Buyer's Guide | Fleet Feet
By Tom Rivett, Evan Matsumoto, Mandy Wahl Updated on
Shop All Men's Walking Shoes
Is 2024 the year you want to start a walking routine to get in shape, lose weight or eventually start running?
Congratulations! Now it’s time to find yourself a great pair of walking shoes so you can put your best foot forward.
They say “motion is lotion,” and walking is an excellent low-impact, easy-to-do from anywhere exercise that keeps your body moving smoothly. Plus, moderate-intensity walking has been shown to reduce cardiac risk factors such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, vascular stiffness, inflammation and mental stress.
It can be a great introduction to running as well. Using a plan like the run-walk method is a safe way to gradually build your stamina and endurance. So you’ll be running your local 5k race in no time.
If you want to start a walking routine that sticks, picking a pair of shoes that are comfortable, stable and fit correctly is important to keep you not only motivated and encouraged, but pain and injury-free. If your current shoes give you pain, blisters or squish your toes, then you likely won’t want to lace up and head out the front door.
Finding the best pair of walking shoes for you can give you the confidence and comfort you need to become a walker for life (or maybe even a runner!). If you can’t find walking-specific shoes that work for you, don’t worry—you can also use running shoes for walking.To help you take your first steps, literally, and build a lasting habit around walking, we’ve put together a list of the ten best men’s walking shoes of 2024 (so far):
- Saucony Triumph 21
- HOKA ONE ONE Bondi SR
- Brooks Addiction Walker 2
- Altra Torin 7
- Karhu Synchron 2.0
- New Balance Fresh Foam 840 v1
- On Cloud 5
- Mizuno Wave Rider 27
- ASICS GEL-Kayano 30
- Diadora Mythos Blushield Vortice 8
[This article is part of the Fleet Feet Buyer's Guide for The Best Running Shoes 2024. Find all the best running shoes from the top brands for all situations.]
See All Buyers Guides
Saucony Triumph 21
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If Saucony manufactured cars, their luxury model would be the Triumph 21. Its cushy ride and accommodating fit make it a great choice as your daily shoe for walking or long days spent on your feet.
The breathable flat knit upper and soft laces feel plush and premium when you slip the shoe on, while also giving you a secure and supportive fit. Built to withstand heavy mileage from running, this shoe also has a durable rubber outsole that will hold up to your walks on gravel and pavement.
As one of the best-cushioned shoes on the market, the Triumph 21’s PWRRUN+ midsole foam will put an extra pep in your step during your walks. Learn more in our Saucony Triumph 21 review.
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi SR
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Spending a lot of time on your feet? The HOKA ONE ONE Bondi SR is a great walking and working shoe thanks to its big midsole.
HOKA packed the Bondi SR with an oversized pad of EVA foam for unbeatable comfort. The midsole feels soft and bouncy underfoot to keep your feet feeling fresh whether you're a recreational walker or logging long shifts at work.
Designers wrapped the Bondi SR in a full-grain leather upper for a subdued look and water-resistant finish, and they coated the bottom with a slip-resistant (and non-marking) rubber outsole to make it safe on the job.
Whether you need a comfortable shoe to walk around the neighborhood or something safe for work, the HOKA Bondi SR will meet all your needs.
For a sportier look without slip-resistance, check out the standard men's HOKA Bondi 7.
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
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The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is one of the best men’s walking shoes because it’s tailored specifically for walkers.
Brooks used its proven BioMoGo DNA foam to cushion the ride and gave it extra stability features for more confident steps. Designers topped the Addiction Walker 2 with a full-grain leather upper that’s comfortable, durable and offers subdued styling.
With a slip-resistant outsole and single-color upper, the men’s Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a great choice for walkers or workers who spend all day on their feet.
Altra Torin 7
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The Altra Torin 7’s 0 mm heel-to-toe drop and wide toe box let you keep a natural stride during your walks.
When you put on the Torin 7 for your next walk, it may be tough to go back to a traditional walking shoe. Altra’s gloriously wide FootShaped toe box lets your toes wiggle with plenty of space for swelling and toe splay during long strolls. Due to the shoe’s natural shape, it can also accommodate a variety of widths and arch heights.
The Torin uses Altra’s EGO™ MAX cushioning that feels plush and bouncy on hard surfaces, which helps reduce the impact that walking on pavement and concrete can have on the body. Our testers loved the dreamy cushioning because of its combination of flexibility and comfort in our Altra Torin 7 review.
The 0 mm drop and energetic ride make the Torin 7 a super versatile shoe for walking, running and cross-training.
Karhu Synchron 2.0
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The Karhu Synchron 2.0 shines as one of the best men’s walking shoes because of its incredible fit and smooth ride.
The reformulated Aerofoam Nova cushioning helps absorb the impact of walking on hard pavement and gives you a plush ride on long walks. Plus, a Fulcrum unit positioned beneath your midfoot gives the sensation of light arch support and propels your foot forward effortlessly.
Shaped using millions of 3D foot scans taken during Fleet Feet’s fit id® outfitting process, the Synchron 2.0 practically feels custom-made and fits a wide variety of foot shapes, making it one of the best men’s walking shoes.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 840 v1
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The men’s New Balance Fresh Foam X 840 v1 has the right combination of performance and style to help you walk comfortably.
New Balance designed the 840 with a full-length midsole of plush Fresh Foam X cushioning. The foam helps dampen the impact of walking on hard surfaces, creating more comfortable steps when you’re on sidewalks or paved trails. This lightweight foam keeps each walk comfortable.
The newly designed engineered mesh upper of this shoe will allow your foot to breathe, while also giving it structured support. This is a versatile shoe that gives you lasting cushion for all of your daily walks.
On Cloud 5
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Unique engineering and design highlight the On Cloud 5, but it’s the shoe’s comfort and versatility that make it one of the best walking shoes for men.
The On Cloud 5 is comfortable thanks to its soft engineered mesh upper and roomy fit. The shoe breathes easily on warm days, making it perfect for walking around the block or around the city.
Designers built the Cloud 5 on top of On’s unique Cloud elements. The individual pods beneath the shoe collapse when your foot lands to provide cushion, and spring back into shape for a quick response. On re-engineered the On Cloud 5 adding additional cushion and re-configuring their CloudTec technology for a more comfortable and stable fit.
With a secure heel fit and quick-lacing system for easy entry and exit, the On Cloud 5 is an ideal everyday shoe for walking, running errands or a night out.
Read more: On Cloud 5 review.
Mizuno Wave Rider 27
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The same qualities that make the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 one of the best running shoes are why we think it is one of the best shoes for walking as well.
A Wave Plate underneath your heel compresses and propels your foot forward for a smooth stride while a soft midsole of Mizuno’s Enerzy foam protects your feet and joints from the impact of the pavement.
Known for its durability, the Wave Rider 27 features an abrasion-resistant X10 rubber outsole that wears more evenly over time from the effects of walking or running.
The Mizuno Wave Rider 27 is the perfect walking shoe for endless miles on your feet. Its lightweight and breathable air mesh upper prevents rubbing on the outer edges of the shoe for comfort and support mile after mile.
ASICS GEL-Kayano 30
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One of the best stability shoes for the last 30 years, the ASICS GEL-Kayano 30 is a great walking shoe thanks to its supreme cushioning and structured fit.
ASICS redesigned this shoe to give you plenty of cushioning and energy for every walk. Designers added even more FF Blast Plus Eco foam to the midsole that is lightweight and bouncy, while PureGel technology in the rearfoot gives you soft and cushioned landings. As you stride forward, the Kayano’s 4D Guidance System helps your foot move forward without losing momentum that can be caused by overpronation.
The GEL-Kayano’s breathable mesh upper cools the foot with each stride making it a perfect walking shoe for endless miles on your favorite roads. Read more in our ASICS GEL-Kayano 30 review.
Diadora Mythos Blushield Vortice 8
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The Diadora Mythos Blushield Vortice 8 is an Italian-designed shoe that makes neighborhood strolls or city commutes a delight.
This shoe has a unique feel that provides premium arch support and shock absorption. The fit and ride align to your foot shape and gait pattern, so if you’re someone with a lower or more flexible arch, Diadora’s Blushield technology will support your foot to encourage a more stable and balanced gait.
On top of that, the shoe uses supersoft, lightweight EVA foam that gives you a bouncy, engaged feel during your walks. Simply put, the Diadora Mythos Blushield 8 will put a spring in your step.
How We Picked the Best Men’s Walking Shoes
We used data from our fit id® outfitting process, interviews with designers and real-life wear testing to determine the best men’s walking shoes for most people.
Standing Behind Our Picks
You can shop with confidence at Fleet Feet: We offer free shipping on all orders over $99, and our return policy means you have 60 days to return any gear if you don’t like the way it looks, fits or feels. Plus, with our price-match guarantee, you can make sure you never pay too much for a new pair of running shoes.
