If you are into walking, hiking, or trail running, you should strongly consider investing in a good pair of walking shoes. We did some extensive research to find the best walking shoes for men and women. Read our top picks below.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Skechers Performance Men's Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe | Best Overall |  |
| Brooks Women's Addiction Walker Walking Shoes | Budget Pick |  |
| Carhartt Men's CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Skechers Performance Men's Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe
Pros:
- These automatic lacing slip-ons offer ease of putting them on. You can put them on, take them off and adjust the fit with just one hand!
- The attractive and classic look will make you feel like you are going out for a casual stroll instead of a full-day workout.
- Does not cause any type of blister or rubbing despite the lightweight design.
- Built with a memory foam foot bed that provides for maximum comfort.
- A special arch support design.
- The heel section is fitted with a cushioned injection molded EVA that makes it great to walk long distances without developing any foot problems.
- The lightweight material with a breathable mesh fabric makes it comfortable for you to wear and take them off.
Cons:
- It is not perfect for hiking and sprinting because the laces of these shoes are not very durable.
- It’s not the best buy for people with a low budget.
The shoe is a stylish and comfortable choice that will make you feel more like a leisure stroller than a serious fitness enthusiast.
It is designed for walkers who want to walk miles in a comfortable pair of shoes.
The airy mesh fabric and the breathable interior of the shoe prevents your foot from overheating.
2. Salomon Men's Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe
The Salomon Men’s Speedcross 3 is one of the best trail shoes you can find on the market right now. Your foot is locked into a comfortable, snug fit due to an injected EVA footframe.
The outsole is sturdy and the rubber compound that covers it is aggressive and sticky. This makes the Salomon Quickcross 3 a great walking shoe for men, as it can handle lots of use and abuse.
This extremely capable shoe comes at a reasonable price. It is also available for women which is a great idea. You can get either the lightweight or rugged version of the shoe. The lightweight version weighs 10.7 oz which puts it towards the light end of the scale according to our standards.
3. Dr. Comfort Carter Mens Casual Shoe
Pros:
- Comes in multiple sizes and widths
- Air-cushioned sole for lots of padding when you walk
- Top-grain leather upper
- Slip-resistant good for long walks
The all-day walking shoe that is perfect for an active person who is on their feet all day long on a daily basis. This shoe is not just great for everyday use, but it is also good for walking.
It is lightweight and equipped with features that will give you a comfortable stride through long and sunny days. Maintain a cushioned step throughout the day. This shoe has a non-marking sole so you can go outdoors with you.
The thick padded collar will provide you with the support you need so your feet rest cozy when you wear them. These shoes are even ideal for standing for a long time. They are available in plenty of sizes, but you can get the ones that fit you and your feet perfectly.
4. Carhartt Men's CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot
Pros:
- Waterproof, which is something you absolutely need with new boots
- Extended work boot
- Composite safety toe makes it the perfect choice for heavy duty work on the farm
- Overall solid construction
Cons:
- A bit stiff
- Size is not true to pictures, you may have to go a size up
When it comes to a comfortable boot you should not take anything less than a work boot. These boots by Carhartt offer a rugged and lightweight design that keeps you safe but still lets you feel the ground under you.
The construction of these boots makes them ideal for tough jobs, like a farm work or a construction site.
This sturdy boot is made with a waterproof full grain leather upper, a waterproof, breathable membrane lining, a non-metallic composite safety toe shield, and an inside cushion of EVA that helps absorb shock for greater comfort.
5. Brooks Women's Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
Pros:
- Soft toe box
- Comfortable footbed
- Nice color combinations
Cons:
- “The width & fit can be deceiving”
- “Only for those who have weak ankles”
- “Brooks, please make this in narrower widths!”
This shoe is pretty comfortable and the style is classic. It is also very reasonably priced for a walking shoe (as many walking shoes are).
It is marketed as a comfort shoe and that’s exactly what it is. It is awesome to be wearing a pair of shoes that looks like a dress shoe and still have comfort and style.
6. Reebok Men's Cloudride DMX 3.0 Walking Shoe
Pros:
- Many customers find them amazingly comfortable
- The flex grooves provide necessary air flow to sweaty feet
- The Cloudride has many color options
Cons:
- The memory foam padding may not be sufficient for more serious weight-bearing usage
- The sizing (D width) may not fit everyone' s feet
- A few customers report that it only lasts about 4 months before the top layers start peeling off
If you plan to walk your way around the entire world, you can’t go wrong with the Reebok Cloudride DMX 3.0. Sporting a light weight and built-in arch support, these men’s walking shoes can carry you all around the globe.
The Cloudride is made up of a specially designed mid-sole, which is one of the secret weapons of this shoe. The mid-sole is made with IGS (impact Guidance System) in mind, which gives your feet the best cushioning in every step.
The specially designed four flex groove sole helps the shoes strike a balance between giving you all the support you need and keeping your feet cool and ventilated. The herringbone traction pattern provides you with better traction on a lot of different surfaces.
7. adidas outdoor Men's Terrex AX2R
Pros:
- Lighweight
- Great for any kind of terrain
- Made for rough use
Cons:
- material wears out quickly
- not very comfortable for beginners or first-time hikers
Adidas soccer has come a long way since its days of slippers and shorts, and its boots are now rated among the best on the market.
If you are looking for a high-performance hiking boot at a mid-tiered price, the Adidas Terrex AX2R Mid GTX Hiking Boot is a great choice. The mid-cut design makes it ideal for uneven terrains, as the extra ankle support gives you more stability.
But remember, while this boot might give you the confidence to tackle the most technical hills and mountains, always avoid testing your limits. Use your common sense and stick to the safe routes!
8. PUMA Men's Drift Cat 5 Ultra Walking Shoe
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable
- Available in many colors
- Available in small, medium, and large sizes
So what are the best long-distance walking shoes?
When you want a comfortable fit shoe for long-term wear, look no further than the Puma Drift Cat 5 Ultra Walking Shoe.
Due to the over-pronation, the Tru Ride laterally supports your foot to increase your stability and reduce stress on your feet.
9. Merrell Men's Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoe
Pros:
- Breathable, waterproof design that repels water, snow, and debris
- Good arch support
- Comfortable for arthritic feet
- Durable for long-distance hikes
- Extremely lightweight, weighing just 9.4 oz
- An affordable option for a quality shoe
Cons:
- Subject to wear and tear if not treated well
- Not ideal for heavy duty hikes; the material is frail and tears easily
This pair of men’s hiking shoes from Merrell is a good option for someone who is looking to go on an outdoors adventure or go for a long walk. These shoes are made from a mesh fabric that will make your feet breathe well and reduce perspiration. The added mesh pods in the design ensure that you do not experience hot-spots. The shoes are also waterproof, making them perfect for wet weather hiking.
These shoes also have a lightweight design which will not cause you to break your back while you are carrying them. They feature a sturdy build and a narrow, compact fit. They are also very light, weighing just 9.4 oz, making them an ideal option for professional hikers and adventure seekers.
10. Asics Men's GEL-Tech Walker Neo 4 Walking Shoe
Pros:
- Its non-marking outsole delivers impressive stability and maneuverability
- Its breathable air mesh upper offers superior comfort
- The rearfoot CMEVA wedge system delivers enhanced heel support
- Its heel cup is constructed with leber and EVA and a shock-absorbing gel
Cons:
- Its outsole is made out of synthetic material
- Its heel has more cushioning than the rest of the foot
- Its arch has less cushioning than the rest of the foot
For a walking shoe, the Asics Men's Gel-Tech Walker Neo 4 is pretty amazing. It offers the right amount of cushion, support and traction which is ideal for the seasoned walker.
This shoe's midsole provides an energized ride from heel to toe, allowing the foot to breathe without getting overheated. In addition, it comes with a slip-resistant sole that improves the overall traction of this walking shoe.
It's no surprise that the Asics Men's Gel-Tech Walker Neo 4 Walking Shoe has such a loyal fan base. It's also no surprise that this shoe is constructed with Asics' legendary technology, which has been known to embrace a range of high-quality features.
11. Ahnu Womens Sugarpine II WP Boot
Pros:
- Lots of color options
- Waterproof (can be used in wet conditions)
- Durable
- Plenty of toe room so it’s comfortable to walk in
- Wide toe box for comfort
- Comfortable insoles
- Lightweight
- Great stability
- Vibram outsole
- Good traction
This is a unique shoe that is capable of being used for a variety of hiking needs.
12. KEEN Men's Saltzman Wp-m Hiking Shoe
Pros:
- Waterproof materials
- Breathable materials
- Ventilation, durability, and traction
- Excellent price – value
- Quality shoemaker
Cons:
- If you need orthopedic arch support it may not be right for you
- Pronation support might be a bit weak
The Keen Men’s Saltzman WP-M is a lightweight and breathable hiking shoe that is great for casual to mid level hikers. It has traction and mid-size lugs that will keep your steps firm on all terrains and lots of cushioning to take away the strain of walking.
These Keen hiking shoes use a breathable waterproof membrane, so you will never have to worry about your feet getting wet again when walking in bad weather. The interior uses a padded mesh that is flexible and comfortable while offering breathability and support.
These shoes have a leather upper which is durable while also having a glove-like fit. All the while being flexible so you can move with ease.
13. Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion 2 Mens Tennis Shoe
Pros:
- An updated version of the Eclipsion hybrid
- Great for every day use and on-court performance
- High quality leather uppers
- Super lightweight at only 7.6 oz.
- Composite outsole for lightweight flexibility
- Excellent ventilation for comfort and long hours of wear
- The inner sleeve gives great support
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons:
- Seem to run a tad small
- Double-stitched overlays are somewhat noisy
Yonex has updated the popular Eclipsion shoe with the newest Eclipsion 2 model. This shoe features a new high-density 3-piece PU Strobel board that offers an extremely lightweight construction.
The new lightweight construction is the secret behind its super-lightweight design. While the upper has been updated with new synthetic leather for better elasticity around the ankle. The upper also features a double-stitched overlay construction to offer a superior level of durability and stability.
The midsole is made of a flexible TPR material that combines with a Power Pad under the heel to create the ultimate cushioning system for explosive steps, while the TPU sheets around the sides create a supportive yet flexible fit that molds to your foot.
14. New Balance Men's Cruz V2 Fresh Foam Running Shoe
Pros:
- Vibram Design gives you better grip than most
- This shoe has a patented Revlite midsole
- Works great for compressible surfaces like trail running or pavement
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Has structured support for mild overpronation
- Has a reinforced midfoot saddle
Cons:
- Lacks a lot of support for high arch feet
- The colors and design of the shoe are not always for everyone
What makes this shoe the top pick in our list of long-distance walking shoes for men is the proprietary Vibram/Wet Grip combination, which makes it grip rock slides, mud, and other foreign trail conditions like no other.
The shoe also has a Softride heel, an air flow upper, and a structured midsole that offer excellent overall comfort and ventilation on long walks.
Another top notch feature is the engineered mesh collar, which offers a comfortable fit on your ankle without adding any noticeable weight to your feet, and it provides great air flow as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What shoes are best for long distance walking?
If you’re going to be walking any significant distance, I recommend going with a shoe that is designed to give support and stability. This is particularly important if you are going to walk for more than an hour at a time.
If you’re a walker you already know this. What you might not realize is that the list of walking shoes is surprisingly long. In fact, there’s a lot I don’t include.
What should I wear for long distance walking?
Walking is a great way to get exercise and stay fit. The most important thing is that you choose shoes and clothing that are suitable for your walking environment. You don’t want to be wearing sneakers to hike in slippery mud or on rocks, but walking shoes or even regular sneakers are the best choice for walking outdoors.
Ideally, choose a walking shoe with a sturdy heel, support, and arch support. This will be good for walking on any type of ground. If you walk indoors often, a good option for you may be a sneaker made specifically for walking. If you tend to keep the same pair of walking shoes and shoes for other activities separate, it’s a good idea to have at least a couple of pairs of walking shoes.
Are vans good for walking long distances?
Until recently, the only primary purpose for a pair of Vans was skateboarding. Thanks to Vans Pro Skate and Vans Pro skate park series, though, we now have more reputable models to choose from that are decent walking shoes. The Vans Pro Skate check all the boxes for long-distance walking.
Vans Pro (and Canvas) Series Pros:
Vans Pro Series look like a clean pair of black Converse. I’ve owned them since 2010 (this was before Vans was popular) and I have to say that they look great when paired with a pair of slim jeans.
They have a decent arch support in comparison to other Vans models.
They also have a nice memory foam insole, which makes them more comfortable for long walks.
They are not heavy.
They have a gum rubber sole which offers good protection while walking.
Which brand has the best walking shoes?
For me, the shoe is among the most important pieces of gear for long-distance walking. It’s not just something to help you get from point A to point B. It’s actually the primary tool you use to do the walking.
When you choose your long-distance walking shoe, you will hear the term “springy” a lot. I think this is a pretty good description. A good shoe absorbs some of the impact of walking, much like a good running shoe. It should also allow your foot to flex naturally, not squash it.
I’ve walked a lot more than most people but a lot less than 100-Mile Walker James Lind, so I’ll caution that anything I say is just my opinion. My suggestions are drawn from the shoes I have boughtI own and worn.
Conclusion
We targeted comfort, weight, and durability as our main deciding factors. We looked at physical and biometric information from customers about their satisfaction with long-distance walking shoes used by competitors on the market. We ended up choosing 13 of the best, with a brief analysis of the highlights of each.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Skechers Performance Men's Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe | Best Overall | |
| Brooks Women's Addiction Walker Walking Shoes | Budget Pick | |
| Carhartt Men's CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot | Upgrade Pick | |