Health

All the Best Walking Shoes You Can Buy on Amazon

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Need comfy, supportive sneakers (or sandals, or clogs) ASAP? Great news: You can find some of the best walking shoes on Amazon, the bar-setter for convenient online shopping. The retailer stocks tons of podiatrist-recommended, editor-approved, and SELF Sneaker Award–winning pairs from legit sellers—and they’re usually available at a major discount during big sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday. While Amazon can handle getting the shoes to you in a timely manner, we can help you find the right ones for all your plans and needs.

Our top picks

  1. Best Overall: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
  2. Best Budget: Ryka Devotion X
  3. Best for Wide Feet: Ryka Devotion X Max
  4. Best for Flat Feet: New Balance 1540v3
  5. Best for High Arches: Vionic Walk Strider Sneaker
  6. Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
  7. Best for Standing All Day: Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0
  8. Best for Work: Cole Haan GrandPro Topspin Triple Strap
  9. Best White Sneaker: Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker
  10. Best Hiking Shoe: Merrell Moab Speed 2
  11. Best Sandal: Chaco Z/1 Classic
  12. Best Clog: Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs
  13. Best Insole: Fulton The Athletic Insole

What to look for in a good pair of walking shoes

Keeping these features in mind while you shop can help you pick a pair that still feels comfy after a long day spent logging steps.

Your shoes need to fit the length and width of your feet. As SELF has reported previously, there should be about a thumbnail’s length of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. Its toe box should be wide enough to let your toes spread and wiggle (and if you have wide feet, avoid shoes that come to a point, since they’ll likely feel too narrow).

For more: SELF’s sneaker buying guide has tons of tips on getting the right fit.

Any shoe’s built-in arch support should match the shape of your foot. In the past, podiatrists have told SELF that if it feels like your arches are collapsing, the shoe’s arch is too low. If you notice pressure or pain in your midfoot, the shoe’s arch is probably too high. Ideally, it’ll feel like the shoe is cradling your foot.

Look for shoes made with breathable materials like mesh, especially if your feet tend to sweat a lot or you’re going to be out and about for a while. Mesh also adds some welcome stretch to the shoe’s upper, which can help it fit better and feel more comfortable. Waterproof and water-resistant materials like leather and Gore-Tex can keep your feet safe from the elements (they’re especially useful in hiking boots). Beyond the shoe’s upper, it should also have a rubber outsole that’s textured, grippy, and stable.

When you shop on Amazon, snapping up some new walking shoes is as easy as re-upping your toilet paper subscription. Read up on our favorites below, which have been road-tested and vetted by experts—then add your next go-to pair to cart (and repeat).

Best Overall: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Pros

  • Four width options
  • Very supportive
  • Designed for overpronation
  • APMA accepted

Cons

  • Some Brooks reviewers noticed early signs of wear and tear

We’ve recommended Brooks’s Adrenaline 23 GTS so many (many, many) times. It’s a supportive sneaker for people who have flat feet or deal with overpronation (meaning your feet roll inward when you walk); it’s available in four widths; it has a shock-absorbing ride; and it earned a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which is awarded to shoes that are genuinely good for your feet.

SELF’s director of fitness and food calls this pick her “workhorse” shoe: “I love its light, moderate cushioning that’s comfy without being too much,” she says, noting that the Adrenaline GTS 23 helped her increase her mileage on everyday runs. “They’re also great for any time you’re going to be walking around a lot,” she adds. “They give your feet the support and ‘guidance’ you need.”

Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide

Best Budget: Ryka Devotion X

Pros

  • Under $115
  • APMA accepted
  • Lightweight
  • Flexible yet supportive

Cons

  • A little low on cushioning

“This is the rare walking shoe that hugs and supports my narrow, nearly-completely-flat feet,” SELF’s senior commerce writer says. “The midsole feels really springy and flexible, while the arch support is solid and sturdy.” Ryka designed the Devotion X specifically for walking workouts, so it has extra padding under the heel and forefoot to absorb the impact of your steps. We should note that it’s not a max cushioning shoe, though—our writer says it feels nimble and light on her foot, rather than plush and chunky.

Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide

Best for Wide Feet: Ryka Devotion X Max

Pros

  • Roomy fit
  • Thick, well-cushioned midsole
  • APMA accepted

Cons

  • Large logo

If max cushioning is a priority for you, consider Ryka’s Devotion X Max instead. It has tons of cloudlike padding that still feels lightweight and a spacious interior that should fit a range of feet.

“These are by far the softest, most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn—it’s like walking on air,” SELF’s senior commerce editor says. “Plus, I have wide feet, and the medium width fits me perfectly, with plenty of room in the toe box. Nice and roomy!” In her review of the Devotion X Max, she noted that it kept her feet cool on long summer walks and still looked great after months of wear.

Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide

Best for Flat Feet: New Balance 1540v3

New Balance

1540 V3 Running Shoe

Pros

  • Five width options
  • Padded interior
  • APMA accepted

Cons

  • On the pricey side

Designed to prevent your feet from rolling in, this structured New Balance walking sneaker is great for people with flat feet (as well as fans of dad shoes). The rearfoot features a molded plate that holds your heel in place, so your foot stays properly aligned while you walk. The shoe is also about as cushy as it is supportive: The midsole has a layer of lighter-weight ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and the shoe’s opening and tongue are lined with soft padding, so you feel comfy from the moment you slip it on.

Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide, and XX-wide

Best for High Arches: Vionic Walk Strider Sneaker

Vionic

Walk Strider Sneaker

Pros

  • Designed to correct overpronation
  • APMA accepted

Cons

  • Break-in period can take up to two weeks, per the brand

“Even though I have high arches, I shy away from shoes that tout their ‘arch support’ because, more often than not, the insole’s crest hits at an uncomfortable part of my foot,” says SELF’s commerce director. “The Vionic Walk Strider’s instep, however, is just right.” She explains that the shoe holds her foot in a neutral position and prevents overpronation, but it’s not so structured that it feels uncomfortably stiff—it’s actually pretty flexible.

Bonus points? The insole is perforated and lined with mesh to encourage airflow (while limiting sweat and stink—another thing our commerce director is thankful for!).

Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Medium and wide

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26

Pros

  • Thick gel and foam padding
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Cute, solid colorways

Cons

  • Runs small, according to the brand

Carla Gamez, DPM, a podiatrist at Illinois Bone and Joint Institute (IBJI), previously recommended Asics’s Gel-Nimbus line to SELF for people with plantar fasciitis. Its high level of cushioning helps absorb the impact of your steps and relieve some of the heel pain that usually comes along with the condition.

One SELF tester who deals with plantar fasciitis can attest to the Gel-Nimbus’s comfort level: “I always wear my Nimbus 26 for recovery runs and on days when my feet could use a little more cushion underneath them,” she says. “They’re super supportive and hug my high arches.”

Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Medium and wide

Best for Standing All Day: Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0

Skechers

Max Cushioning Elite 2.0

Pros

  • $100 and under
  • Machine-washable
  • Supportive

Cons

  • Feels a little heavy, according to one tester

If you’re heading to a concert or clocking in for a long shift, you need a pair of shoes that’ll keep your feet from feeling fatigued, like Skechers’s Max Cushioning Elite 2.0. It won a Sneaker Award in 2023 for its arch support, cushioning, and surprisingly stable ride (one tester was worried its high stack height would cause her ankles to roll, but they felt grounded and steady all day). Our testers wore their pairs on errands runs, leisurely walks, and while standing for hours at a time, and still felt great by the end of the day.

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium and wide

Best for Work: Cole Haan GrandPro Topspin Triple Strap

Cole Haan

GrandPro Topspin Triple Strap

Pros

  • Elevated, versatile design
  • Easy to adjust the fit

Cons

  • Velcro straps might not be for everyone

Streamlined, but with enough details to avoid looking basic (we love a slight platform), Cole Haan’s Sneaker Award–winning GrandPro Topspin Triple Strap sneaker will look right at home with the rest of your office ensembles. “They’re sleek, modern, and look great on my feet,” one tester said. “I think they’re very classy and perfect for when you want to look more polished.” They’re also ideal for days spent running around, instead of sitting at a desk—our tester wore them during dog walks and weekend hangouts without issue.

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium

Best White Sneaker: Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker

Dr Scholl’s

Time Off Sneaker

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable
  • Under $115

Cons

  • Not especially durable, according Dr. Scholl’s reviewers

SELF’s commerce director considers this her go-to white sneaker—it has a bouncy insole; feels supportive yet flexible; and, perhaps most impressively, fits great right out of the box. “They don’t rub or pinch at all, and I say this as someone who is incredibly blister-prone,” she says.

In true white sneaker fashion, the Time Off goes with pretty much everything. Its casual vibe wouldn’t look out of place at brunch, the park, or the office. “I’ve banished all my other everyday, lifestyle sneakers to the back of my closet since I’ve gotten these,” our commerce director adds.

Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Medium and wide

Best Hiking Shoe: Merrell Moab Speed 2

Pros

  • Excellent traction
  • Lightweight for hiking footwear
  • Well-cushioned

Cons

  • Not suitable for rugged, technical terrain

If you’re setting out on light-to-moderate trails, hiking shoes can be a nice alternative to heavy-duty boots or trail running shoes (which generally don’t feel as protective). Merrell’s Moab Speed 2 is our favorite by far. It’s relatively light, clocking in at under 10 ounces, but keeps your feet safe with an abrasion-resistant toe cap and heel.

We gave a special edition model of the Moab Speed 2, made in collaboration with Sweaty Betty, a Sneaker Award this year, and you can expect to find the same level of performance in the standard version on Amazon. “They were so comfortable and breathable in all environments,” our tester said. “My feet felt cushioned and supported, but the shoes were still lightweight and easy to slip on.”

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium and wide

Best Sandal: Chaco Z/1 Classic

Pros

  • APMA accepted
  • Easy to adjust the fit
  • Built to last

Cons

  • May feel too firm for some

Our senior commerce writer doesn’t always wear sandals—but when she does, she wears Chacos. “The insole has some give to help absorb the impact of my footsteps, and it’s flexible enough to bend with my foot while I walk,” she wrote in her review of the brand’s best-selling Z/1 Classic style. “The soles have plenty of traction on rain-slick pavement, and the footbeds have molded slightly to my feet. I have no plans to replace them.”

If there’s one downside to Chaco’s signature contoured footbed, it’s that it can feel a little too firm, depending on your preferences. Our writer notes that it will break in over time and gradually mold to your foot, but just know it’ll never feel pillowy soft.

Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide

Best Clog: Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs

Pros

  • Supportive
  • APMA accepted
  • Slip-resistant

Cons

  • May feel a little heavy

Not on the clog train yet? The always-classic, so-ugly-it’s-cool Dankso will be the pair that gets you on board. “I love my Dansko clogs! Been wearing them loyally since the 1980s,” Stephanie Sauer Pasternak, certified birth doula CD(DONA), certified lactation counselor (CLC), and Lamaze certified childbirth educator (LCCE), previously told SELF. “When wearing Danskos, I find my posture is better, my feet are comfortable and experience no pain, and most importantly, they don’t get tired as I’m standing for many, many, many hours at a time.”

Sizes: EU 35 to 43 | Widths: Medium and wide

Best Insole: Fulton The Athletic Insole

Fulton

The Athletic Insole

Pros

  • Shock-absorbing design
  • Compatible with most sneakers and running shoes

Cons

  • May require a break-in period

Sometimes the shoes we think are going to be Goldilocks levels of perfection don’t actually suit our feet once we try them on IRL. Luckily, Amazon also stocks some top-notch over the counter inserts that can make your footwear more comfortable and supportive. Our pick? Fulton’s SELF Fave insole. “After a couple months of wearing these insoles, I found that my feet, shins, knees, and hips no longer screamed in pain,” our tester wrote in her review. “The insoles seemed to support my flat feet with just the right amount of curve under my arches, and my ankles and heels felt secure.”

The Athletic Insole also has a deep heel cup that holds the back of your foot in place and a dense cork layer that helps the footbed mold to your foot the more you wear it.

Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide

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