The best walking shoe for you depends on how you walk and how long you're on your feet. A man who walks five miles a day needs something different from a man who stands on concrete for a 10-hour shift or one with flat feet. So this guide gives you 10 picks by job: best overall, max cushion, flat feet, wide feet, standing all day and budget.
How we picked: every shoe here is a men's model sold on Amazon.com. We checked each listing's materials, cushioning and support features, plus its star rating and number of ratings, on November 6, 2026. We also looked at which shoes independent testers recommend most for walking. We haven't worn these 10 shoes ourselves, so you won't find made-up walking diaries below. If you'd rather walk in a boot, we've added four walking-friendly boots our author Ethan Walker has worn himself, further down. You'll get what each shoe does well, where it falls short, and who should pick something else.
Quick Picks: Best Walking Shoes for Men
| Pick | Shoe | Support | Amazon rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Brooks Ghost Max 3 | Neutral, max cushion | 4.5 (2,730) |
| Best max cushion | HOKA Bondi 9 | Neutral, max cushion | 4.5 (3,635) |
| Best lightweight cushion | HOKA Clifton 10 | Neutral | 4.6 (2,757) |
| Best for flat feet | ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 | Stability | 4.5 (353) |
| Best for wide feet | New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 | Neutral | 4.4 (919) |
| Best classic walking shoe | Brooks Addiction Walker 2 | Stability, leather | 4.3 (4,318) |
| Best for standing all day | New Balance 928 v3 | Motion control, leather | 4.5 (5,320) |
| Best value cushioned | Saucony Ride 18 | Neutral | 4.4 (677) |
| Best budget arch support | Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit | Arch support insole | 4.5 (12,003) |
| Best budget | Skechers Go Walk Max | Neutral, slip-on | 4.5 (49,559) |
Ratings from Amazon, checked November 6, 2026. They change over time, so check the listing for the current score and price in your size.
The 10 Best Walking Shoes for Men
1. Brooks Ghost Max 3: Best Overall
Neutral | DNA Loft v3 cushioning | Engineered mesh upper | 4.5 stars, 2,700+ ratings | about $150 to $160
The Ghost Max is Brooks' most cushioned everyday shoe, and it's a favorite of testers for walking. The thick DNA Loft v3 foam softens every step, the wide base feels stable, and the rocker shape helps you roll smoothly from heel to toe. That rolling feel matters more for walkers than runners, because walkers land on the heel on every step.
Buy it if you want one soft, stable shoe for daily walks, errands and long days on your feet.
Skip it if you want a light, flexible shoe that feels close to the ground. It's a tall, thick shoe. If you prefer a slightly firmer, lower shoe, look at the classic Brooks Ghost 17.
Check the Brooks Ghost Max 3 price on Amazon
2. HOKA Bondi 9: Best Max Cushion
No products found.Neutral | Max cushion | Engineered mesh upper | 4.5 stars, 3,600+ ratings | about $165 to $175
The Bondi is HOKA's most cushioned road shoe, and it's the shoe many nurses, retail workers and long-distance walkers swear by. The tall foam stack and rocker sole take a lot of the pounding out of hard pavement and concrete floors.
Buy it if you have sore feet, knees or hips after walking and want the most cushioning you can get.
Skip it if you want a light or low-profile shoe. The Bondi is bulky and heavier than most picks here. HOKA also sells a slip-resistant Bondi SR for work. See our best HOKA work shoes.
Check the HOKA Bondi 9 price on Amazon
3. HOKA Clifton 10: Best Lightweight Cushion
Neutral | Lightweight foam | Jacquard knit upper | 4.6 stars, 2,700+ ratings | about $150
The Clifton gives you HOKA's soft, rolling ride in a lighter package than the Bondi. It's one of the best-rated shoes on this list, and testers often pick it for wide feet and bunions because the knit upper is soft and forgiving.
Buy it if you want plenty of cushion without a heavy shoe, for fast walks, travel and everyday wear.
Skip it if your feet roll inward a lot. It's a neutral shoe, so flat-footed walkers may want a stability shoe like the Gel-Kayano below.
Check the HOKA Clifton 10 price on Amazon
4. ASICS Gel-Kayano 33: Best for Flat Feet
Stability | FF Blast Max and FF Blast Plus foam | PureGEL heel | OrthoLite sockliner | 4.5 stars, 350+ ratings | about $165 to $185
If your arches collapse or your feet roll inward (overpronation), a stability shoe helps keep your ankles and knees lined up. The Kayano is one of the best-known stability shoes there is. ASICS' FluidSupport system guides your foot without the hard, blocky feel of older stability shoes, and the PureGEL heel adds soft landings.
Buy it if you have flat feet, overpronate or get tired arches on long walks.
Skip it if you have high arches or a neutral stride. Stability features can feel unnecessary. This version also has fewer Amazon ratings so far than older Kayanos. More options in our best work boots for flat feet.
Check the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 price on Amazon
5. New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15: Best for Wide Feet
Neutral | Fresh Foam X midsole | Structured upper | Wide and extra-wide widths | 4.4 stars, 900+ ratings | about $100 to $150
New Balance is the go-to brand if standard shoes squeeze your feet. The 880 comes in true wide widths, so you don't have to size up and end up with a loose heel. The Fresh Foam X midsole gives a balanced, cushioned ride that works for walking and light jogging.
It's also one of the best values here, often selling well under its list price.
Buy it if you need a wide or extra-wide shoe that still feels modern and cushioned.
Skip it if you want maximum softness. The 880 is cushioned but more balanced than plush. Not sure what width you need? See our width chart: D vs EE vs EEEE.
Check the New Balance 880 v15 price on Amazon
6. Brooks Addiction Walker 2: Best Classic Walking Shoe
Stability | Full-grain leather upper | BioMoGo DNA cushioning | Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar | 4.3 stars, 4,300+ ratings | about $140
This is a true walking shoe, not a running shoe. The full-grain leather upper is durable and easy to wipe clean, and the Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar helps control inward rolling. Brooks built it for long days on your feet, and it's a common pick for nurses, security staff and older walkers.
Buy it if you want a supportive, durable leather walking shoe that looks tidy at work.
Skip it if you want a light, breathable shoe. Leather is heavier and warmer than mesh, and the ride is firmer than the HOKAs.
Check the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 price on Amazon
7. New Balance 928 v3: Best for Standing All Day
Motion control | ROLLBAR stability post | ABZORB cushioning | Leather upper | 4.5 stars, 5,300+ ratings | about $160
The 928 is New Balance's classic motion-control walking shoe. The ROLLBAR post reinforces both sides of the midsole to stop your heel from wobbling, and ABZORB cushioning softens the heel and forefoot. It has more ratings than almost any premium walking shoe on Amazon.
It's a favorite for people who stand on hard floors all day and need firm support, not a soft, squishy ride.
Buy it if you stand for long shifts, overpronate badly or want maximum stability.
Skip it if you want a sleek, lightweight shoe. The 928 is heavy and looks old-school. For more options, see our best work boots for standing on concrete.
Check the New Balance 928 v3 price on Amazon
8. Saucony Ride 18: Best Value Cushioned Shoe
Neutral | Responsive foam midsole | Engineered mesh upper | 4.4 stars, 670+ ratings | price varies a lot by size and color
The Ride is a versatile neutral shoe for walking, running and the gym. It's not as plush as the Ghost Max or Bondi, but it's lighter, breathable and well balanced. Its biggest strength is value: depending on your size and color, it often sells for far less than list price.
Buy it if you want one comfortable shoe for walks, workouts and everyday wear, and you like a deal.
Skip it if you need extra arch support or maximum cushion. Prices also vary a lot by size, so check yours before you decide.
Check the Saucony Ride 18 price on Amazon
9. Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit: Best Budget Arch Support
Arch Fit insole | ULTRA GO cushioning | Mesh upper | 4.5 stars, 12,000+ ratings | about $60 to $70
Skechers' Arch Fit insole is podiatrist-certified, and Skechers says it was shaped using 120,000 foot scans. In plain terms, you get real arch support without paying for a premium running shoe. The ULTRA GO foam is light and springy, and the mesh upper is easy to slip on.
Buy it if you want arch support on a budget for walks, travel and standing at work.
Skip it if you need serious stability for flat feet or want a shoe that lasts many hundreds of miles. Curious what experts think? See what podiatrists say about Skechers.
Check the Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit price on Amazon
10. Skechers Go Walk Max: Best Budget
Neutral slip-on | 5GEN cushioning | Goga Mat insole | 4.5 stars, nearly 50,000 ratings | about $45 to $55
With nearly 50,000 ratings, the Go Walk Max is one of the most popular walking shoes on Amazon. It's a light, soft slip-on with a cushioned Goga Mat insole, and it costs about a third of the premium picks.
It's great for casual walks, travel, errands and around the house.
Buy it if you want an easy, comfortable, cheap walking shoe.
Skip it if you need arch support, stability or a shoe for long daily mileage. The soft foam wears down faster than premium shoes, and there are no laces to lock in your heel.
Check the Skechers Go Walk Max price on Amazon
Prefer Boots? Walking-Friendly Boots Ethan Has Worn
None of the 10 shoes above have been worn by our team. But if your walking happens at work, on rough ground or in winter, a comfortable boot may suit you better than a sneaker. Our author Ethan Walker has worn these four himself, and they're the most walking-friendly boots he's tried.
Wolverine Overpass: Sneaker Feel in a Safety Boot
Ethan's notes: My first pair lasted two years of job site work and DIY, and I liked them enough to buy a second pair. They feel more like sneakers than boots, the size 11 fits me well, and they handle wet conditions. Read the full Wolverine Overpass review or check the price on Amazon.
Thorogood American Heritage 6" Moc Toe: Long Hours on Hard Floors
Ethan's notes: I've worn these in real-world conditions. The break-in was comfortable, the footbed is supportive, and they're a strong choice if you spend long hours on your feet. Read the full Thorogood review or check the price on Amazon.
Irish Setter Ashby 83605: Comfortable Moc Toe for Daily Work
Ethan's notes: I've worn the Ashby daily in demanding work. The moc toe is comfortable, the fit is supportive, and it handles long days on hard surfaces. Read the full Irish Setter Ashby review or check the price on Amazon.
Columbia Bugaboot III: Winter Walks and Snow
Ethan's notes: I wore these daily for a whole winter, for walks, shoveling and hikes. They were comfortable and supportive out of the box, warm, and kept my feet dry, with good grip on ice and packed snow. They run small, so I'd get the next size up. Read the full Columbia Bugaboot III review or check the price on Amazon.
Comparison Table
| Shoe | Support | Cushioning | Upper | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Ghost Max 3 | Neutral | Max | Mesh | $$$ |
| HOKA Bondi 9 | Neutral | Max | Mesh | $$$ |
| HOKA Clifton 10 | Neutral | High | Knit | $$$ |
| ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 | Stability | High | Mesh | $$$ |
| New Balance 880 v15 | Neutral | Medium-high | Mesh | $$ |
| Brooks Addiction Walker 2 | Stability | Medium | Leather | $$ |
| New Balance 928 v3 | Motion control | Medium | Leather | $$$ |
| Saucony Ride 18 | Neutral | Medium-high | Mesh | $-$$$ |
| Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit | Arch support insole | Medium | Mesh | $ |
| Skechers Go Walk Max | Neutral | Soft | Mesh slip-on | $ |
$ = under $80, $$ = $80 to $145, $$$ = over $145. Prices vary by size and color.
How to Choose Men's Walking Shoes
Walking shoes vs running shoes
Most modern running shoes make great walking shoes. Walkers land on the heel on every step, so look for good heel cushioning and a rocker shape that helps you roll forward. Dedicated walking shoes like the Brooks Addiction Walker and New Balance 928 add leather uppers and firmer support, which suit work and long standing.
Neutral or stability?
Look at the bottom of an old pair. If the inside edge is worn much more than the outside, your feet probably roll inward, and a stability shoe like the ASICS Gel-Kayano or Brooks Addiction Walker can help. If the wear is even, a neutral shoe like the Ghost Max, Bondi or Clifton is fine.
How much cushioning?
More cushion feels softer on concrete and long walks, but it adds height and bulk. Max-cushion shoes like the Bondi and Ghost Max suit sore feet and long days. Lighter shoes like the Clifton and Ride feel quicker and more flexible.
Get the right width
Shoes that squeeze your toes cause blisters and foot pain. If you have wide feet, buy a true wide (2E) or extra-wide (4E) width instead of sizing up. New Balance, Brooks and HOKA all sell wide versions of many models.
Standing all day and walking on concrete
Concrete doesn't give, so your shoes have to. Choose a well-cushioned shoe with a firm heel counter, and replace it before the foam goes flat. For work, check whether you need slip resistance or a safety toe. Our best shoes for nurses and composite toe sneakers guides cover work-specific options.
Fit tips
- Shop in the afternoon, when your feet are at their largest.
- Leave about a thumb's width of space in front of your longest toe.
- Your heel shouldn't slip when you walk.
- Wear the socks you'll walk in.
- If you use custom orthotics, choose a shoe with a removable insole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best walking shoes for men?
For most men, the Brooks Ghost Max 3 is the best all-round walking shoe. It's soft, stable and comfortable for long days. For flat feet, choose the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33. For wide feet, choose the New Balance 880 v15. On a budget, the Skechers Go Walk Max is hard to beat.
Are running shoes good for walking?
Yes. Most cushioned running shoes work very well for walking. Look for good heel cushioning and a smooth heel-to-toe roll.
How often should you replace walking shoes?
A common guideline is every 300 to 500 miles, or sooner if the foam feels flat, the tread is worn smooth or your feet start to ache. If you walk daily, that's often every six to twelve months.
Do you need arch support in walking shoes?
If you have flat feet, overpronate or get tired arches, yes. A stability shoe or an arch-support insole like the Skechers Arch Fit can help. If your arches are normal and your feet don't hurt, a neutral shoe is fine.
What are the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis?
Look for firm heel support, good arch support and thick heel cushioning. The HOKA Bondi 9, Brooks Ghost Max 3 and ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 are good places to start. See a podiatrist if heel pain lasts more than a few weeks. Our work boots for plantar fasciitis guide covers the same features in boots.
Are Skechers good walking shoes?
For casual walking and short distances, yes. They're light, comfortable and cheap. For long daily mileage, flat feet or standing on concrete all day, a supportive shoe from Brooks, HOKA, ASICS or New Balance usually lasts longer and supports better.
What's the difference between 2E and 4E shoes?
2E is wide and 4E is extra wide for men. Standard men's width is D. See our width chart for the full breakdown.
The Bottom Line
- Best overall: Brooks Ghost Max 3
- Most cushioned: HOKA Bondi 9
- Flat feet: ASICS Gel-Kayano 33
- Wide feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15
- Standing all day: New Balance 928 v3
- Budget: Skechers Go Walk Max
Shopping for someone else? See our best walking shoes for women. For more cushioning on long walks, add a good insole. See our best insoles for long walks.
