We’ve researched and tested hundreds of sneakers—everything from the best shoes for relieving back pain to the best shoes for CrossFit. But we were curious: With so many pairs on the market, which sneakers reign supreme? In the Verywell Testing Lab, we set out to find shoes that not only look great, but also feel comfortable all day long.After all, buying the best sneakers requires investing in ones with the right cushioning and support for your feet. After consulting experts and creating a list of our favorite sneakers across dozens of categories, we tested 24 expert-approved pairs from top brands. We walked and ran on the treadmill or completed a short circuit workout to see how the shoes felt. We even took a bandsaw and sliced each shoe in half so that we could compare their internal structures side by side. Then, we compared the sneakers' key features and evaluated them based on fit, cushioning, comfort, responsiveness, stability, blister protection, and value to create our final list of recommendations. We also had a walking coach and RRCA-certified running coach from our Review Board assess this article for accuracy and how to shop for sneakers based on your arch type. A sneaker’s drop—also called pitch—is the height difference between the forefoot and heel, says podiatrist Saylee Tulpule, DPM. The sneakers on our list have drops ranging from four to 12 millimeters. Studies have found that running in sneakers with a low drop (six millimeters or less) is better for runners with weak ankles, but can be risky for those with weak knees. Our Top Picks Best Women's Overall: Best Men's Overall: Best for Walking: Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 4 Walking Shoe at Amazon (See Price) Best for Wide Feet: Best for Narrow Feet: Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Best for Flat Feet: ASICS Women's GT-2000 10 Running Shoes at Amazon (See Price) Best Lightweight: Best for Training: Best Cushioned: In This Article What Is a Sneaker's Drop? Our Picks Where We Stand How We Tested the Best Sneakers Our Experts Why Trust Verywell Fit Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Stability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros APMA Seal of Acceptance Lightweight Thick, responsive cushioning Cons Heel tab can cause irritation Type: Running and walking | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Drop: 5 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Best for people with neutral arches who prefer thick cushioning, a secure fit, and a barely-there feel. After hours in the Verywell Testing Lab, Hoka's Clifton 8 wins our top overall women's pick for its stellar design and incredible comfort. It also has impressive arch support and approval from experts that helped it earn almost a perfect score. When it comes to support, the Clifton 8 has a thick, molded foam insole and a wide heel crash pad. We noticed that all of the additional padding felt responsive underfoot, putting a spring in our step on the treadmill. The symmetrical design is best for people with neutral arches who need a shoe that’s light on stability. These features helped the Clifton 8 earn the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a group of podiatrists has determined that they help promote healthy feet. Even though they’re packed with cushioning (which we confirmed when we split them open), this pair is still easy to wear, weighing around 7 ounces each. This is less than most of our other top picks weigh, making the Clifton 8 an ideal shoe for long-distance runners, according to podiatrist Diana Levin Valencia, DPM. We also like that they’re vegan and made with recycled materials, including a breathable mesh upper that helps keep your feet cool and dry. Also available in men's sizes at Hoka and Dick's Sporting Goods. Our Ratings Cushioning 5/5 Responsiveness 4/5 Stability 4.5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros APMA Seal of Acceptance Great support for flat feet Wide toe box Cons May cause blisters on long runs Type: Road running | Sizes: 7 to 15 | Materials: Recycled plastic bottle upper, foam cushioning, rubber outsole | Weight: 10.2 ounces | Drop: 12 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Best if you need superior stability for your feet, ankles, or knees. They're also ideal for people with flat feet or plantar fasciitis. Brooks' Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoe takes our best men's overall spot. Designed to stabilize not just your feet, but also your ankles and knees, these APMA Seal of Acceptance winners are both comfortable and stylish. We noticed a difference right after trying the Adrenaline GTS 22 on. From their spacious toe box to their comfortable midsoles, they cradled our feet with each step. While working out, we loved the side supports, which stabilized our feet and helped improve our balance during circuit workouts.Like Hoka’s Clifton 8, these sneakers also have soft padding that helps propel your feet forward while you walk or run—we even noticed that our box jumps were higher. During testing, we found that the mesh upper (which is partially made from recycled plastic bottles) helped prevent sweaty feet and unpleasant odors.While they’re designed for road running, Tulpule notes that the Adrenaline GTS 22s are her favorite walking shoes for their excellent cushioning and support, which helps prevent her plantar fasciitis symptoms from returning. We also like that they’re available in four widths and lots of different color combinations. Also available in women's sizes at Brooks, Amazon, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Our Ratings Fit 4.8/5 Comfort 4.7/5 Stability 4.2/5 Value 4.2/5 Pros Lightweight Flexible midsole Solid traction Cons Not as stable Type: Walking | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Mesh upper, partially recycled lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 7.4 ounces | Drop: 11 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5 Best for people who want a walking shoe with a flexible midsole. We also recommend them if you have arthritis in your big toes or bunions. Rykä’s Devotion Plus 4 is our favorite walking shoe because its flexible midsole bends at the arch to offer gentle support while you walk. (Running shoes have stiffer arches and are more flexible under the ball of your foot to better protect your joints when your feet come into contact with hard surfaces, Valencia says.) When we slipped these on, we liked that they contoured to the curves of our feet for a locked-in feel. We also noticed that the rubber outsole had good traction while we walked on the treadmill. And after cutting these sneakers open, we were impressed by all of the layers of cushy foam inside. Because these shoes are stiffer at the toes, Valencia adds that they’ll help provide relief if you have arthritis in your big toe. Anyone with bunions will also appreciate the Devotion Plus 4’s wide toe box. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Stability 4.5/5 Value 4.6/5 Pros Reflective details Good traction Thick, comfortable cushioning Cons Not for those with Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis Not as responsive Type: Road running | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 9.6 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Best for runners with wide feet, especially if you often go running in the dark. If you’re a runner with wide feet, we recommend Nike’s Pegasus 39. During testing, our editor noted that these shoes run large, making them ideal for runners who want plenty of space in the toe box. Plus, the tongue is a separate piece from the rest of the upper, which creates even more room for your feet. We also like the thick padding, which isn't too squishy but still feels plush underfoot. A mesh upper encourages airflow to keep your feet cool, while a padded tongue and collar enhance this sneaker’s comfort. We noticed that the Pegasus has a highly textured outsole with good traction—plus reflective details, to keep you visible while running at dusk or dawn. If you don’t need an overly bouncy midsole, we think the Pegasus is a reliable choice for daily walks and runs. Also available in men’s sizes atAmazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Nike. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Stability 3.5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Budget-friendly Lightweight Ideal for casual runners Cons Lacks stability Type: Road running | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 7.7 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Best for casual runners with neutral arches and narrow feet. With a toe box that’s true to size and gentle support for neutral arches, Asics’ Gel-Excite 9 is our top pick for runners with narrow feet. We loved how comfortable they were from the minute we slipped them on, and how they stayed secure no matter what incline level we walked on or how fast we ran. Weighing less than 8 ounces each, we also noticed these sneakers’ barely-there feel right away, despite their well-cushioned midsole. We also like that you get an impressive array of features in a sneaker that’s almost half the price of our top women’s pick, Hoka’s Clifton 8. Another bonus: The lower upfront cost makes these sneakers a good choice for casual or beginner runners looking for something that’s easy to wear. Also available in men’s sizes atAmazonandAsics. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Stability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros APMA Seal of Acceptance Great shock absorption Breathable mesh upper Cons Not as responsive Pricier than other options Type: Running, walking | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 8.9 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Best for walkers or runners with plantar fasciitis, especially if you also have arthritis in your big toes. Plantar fasciitis is no match for Hoka’s Bondi 8. The midsole has the thickest, softest cushioning Hoka has to offer—plus extra padding in the heel for added comfort and blister protection. These design features help the Bondi 8 absorb shock well and reduce the load on your plantar fascia, Valencia says.As we walked on the treadmill, we also noticed that the Bondi 8’s mesh upper helped circulate air to keep our feet cool and dry. We loved the wide toe box and secure fit, which felt stable even on steep inclines. A durable rubber outsole and heel pull tabs make these shoes as practical as they are supportive.We also like that this sneaker doesn’t bend in half easily, which makes it a great choice for anyone with arthritis in their big toe. And the APMA Seal of Acceptance means you can be confident they’ll provide plenty of relief. Also available in men’s sizes atDick’s Sporting Goods,Hoka, andREI. Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Stability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Ideal for new runners and overpronators Good stability Breathable knit upper Cons Not as breathable as other options Type: Road running | Sizes: 5 to 13 | Materials: Knit upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best for new runners who overpronate. Flat feet and overpronation are often related. Together, these conditions can affect your entire lower body’s range of motion, including your running mechanics. For a sneaker that gently corrects both at the same time, we recommend Asics’ GT-2000 10 Running Shoes.The inside of each shoe has additional support to prevent your arch from collapsing inward, improving your stance and stride. Slicing into the sneaker confirmed the brand’s claims—we could easily see how the foam midsole climbed up the shoe’s inner wall, to better align your feet.In the lab, this pair stood out for its comfortable, stable fit. The midsole combines foam and gel to offer a fairly responsive ride with good shock absorption. While we ran on the treadmill, we loved how breathable the upper was, and the soft lining didn’t create any irritation, hot spots, or blisters.We also think this sneaker is a great investment for new runners since it’s both sturdy and stylish. Also available in men’s sizes atAmazon,Dick’s Sporting Goods, andAsics. We Researched and Tested the 12 Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet Pros Molded pads in the midsole Stylish design Snug, secure fit Cons Not as responsive as other options Molded pads may be uncomfortable Type: Running | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam and rubber outsole | Weight: 7 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Best for anyone who wants a lightweight sneaker that also provides top-notch cushioning. Weighing just 7 ounces, we were shocked to find that one of the lightest shoes we tested felt so supportive, stable, and cushioned while we ran. On Running’s Cloud X Running Shoe has ultra-thin midsoles—the bright turquoise and orange layers were easy to spot when we cut them open. We loved how the paper-thin foam still felt impressively soft and squishy underfoot. Unlike all of the other sneakers on our list, these have additional molded pads in the midsole, underneath the ball of the foot. This feature provides extra cushioning where it’s needed the most, which results in a lighter shoe that isn’t as bulky as our New Balance or Hoka picks are.The Cloud X’s close fit also provided a locked-in feel as we ran on the treadmill. Plus, we like the shoe’s stylish, low-profile design, which comes in a range of bright and neutral color combinations. Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Stability 4.5/5 Value 4.4/5 Pros Great traction Stable heel protects your knees Thick cushioning is ideal for jumping Cons Laces may be too short and slippery Type: Training | Sizes: 6.5 to 14 | Materials: Textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Not listed | Drop: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5 Best for anyone who wants a versatile sneaker that can do everything from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to plyometrics. No matter how you like to train, Reebok’s Nano X2 Training Shoes support your feet, ankles, and knees, so you can focus on your workout (not your shoes). When we tried these on in the Lab, we were pleasantly surprised by their wide toe box and snug heel. Dense foam cushioning helped us move through box jumps and squats without feeling any pain in our knees.After slicing these shoes open, we found multiple layers of padding, all with different thicknesses to help absorb shock. We also found that the heels are flat to promote proper weightlifting form, which took the stress off of our lower back.While there was still enough room in these sneakers for our feet to move around, we noticed the solid stability that makes this shoe a good choice for HIIT, cardio, plyometrics, and more. And the rubber outsole has deep lugs that offer great traction on all kinds of floors. Also available in women’s sizes atAmazon andDick’s Sporting Goods. Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Stability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Reflective details Removable insoles Thick, solid foam padding Cons May be too bulky for some Type: Running | Sizes: 5 to 13 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5 With extra cushioning and room for orthotics, these are best for runners with wide feet. If you’re searching for a shoe that’s comfortable, without high-tech features you don’t need, we highly recommend New Balance’s Fresh Foam X More v4. These sneakers have 1.5 inches of pure foam padding, uninterrupted by gel or other kinds of support. When we tried them on, we couldn’t believe how comfortable they were—and after we cut them open, the padding and support were clear. As we ran on the treadmill, we noticed that these sneakers felt light and springy. We enjoyed how responsive the midsoles were, and we also like that the insoles are removable, in case you need to add your own for more arch support. Wearers with wide feet will appreciate the roomy fit and three available widths.The breathable mesh upper has reflective details, so you’ll stay visible to other pedestrians and motorists in low-light conditions. Also available in men’s sizes atAmazon andDick’s Sporting Goods. Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Stability 4.5/5 Value 4.6/5 Pros Good shock absorption Good ankle support Solid and stable Cons Upper may not be as durable Type: Trail and road running, walking | Sizes: 7 to 15 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, manmade outsole | Weight: 10.1 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for running on dirt, gravel, and other uneven terrain. When it comes to trail running, Brooks’ Glycerin GTS 20 Running Shoe is our top pick. In the lab, we loved how comfortable these sneakers were. The mesh upper helped our feet stay cool and dry, while the shoes’ construction kept our feet firmly in place—even after 20 minutes of running. The springy midsole is packed with the most cushioning Brooks offers in a shoe, providing good energy return. We also weren’t expecting these shoes to feel so light on our feet, based on how stable they are. And we noticed additional padding around the ankle, which helped us feel secure in our footing on the treadmill. Also available in women’s sizes atAmazon,Dick’s Sporting Goods, andBrooks. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Stability 4/5 Value 4/5 Pros Available in six widths Removable insoles Breathable lining Cons Heavy and bulky Pricier than other options Type: Walking, training | Sizes: 7 to 16 | Materials: Leather, suede, and mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 14 ounces | Drop: 12 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for walkers and gym-goers who want plenty of support, soft padding, and removable insoles. While all of the sneakers on our list are designed to support your feet, New Balance’s 990v5 Running Shoe is our favorite for non-runners who need something stable underfoot. For walking and training, you need a shoe that’s solid and secure. The 990v5s impressed us right away in these areas, with a close, comfortable fit and soft padding in the removable insoles. Additional foam around the collar helps support your ankles, while a breathable lining prevents sweat from building up throughout the day. Unlike all other pairs on our list, the 990v5s have a suede and mesh upper in a design that looks more like a street shoe than a walking sneaker. Plus, they’re available in six widths—so if you’ve had issues with blisters or narrow toe boxes in the past, we recommend giving these a try. Also available in women’s sizes atAmazon andDick’s Sporting Goods. After testing 24 pairs of sneakers, Hoka’s Clifton 8 won out for its thick cushioning and podiatrist-approved design, all in a sleek shoe that’s perfect for walking the dog or long-distance running. Our other best overall spot goes to Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 22 for its flat feet-friendly features and stellar fit. We love that these sneakers are comfortable and stylish—plus, they've both received the APMA Seal of Acceptance for their supportive designs. To find the best sneakers, we've tested 24 pairs from popular, trusted fitness brands. To test these shoes, we first try each one on in the Verywell Testing Lab. We pay attention to how they fit and whether our feet slide around. Then, depending on the type of shoe, we walk or run on the treadmill at varying incline levels or complete a circuit workout. We move through sets of step-ups, box jumps, and calf raises on a plyometric box. Then, we grab a set of weights to complete dumbbell incline rows, dumbbell step-ups, and weighted squats. Carpenter Lory Henning used a bandsaw to cut each shoe in half. Using Valencia’s expert guidance, we examined the internal construction of each shoe, noting how much padding there was in the midsole. We used these insights to tailor our recommendations for each pair of sneakers. After the testing is complete, we evaluate each pair of sneakers based on the following criteria: We spoke to experts often while researching and reporting this story. Some, like Valencia and Henning, helped us create an effective strategy for testing the best sneakers. Others, like Tulpule, explained how to shop for sneakers based on your foot shape and arch type. We choose products independently, although we use input from experts to influence our choices. With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. An overpronator who needs arch support in her sneakers, she looks for pairs with thick cushioning that are comfortable to wear all day long. She tested On Running’s Cloud X sneaker for this story, which is now her favorite shoe for walking on the treadmill, running errands, and more. We Tested the Best Walking Shoes—These 23 Will Keep You Comfortable All Day Long What Is a Sneaker’s Drop?
Best Women's Overall
Hoka Clifton 8
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Men's Overall
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best for Walking
Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 4 Walking Shoe
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best for Wide Feet
Nike Pegasus 39
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best for Narrow Feet
Asics Gel-Excite 9
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best for Plantar Fasciitis
Hoka Bondi 8
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best for Flat Feet
ASICS Women's GT-2000 10 Running Shoes
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best for Training
Reebok Nano X2 Training Shoes
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Cushioned
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best for Trail Runs
Brooks Glycerin GTS 20
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Most Supportive
New Balance 990v5
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Where We Stand
How We Tested the Best Sneakers
Our Experts
Why Trust Verywell Fit
FAQs
What type of footwear is best for walking? ›
Cushioned Shoes
These shoes are for people who do not overpronate or need extra support. While some people with high arches can do well in these shoes, others might fare better with specialized walking shoes for high arches. Again, a thick heel may impede heel-to-toe rolling motion.
You want the snug fit in the heel through midfoot, then room for your toes to splay out a bit. You also need at least a finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. A common running-shoe fit tactic also applies to fitness walking shoes: Buy one-half size bigger than your casual shoe size.
Is it OK to wear running sneakers for walking? ›The extra cushioning, flexible design, and lighter weight of running shoes make them a good option for walking. The most important thing to consider when choosing shoes for walking is comfort. You want to make sure that your shoes adequately support and cushion your feet so that walking is comfortable.
Can you wear running shoes for everyday walking? ›While running shoes are designed to be durable for the rigorous demands of running, they are excellent as walking shoes, too. The qualities that make running shoes ideal for running also make them great for walking: Cushioned midsoles absorb impact. Lightweight mesh or knit uppers breathe easily to keep you comfortable.
What shoes can you walk in all day? ›Blister Protection | ||
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Best Women's Overall: Hoka Bondi 7 Shoes | $190 at Amazon | 4.5 |
Best Men's Budget: Asics Gel-Venture 8 | $50 at Amazon | 4 |
Best Women's Budget: Sketchers Go Joy Walking Shoe | $65 at Amazon | 4.5 |
Best for Overpronators: Saucony Omni Walker 3 | $53 at Amazon | 4 |
Therefore, running shoes are designed to have thicker soles that act as shock absorbers. They are also lighter than walking shoes to help with fatigue over longer distances. "Because of these differences, ideally running shoes can be used for walking, but you should not run in walking shoes," says Dr. Tenforde.
Are Hokas good for walking? ›Hoka Bondi 8
I prefer the Clifton for running, but love to wear these as a walking shoe for getting around the city (I'm a New Yorker, so you can expect to hit a lot of steps). I've found that the Bondi 8 is the most plush and gentle ride of all the Hokas I've tested.
Buying the perfect running shoe is the first step in having a good run. When purchasing the perfect shoe, fit is always the most important. If your shoe is too tight, you may have blisters, numbness and general discomfort; to avoid this, many experts recommend buying a running shoe half a size larger.
Should your toes touch the end of your shoes when walking? ›Generally speaking, there should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly.
What happens if a shoe is half size too big? ›If a woman is buying a pair of court or dress shoes, half a size too big could make it quite difficult to walk as the shoe will slip. A loose fit could put you at risk for injury. If you are between sizes, sizing down is a better option in this situation.
Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›
Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
Which is the most comfortable shoe brand? ›- Sovella. Sovella has earned its reputation as a standout brand thanks to its incredible recovery features, comfort, and impressive arch support. ...
- Arcopedico. Arcopedico is a leading brand in women's comfort shoes. ...
- Brooks. ...
- HOKA. ...
- NEW BALANCE. ...
- OluKai. ...
- Clarks. ...
- Dansko.
“HOKA offers a variety of shoes with a wide range of cushioning and support and width options, and HOKA shoes are a favorite of runners, walkers, and hikers.”
What type of shoes should be worn to reduce fatigue from standing all day long? ›According to Fuchs, sneakers or athletic shoes are the best type of shoes for standing all day. “They provide cushioning, support, and shock absorption, which help to reduce foot fatigue and discomfort.”
Are Skechers good for walking all day? ›It's well worth investing in a pair designed specifically for walking, and fortunately you can count on Skechers for a wealth of high-quality options. A long-time leader in the walking shoe category, Skechers has styles for the casual stroller, the serious trekker, and everyone in between.