Long distance walking is a popular form of exercise, with millions of people taking part in charity walks each year.

The best shoes for long distance walking will be comfortable, supportive and have good traction. If you have flat feet, you can also get insoles to support your arches and prevent further problems.

Before you start looking at specific brands and models, it’s important to consider what exactly constitutes a “long distance” walker.

Different people have different expectations when it comes to their footwear – some want a shoe that can handle miles of concrete and asphalt, while others want something more suitable for trails or rugged terrain.

We’ll take a look at some of the best shoes for long distance walking as well as consider what makes them so good for this purpose.

Best Shoes For Long Distance Walking

Walking is a great form of exercise with lots of health benefits, but wearing the right shoes is key to staying comfortable and injury-free.¹ Whether you walk for fitness or simply spend a significant amount of time on your feet, you need shoes that offer quality all-around cushioning and support to prevent fatigue and soreness.

Tested & Approved

Ryka Devotion Plus 3 is our women’s best overall pick because it’s lightweight, durable, and has a comfortable fit. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 is our best men’s pick for its support and built-in blister protection.

A good walking shoe should fit well right away without having to break it in. “You shouldn’t be feeling any pinching or trouble moving your toes,” Ami A. Sheth, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist in California, says. Shoe styles with a wide range of sizes, including half sizes and widths, will help you find the best fit for you.

When reviewing walking shoes, in addition to fit, we evaluated the level of support and cushioning a shoe provides, its breathability, blister protection, and the overall durability of the shoe. We also asked experts for recommendations and consulted the American Podiatric Medical Association’s list of shoes that received their Seal of Acceptance. Next, we put the top shoes through our testing regimen and spent more than 80 hours wearing and walking in those shoes on pavement, trails, and the treadmill.

Best Women’s Overall: Rykä Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe

4.9

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Cushioning 4.5/5
• Responsiveness 4.5/5
• Lateral Stability 4.5/5
• Fit 5/5
• Value 4.5/5

Pros

• Lightweight and breathable
• Wide toebox
• Good shock absorption

Cons

• Laces are not easy to change
• Not warm enough for cold weather walking

The Ryka Devotion Plus 3 walking shoe stood out during our testing as an ideal option for fitness walkers or women who are on their feet for most of the day. Right out of the box, the shoe offered a comfortable fit and felt supportive, especially in the arch area, which is one of the reasons we gave it our women’s best overall spot.

During test walks, it provided good shock absorption and plush comfort from start to finish. Our tester was also impressed with the shoe’s roomy toe box, which prevented any irritation and contributed to the shoe’s perfect score of 5 out of 5 for blister protection.

The upper is also very breathable, making the shoes a good choice for walking in warmer weather. Ventilation on both the front and sides of the shoe provided good air flow, keeping our tester’s feet dry and cool. The rear of the foot offered a snug fit and locked-in feel, and our tester didn’t notice any sliding or slipping out of the shoe, so she gave the shoe a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for fit.

Price at time of publish: $100

Weight: 10 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Rubber sole, synthetic and mesh upper | Cushioning Type: Molded EVA midsole and full-length RE-ZORB platform

What Our Testers Say

“These shoes are a comfortable option for walkers or anyone who spends hours at a time on their feet. They’re the perfect blend of cushioning and support, and the wide forefoot offers plenty of room for toes to spread, reducing the risk of any irritation.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester

Best Men’s Overall: Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 Running Shoes

4.8

Zappos

Our Ratings

• Cushioning 4.5/5
• Responsiveness 4.5/5
• Lateral Stability 4/5
• Fit 5/5
• Value 4.5/5

Pros

• Excellent fit
• Suitable for walking or running
• Lightweight yet supportive

Cons

• Some may not like that it’s not very deep
• Expensive

The extremely comfortable and versatile Brooks Glycerin GTS shoes were a clear choice for our men’s top pick. Our tester noticed that these shoes felt comfortable right out of the box, with no break-in period needed. The flexible, comfortable upper and padded collar provide an exceptional fit, helping to earn the shoe a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in that category.

The shoes’ DNA Loft cushioning is suitable for walking or running and dynamically adapts to each step with a soft yet responsive feel, earning them a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for responsiveness. During test walks, the shoe offered good shock absorption and felt supportive, but still lightweight. Our tester was also impressed with the shoe’s blister protection, noting that the shoe’s breathable mesh and wide toebox helped prevent irritation or rubbing during test walks.

A durable, grippy tread adds to the overall appeal for fitness walkers or anyone who needs a sturdy, comfortable shoe for all-day wear.

Price at time of publish: $150

Weight: 10 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Textile and synthetic upper; rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: DNA Loft

What Our Testers Say

“I was very impressed with the overall performance of this shoe. It’s a true everyday walking or running shoe. The foam feels pillow-soft, yet is very responsive and springy.” — Brad Luff, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Budget: Asics GEL-Venture 8 Running Shoes

4.5

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Our Ratings

• Cushioning 4.5/5
• Responsiveness 4/5
• Fit 4/5
• Stability 4/5
• Upper Comfort 4.5/5

Pros

• Lightweight and breathable
• Excellent shock absorption
• Good traction

Cons

• Shoelaces may not be durable
• Runs small

For a reasonably-priced shoe that’s comfortable and supportive for exercise or all-day wear, the GEL-Venture 8 running shoe is a solid choice. During testing, this shoe performed well for treadmill walks as well as on pavement and smooth trails. Our tester noted that the shoe’s GEL cushioning had excellent shock absorption, especially in the heel area, earning it a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 in that category.

The shoe also stood out in the category of blister protection, thanks to the breathable mesh and wider sizes for a roomy toe box. However, the sizes do run small, so be sure to order a size up for best fit.

Our tester was also impressed with the shoe’s durable, grippy outsole that provided good traction, even when walking during wet conditions. We like that it even has enough protection and support for walks or hikes on moderate trails, making it a very versatile option at a budget-friendly price.

Price at time of publish: $70

Weight: 8.9 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, rubber sole | Cushioning Type: Foam insole, GEL cushioning system in heel

What Our Testers Say

“For such an affordable shoe, I was really impressed with the quality of the materials and the durable shoe construction. This shoe is built to last and the cushioning and shock absorption make it a nice choice for walking or all-day wear.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11

4.5

Road Runner

Our Ratings

• Cushioning 5/5
• Responsiveness 4/5
• Lateral Stability 3/5
• Fit 5/5
• Value 4.5/5

Pros

• Plush but lightweight cushioning
• Good blister protection
• Streamlined, low-profile

Cons

• Lateral support is lacking
• Not protective enough for extreme cold

If you have wide feet or a history of blisters and bunions, you’ll like the wide-size options for New Balance’s 1080v11 Fresh Foam shoes. They offer plenty of room for your toes to spread, as well as just the right amount of cushioning and support for walking, earning them a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for cushioning, upper comfort, and fit.

The full-length Fresh Foam midsole offers ample cushioning, without feeling heavy or bulky. Our tester noticed the cloud-like feel immediately and the shoe still felt very comfortable at the end of a long walk.

The snug fit and smooth, breathable fabric helped reduce rubbing and moisture accumulation, which earned the shoe a high rating of 5 out of 5 in blister protection. Our tester also really appreciated the shoe’s rear design, which hugs the back of the foot for a supportive fit and makes it easy to get the shoes on and off.

Price at time of publish: $150

Weight: 8.1 ounces | Materials: Knit and mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Fresh Foam | Closure: Lace-up

What Our Testers Say

“I love that this shoe offers plush comfort, without feeling too heavy or bulky. It’s ideal for those who want good cushioning, as well as a custom-like fit in a wide size.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester

Best Cushioned: Hoka Bondi 7 Running Shoe

4.5

Zappos

Our Ratings

• Cushioning 5/5
• Responsiveness 4/5
• Lateral Stability 4.5/5
• Fit 4.5/5
• Value 4.5/5

Pros

• Very durable
• Good stability
• Lightweight

Cons

• Runs large
• Expensive

If you need maximum cushioning in a walking shoe, you can’t go wrong with the Hoka One One Bondi. During testing, it provided plush comfort and stellar shock absorption, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for cushioning. In addition, the shoe scored high in the lateral stability and support category, making it a good choice for walkers who need a firm, stable shoe.

Our tester noted that the Bondi has a lightweight feel, which is difficult to pull off in a shoe with that much cushioning and stability. The sturdy rubber outsole offered reliable traction during test walks and added to the shoe’s durability and stability. With a thick, wide sole, the Bondi is not the most attractive option, but we think its comfort and performance definitely make up for the lack of style.

Price at time of publish: $160

Weight: 11 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: EVA foam

What Our Testers Say

“I’d definitely recommend these shoes, especially to those looking for a well-cushioned walking shoe. As someone who is prone to plantar fasciitis, I really appreciated the well-cushioned heel area and the overall support. I felt like my feet were well-protected, no matter how much I was walking.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Vionic Tokyo Sneaker

4.4

Vivonic

Our Ratings

• Cushioning 4/5
• Responsiveness 4/5
• Fit 5/5
• Stability 4/5
• Upper Comfort 5/5

Pros

• Very breathable
• Good support and cushioning in heel area
• Flexible yet stable

Cons

• Runs small
• Some prefer a cushier feel

If you have a history of plantar fasciitis, you can protect yourself by wearing a walking shoe that has ample cushioning in the heel area, like the Vionic Tokyo shoe. It performed well during treadmill and outdoor walks, offering good protection and earning perfect scores of 5 out of 5 in both upper comfort and fit.

During testing, the firm but flexible insole offered additional support and stability, from start to finish of walks. Our tester found the heel counter to be effective at locking down the rear of the foot, helping to prevent any slipping or movement.

With lightweight mesh throughout the shoe, the Tokyo was one of the most breathable ones that we tested, which boosted its blister protection rating. Our tester noted that even the shoe’s tongue was mesh and lightweight, helping to keep feet cool and comfortable. We like the Tokyo as a lightweight but supportive option for fitness walking, traveling, or all-day casual wear.

Price at time of publish: $130

Weight: 8 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Synthetic upper, leather and rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: EVA foam

What Our Testers Say

“I’ve been prone to plantar fasciitis and the shoe’s cushioning, especially in the heel area, and overall support offer great protection. I also love how breathable these shoes felt, keeping my feet dry and comfortable.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Flat Feet: Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Shoe

4.8

Zappos

Our Ratings

• Cushioning 5/5
• Responsiveness 4.5/5
• Lateral Stability 5/5
• Fit 4/5
• Value 5/5

Pros

• Excellent support
• Good traction
• Available in range of widths

Cons

• May run small
• Limited colors

Offering excellent support and cushioning, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a great pick for walkers with flat feet. During test walks, the shoes’ cushioning felt extremely comfortable, providing good energy return and responsiveness. The shoe also excelled in the area of lateral support and stability, thanks to the progressive diagonal rollbar that provides maximum support and helps to correct overpronation. It earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in lateral stability and support, one of the highest scores for that category. Our tester was also impressed with the shoe’s slip-resistant outsole, which provided good traction on wet and dry surfaces.

The shoe has a roomy fit and comes in a few different widths, so it can accommodate orthotics or insoles if needed. Our tester points out that the leather is soft and comfortable, but the style may not work for those who prefer a sporty look. However, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a comfortable, durable, and supportive option for fitness walking or all-day wear.

Price at time of publish: $130

Weight: 15 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole | Cushioning Type: BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning

What Our Testers Say

“This shoe is very well-suited for walking or for those who are on their feet all day. The sole of the shoe is slip-resistant in wet and dry conditions, which is a nice feature not offered by all walking shoes.” — Brad Luff, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Hiking: Keen Targhee Vent Hiking Shoes

4.3

REI

Our Ratings

• Cushioning 4.5/5
• Responsiveness 4/5
• Lateral Stability 4/5
• Fit 4/5
• Value 4/5

Pros

• Good stability
• Good traction
• Very durable

Cons

• Wide fit may not work for everyone
• Heavy

We like this rugged shoe from KEEN for heading off the beaten path for trail walking or light to moderate hikes. It features excellent stability and traction, and it scored high in both cushioning and upper comfort in our testing, earning a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for both categories. The leather-and-mesh upper offers the right balance of protection and breathability, and our tester noted that the water-resistant design was convenient for traversing in wet conditions.

Our tester also liked the shoe’s low-profile design for easy mobility and good flexibility. During testing, the shoe’s all-terrain rubber outsoles provided excellent grip and added to the shoe’s overall stability. What’s more, it boasts good blister protection, thanks to the vented panels and smooth interior.

The shoe also features an internal shank and rubber toe cover that can shield your feet from trail hazards. All that protection adds some weight, so this shoe is the heaviest we tested and some might find it a bit too bulky for casual wear.

Price at time of publish: $155

Weight: 1 pound 2 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Nubuck leather, rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: EVA foam

What Our Testers Say

“Keen makes an excellent product and this shoe stays true to that tradition. It has nice lateral support, comfort, and confidence-inspiring stability.” — Brad Luff, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Lightweight: Allbirds Tree Runners

4.6

Allbrids

Our Ratings

• Cushioning 4.5/5
• Responsiveness 4.5/5
• Lateral Stability 4/5
• Fit 4/5
• Value 4.5/5

Pros

• Very breathable
• Cloud-like comfort
• Made with sustainable materials

Cons

• Not available in half sizes
• Traction could be improved

For walking in warm weather, Allbirds Tree Runners are lightweight and extremely breathable, while still offering cushioned comfort. During test walks, the shoe felt flexible and bouncy with each step. Our tester was also impressed with the sleek, minimalist design that still manages to feel supportive.

The upper is very breathable with minimal seams, helping to earn the shoe a high blister protection rating of 5 out of 5. We also love that the shoe is made with sustainable, eco-friendly materials such as eucalyptus tree fiber, castor bean oil, and Brazilian sugarcane. The shoe’s insole is designed with thermoregulating Merino wool, which helps to wick away sweat and reduce odors. Even better, if they need a little refresh, these shoes can be machine-washed.

The grip on the Tree Runners’ outsole wasn’t as good as some of the other shoes we tested, so it may not be suitable for trail walking or wet conditions. However, this shoe is a great option for fitness walking, travel, or all-day casual wear, especially in hot conditions when you want a lightweight, breathable shoe.

Price at time of publish: $105

Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Eucalyptus pulp, Merino wool, natural rubber | Cushioning Type: SweetFoam

What Our Testers Say

“I would recommend these shoes to walkers or anyone who needs a comfortable shoe for spending hours at a time on their feet. They’re perfect if you want a lightweight and supportive walking shoe that’s not wide and bulky.” — Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester

Best for High Arches: Dansko Pace Walking Shoes

4.3

Zappos

Our Ratings

• Cushioning 4.5/5
• Responsiveness 4.5/5
• Lateral Stability 4.5/5
• Fit 4/5
• Value 4.5/5

Pros

• Stylish enough for casual wear
• Very responsive
• Odor and stain protection

Cons

• Toebox is a bit narrow
• Could use a little more traction

If you have high arches, your feet will appreciate a flexible but supportive shoe for walking. These Dansko shoes deliver in those areas, with lightweight cushioning that provides stellar comfort, support, and shock absorption. During testing, they felt comfortable and flexible right out of the box, with no break-in period needed. The padded collar added to the overall comfort, hugging the back of the foot for a snug, locked-in feel, and earning the shoes a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for upper comfort.

Our tester, who has high arches, noted that the shoe provides cushioning and support right where it’s needed most. Unfortunately, the shoe doesn’t come in wide sizes and the toebox might be a bit too narrow for some, which hurt the shoe’s blister protection rating. Overall, the shoe provided good flexibility and impact protection for walking and could definitely be used for other activities or all-day casual wear.