Whether I’m taking a leisurely stroll or picking up the pace, these shoes have me covered. I’m already considering getting a second pair because I never want to be without them. If you’re looking for footwear that’s comfortable, supportive, and versatile, the Nike Motivas are it.”

Material: Mesh | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Maximum

• Why they stand out: Designed specifically for walking; good for high arches; squishy, cloudlike cushioning
• What we didn’t love: May make noise when walking

Allbirds, popular among sustainably minded shoppers for their eco-friendly materials and minimalist design, are also great for walking. “I liked that the wool upper naturally wicks moisture, regulates temperature, and minimizes odor, while the cushioned insole provides plenty of arch support. But as someone with both high-volume and wide feet, I had trouble fitting into these because the wool is thick and sturdy—which is great for narrow feet but mine are wide. If you’re like me, you may want to consider sizing up,” says Singleton.

Material: Merino wool | Width: Narrow | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Moisture and odor-wicking; sustainably designed; warm enough for cool days
• What we didn’t love: Very low volume, so not great for wide feet

“When I work in the hospital, I love my Danskos,” says Sara Shobin, a nurse practitioner at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City who spends all day on her feet. Her pair (a light tan honey color) is so old that she can’t even remember when she got them, so you can rest assured these podiatrist-approved slip-ons will hold up for years to come. The toe box is nice and roomy (no cramming or hot spots), and the inner frame provides stability so you won’t roll your ankle.

Material: Nubuck leather | Width: Standard and wide | Cushioning: Minimal

• Why they stand out: Roomy toe box offers plenty of space for your toes; incredibly long-lasting; approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
• What we didn’t love: May feel stiff if you’re not used to the design

Frequent traveler Robyn Ragins wore these boots around Paris every day for a week—sometimes hitting up to 14 miles a day—and had zero pain or blisters. “Most other shoes give me low-back pain or shin splints if I walk in them for too long, but my body felt perfect,” she says. She also loves that you can style them with jeans, leggings, or dresses, and unlike mesh sneakers, you can wear them in any weather without worrying about getting them dirty.

Material: Leather | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Minimal

• Why they stand out: Functional and stylish; back tabs make them easy to pull on; structured interior provides stability to minimize risk of rolled ankle
• What we didn’t love: Leather upper takes awhile to break in

A pair of charming loafers with the APMA’s seal of approval? Count us in. With an elevated heel and EVA-foam footbed, the Kensley loafer is ready for walking. It comes in every neutral color and fabric imaginable, including gray, brown leather, taupe suede, black patent leather, cream patent leather, and even metallic suede. Reviewers note that these shoes are comfortable and supportive right out of the box—one even mentioned that she could walk for miles in them—but they run a tad big, so if you’re between sizes, size down.

Material: Leather, patent leather, or suede | Width: Standard and wide | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Plenty of color and material options; sleek silhouette; deep heel cup to keep your foot in place (and prevent slipping)
• What we didn’t love: Reviewers note that they have a narrow toe box

While Converse shoes may not be podiatrist-approved, Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz survived a 12-hour day at Disney in these playful white sneakers. “I wear these everywhere and have lasted long days on my feet in them. They have just enough padding and support to keep me comfortable after marathon walking sessions, and they also go with everything from dresses to jeans, which is why they’re my go-to travel shoe. Plus, when I get them dirty, all I have to do is pop them in the washing machine and they come out like new. If you’re not into this pricier Comme des Garçons version, the basic Converse feel just as great on and are half the price.”

Material: Canvas | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Minimal

• Why they stand out: Minimal design goes with everything; comes in both black and white; fun designer collab with Comme des Garçons
• What we didn’t love: Run slightly large