We updated this guide in July 2022 to ensure all products vetted by the Textiles Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute were in stock and reflected current pricing. You don't have to be a marathon runner to be fit — walking is actually one of the healthiest forms of exercise. But before heading out the door, you want to be armed with the best walking shoes you can buy. To start, look for a comfortable shoe that supports your arches and cushions your heel — and it doesn't hurt if it actually looks cute! With so many factors to consider, the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute partnered with medical experts to put popular shoes to the test, evaluating over 1,000 data points collected over 200 hours of walking. We teamed up with Jordan Metzl, M.D., a sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and Emily Splichal, D.P.M., a podiatrist at the Center for Functional & Regenerative Podiatric Medicine in New York City, to find the shoes that are comfy to wear and healthy for your feet. Our top picks:Whether you’re walking long distances for exercise, travel or work or just running errands, you’ll need the right pair of shoes to keep you on your feet all day pain-free — read more about our picks for the best walking shoes you can buy, plus everything you need to know to shop for the right fit — at the end of this guide. Looking for more shoe recommendations? Check out our guides to the best running shoes and the best walking sandals for your money.
Best Overall Walking Shoes Best Value Walking Shoes Best Walking Shoes for Wide Feet Best Walking to Running Shoes Best Walking Sandals Running shoes tend to have more control to brace for impact on the sole, while walking shoes have a bit more flex and bend. Many walking sneakers have added foam, which is especially important for people who are heavier and put more weight on the shoe because it’ll return some of the force back to your body. Dr. Splichal recommends only running in running sneakers, especially ones with more cushioning for long-distance running. For walking shoes, consider the following: ✔️Pick them up before trying them on. Avoid super heavy styles that’ll keep you bogged down. One exception: If you have flat feet and need more support, a heavier style might be preferred to offer sufficient control. ✔️Give the shoe a twist. Dr. Splichal says to twist the sneaker as if you're wringing out a towel. Our experts recommend styles with more twistability (i.e. less control): It helps you develop stronger muscles from your feet to your glutes. ✔️Try on as many styles as possible. There’s no one-size-fits-all shoe. Each brand — and even each style — will vary in sizing and fit, which can have a big impact on your foot. ✔️Find the right fit. Wiggle your toes to make sure the shoes are not too tight and walk a few laps around the store so you can avoid shoes that pinch or squeeze your feet. If you have any existing foot pain, Dr. Metzl suggests going with the pair that "makes the pain go away when you’re walking around the store," as that's a good indicator you've found a winning shoe. ✔️Choose comfort over everything. Dr. Metzl stresses that comfort is key. Regardless of the product claims, you should be "as objective as you can for support and comfort." And trust your instincts — your feet will know which shoe is right. If your toes feel cramped or your heels are rubbing while you're testing the shoes, ditch them: It'll only get worse the more you walk in them. In recent evaluations, we've tested over 30 different styles of walking shoe, leading to over 1,000 data points collected. We sent shoes to consumer testers with a range of shoe sizes and foot shapes. Testers walked for at least two hours before giving feedback on cushioning, support, comfort, traction, appearance and more. In the end, testers walked over 200 hours total while evaluating walking sneakers. In the Lab, we weighed each sneaker to nix overly clunky styles. We also sawed each sneaker in half so our experts could evaluate the inside of the shoe. Podiatrists and other footwear experts reviewed the inner construction and foam of each sneaker to find the most supportive styles. Here is an example of a sneaker sawed in half before being reviewed by podiatrists and other footwear experts to analyze the efficacy and longevity of the materials. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been a leading expert on footwear for years. Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst. She’s been at Good Housekeeping for over three years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for walking shoes, luggage, tampons, pillows, sheets, period underwear and more. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, particularly focused on athletic wear. As a lifetime sewer with previous product development experience, she has a strong fashion background with expertise in proper fit and construction. She continues to expand her knowledge with additional coursework on sustainable manufacturing and new textile testing methodologies.
Shoes for standing all day are not only meant to take good care of your feet but also keep your entire body supported. Be it an 8-hour shift at work or just a busy day on your feet. Here you’ll find a shoe with all the stability and plushness to keep you upright and pain-free. Maybe you need a shoe for flat feet and overpronation or a shoe that accommodates wider feet? Or perhaps you prefer a mix of style and comfort or a more budget-friendly option? We have reviewed hundreds of shoes and even put some of them through our demanding test lab to help you find the best pair. See our highly recommended models in several categories below.
Given the number of options available, how do you choose that perfect shoe that helps you walk and stand all day long? Don’t worry, we’re here to do the dirty work for you. With our extensive knowledge of what makes perfect footwear and a scrupulous shoe testing methodology, we've selected the best options out there:
Finally, we assign each shoe a rating from 0 to 100, which is our CoreScore. It helps us filter through numerous options and select the best shoes that will help you comfortably stay on your feet for hours.
Brooks Ghost 14 full review
Skechers Arch Fit full review
Hoka One One Clifton 8 full review
Hoka One One Bondi SR full review
Adidas Ultraboost 21 full review
New Balance 623 v3 full review
On Cloud 5
Out of stock in all 0 shops On shoes for standing all day On Cloud 5 full review
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