The 18 Best Walking Shoes to Wear Wherever You Go (2024)

By now, I’ve seen enough celebrity street-style moments to know the Adidas Samba can be worn in so many different settings and moods. It wasn’t until I started walking around New York City in my own pair that I realized how comfortable they are. These are a low-key excellent walking shoe that doesn’t compromise on style—and with dozens of color combinations restocked, I could wear a different pair each day of the week.

Sizes: 5–15

Materials: Suede, rubber

What reviewers are saying: “Stylishness and comfort. I can walk in them all day and look good.”

APL’s fan-favorite TechLoom sneakers save you time worrying about which walking (and running) shoes will hold up during your workout. These have an elastic, seamless design that glides on to your foot and stays there for however you choose to move. They’re also incredibly lightweight—you’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds.

Sizes: 5–11

Material: Rubber, mesh

What reviewers are saying: “I love the APL Breeze! They are incredibly comfortable and stylish. They can be worn casually without looking too athletic and feel equally as good wearing them to the gym. I don’t feel the same about their other styles but this one is a winner.”

No walking shoe looks or feels more state-of-the-art than On’s. This pair is outfitted for walking miles in comfort, with On’s distinctive lightweight foam soles, breathable mesh uppers, and a molded sole to support your heel. The material is also waterproof, so the forecast will never get in the way of staying comfortable.

Sizes: 5–11

Material: Mesh, recycled material

When I have a 10,000-step day ahead but I don’t want an overly athletic look, I’ll always return to my Converse low-tops. This classic design has lasted in my wardrobe for over a decade; the latest iteration of the sneaker will last even longer, thanks to its addition of a memory-foam sole.

Sizes: 5–13

Materials: Canvas, rubber

What reviewers are saying: “I’ve only worn these a couple times now but they are super comfortable! I had a pair a couple years ago that I wore so much they ripped at the seam after years of wear. These are even better! They have a great cushion in the bottom that is so comfortable!”

When you’re logging miles on a cross-country trip or a trail deep in the woods, pull on these sneakers recommended by Hana Kajimura, head of sustainability at Allbirds. “I find that when I’m traveling, I want one pair of shoes that can work for exploring a city or working out,” she says.They’re water-repellent for rainy days and versatile for all weather: Kajimura wears them with hiking gear and everyday cropped denim alike. The treaded soles offer extra traction for uneven and slippery terrain as well.

Sizes: 5–11

Materials: Wool, bio-based foam

Weight: 9.99 ounces

Heel drop: 7 mm

What reviewers say: “This is a great option for a good sturdy foot bed and traction. It’s breathable but has a good toe reinforcement that the other shoes don’t have.”

Hoka’s Clifton sneakers are a cult favorite among walkers and runners. Recently, the brand updated its signature style to be even more comfortable and supportive on long walks. The upper gently hugs your foot with the same lightweight feel of past editions—but this time, it weighs even less and the heel is more plush. Wearing the Clifton 9 sneakers feels like you’re walking on cotton candy, down to the dreamy pastel colorways.

Sizes: 5–12, in regular and wide versions

Materials: Recycled polyester

Weight: 7.30 ounces

Heel drop: 5 mm

What reviewers say: “Out of the box hit! I am a heavy footed walker and these were like walking on a cloud. I had no pain at the end of the day. Love!!!”

Golden Goose’s distressed look is maybe a little polarizing—but if you love them, you love them. More importantly for women on the move, these leather sneakers are comfortable enough to stomp around the city in for an entire day. (The legions of Golden Goose fans on TikTok will agree.)

Sizes: 5–12

Materials: Leather

What reviewers say: “They are so well made–pretty sure I will be keeping these for a while.”

Street-style icons like Bieber and Laura Harrier can’t stop wearing the New Balance 550s. But Bieber has another pair of New Balances that make even better walking shoes: the 574 V2. This pair comes backed with several five-star ratings praising their comfort, range of colors, and cool vintage look. The treaded sole makes them even more suited for walking long distances.

Sizes: 5.5–12

Materials: Suede, rubber

What reviewers say: “[W]hen I put them on for the first time, I was shocked! They are so soft, light, and comfortable. Since then, I wear almost everyday. The shoes have wider toe space which makes it very comfortable. The size is a bit on the smaller side, so I’m glad I picked one size bigger than my usual. I know I will keep buying this same pair over and over for the rest of my life!”

This walking shoe, available in more than 20 different color combinations, is one of those rare Amazon finds I almost want to gatekeep. (But I won’t.) Reviewers say the entire sole cushion is comfortable, with the added bonus of extra padding along the tongue. If you’re searching for a comfortable, wear-everywhere sneaker that will arrive in an instant, this is it.

Sizes: 5–12

Materials: Mesh, rubber

Weight: 7.9 ounces

Heel drop: 11 mm

What reviewers say: “Have tried so many brand name (and even high end name) and these are the only shoes that have given me great comfort.”

I thought Lululemon’s first sneaker was worth the hype, and I’ve been even more impressed with the rollout of the label's additional shoe styles. The Beyondfeel sneaker is ideal for active days that include a run. It has a maximum cushioning, mesh ventilation, and a high-traction outsole for enhanced performance.

Sizes: 5–12

Weight: 9.5 ounces

Heel drop: 9 mm

What reviewers are saying: "My 6th pair of lulu shoes! I love everything about them… a pair for hiking, running, work (nurse) and everyday. I’ve already worn out two pairs. They are extremely comfortable and durable compared to other brands."

Alo's sneakers have been soaring in popularity, and worn by the likes of Kylie Jenner and Jimmy Butler, it's to no surprise why. An ultra-cushioned collar, high-rebound recovery foam insole, and seamless no-slip interior support are only a few of the features that make this shoe so comfortable.

Sizes: 5–16.5

What reviewers are saying: "I'm currently 8 months pregnant and my feet need as much comfort and support as possible. I love these shoes. They are extremely soft and super comfortable to walk all day. I'm going to get the black and white version too."

You probably know Birkenstock for its Arizona slides or Boston clogs, but the Oswego slip-ons are not to be slept on. An anatomical contoured cork footbed molds to the shape of your foot for a custom fit, making this shoe feel like it was made just for you.

Sizes: 5–11.5

Materials: Canvas

Weight: 12 ounces

What reviewers are saying: "Shoes fit great with that traditional cork bed feel that I have gotten used to with Birkenstocks. They are very comfortable without socks and did not chafe at all. After wearing them the first time, I immediately went back to see if they were available in other colors. Alas they were out of stock in my size, but I will buy them when they are restocked!"

You can't go wrong with a pair of Nikes. As the name states, these shoes were quite literally designed for walking. A uniquely patterned outsole and exaggerated rocker gives you a smooth and supported stride. You can even jog or run in these if you so desire.

Sizes: 6–12

What reviewers are saying: "I'm in love with the comfort and the quality. I have a sciatica problem, and trust me, these sneakers help me with my posture and walk better."

The bestselling Venture Daze is a take on the brand's iconic Tasman slipper. A chunky tire tread sole design makes these a standout while also delivering ample traction. With the slip-on design, you can pull these on for easy, breezy wear.

Sizes: 4–14

Materials: Suede, recycled polyester, rubber

What reviewers are saying: "Love these! So easy to walk in with a lot of bounce. I wear a size 9 in the Tazz and ordered a womens size 9 in these. I don't think I would have been able to size down. Dare I say that these are better than the Tazz because they are easier to walk in and stay on your feet?"

For the hiker, these trail sneakers are ideal for all-season wear. They are entirely waterproof and also extremely breathable, so your feet will stay dry and cool. A heel stabilizer in the midsole, multidirectional tread on the outsole, and insole lined in a fabric with temperature-regulated properties ensures that this shoe can handle itself in all conditions.

Sizes: 5–11

Materials: Suede, ripstop nylon, PU coated leather, rubber

For an everyday loafer, look no further than Flattered. The best part is that the back actually folds down so if the shoe starts to rub against your heel, you can just turn it into a mule.

Sizes: 5–12

Materials: Leather

Here’s a walking shoe for those who prefer streamlined, minimalistic shoes to chunkier athletic styles. Koio’s leather sneakers are beloved for their clean, responsibly sourced leather and subtly cushioned insoles for all-day wear. Across more than 1,400 online reviews, shoppers are impressed by this sneaker’s versatility and comfort above all. This sleek design looks just as good with leggings and a sports bra for Pilates class as it does for exploring a European city in a sundress. (And it’s ranked as one of Bazaar’s best leather sneakers as well.)

Sizes: 5–11

Materials: Leather, 100% rubber sole, removable OrthoLite Hybrid insole

Weight: 1 pound

What reviewers say: “This pair from Koio is 100% worth the price—they’re impeccably made, and the leather is beautiful.”

“Only had these two weeks and they are by far the most comfortable shoe I’ve purchased in years. Received tons of compliments.”

If you’re spending an entire day on your feet, the best walking shoes are only the start of what you’ll need. Other gear you should consider for a day of comfort include:

• Breathable and moisture-wicking base layers, like a matching workout set from Nike, Alo Yoga, or Girlfriend Collective
• Comfortable socks
• An extra layer (or two!) like a windbreaker or crewneck sweater
• Sunscreen with a high SPF