"I literally cannot open up my feed without seeing multiple videos with a wellness girly raving about walking and the benefits of walking daily. There’s no escaping it: Walking is THE workout of the moment. So, every day, I lace up my trusty Hokas, grab some Bala Bangles (IYKYK), and try to get my 10,000 steps in. And let me tell you, the wellness girlies were not wrong. There are so many benefits to walking daily, both mental and physical, and it’s become a non-negotiable part of my routine that I look forward to daily.
As walking every day became more integral to my day-to-day routine, I realized my shoe of choice needed an upgrade. Don’t get me wrong, my Hokas are great for walking and training in, but I’ve found that they’ve lost their grip, and my heels were hurting after an intense workout or extra long walk. I’ve never been more serious about being active before in my life than I am right now, and as a result of that, I truly have no idea when I’m supposed to replace my walking shoes; however, I did know it was time for an upgrade fast.
I figured I was not the only one who had this problem, so I turned to someone who could give me all the best tips and tricks on picking out a pair of new walking shoes: a board-certified podiatrist. Keep reading for the best advice you can get on picking out the perfect pair of walking shoes.
Dr. Megan Ishibashi, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Ishibashi is a fellowship-trained surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle pathology with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. She focuses on many aspects of foot care, but has a specialized focus on reconstruction, surgery, trauma, correction, and more. She also shares tips on comfortable shoe options and what it’s like to be a woman in medicine on her Tik Tok page here.
Do you need a special pair of walking shoes?
When going for walks every day or frequent long walks, you should indeed have a supportive shoe, like a lightweight running or training shoe, according to podiatrist Dr. Megan Ishibashi. Having a supportive pair of walking shoes that cater to your needs can prevent foot pain, lower the risk of injury, and ensure long-term foot health. You don’t need to necessarily have a designated pair of shoes just for walking, but a supportive pair of shoes that you also frequently run or work out in will do just fine while you’re getting those steps in.
What should you look for in walking shoes?
Obviously, you can walk in any shoes, but that doesn’t mean you should. If you’re going to be walking for long periods of time, you’ll need extra support. “The main features you want to look for are cushioning, support, and stability,” Dr. Ishibashi said. “Cushion minimizes impact and force, which essentially makes it comfortable for you so that you can be on your feet longer and get your steps in.”
Dr. Ishibashi recommends shoes that have a thicker foam or cushion sole. “We call them rocker bottoms, which makes it a little easier for you to push off in,” she said. Dr. Ishibashi also suggested trying out prospective options with The Shoe Test. You grab your shoe and twist, squeeze, and bend it. If you can fold your shoe in half or collapse it in on itself, chances are, it’s not giving you the support you need to walk expansive distances, and you should pass on it.
While thick cushioning in the sole of the shoe is the best overall for your walking shoes, if you have concerns like high arches, low arches, or wide feet, you may need to pay attention to more special features before buying your walking shoes. For example, if you have low arches, you still need that cushion in the sole, but one that’s more firm in the middle and not too soft. As for high arches, you’ll want something with high support that could mold to the shape of your foot. While arch support is standard in all walking and running shoes, Dr. Ishibashi also recommends getting extra arch support from shoe inserts. For wide feet, it’s best to have a shoe with a wider toe box, which most walking shoes have options for.
How often should you replace your walking shoes?
According to Dr. Ishibashi, it really depends on how much you’re wearing your shoes to know when it’s time for a new pair. “If you’re getting in 10,000 steps every day, your shoe is going to last you about three to six months,” she said. If you’re not getting in that many steps a day, it’s important to pay attention to the physical characteristics of your shoes to know when to replace them. “That being said, if your tread is completely worn out, it’s time to replace your walking shoes,” said Dr. Ishibashi. It’s also important to invest in a high-quality pair of shoes. Wearing a poor-quality shoe while walking frequently will have you replacing them sooner rather than later (which could honestly be more expensive in the long run). Investing in a quality pair of walking shoes ensures that your shoes last for several months to a year, depending on how much you’re using them.
Our favorite expert-approved walking shoes
Hoka’s Clifton 9s are one of the best because of their overall balanced comfort level. They’re supportive, not too heavy or light, and are great for everyday active wear in the gym or on runs and walks.
16 colors available
Hoka’s Bondi 8 shoes have a significantly large and very plush sole, so if you’re looking for maximum support and softness, you’re going to want these walking shoes. They will literally mold to the shape of your foot the more you wear them, making them an all-around great walking shoe for anyone.
19 colors available
These shoes differ from running shoes in the way that they have a very thick supportive rocker sole, ideal for both walking and standing for long periods of time. This shoe is for more casual wear and doesn’t double as a running or training shoe.
4 colors available
New Balance’s Fresh Foam line is one of Dr. Ishibashi’s most recommended shoes. You can train, walk, or run in them while constantly staying supported with their solid cushion.
2 colors available
If you like the qualities of Fresh Foams but want less of a running shoe look, try the Fresh Foam Arishi v4. They’ve got a similar look to New Balance’s other streetwear styles while still providing the comforting support a Fresh Foam does.
8 colors available
If you’re looking for a more fashionable option, try the New Balance’s 990v4. Introduced in 1984, this running shoe has been a staple of the brand for decades now. They’re comfy and cushiony but have a wider toe box and tough hard sole that works great for someone who has low arches or wide feet.
Every fashion girly is raving about New Balance’s 530 sneakers. They’re cute, look great with jeans and athlesiure wear, and they’re comfortable. At just $99, you’re getting a great deal on a quality shoe that boasts style and supportive features such as an impact-absorbing sole and plush comfort.
9 colors available
Walking or running long distances? You need this pair from Brooks. They’ve got support on the sides of the shoes that help keep you in your natural stride on even the longest of hot girl walks.
13 colors available
Asics’ GT-2000 13 shoes have a strong shock absorption and firm sole, making it a great option for those with neutral or low arches. They’re lightweight and stable, yet still provide all the cushioning Dr. Ishibashi recommends.
10 colors available
These running shoes from ASICS were made to stretch and move along with you as your take them along for the ride. They’re stable, breathable, and, of course, have a thick sole meant to absorb any impact.
8 colors available
On’s Cloudmonster shoes have one of the thickest rocker soles out of all of their shoe options, which makes for an ideal running or walking shoe because the shoe guides your foot while stepping, making it easier for you to push off in if you’re getting in long daily walks.
9 colors available
The chunky dad shoe trend is seriously here to stay, which I’m all for because at the end of the day, you’re getting the support you need. These AL8 Nikes have padded and molded heel support that provides a perfectly cushioned feeling.
5 colors available
I love to see a walking shoe double as a cute everyday shoe, and these Nike Waffle Debut shoes can be worn in and out of the office. Trust me when I say that these can handle your commute no matter how long it is with their cushioned footbed and comfy foam midsole that make your morning walk (or jog) to the train actually pleasant.
6 colors available
Bella Gil, Associate Commerce Editor
Because shopping is quite literally her full-time job, Bella is dedicated to making sure you spend your hard-earned money on products you’ll fall in love with. She spends her days testing, researching, and writing about a wide range of topics, from beauty products to rug cleaners and everything in between.