Best walking shoes 2024
The list in brief ↴
1. Best overall: Hoka Bondi 8
2. Best budget walking shoe: Gola Lansen
3. Best Nike walking shoe: Nike Pegasus 40
4. Best for wide feet: Brooks Ghost 15
5. Best for trail walks: Merrell Moab Speed 2
6. Best for waterproofing: Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Low
7. Best for grip: New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v8
8. Best for concrete: Hoka Clifton 9
9. Best from Skechers: Sketchers Go Walk 7 (Clear Path)
Other tried and tested shoes
How to choose
FAQs
I’m a fitness writer with an active lifestyle and an energetic dog, so I spend a lot of time on my feet. This isn’t an issue for me as I love a stroll—I can wax lyrical about the benefits of walking for days—but I struggle to find shoes that offer the right support and bounce, especially on concrete surfaces.
As a result, I’m constantly trying out new sneakers, in a quest to find the ultimate comfy walking shoes. On my journey to find the best of the best, I’ve tested sneakers from brands like Skechers, New Balance, Nike, and HOKA.
After months of rigorous testing, I’ve whittled down my list of favorites to create this rundown of the best walking shoes. A lot of the designs double up as running shoes too, so they can be used for outdoor sprints.
If you need more advice, read through our guidance on how to choose walking shoes. Or scroll down to find some comfy sneakers to support you during your 10,000 steps a day.
How we test the best shoes for walking
Before I recommend the best walking shoes, I test them, making note of the comfort levels, support and how well they deal with a five-mile (8km) walk in one go.
One of the most important factors is how comfortable they feel, so I evaluate the overall fit, the types of materials used, and whether the shoes need to be worn-in. Similarly, I check to see if the fabrics are breathable to help you avoid sweaty feet.
I walk an average of 7,500 steps (3m/5km) a day, which means the shoes have gone through around 20m/35km of walking before I write the review. I walk primarily on concrete surfaces and take the shoes out in all weathers to see how water-resistant and grippy the soles are on slick paved surfaces.
I take note of design considerations, like the amount of lift around the heel, how much cushioning is in the sole and where on your foot it is, and if there's sufficient ankle support. I detail the things I like about each shoe, and the things I’m less happy about, so you can make an informed decision when choosing the best walking shoe.
The quick list
The Hoka Bondi 8 deserve the top spot in this guide. The generous foam cushioning underneath the heel makes it feel like you're walking on marshmallows. They are the softest, comfiest and bounciest shoes I've ever tested.
The Gola Lansen is a comfortable and affordable shoe. It lacks the cushioning of some more expensive brands, but I liked its breathable mesh upper and solid, neutral sole.
This is the best Nike shoe I've tested for walking, offering plenty of grip and a good amount of spring. While it doesn't quite beat the Hoka Bondi for ultra-soft cushioning, it's still super comfortable. And as it's a Nike design, it looks stylish too.
The Brooks Ghost 15s are a great example of a top-notch walking shoe, with hundreds of style, size and width options. They provide a comfortable, neutral ride on well-cushioned soles and a soft midsole that flexes with your foot
A lightweight, comfortable and durable trail hiking shoe. The Merrell Moab Speed 2 has nifty features that make it great for taking rugged terrain, but it is less suitable for city walks on wet concrete.
The only truly waterproof shoe I’ve tested thus far, my pair of Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Low have replaced my Wellington boots on rainy days, as they can withstand a dip in a puddle without getting saturated with water.
Of all the walking shoes I’ve tested, these have the best grip. They’re also surprisingly lightweight, making them ideal for fast-paced trail walks or off-road runs
The Clifton 9 is a bouncy shoe with a lot of cushioning. If you are looking for a lighter, softer alternative to the Bondi 8, the Clifton 9 is a great option.
The Sketchers Go Walk 7 shoes feature some new “Hyper Pillar Technology” technology that probably could have been left off. They are comfortable, springy shoes, but parts of the soles are soft and susceptible to damage. Overall a good shoe, but with one glaring imperfection.
The best shoes for walking you can get right now
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Best overall
Buy it if
✅You like high-energy return: Many shoes I’ve tested have thick soles without much bounce. The Hoka Bondi 8 offers the best of both worlds, with a responsive sole that isn’t hard or jarring to step on thanks to the wide crash pad (the foam cushioning underneath the heel).
✅ You want a supportive, but soft upper: The upper has a barely-there feel on your feet and ankles. Even after hours of wearing them, the Bondi 8 is weightlessly comfortable.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a waterproof shoe: The Bondi 8 is sadly not waterproof and when walking through wet grass, I found my socks got wet. However, if you’re wandering around on paved streets and can avoid puddles, these shoes are a great choice.
Cushioning + support: These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve tested, beating my previous favorites the Nike Pegasus 40s. I’ve not enjoyed wearing chunky-soled shoes in the past, but here they give the Hokas a comfortable bounciness without adding any weight.
According to Hoka, these shoes have a reworked sole that uses softer, lighter foam. This means that it doesn’t feel heavy on the foot, which is probably why I prefer this model to other chunky-soled shoes. I think the sole’s impressive width and height is what makes it feel so comfortable.
Design + features: I tested the Blanc De Blanc / Swim Day colorway, which looked like something a unicorn would wear—not my vibe but they grew on me, perhaps because they are such a comfy shoe. I eventually found myself enjoying the bright pink laces and flashy yellow soles. The Bondi 8 also comes in colorful pastel tones that complement the shoe’s cloud-like spring, along with solid black or white options.
Despite the plush, chunky sole, these shoes offer neutral support and don’t tip your foot in any direction. The heel pull tab is helpful, as they are a snugly-fitting shoe and I found my heel often squashed the back of the shoe down when putting them on.
Materials + durability: The springy soles are grippy and the deep grooves kept me on my feet even on slick surfaces. Despite their size, these are lightweight shoes (11 oz/311g), and it doesn’t feel like you’re carrying a load around while walking.
The upper is soft and flexible. It cradled my foot without rubbing or crushing, thanks partly to the memory foam collar. I have bony ankles and it was nice not to have to worry about rubs under the ankle joint due to the soft fabric and foam.
Best walking shoe on a budget
Buy it if
✅ You like simple and stylish: If you want an everyday shoe you can wear anywhere without looking like you’re going to an athletics competition, these shoes are for you.
✅You like a firm sole: I generally like a bouncy sole, but these shoes are firm underfoot. Despite covering miles of concrete, I found these no less comfortable than some super-bouncy offerings from other brands.
✅You don’t want to break the bank: These shoes will suit a lower budget. Although you sacrifice some technical specs and design options from more expensive shoes, if you just want a comfortable, subtle-looking sneaker, these shoes tick that box and more. .
Don't buy it if
❌You like a soft, flexible shoe: The construction of this shoe is quite stiff. The upper and the sole lack the flexibility and cushioning of a shoe designed for distance running. I didn’t find this impeded
Cushioning + support: Like many of the other shoes in this guide, the Gola Lansens are designed for running. They offer a comfortable, neutral ride, which means they don’t have awkward in-built support to offset any pronation. The upper is solidly structured—to the point of being a little inflexible. They also have a very firm sole. Once laced up, the shoes won’t move around on your feet.
I don’t generally like a chunky sole, as I find it cumbersome. But while the Lansen is thick underfoot, it still feels like a lightweight shoe.
Design + features: I liked the simple design of the Lansen shoes—my pair have a black upper and white sole—they can be worn with any outfit and are more subtle than other shoes I’ve tested.
The colorways are limited, but the options are minimalist and aesthetically pleasing.
There's not a lot of grip on the underside of these shoes, which might mean they're better for city walks rather than rural environments. That said, I didn't find them slippy, even on wet days.
Materials + durability: The Lansens aren’t as springy as high-tech running shoes from the likes of Nike or Hoka, which makes sense given their lower price. Despite this, they are still fairly comfortable. I could happily wear these shoes all day. They are extremely lightweight, which compensates for the hardness of the sole.
The mesh upper is breathable, more so than sportier shoes I’ve tested. The material is slightly stiff and the pleather detailing looks a bit cheap, but again, they’re great value shoes and I only noticed this feature when inspecting them closely.
Best Nike walking shoe
Buy it if
✅ You want a good multitasker: Although I tested these as walking shoes, you can use these shoes as a day-to-day sneaker or as a running shoe. They’re comfortable from the get-go with no break-in period and you can wear them on hard surfaces all day without getting sore feet.
✅ You like a bit of bounce: The main factor that set the Pegasus 40s apart for me was the springiness of the soles. They carried me through seven-mile walks, up and down hills, without any discomfort thanks to the responsiveness of the sole.
✅ You want a classic Nike look: The Pegasus 40s have a classic Nike build, which makes them an attractive shoe as well as comfortable.
Don't buy it if
❌ You like a lot of arch support: These shoes offer quite a neutral ride, which I prefer in a walking shoe, but might not be so good if you want a chunky, highly supportive shoe.
Cushioning + support: The Nike Pegasus 40s are comfortable and well-cushioned. I took them on a couple of 15,000 step walks and found myself just as comfortable at the end of the walk as at the beginning (if slightly sweatier).
They offer neutral support and what Nike describes as medium cushioning; I found this meant that they were actually very springy, which is perfect for me. They are technically running shoes, but I found them great for long city walks, where cushioning was needed to protect my feet from hard concrete.
Design + features: The Pegasus 40s have quite a narrow fit, however, Nike does offer an extra wide option for men and women, so if you usually buy a wide-fit shoe, you’ll want to opt for this. I have fairly narrow feet, but found the Pegasus 40s quite snug and had to loosen the laces to get them on my foot.
The soles aren’t as grippy as the Nike Motivas (reviewd below) but they are still fairly solid. I walked across frozen streets and icy hills and stayed upright the entire time, despite my horrendous balance.
Materials + durability: I got the shoes really muddy and unfortunately, they didn’t wash completely clean again, so if you have a white pair, don’t expect them to stay white. They are water resistant but not waterproof, so not the best choice for wet days.
The soles are wonderfully springy, which was an upgrade from the fairly unyielding tread of the Nike Motivas that I was testing before. Nike have included two Zoom Air cushioning units in the heel and toe and you can feel the support and responsiveness with every step.
Best for wide feet
Buy it if
✅You want cushioning and comfort: these are very comfortable shoes, I found them to be on par with the Nike Pegasus 40s for cushioning. You can easily wear them all day on hard surfaces like concrete and your feet won’t get sore. They didn’t need breaking in either.
✅You need width options: Brooks offers four width options for this shoe. I have quite narrow feet but found the “medium” option a good fit. They also offer a wide and extra wide option.
Don't buy it if
❌You need a grippy toe: the downfall of these shoes is the lack of grip in the toe area in particular. While making my way up slick concreted hills in the rain, I found myself slipping, only to be caught by the heel of the shoe. This might not be much of an issue on flatter surfaces, but living in a hilly city it became treacherous at times.
❌You want a lot of arch support: These are neutral shoes, so they are good for most people, but if you want a more supportive shoe you might want to look elsewhere.
Cushioning + support: These are well-cushioned shoes, with a soft midsole, making them suitable for walking long distances. I found them to be comfortable even on long city walks where I’d be walking on hard surfaces for hours.
They offer more cushioning than a “standard” offering by Brooks, but not as much as “maximum support” options, making them a good middle-of-the-road shoe in terms of supportiveness. They are neutral shoes, designed for the average Joe, with standard arch support. The sole is chunky at the back but I didn’t feel weighed down or encumbered by them.
Design + features: There are seemingly endless color and design options for the Ghost 15s, so you should be able to find your perfect style match. I liked that they were stylish enough to wear to work or out and about but supportive and durable enough to wear for sports or running. Once tied, the laces don’t budge and you can trust the shoe to remain snug on your foot.
Materials + durability: Brooks is proud of their sustainability efforts and states that the shoes are carbon neutral, with 57% recycled materials in the upper. The mesh upper is breathable and it kept my feet cool on long, sweaty walks.
Best for trail walks
Buy it if
✅You’re looking for a trail shoe: These are purpose-built for trail walking and are great for going off-road. They can grip fantastically on wet grass, uneven surfaces and mud.
✅ You want to walk long distances: These shoes kept my feet comfortable all day and didn’t need to be broken in before I started taking them for longer walks.
Don't buy it if
❌You want a shoe for city walking: While the grippy lugs on the soles work well on rugged surfaces, I found that these shoes were slippy on wet roads and sidewalks.
❌You have bony ankles: I found the rigidity of the upper chaffed my ankles on uneven surfaces when my foot was tilted to one side.
Cushioning + support
These are lovely supportive shoes, with a thick sole and solid upper across the top of the shoe. They have firmer soles than some of the other shoes I’ve tested and lack the bounce of something like the Hoka Bondi 8, which is designed for road running, but they are still very comfortable.
I walked over 10km on hard concrete in one day while wearing these and my feet didn’t hurt. Usually at the end of such a walk, I’ll need to massage the balls of my feet and arches, but that wasn’t necessary with these Merrells.
Design + features
The tongue and heel loops (the looped tab at the back of the shoe) make them easy to get on and the laces are textured, so once they are fastened, they stay tied. They’re also easy to loosen and tighten without getting stuck in the eyelets.
These shoes are water resistant rather than entirely waterproof. On a rainy day, they will keep your feet cozy and dry, but they will allow water through when submerged in water (I got a damp sock when walking through a puddle).
Materials + durability
These are more of a trail shoe than a city walking shoe. While the grip is great on uneven surfaces, when I walked up and down hills around town, I slipped on the wet concrete.
The shoes seem fairly durable, showing no signs of wear after my usual testing protocol (40,000 steps per shoe) other than a bit of surface dirt. They are also quite light, despite the thickness of the sole (12.34oz/350g per shoe for men, 9.7oz/275g per shoe for women.)
Best for waterproofing
Buy it if
✅ You plan to walk in the rain: I have had issues with the grippiness of other shoes I’ve tested on wet concrete. The Adidas Terrex has no such problems, handling wet pavements and slippery, dew-covered grass with ease.
✅ You want a trail shoe: These are definitely a hiking shoe, with a sturdy sole that can make short work of uneven and rocky terrain. If you’re looking for a city walking companion, you might want to choose something more lightweight and bouncy.
Don't buy it if
❌You want a flexible sole: For those looking for plush comfort, these aren’t the right pair of shoes. They are designed for the trail and do not offer the flexibility of a running shoe or city walking shoe.
Cushioning + support
These are certainly firm shoes, bordering on stiff, but offer excellent support for those wanting to go off-road on potentially slippery or uneven terrain. The sole offers little bounce and energy return, but are deeply ridged to prevent slipping.
They are quite heavy shoes and I found that they took a few days to break in. They need to be worn with sports socks or hiking socks to avoid rubbing, particularly around the ankles and Achilles tendon.
Design + features
The laces need double knotting if you want to be certain they won’t come untied as they are quite slippery and can loosen over a long walk.
Most walking shoes have a grabbable loop on the heel, but these shoes also have a loop on the tongue, making them incredibly easy to put on. There is also a toe cap to protect your feet.
Materials + durability
I’ve tested many shoes that claim to be waterproof or water-resistant with a GORE-TEX element, but very few have been truly watertight. I was impressed when I clumsily put my foot in a puddle on the first day of testing these shoes and still had bone-dry socks afterwards.
These are very well-structured shoes and will support your feet over rocky terrain. While this is an asset on the trail, it can be a bit much when walking on concrete and I found the balls of my feet felt compressed after a long walk over flat pavements.
Best for grip
Buy it if
✅ You want superior grip: These shoes will not let you down, even on the slippiest surfaces.
✅You want a tough, all-terrain shoe: These are rugged shoes, with a toe cap, ideal for rough ground and adventures off the beaten path.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want waterproof shoes: These shoes are fairly water resistant, but the huge gaps down the sides of the tongues let in water on rainy days.
Cushioning + support
I liked the level of support offered by these shoes. The Vibram outsole is chunky and firm, but well cushioned, and wraps around the sides for extra protection. The midsole is also super thick; I didn’t feel any stones or twigs underfoot when walking.
The upper wasn’t as rigid as other hiking shoes I’ve tested but was firmer and more structured than everyday sneakers like the Hoka Bondi 8. However, I did find that the design rubbed the skin on my Achilles tendon.
Design + features
These are trail running shoes and you can tell. They’re fairly lightweight, at 11.2 oz for the men’s shoes and 8.9 oz for women’s. They also come with an extra grippy Vibram sole, a common feature in rugged all-terrain shoes (the Merrell Moab Speed 2 and Reebok Nano X3 also have Vibram outsoles).
The tongue is held in place by a pair of elastic tabs, which is supposed to allow your foot to move around. However, I found this created a gap on either side of the tongue, which let water in and looked strange.
The toe protection feature was useful, shielding the end of my feet, but it felt restrictive and stiff. If you’re looking for shoes to wear all day at work, there are softer, more comfortable options.
Materials + durability
The soles seem very durable, with not a mark on them after my usual 40,000-step testing period.
Best for concrete
Buy it if
✅ You’re looking for a light shoe: These shoes weigh just 8.7oz (men) and 7.3oz (women), so you’ll feel light on your feet.
✅ You want a flexible shoe: The sole on this shoe flexes with your foot and the upper moves freely, which is great if you need a reactive sneaker.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a waterproof shoe: If you wear these in a heavy downpour, you will get wet socks. They are well-ventilated, so better suited to summer walks.
Cushioning + support
While I often struggle with pinching or rubbing on the back of my heel, the Hoka Cliftons were incredibly comfortable from the moment I put them on. The high back offers good support around the bottom of the Achilles tendon, which I’ve not found in many other shoes. There’s no pull tab on the shoe, but I found it easy to grab onto the high backs and slip my foot in.
I also found that the Hoka Clifton 9s offer excellent energy return with each step, making their ride bouncy and comfortable. The upper is soft and flexible, hugging the foot gently.
Design + features
The Hoka Clifton is a lightweight shoe, with plenty of flexibility in the sole and upper, allowing the shoes to move with your feet. This is ideal if you’re on your feet all day or doing long-distance walks on concrete, as they have ample support and cushioning but don’t weigh your feet down.
They come in a wide variety of colors and offer both regular and wide-fit options.
Materials + durability
These shoes were excellent in hot weather, keeping my feet cool on hot and sweaty 10km walks. However, the breathable mesh upper isn’t waterproof, so they’re not ideal for rainy days.
While the sole is not as chunky as the Bondi 8, it still offers a thick layer of cushioning, so you’ll feel supported even on hard surfaces.
Best from skechers
Buy it if
✅ You love a comfy shoe: I cannot fault this shoe for comfort. It is well-cushioned with an ultra springy sole that will carry you effortlessly over long distances. An ideal pick for summer tourists looking to explore a city.
✅ You’re looking for a casual shoe: Th design is subtly stylish enough to be worn with any outfit without looking too much like a chunky walking shoe.
✅ You're on a budget: This model has an MSRP of $80, but it's usually discounted to $59.99.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want an all-terrain shoe: When I tackled a rural walk in these shoes, I had to pick pebbles out of the sole. This quickly became tiring and I found that removing the debris often caused damage to the sole.
❌ You want something waterproof: The mesh upper is great for cooling your feet, but unfortunately that means you’ll get soaked as soon as you step outside in the rain. These are more of a summer shoe.
Cushioning + support: The Hyper Pillar Technology (round foamy springs on the bottom of the shoe) provides an ultra-responsive, bouncy ride, which is comfortable and supportive.
Design + features: While I appreciate the springiness of the Hyper Pillar Technology, it does have a practical defect: the gaps between each pillar are a magnet for gravel, pebbles and other debris. This shouldn't be a problem if you're keeping to urban environments, but it means the shoes aren't ideal for rural hikes.
Otherwise, the design is comfortable and practical. The mesh uppers kept my feet cool and the lace-up design meant I could tighten the shoes to my preference.
Materials + durability: This is a moderately grippy shoe on slick concrete surfaces thanks to the textured sole. However, I found the pebbles trapped by the pillars caused chipping and damage to the sole, leaving holes and tears.
Interestingly, this is an all-vegan shoe. It's also machine washable, which makes it easier to keep them looking fresh.
Other tried and tested shoes
The shoes listed above are the best we’ve tested, scoring high for comfort, cushioning and durability. We’ve also tried out the below options, but they didn’t quite make the cut.
The Nano X3 Adventure is a spin-off from the popular Nano range, which tops our list of the best cross trainers. It’s designed to stand up to the rigors of pretty much any workout, including heavy lifting sessions, short runs and long, muddy walks.
It features the famous “Lift and Run” chassis found in the Nano shoe. This clever design compresses under heavy loads, offering a flat and stable surface for weightlifting. When operating under normal weight, the wearer will be supported by the springy Floatride Foam cushioning in the shoe, which makes runs and walks feel easier.
Unlike other shoes in the Nano line, the Adventure X3 has a water-resistant mesh upper and a Vibram outsole with thick grooves. Combined, these features allow me to walk through shallow puddles, wet grass and muddy fields without fear of slipping or wet socks.
The only flaw here is that the shoe took a little while to break in. The upper felt stiff at first, but after a few wears it softened up and soon felt comfortable. I also wouldn’t wear them for longer rural outings, which require the use of a rugged hiking boot.
However, if you’re looking for an incredibly versatile shoe that can take you from long walks to gym workouts, the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure will be right up your street. [Reviewed by Harry Bullmore]
Buy it if
✅You want a grippy shoe: I can’t fault these shoes for their grip. Even on the slippiest surfaces, I felt stable and supported. I particularly liked that the sole was grooved, as this helped me to stay upright on uneven surfaces.
✅You have wide feet: The width of the toe box gives your feet room to splay. While they perhaps aren’t as wide as shoes specifically designed for wide feet, they’re a fairly wide-foot-friendly standard shoe.
Don't buy it if
❌ You like a bouncy sole: The sole isn’t as bouncy as other shoes you can buy. That said, if you’re looking for a firm shoe with less energy return then these might be a good fit.
Cushioning + support: Inov8 claims these shoes offer a soft ride with great bounce, but they didn’t match up to bouncier shoes I’ve tested like the Nike Pegasus or Hoka Bondi. The soles were quite stiff and hard. However, this didn’t mean I didn’t like them. They were still relatively comfortable and didn’t feel overly chunky on my feet.
The responsiveness of the shoe (its ability to efficiently transfer energy and propel you forward) was minimal when compared with other road-running shoes I’ve tested, which you might miss when walking on concrete but if you’re climbing a muddy hill, you can’t go wrong with the TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280.
Design + features: I have narrow feet, so the wide toe box didn’t suit me, although it was a bit of a novel change from shoes like Brooks Ghosts. The space in the toe box makes these shoes more suitable for those wanting a barefoot experience as your toes can spread out, grip, and behave more as they would without shoes than with a narrower toe box.
The soles are very grippy. I’ve found myself practically ice skating in other shoes I’ve tested, but this wasn’t an issue with these Inov8 shoes. As they are designed for trail running, the soles are deeply grooved and can handle a swift pivot on slippy ground.
There are a few color options available, but the pair I tested were a not-so-lovely shade of vomit green and orange that I probably wouldn’t have chosen for my wardrobe.
Materials + durability: I walked several seven-mile slogs in these shoes and there were no signs of wear. I washed them once as they got muddy and they came out as good as new.
My only complaint is that they aren’t waterproof, although Inov8 says they are water-resistant. As a shoe designed for trail running, I would have expected them to be suitable for rainy days, especially as the grippy soles make them great for wet-weather walking. Inov8 suggests re-waterproofing occasionally with a water-repelling product, but I assumed they would be as waterproof out of the box.
Buy it if
✅You want a slip-on shoe: This is a specialized shoe, and while it didn’t have the fit or comfort I was looking for, for someone with reduced mobility, who struggles to bend or needs to take their shoes on and off frequently, this shoe may be a game changer.
✅You need a high level of arch support: I don’t enjoy the level of arch support offered by this shoe, but if you need it then these shoes provide exactly that.
Don't buy it if
❌You don’t like chunky soles: The heel is 1¾ inches, making the soles significantly chunkier than I would like.
❌You want a snuggly fitted shoe: The slip-in technology means there’s less ankle support on these shoes. Even when you tighten the laces, they are more open around the ankles than I liked.
Cushioning + support: These are supportive shoes, though I personally didn’t enjoy them. I found the sole too chunky, the heel too high and the inner arch support invasive. I prefer a neutral ride in a shoe, so was not as comfortable in these as other shoes. However, this reflects personal preference rather than flaws with the shoe.
Design + features: The laces are mostly there for show: the slip-in features make this shoe easy to take on and off from standing. The sole is removable, making the shoes fairly easy to clean. I found them to be loose on my feet, I got them in a UK 6 as I am between a size 5.5 and 6 and would advise sizing down. The flexibility offered by the slip-in technology may also be partially responsible for the looser fit.
Materials + durability: These are more durable than the other Skechers I’ve tested, the Go Walk 7s, and the sole looked the same at the end of my testing period as it did in the beginning: these shoes are tough. They aren’t waterproof but are more water resistant than the Go Walk 7s, making them suitable to wear in light rain.
Buy it if
✅You love a chunky sole: The main selling point of the Motivas are that they have chunky supportive soles. This isn’t really my jam and I found them heavy and cumbersome however if you want that level of arch support they’re sure to be a winner.
✅You need a good grip: You can trust the Motivas to keep you steady. The rubber soles grip concrete paths snuggly and the deeply grooved underside of the shoe handles pivots and swift directional changes with ease.
Don't buy it if
❌You want something springy: The Motivas don’t have the springiest soles: they’re firm, which makes them less comfortable than other shoes I’ve tested. While that solidity will carry you over a variety of uneven surfaces, it makes the shoes quite hard.
❌You like a sleek shoe: Unfortunately, they look as comfortable as they feel. The sole’s heel comes out much further than the actual back of the shoe, which is helpful when taking them off, but doesn’t make them attractive.
Cushioning + support: I found them a little uncomfortable to start with due to the stiffness of the upper—my other Nikes (Pegasus) were softer and more comfortable to wear from the get-go, but the Motivas took more time to mold to my foot. Once I’d worn them for a few hours, they stopped rubbing my Achilles and underneath my ankles and became much better walking shoes. They are supportive and chunky; once broken in I could walk or stand for hours with no discomfort in my feet.
Design + features: The ridge at the back of the sole makes it easy to slip the shoe off from standing (undo the laces first to avoid damaging the shoe) and the laces won’t easily come untied while walking.
Materials + durability: They are fine to wear in light rain and make easy work of slick concrete surfaces due to the grippiness of the soles. They are water-resistant, but not waterproof, so they’re great for city walking or if your job requires you to stand for long periods, but I wouldn’t hike through wet grass in them.
Buy it if
✅ You like a flexible upper: The uppers fall somewhere in the middle for flexibility. They are more rigid than something like the Hoka Bondi 8 or Nike Pegasus, but less rigid than the Hoka Transport or Merrell Moab Speed 2.
✅ You want a lightweight shoe: At 9.5oz/ 269.3g(men) and 8.5oz / 241.0g (women), I can’t fault the Ghost 16 for being lightweight. The sole is firm and has a medium level of bounce without feeling like you are carrying around excess weight or feeling dragged down.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want superior grip: The main sole is fine and the grooves work well to maintain grip on slick pavements, but as soon as I shifted my weight to the front of the shoe, I lost traction.
❌ You want to upgrade from the Brooks Ghost 15: I much preferred the Brooks Ghost 15 and still wear them occasionally since testing them. I won’t be reaching for the Brooks Ghost 16 as a day-to-day running shoe.
Cushioning + support
These took a while to break in and pinched my Achilles tendon and toes for the first few days. Once worn in, they were a lot more comfortable and on par with the Brooks Ghost 15 for cushioning and support—but I didn’t have to spend time breaking in my pair of 15s, so this felt like a downgrade.
The sole has medium energy return: less bounce than some shoes I’ve tested but much more than others. You can tell they are designed to be road-running shoes but they are not the most comfortable I’ve tested.
Design + features
My main issue with the predecessor, Brooks Ghost 15, was that the toe offered little to no grip and I found myself slipping on wet pavements. Unfortunately, the Brooks Ghost 16s haven’t improved this flaw, and I lost my grip when going uphill. While this is less of an issue at a walking pace, these are shoes designed for running, and it worries me that a swift direction change could lead to the shoe losing grip. I suspect this is due to the vertical grooves in the sole, as they don’t offer grip for a back and forward motion (like walking) and the horizontal grooves end in the middle of the toe box, meaning any weight put forward of that final horizontal groove puts you at risk of slipping.
Visually, there is little difference between these shoes and the Ghost 15.
There are several width options, making these a good choice if you have wider feet. However, I would still recommend going for the Ghost 15 over the 16, which is cheaper and has a better base fit.
Materials + durability
The air mesh upper kept my feet cool on warm days and they were reasonably water-resistant in the rain. The sole stood up well to my testing, with very little visible wear after the usual testing over 40,000 steps.
How to choose the best walking shoes
There are three main things to consider when considering how to choose the best walking trainers for you: cushioning, support and breathability.
Cushioning
You need a trainer with plenty of cushioning to help relieve the pressure on your feet when walking, and ideally this will be zoned to provide extra where you need it. Some shoes also use foam that provides rebound; once compressed, it will spring back into place that can help give your feet a little energy boost.
Support
Support is also important, ensuring that both the sole and the whole foot are able to move but without moving about within the trainer. If you’re walking all day, also check for internal seams which can cause hot spots or rub and produce blisters. The best walking trainers will often have a seam-free construction to avoid this.
Breathability
Breathability is especially important for walking in hot weather, or if you’re prone to hot feet. That said, this often comes at the cost of weatherproofing, so if you’ll be walking in wet conditions you may prefer a shoe that provides a little more weather protection.
FAQs
How should walking shoes fit?
The heel collar at the back of the shoe should sit comfortably against your foot and not rub as you walk. And there should be a little space within the design; never opt for walking shoes that feel too tight when you try them on.
George Hill, a podiatrist at Fleet Street Clinic, told us that you might want to size up in walking shoes to accommodate thick hiking socks. This might not be necessary if you’re planning on wearing the shoes for light walking activities and don’t need thick, padded socks, but if you’re going up a mountain you’ll need that extra protection.
Hill advises that you make your own decisions about some design elements of the shoe: “Rocky terrain will require a stiffer, boot-style shoe to shield the arch from stone or uneven ground and higher ankle support to protect the ankles from rolling.” However, some people may prefer a lightweight, well-cushioned shoe if they are walking across flat, concrete surfaces.
George Hill is a podiatrist at Fleet Street Clinic in London, UK. He is HCPC-registered a member of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, and treats on lower-limb conditions at the clinic.
How long do walking shoes last?
This will depend on the shoe itself along with your walking habits. Some manufacturers suggest replacing walking shoes every 350-500 miles, but there are reports online of users hiking with Merrell shoes past the 1,000-mile mark.
What’s important is to look for signs of wear on your shoes; if there is extensive damage to the upper, or the cushioning feels ‘flat’ when you walk on it, then it’s time to buy yourself a new pair.
Is it ok to wear running shoes for walking?
Most running shoes are made with similar design features to the best walking shoes so will be suitable for keeping you comfy on walks. However, this varies between models and manufacturers.
So, a pair designed for speed and reaching the 5km finish line won't be best suited to a long hike on rough terrain. This is why it pays to consider the type of walking you do and find a pair of shoes to match this.
