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Men all walk many thousands of steps, each day – so we’ve compiled the best walking shoes for men. Designed like running shoes, walking shoes are usually different in that they are much more comfortable.
We would (and have) walked a mile in these shoes – after aggregating thousands of online reviews, and trying over 20 pairs on – we arrived at our picks for the best walking shoes for men.
Our Top Pick
New Balance Men’s MW411v2 Walking Shoe
With over 3,000 positive online reviews – this is our overall top pick. New Balance has been making great running and walking shoes for decades – and the MW411 is no exception. With a look that makes them look cooler than most walking shoes, and extreme comfort – they rock. Lightweight, and providing plenty of comfort – if we had to spend the rest of our lives in one pair of shoes, these might be it.
Other Great Picks
Nike Men’s Air Monarch Iv Cross Trainer
With over 5,600 online reviews (and a near-perfect score) – these Nike trainers are a bonafide phenomenon. From people with plantar fasciitis, to those that simply need to stand all day – we could not recommend these more highly. Plus they look cool, to boot (pun intended).
KEEN – Men’s Rialto Traveler, Everyday Walking Shoe
While KEEN may not be as well-known as Nike, Reebok, or other brands – their walking shoes hold up to even the most vigorous testing. The Rialto Traveler has a near-perfect score across hundreds of online user reviews, and we loved that they are also water-resistant. Lightweight, comfy, and breathable – we’d take these any day.
Rockport Men’s Barecove Park Mudguard Walking Shoe
Rockport is well-known as a great manufacturer of men’s shoes, and this model is a perfect one meant for walking many miles. We prefer the rock sand color, but there are also other choices. We found these made us forget we had any shoes on at all (a good thing, when you’re wearing them all day) – and they have a little ‘bounce’ to them, as well!
ASICS Mens Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe
With over 3,500 glowing online reviews, the Gel-Venture 6 is one of ASICS best-loved shoes. Whether you want to use them for running or walking – they will be up to the challenge. They even work great for going out into the woods, and the dynamic orange accent makes that color our favorite pick. Highly recommended, for walking or running.
Nike Men’s Revolution 4 Running Shoe
Nike is legendary for great shoes – and the Revolution 4 is no different. Perfect for running, the gym, or walking – it’s lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and durable. Great pick for an all-purpose shoe, and the over-1,000 near-perfect online reviews, concur.
New Balance Men’s MW577 Walking Shoe
If you’re looking for a super-comfortable all-black shoe – this is our pick. New Balance never skimps on quality, and these shoes are one of the most comfortable pairs we’ve ever worn. The padding in the heel is perfect, and you can wear them all day, every day – with no issues whatsoever. Like walking on a cloud (no joke).
Skechers Men’s Equalizer 2.0 True Balance Sneaker
Skechers is not as well-known as Nike or Reebok – but these shoes are very high-quality, and many prefer them to more well-known brands. With over 1,700 positive online reviews, we had to try a pair. We were impressed. They are also less expensive than many pairs of walking shoes for men, and are quite breathable.
Rockport Men’s We are Rockin Chranson Walking Shoe
With over 1,300 great online reviews, we earmarked these walking shoes from Rockport. We were not disappointed. The soles have been greatly reviewed as long-lasting online – and we have to concur. Highly recommend, and they also work great for a low-key night out.
Reebok Men’s Royal Astrostorm Walking Shoe
While not as well-known, these lightweight shoes from Reebok are a dream. Comfortable, affordable, and long-lasting – we’d recommend these over even some more expensive pairs.
What To Look For
Though you might think they are the same, there is actually a world of difference between running shoes and walking shoes. You will want to choose a pair of walking shoes that provide a lot of support, are supremely comfortable, and last a very long time.
Though you might initially think running shoes are more important – the truth is, you’ll be wearing walking shoes for much more time – so they are of paramount importance. You’ll want to consider arch support, flexibility, heel height, and many other factors.
Walking Shoes vs. Running Shoes
Walking shoes are differently constructed than running shoes. Since you won’t be putting as much impact on your feet when walking, walking shoes typically have less cushioning and support.
Walking only impacts your body about half as much as running, so this makes sense. You will want to look for lightweight shoes, that still provide some support and cushioning.
Running shoes also have thicker soles, as well as more breathability. Both of these features are not as needed for walking shoes, since you won’t be putting a lot of stress on the sole of the shoe, and your feet also won’t get as hot during the walking process.
Heel Height Of Walking Shoes
Walking shoes typically have low heel profiles, since you won’t have as much weight coming down with every step. Additionally, walking shoes will have a low midsole profile. Interestingly, walking shoes also have a heel counter – which helps your foot stay snugly in place, as you walk.
You want each step to be consistent and well-supported. While you may not consciously think of it, you will take millions of steps throughout your life – choosing the best shoes for this, is vitally important.
Foot Strike Of Walking Shoes
While foot strike is very critical for running shoes (think of how badly injured you could get, by hitting the pavement 20,000 times, with the wrong support for the part of your foot that’s coming down) – it is less critical for walking shoes. While not all of us walk the same, there is less concern about exactly how your foot is striking, since you won’t be putting nearly the same force on your foot with each step, as you would while running.
Arch Support Of Walking Shoes
Having a good arch is key to long term foot health. You’ll want to choose walking shoes that give you solid arch support, but this is less important than looking at the arch support of running shoes.
With each step you take while running, you are putting a huge amount of pressure and weight on your feet. Walking is much lower impact, so the wear and tear on your feet is much less.
If you have low arches, look for shoes that have ‘motion control‘. If you have high arches, you will likely do better with shoes that are labeled as ‘cushioning’.
Flexibility Of Walking Shoes
The flexibility of walking shoes is critically important. You will want to make sure you get great flexibility from your shoes, since your foot flexes far more during the toe-off portion of walking, than it does while running.
You can look for flex grooves, and if these are not present – look for flexible outsole materials. When it comes to stability, all-leather shoes will provide the most stability – but they are also less breathable, as well as heavier.
Walking shoes will also differ from running shoes, by having more room in the toe box. This allows for your toes to flex and spread out more easily, as you take each step.
What Walking Shoes Are Best For Wide Feet?
There is no one set pair of walking shoes that is best for wide feet specifically. If you know you have wide feet, simply choose wide or extra wide sizing, and feel comfortable in knowing that it’s very easy to return shoes that don’t properly fit (even with online orders).
What Brand Of Walking Shoes Are Best?
Based on our aggregation of hundreds of thousands of actual user reviews, as well as our extensive testing, we don’t think that any one brand makes the absolute best walking shoes. There is quite a bit of competition in the shoe space, and for consumers – this means there are many great options.
We like Nike, New Balance, and many other choices. Ultimately it comes down to what you feel most comfortable in, and which shoe lasts the longest. Any of our top picks should provide you with an absolutely excellent experience (and if they don’t, return them, and let us know!)
Does The Sole Of Walking Shoes Make A Difference?
Whether you know it or not, most of us strike heel-first, when walking. This is different than many other animals, who walk on the balls of their feet. Therefore, the sole of your walking shoes, can have a big impact on your walking experience – as well as the longevity of the shoe itself.
Are All Walking Shoes Waterproof?
Not all walking shoes are waterproof, though many are. If this is a concern for you, make sure you opt for a waterproof model. It should be noted that many non-waterproof shoes can also get wet, and will quickly dry out.
How To Take Care Of Your Walking Shoes
Taking proper care of your walking shoes is crucial to their longevity. For example, if you get your walking shoes wet, make sure to dry them out as soon as possible. This will help ensure that no materials in the shoe, become damaged.
Additionally, try to clean your shoes fairly regularly, so as to keep an outwardly good appearance. If you are a frequent walker, you may even want to invest in two pairs of the same shoes, so you put less wear and tear on each one.
Can You Wear Running Shoes For Walking?
In general, running shoes will have a few distinct differences than walking shoes. For example, they will have more cushioning in the forefoot and heel, than walking shoes will.
Walking as a motion, puts less overall strain on your foot. You will first land on your heel, then your foot will evenly distribute your bodyweight across its whole plane.
This means that walking shoes may not be the best option for walking. Running shoes are designed for running – and walking shoes are made differently.
While you may be able to get away with a little bit of time spent walking with running shoes on, you will get far better results, by choosing the right pair of walking shoes.
When To Replace Your Walking Shoes
If there is visible wear and tear on your shoes – it’s time to get a new pair. Additionally, if you notice a vastly decreased level of support and comfort while walking – the time has come to replace your shoes.
An easy-to-remember rule of thumb, is to replace your walking shoes every six months. If you are a frequent walker, this is a good interval. But if you are walking even more (say an hour a day, every day) – you should replace your walking shoes every three months.
Another good marker – simply replace your shoes after 500 miles. These are not exact amounts, but they will generally keep you in good health. If you keep wearing a pair of walking shoes for too long, you greatly increase your risk of injury – definitely not something you want.
The Best Walking Shoes For Men
There you have it – our picks for the best walking shoes for men. While it may initially seem like a small decision, choosing the right pair of walking shoes can actually have a vast difference on your health.
We each spend a large portion of our day on our feet, and each step can bring comfort or pain. Choosing shoes with proper support, is key to making sure you help your feet, not damage them.
Just like you would choose shoes specifically meant for basketball, football, or running – you should also choose shoes that are ideal for walking. The world of men’s footwear is certainly not limited to just walking shoes – make sure to take a look at our other picks, in the fashion and fitness categories.