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Reading Time: 18 minutesLast Updated on September 4, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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What Are The Best Walking Shoes for Men?
When choosing the proper footwear, comfort, durability, and style are vital factors. This is especially true with walking shoes, as they must provide adequate support and cushioning for extended periods.
- Comfortable and durable design for long-term wear.
- Responsive cushioning for support during walks.
- Breathable mesh upper for ventilation and comfort.
- Shock absorption technology for smooth transitions.
- Supportive footbeds and traction for outdoor use.
- Flexible, lightweight sole for easy movement.
It’s that time of year again.
There’s no better way to enjoy this beautiful weather than to walk.
Going for a walk will allow you to soak in the sun, smell the flowers, and, most importantly, get some much-needed exercise. Read on to find the best walking shoes for men.
Walking is a great way to explore your town or city, meet new people (or get away from them).
It’s an experience of complete freedom. You can put on your headphones, listen to your favorite tunes, and walk away from all of the stresses and responsibilities on your plate.
You can listen to an audiobook or catch up on a few phone calls to make it productive.
10 Best Walking Shoes for Men
As great as Amazon is, there are quite literally thousands of options to choose from. This can be confusing for many shoppers and an absolute nightmare for indecisive people.
Thankfully, you have us.
We’ve spent a long time sorting through the thousands of shoes and have selected the best.
We’ve picked out our top five favorite picks depending on what you’re looking for in a shoe and even included some good alternatives if you’re looking for something a little different.
Let’s take a look!
1. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 20 Supportive Running Shoe
Features:
- Made out of durable 100% synthetic materials
- 15 colors to choose from
- Rubberized sole
- Imported
- Moderate arch support
- Advanced Cushioning
Overview:
If you’re looking for a great all-around athletic shoe, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 is a great fit. Not only does it look great, but it’s also well-made and built to support runners and walkers alike. Let’s look at a couple of its best features
Energized Cushioning
This sole is built for comfort and is made to handle the open road. Walking on hard pavement can often have a lot of impact compared to walking on a rubber track or the grass. You’ll want a shoe that absorbs the shock and gives you a comfortable, confident stride.
Breathable Mesh Material
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 is made from a fully synthetic, breathable mesh material. It is guaranteed to give your feet all the fresh air they need.
When you’re walking outside during the hot summers, your feet sweat a lot, making you uncomfortable and making your shoes smell awful.
Plush Shoe Lining
Once you put these shoes on, you may not want to take them off. The plush inner lining will cradle your foot every step, giving you a relaxing walking experience.
2. Best Stylish Walking Shoe: TAIGEL Mens Slip-On Loafers
Features:
- Made with genuine leather
- Hand-stitched design
- Gel-infused memory foam sole
- Slip-on design
- Excellent arch support
- Superior traction
Overview:
If you’re looking for one of the most stylish walking shoes, then TAIGEL has an excellent pair of loafers. These aren’t the loafers that you’re used to.
These shoes are durable and handmade, providing excellent support and traction for your walking environment. Here’s what we like most about them.
Genuine Leather
With so much synthetic material on the market, it’s rare to find shoes made with genuine leather. Only leather can provide a particular smell, feel, and comfort.
Not to mention, it’s far more durable and easy to maintain than fake leather. These shoes are made from 80% hand-stitched leather. The remaining 20% consists of rubber soles and memory soles.
Great Arch Support
These will give you all the support you need if you have flat feet or weak arches. The TAIGEL loafers will allow you to walk around for hours without having that familiar painful ache on the bottom of your foot.
Gel-Infused Memory Sole
This is one of the best features of this shoe. The inside of the sole is engineered with a gel-infused memory layer. It will conform to the natural curvature of your foot and give you a great walking experience.
Over time, this memory layer will grow to fit your foot like a glove.
3. Best Slipper Style Shoe: Skechers Performance Men’s
Features:
- Patented Goga Pillars sole
- Multiple colors and shades
- Easy, slip-on design
- Memory foam padding around the heel
Overview:
Sometimes, you want to get out of bed, slip on your shoes, and sneak out for a morning walk before anybody else can wake up.
With the Skechers Go Walk 3, you can. These slip-on shoes take less than 5 seconds to put on, and you’ll be out of the house in an instant.
Unlike most other slip-on shoes that will leave your foot falling out, these have a great fit and will remain firmly on your foot while walking. Here are a few of the other great features.
Extra Heel Padding
When you walk, most of the impact goes directly into the heel of your foot. Many people who walk in cheap shoes complain of sore ankles and heels.
This is the result of inadequate padding. Skechers designed these slip-ons for walkers and added extra padding around the heel to absorb the maximum shock.
Multiple Shades and Colors
What man doesn’t want to have a few options? The Skechers Walk 3 comes in six different varieties. All variations of neutral grey, black, and white shades are different, and some even come with colored soles.
Whether you’re just trying to find the perfect pair or want a closet full to go with different outfits, the choice is yours.
4. Best Outdoor Walking Shoe: Skechers Sport Men’s Afterburn
Features:
- Durable design
- 6 colors to choose from
- Waterproof lower half
- Breathable mesh upper
- Memory foam insole
- Great Traction
Overview:
If you like to walk in the woods or go on hikes in your local park, then the Skechers Afterburn is an excellent pair of sneakers. Their durable design combines leather and synthetic materials, which can take a beating.
These shoes have excellent traction and come in nine variations featuring neutral and earth tones. Here’s what makes them unique.
Waterproof Lower and Mesh Upper
If you’re walking outdoors often, you’ll likely tread through a puddle or two. These shoes have got you covered.
They have a waterproof lower, so you won’t have to worry about getting your socks soaking wet every time you accidentally step in a damp spot.
However, unlike most waterproof shoes, which will leave you hot and sweaty, these have a breathable mesh upper that will give you plenty of ventilation and keep your feet dry all day.
Outdoor Traction
The Skechers Afterburn sneakers have excellent traction. If you like walking up mountain trails, you’ll likely run across mud, wet rocks, and other less-than-sturdy terrain. With these shoes, you can walk across any terrain with confidence.
You won’t have to worry about slipping, falling, and embarrassing yourself.
5. Best Orthopedic Walking Shoe: Orthofeet Sprint Comfort
Features:
- Excellent for those who suffer from foot pain
- 3 colors to choose from
- Easy tie-less design
- Superior arch support
- Patented Ortho-Cushion
- Ultra-comfortable inner
- Non-binding upper
Overview:
If you suffer from severe foot or ankle pain, the Orthofeet Sprint is the shoe for you. It is designed to cradle and support your foot every step.
Many people who have diabetes, hammer toe, arthritis, or other foot diseases can experience extreme pain while they are walking and find regular shoes to be too painful.
These shoes are made primarily with these in mind. Here’s what’s so good about them.
Non-Binding Upper
Many walking and athletic shoes have a tight, binding fit that can constrict blood flow, cause ankles to swell, and cause pain.
These shoes feature a non-binding upper with a tie-less design that allows you to slip your foot into them easily. They fit well and will not slip, but they won’t be overly tight.
Patented Ortho-Cushion
Orhtofeet designed its shoes, especially for those suffering from foot pain. The main reason behind this is their patented Ortho-Cushion.
This incredibly comfortable padding will make you feel like you’re walking on a cloud, all while providing all the extra support you need.
Alternatives
If none matches what you’re looking for, look at these great alternatives. They still provide exceptional quality and comfort but couldn’t make our top five list.
6. Skechers Men’s Gowalk 6-Stretch Fit Slip-on
Features:
- Lightweight design
- Stretch Fit Slip-on Athletic Performance
- Breathable mesh construction
- The expandable design fits your foot like a glove
- It comes in 9 different shades
Overview:
If you want a shoe that serves as more of an extension of your foot than a traditional shoe, then the Stretch Fit Slip-on Athletic Performance is perfect. It’s designed to fit your foot like a second skin.
If you like options, they offer eight different colors and shades guaranteed to impress your friends.
It features a breathable mesh upper that keeps you cool and relaxed no matter how long you walk. Let’s look at the best features.
Adaptable Rubber Sole
This is arguably one of the most exciting features of this shoe. The shoe is made from a highly adaptable rubber material that will conform to whatever surface you happen to be walking on.
Whenever your foot hits the ground, the rubber sole expands to “feel” the ground and adapts to give you maximum traction and spring.
Ultra Lightweight
These are the perfect shoes to take to the gym or on your next trip. They are very lightweight, and the pair weighs less than 12 ounces. This is good for your knees while walking and makes them super easy to transport and carry around in your gym bag.
7. Adidas Men’s Lite Racer Adapt 3.0 Running Shoe
Features:
- Quick-dry capability
- comes 15 shades
- Environmentally friendly
- Breathable mesh upper
- Slip-resistant
- Sweat absorbent material
- Sturdy heel technology
Overview:
If you’re looking for a walking shoe different from what you’re used to, the Adidas Men’s Lite Racer Adapt 3.0 Running Shoe certainly fits the bill.
Athletes made them for athletes, and they are great all-around walking shoes. These shoes have a lightweight design that molds to the shape of your foot and are made with the wearer in mind.
They also need a knit design that gives them a unique look. Here are some of the features that stand out.
Sweat Absorbent Material
If it’s a hot, sunny day, you’re likely to sweat quite a bit. With most walking shoes, you would have to leave them outside to air out when you get home to prevent your whole house from smelling foul.
However, the Adidas shoe is built with a moisture-wicking fabric that absorbs and wicks away sweat, leaving your feet dry and your shoes smelling like new.
Quick-Dry Technology
Occasionally, you’ll get caught in the rain while you’re on a walk. Thankfully, these shoes are engineered with quick-dry technology that allows them to dry out in record time.
You won’t have to deal with musty shoes for two weeks after a rainstorm or listen to them banging around in your dryer.
8. PUMA Men’s Pacer Future Slip-on Sneaker
Features:
- Stylish design
- Available in 8 shades
- Wide sizes available
- Rubber sole for extra grip
- Easy, slip-on design
Overview:
These shoes are for you if you want to feel like an old-school crime boss while walking around.
They have a traditional Italian design and are made with genuine cowhide leather trim in four classic colors: blue, brown, black, and green.
These loafers offer superior comfort and durable soles for the walking man.
Let’s check out the notable features.
Rubber Sole
The soles of these shoes are made from a unique gum rubber. This rubber is 100% slip—and skid-resistant, so you will never have to worry about falling while wearing them. You could walk through puddles of pure oil and still maintain excellent traction and grip.
Slip-On Convenience
These shoes are effortless to slip on in seconds. They’re easy to slip on and off, making them the perfect shoe for those who spend a lot of time walking in and out of the house.
Extra Wide Sizes Available
If you have wider feet, then Puma caters to you. All shoe sizes offer the option for broad or extra-wide foot compatibility.
9. Skechers Men’s Max Cushioning Elite Lucid-Premium Leather Walking & Running Shoe Sneaker
Features:
- Ultra-flexible
- Available in 4 shades
- Leather design
- Rubber sole
- Stylish traditional look
Overview:
If you want a walking shoe that’s traditionally stylish and that you can wear around the neighborhood. The Skechers Men’s Max Cushioning Elite is for you. They are incredibly comfortable and are made from 100% leather.
These shoes are guaranteed to impress anybody and provide all the support you need for your daily walking activities. Let’s look at their notable features.
Two Ways To Wear Them
If you look at the back of the shoe, you can bend the back down and wear these shoes as slippers instead.
This means they are as good for walking around the neighborhood as for walking around the house in the early morning. This unique feature has never been done by any other shoemaker before.
Flexible Design
The flexible rubber sole and leather uppers are incredibly adaptable, so you won’t have to spend days breaking into a pair of stiff shoes. This also prevents the shoe from developing unsightly creases.
10. Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe
Features:
- 100% San Crispino
- Available in 7 shades
- San Crispino construction for heel stability
- Flexible, lightweight upper
- Low-key design
- Strobel provides forefoot flexibility
- Latex foam footbed
Overview:
If you’re looking for a simple, low-key walking shoe that does not attract unwanted attention, these are great shoes for you.
Rockport has been innovating shoes for walking and running for years and has grown to become one of the most well-respected brands in the industry. Let’s take a look at this shoe’s notable features.
Rockport uses its patented cushioning technology in these walking shoes. It is rated for moderate impact absorption and will give you a comfortable, foamy walking experience.
Along with the good arch support that this shoe offers, you’re in for a comfortable walking experience.
Best Walking Shoes for Men
However, unless you’re an experienced barefoot walker, choosing the right pair of shoes is essential before you start your daily walking routine.
Many people are turned off from walking because it hurts their knees, back, and ankles. We assure you, it’s not the walking. It’s the shoes.
With so many options on the market, choosing the right pair of shoes can be challenging.
However, we’re here to help. In this buying guide, we’ll discuss some benefits of daily walking. Then, we’ll get into some special features you must look for in a shoe. Finally, we’ll wrap up by listing some of the best men’s walking shoes on the market.
Let’s dig in!
What Are The Benefits Of Daily Walking
Walking is an activity as old as time. It’s one of the first things children learn to do and is usually a landmark captured on video, photo, or recorded in our mothers’ baby books. Why is this simple act so important?
The answer is that it defines who we are as humans. Other than our ability to think and use our hands, the ability to walk has allowed humans to spread across the planet’s entire surface.
Our options would be minimal if we were a crawling or swimming species.
We are humans; walking has been part of our nature since birth. Nobody teaches a baby how to walk.
They learn entirely by instinct. Once we start walking, we don’t stop unless we suffer an accident or severe illness.
So besides being in our very nature, what are some other benefits of daily walking?
A Healthier Heart
Cardiovascular activity is any exercise that gets the heart pumping and the blood flowing. The American Heart Association recommends that every person, young or old, gets 30 minutes of cardio daily. When you use your heart, it will thank you and last longer.
Your 90-year-old neighbor who still mows his lawn didn’t get that way because he sat around all day. When you take time to do your daily exercise, you are protecting yourself from future heart attacks, blood clotting, and strokes.
Walking is one of the easiest ways to get your cardio in. You can do it no matter how old you get.
Walking doesn’t put extra strain on your joints like high-impact running and sports can, and you don’t make quick twists and turns that can result in pulled muscles. Walking for 30 minutes daily means you’re well on your way to living a long, happy, and healthy life.
Better Posture
As we stated above. Humans were meant to be upright. Homo Erectus, the upright man. Unfortunately, manner people have devolved into “Homo Situs.”
People spend their days slumped over a computer screen, lounging in armchairs, and sitting at their desks.
It’s no wonder that our generation has some of the highest reported incidences of neck and back pain that the world has ever seen.
Our posture is horrible. When our body is constantly crouched or hunched over, our spine develops an unnatural curvature, our disks become compressed, and our core weakens.
One of the best ways to fix this is through daily walking. When you’re walking, your back is upright, your neck is raised, and your core is tight.
You’re training your muscles to support you properly. Walking for just 30 minutes a day will help offset all of your bad postures during the rest of the day.
Stronger Legs
You don’t want to become one of those elderly folks who are too weak to stand. One of the best reasons to walk is so that you can continue walking.
When you go on daily walks, you engage your legs and train them to continue doing what they were made for.
This will keep the muscle fibers tight and firm, preventing potential blowouts or strains in your later life.
A Slimmer Waist
The best way to stay in shape isn’t to go on a crazy no-carb diet that tells you you’re not allowed to eat bread or drink your evening pint; it’s to exercise every day.
Besides being good for your heart, daily exercise does wonders for your metabolism.
You will burn calories for every mile you walk (an average of 100 calories per mile) and experience what’s called the “afterburn effect.”
The afterburn effect will continue to raise your metabolism and burn off fat for several hours after exercising.
A pound of fat is 3,600 calories. If you were to start walking 2 miles a day and burning 200 calories a day, then you could stand to lose almost 2 pounds a month.
This is a healthy level of weight loss and will allow you to fit back into your favorite clothes, look your best, and give you more energy.
Increased Lung Capacity
A problem that many people run into when they get older is that their lungs stop working as well as they used to.
They lose the ability to take deep breaths and eventually find that doing simple daily chores can be exhausting.
You can prevent this by walking daily. When you walk, you breathe in plenty of oxygen, allowing your lungs to expand and work the way they were meant to.
As long as you have strong lungs, you can breathe vigorously for your entire life.
Fresh Air and Sunshine
Last but certainly not least, you should walk to get fresh air and sunshine. Fresh air is good for your lungs and your immune system.
It will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. You should also make sure that you’re getting some sunshine, which helps your body produce Vitamin D.
Fresh air and sunshine can go a long way to make you happy and healthy. One of the leading causes of depression is that people don’t get outside as much.
Fresh air and sun are clinically proven to reduce instances of depression and anxiety in almost all individuals.
Why Choosing The Right Shoe Is Important
So now that we’ve convinced you to start walking, let’s examine the most essential part of the process: your shoes.
People who don’t like to walk are the people who have never walked with a good pair of shoes.
They experience back pain, stiff muscles, and swollen ankles. In some cases, this is because they have a pre-existing medical problem.
However, it’s usually caused by wearing improper shoes.
It would help if you chose a shoe that fits well, matches your walking style, and supports your soles well.
Choosing the right pair of walking shoes will ensure every walking experience is a breeze.
Don’t keep wearing the same old pair of shoes. The soles will become worn down and uneven, and the arch support will weaken, giving you a flat-footed walking style.
This is a recipe for pain and discomfort.
Walking should be a fun and easy experience; if it’s not, you need to invest in some new shoes.
Features To Look For In A Pair Of Walking Shoes
The best pair of shoes is the one that you’re most comfortable in.
When you can wake up in the morning, put on your shoes, look down with a smile, and be comfortable on your morning walk, you’ll know you’ve picked the perfect pair.
Let’s take a couple of minutes to look at some of the most essential features to look for in a new pair of shoes.
Comfort
It may go without saying, but one of the most important things is to be comfortable in your shoes.
After spending a few minutes walking around in a shoe, you’ll know whether it’s right for you. If it’s uncomfortable, it’s probably a combination of factors.
The arch may be too high, the fit too tight, or the sole too hard.
Every shoe may take a couple of days to break in fully, so keep this in mind. New shoes may be a little bit stiff when you first buy them.
However, if your shoe feels too uncomfortable when you first try it on, that’s a sign that you should look at something else.
Style
Of course, you want to look good while you’re walking.
That means you’ll want to choose a style that you like and that complements the clothes you’ll be wearing while you walk.
However, never choose a shoe just for looks. Sometimes, the fanciest-looking shoes can be the least comfortable.
They’ll be stiff and painful, give you blisters, and provide little support. It would help to opt for a shoe that balances style and comfort well.
Arch Support
Comfort is one of the essential considerations.
A shoe with good arch support will support the natural curve of your foot and allow you to walk in a lightweight, springing manner.
Depending on your foot’s arch, you may need to choose a shoe with more or less support.
Flat-footed individuals will need more advanced arch support to prevent them from developing leg and back pain, while people with a good arch will require slightly less support.
Sole
The sole of your shoe matters for a few reasons:
- Durability
- General comfort
- Shock absorption
- Environmental protection
If you want your shoes to last long and you’ll be walking on rough asphalt or sand, choose a shoe with a harder sole.
These will keep their form and shape over time and won’t wear down as quickly. A softer sole, while sometimes more comfortable, will wear down faster
If you want a softer, more cushioned walking experience, choose a softer sole with a layer of air or gel inserts.
These will help absorb the shock of your shoe hitting the ground and transfer less energy into your legs and spine.
Both of these can affect the overall comfort of your shoe.
In addition to the general design, some shoes may have special orthopedic inserts and additional cushioning to give you a more luxurious walking experience.
A final thing to consider about your soles is what environment they’re made for. Some shoes are slip-resistant or have improved traction on sand and gravel.
You need to consider what type of surface you’ll be walking on the most.
For example, if you live in a city with oil spills, standing water, and stairs, you may want to consider a slip-resistant shoe.
Lace-Up or Slip-On?
While this isn’t a dealbreaker, some people hate tying their shoes, and others have back pain when bending over.
Luckily, there are options. While most shoes are lace-up, slip-on shoes have grown in popularity over the past few years.
They look stylish, are easy to take on and off, and don’t require you to fiddle with your shoestrings.
Size
You must get the correct shoe size, especially when shopping online. Visit a shoe store and have your foot sized by length and width.
This will tell you the exact dimensions of your foot and what size shoe you need.
As a general rule of thumb, you want your shoe to fit snugly around the sides, with a thumb-width of space between your big toe and the tip.
This extra bit of space will prevent blistering and over-compression.
Where You Should Buy Your Walking Shoes From
Traditionally, people have gone into a physical shoe store to buy them. While this is sometimes an excellent way to try what you like before buying it, it’s still inconvenient.
You have to get in your car, drive into town, and sort through all the boxes to find out which shoes are in each box.
Your favorite shoe may not even be available in size, meaning you wasted the entire trip.
In addition, a pushy salesman will most likely be standing over your shoulder, trying to recommend the most expensive shoes in the store to you so he can make a commission.
Shoes in physical stores are also way more expensive than they should be. Shop owners must be able to afford their overhead rent and employee pay, so they must pay an additional charge.
One of the best ways for you to do your shopping is to buy online! Specifically from Amazon.
They have a vast selection and carry almost every primary brand name you want.
Your size shoe will almost always be in stock, and you can read all of the great customer reviews about the product before you buy it instead of taking a salesman’s word for it.
The best part about purchasing your shoes from Amazon is that they’ll be far cheaper than your traditional shoe store.
They have close relationships with the manufacturers and can ship your new pair of shoes directly to your door in just a few short days.
With Amazon, you don’t have to worry about paying too much for your shoe or being scammed with counterfeit shoes (which is possible with other online sites).
You can do all your shopping from the comfort of your home. If you don’t like how the shoe fits, you can return it free of charge and request another.
Is it OK to Wear Running Shoes for Walking?
Indeed, it is perfectly acceptable to wear running shoes for walking. Running shoes are constructed with specific features to withstand high-impact activity, making them remarkably resilient and suitable for daily walking.
They offer excellent cushioning, flexibility, and support, which are also integral for a comfortable and beneficial walking experience.
Therefore, if you ask, “Is it OK to wear running shoes for walking?” rest assured, knowing that not only is it alright, but it could improve your walking experience due to the design and structural benefits these shoes provide.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the best walking shoes for men amalgamate several crucial features to provide maximum comfort and durability. They are designed for long-term wear, ensuring the boots retain quality even after extensive usage.
Their responsive cushioning is a pivotal attribute that provides necessary support during walks, reducing foot stress. Another critical feature of these shoes is the incorporation of a breathable mesh upper.
This provides excellent ventilation, creates a comfortable foot environment, and prevents overheating.
Moreover, these walking shoes are equipped with shock absorption technology, assuring smooth transitions and reducing impact on the joints.
For those who prefer outdoor walks, the shoes have supportive footbeds and superior traction, ensuring stability on varied terrains. Lastly, a flexible, lightweight sole is integrated into the design of these shoes, facilitating easy movement and adding to their overall appeal.
Therefore, considering all these attributes, it can be said that the best walking shoes for men provide an excellent blend of comfort, durability, support, and flexibility.
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