I Walk 16,000 Steps a Day, And These Are the 4 Best Walking Shoes I’ve Ever Worn

The best walking shoes of 2025 are supportive, cushioned, and fashion-forward. Our in-house shoe experts analyzed dozens of walking shoes and, after miles of testing, these 4 are our top picks.

April 30, 2025 · 2 min · 423 words · Candice Phillips

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Its the ultimate shoe-down, and only the best walking shoes made it on our list.

Woman wearing Hoka Arahi Sneakers

Photo:Shape

The lightweight cushioning and bouncy foam keep me feeling energized during long, meandering walks.

At the same time, theyre notsocushioned that I feel wobbly or unsteady in them.

This perfect balance makes these an extremely versatile shoe for my on-the-go lifestyle.

Nike Pegasus 41

PHOTO: Amazon

Ive worn them for lakefront walks, Target runs, marathon cheer stations, and evenHIIT workout classes.

Nike shoes can run small, but luckily, the Pegasus 41s are available in regular and wide fits.

Also available in men’s sizes atAmazon,Nike, andDick’s.

Feet wearing Nike Pegasus 41 women’s running shoes outside on grass

PHOTO: Shape

The maximalist cushioning is heaven, especially if youre on your feet all day like I am.

The pull-tab at the heel, which means I can slip these on with one hand.

And trust me, every second counts when youre potty-training a puppy and need to get outside ASAP.

Feet wearing Nike Pegasus 41 women’s running shoes outside on grass

Also available in men’s sizes atAmazon,Asics, andDick’s.

This version (the 14th!)

of the 1080s features a few key upgrades that make it my go-to choice for long distances.

Feet wearing Nike Pegasus 41 women’s running shoes outside on grass

Next, extra rubber in high-wear areas boosts durability for high-mileage days.

Also available in men’s sizes atAmazon,Zappos, andNew Balance.

The 2.5-inch heel may look intimidating at first, but trust me, you could absolutely strut in these.

Feet wearing Nike Pegasus 41 women’s running shoes outside on grass

Theyve carried me through music festivals, concerts, and dozens of dog walks.

The secret is in the supportive footbed and surprisingly sturdy ankle strap.

My feet did not hurtat all.

Feet wearing Nike Pegasus 41 women’s running shoes outside on grass

My knees, ankles, and toes all felt supported.

My bunions were unaffected too; they usually get aggravated when wearing other shoes.

every day, mixing up the terrain, distances, and durations in each pair.

Feet wearing Nike Pegasus 41 women’s running shoes outside on grass

Podiatrists tend to recommendshoes from New Balance, Asics, and On for walking.

But keep in mind that your specific needs will vary based on your gait and any existing injuries.

Why Trust Shape

Kristen Geilis a former senior fitness editor atShape.

Feet wearing Nike Pegasus 41 women’s running shoes outside on grass

Feet wearing Nike Pegasus 41 women’s running shoes outside on grass

Feet wearing Nike Pegasus 41 women’s running shoes outside on grass

Feet wearing Nike Pegasus 41 women’s running shoes outside on grass

PHOTO: Shape

Close up view of Asics Gel-Nimbus 27

PHOTO: Shape

Close up view of Asics Gel-Nimbus 27

Close up view of Asics Gel-Nimbus 27

Close up view of Asics Gel-Nimbus 27

Close up view of Asics Gel-Nimbus 27

Close up view of Asics Gel-Nimbus 27

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14

PHOTO: New Balance

Close up view of New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080v14 Sneakers worn outside

PHOTO: Shape

Close up view of New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080v14 Sneakers worn outside

Close up view of New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080v14 Sneakers worn outside

Close up view of New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080v14 Sneakers worn outside

Close up view of New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080v14 Sneakers worn outside

Close up view of New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080v14 Sneakers worn outside

Close up view of New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080v14 Sneakers worn outside

Close up view of New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080v14 Sneakers worn outside

Sorel Women’s Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandal

PHOTO: Saks Fifth Avenue

Close up view of Sorel Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandal worn indoors

PHOTO: Shape

Close up view of Sorel Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandal worn indoors

Close up view of Sorel Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandal worn indoors

Close up view of Sorel Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandal worn indoors

Close up view of Sorel Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandal worn indoors

Close up view of Sorel Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandal worn indoors

Close up view of Sorel Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandal worn indoors

Close up view of Sorel Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandal worn indoors

Close up view of Sorel Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandal worn indoors

Close up view of Sorel Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandal worn indoors

Adidas Ultraboost Light Women’s Running Shoe

PHOTO: Amazon

Two feet in Adidas Ultraboost Light Women’s Running Shoes on the sidewalk

The Adidas Ultraboost Light Women’s Running Shoes are comfortable and have a sturdy base.PHOTO: Shape

Side view of two feet wearing Adidas Ultraboost Light Women’s Running Shoes on pavement

Close up of Adidas Ultraboost Light Women’s Running Shoes on a rug

Two feet in Adidas Ultraboost Light Women’s Running Shoes on the sidewalk

Side view of two feet wearing Adidas Ultraboost Light Women’s Running Shoes on pavement

Close up of Adidas Ultraboost Light Women’s Running Shoes on a rug

Bloomingdale’s ON Cloud 5 Sneakers

PHOTO: Bloomingdale’s

Woman wearing on Cloud 5 Walking shoe

Shape

Hoka Arahi

PHOTO: Hoka

A person stands outside while wearing the Hoka Women’s Arahi 7 Everyday Running Shoes

The Hoka Women’s Arahi 7 Everyday Running Shoes come in women’s sizes 5 to 11 and men’s 7 to 15.PHOTO: Shape

A person stretches while wearing the Hoka Women’s Arahi 7 Everyday Running Shoe

The Hoka Women’s Arahi 7 Everyday Running Shoe from the side

The front of the Hoka Women’s Arahi 7 Everyday Running Shoes

The back of the Hoka Women’s Arahi 7 Everyday Running Shoes

A person stands outside while wearing the Hoka Women’s Arahi 7 Everyday Running Shoes

A person stretches while wearing the Hoka Women’s Arahi 7 Everyday Running Shoe

The Hoka Women’s Arahi 7 Everyday Running Shoe from the side

The front of the Hoka Women’s Arahi 7 Everyday Running Shoes

The back of the Hoka Women’s Arahi 7 Everyday Running Shoes

Orthofeet Kita Hands-Free Women’s Athletic Sneakers

PHOTO: Orthofeet

Person lunging while wearing Orthofeet Women’s Kita Hands-Free Athletic Sneakers

Orthofeet Women’s Kita Hands-Free Athletic Sneakers are lightweight and breathable.PHOTO: Shape

Person wearing Orthofeet Women’s Kita Hands-Free Athletic Sneakers on a sidewalk

Orthofeet Women’s Kita Hands-Free Athletic Sneakers displayed in shoebox

Person lunging while wearing Orthofeet Women’s Kita Hands-Free Athletic Sneakers

Person wearing Orthofeet Women’s Kita Hands-Free Athletic Sneakers on a sidewalk

Orthofeet Women’s Kita Hands-Free Athletic Sneakers displayed in shoebox

Amazon Rykä Devotion X Walking Shoe

PHOTO: Amazon

A person walking outside in Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoes

The Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoes have great shock absorption and support foot health.PHOTO: Shape / Kelly Meehan Brown

Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoes freshly opened in the original box

A person walking outside in Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoes

Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoes freshly opened in the original box