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Hit the pavement with these comfy shoes to keep walking toward better health.

a collage featuring some of our favorite walking shoes

Photo:Courtesy of Brand. EatingWell design.

In This Article

Courtesy of Brand.

The right shoes are essential to feeling your best while starting and sustaining a walking routine.

and president of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS),James Yakel, D.P.M.

Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Running Shoes

PHOTO: Brooks Running

and past president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine andAshish Kapila, D.P.M.

to learn more about how to choose the best shoe and find the right fit for your feet.

What to know:Be aware that the Brooks Ghost does tend to run about a half-size small.

A pair of Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Running Shoes on a wooden floor

PHOTO: EatingWell / Katie Tuttle

The flexible mesh upper, space in the toe box and easy-to-adjust laces made for a comfortable fit.

Did we mention that the Reebok DMX Comfort + is waterproof?

We even spilled a bottle of water on them, and our socks stayed dry.

An overhead view of a pair of Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Running Shoes

They were comfortable right out of the box, and the materials and fit felt accommodating to the foot.

This shoe may be too cushioned for running, but it makes an excellent everyday walking shoe.

What to know:The Time Off sneaker is more suited to running errands than athletics.

A person stands outside in grass while wearing the Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Running Shoes

For those looking for extreme cushion with a rocker-style sole, the Motiva may be for you.

The Hoka Clifton 9 offers versatility to take you seamlessly from your daily walk or run to the gym.

With good arch support and cushioning to absorb impact, the Hoka Clifton 9 is comfortable for extended periods.

A person wears the Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Running Shoes in grass

What to know:The tall knit upper can make it challenging to pull this shoe on and off.

These shoes are comfortable right out of the box and made with 20% recycled materials for sustainability.

Getting the laces tied comfortably took some time, but once they were set, they stayed in position.

A pair of Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Running Shoes

The Kizik Paris is comfortable but not overly cushioned or springy.

It does run a bit narrow, specifically in the toe box.

This lightweight, cushioned shoe offers medium and wide widths to ensure the best fit for your foot.

A pair of Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Running Shoes on a wooden floor

It has a variety of colors available so that you dont have to sacrifice either style or substance.

Always prioritize comfort over style (sorry!).

James Yakel, D.P.M., emphasizes that this couldnt be further from the truth.

An overhead view of a pair of Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Running Shoes

The right shoes can help avoid overuse injuries in the tendons and joints.

You dont want to wear a slip-on flimsy casual shoe for a three-mile walk.

Invest in a good shoe, and it will pay off in the long run, says Yakel.

A person stands outside in grass while wearing the Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Running Shoes

Lets look at how you might confirm youre choosing the right shoe for you.

Ensure a Proper Fit

The shoe’s fit determines the ultimate comfort of the shoe.

Each of our experts agrees that getting properly measured and fitted is essential.

A person wears the Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Running Shoes in grass

She also recommends that you move your toes around in the shoe.

Ask yourself: Do you have enough space to wiggle them freely?

Is any part of the shoe pressing on your toes?

A pair of Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Running Shoes

The answers to those questions will help you determine whether the shoe will be a good fit for you.

The shoe should not be too loose or tight at midfoot.

Yakel recommends a mesh upper due to the ventilation it provides.

Reebok DMX Comfort+ Shoes

PHOTO: Reebok

A good heel counter is important, says Yakel.

This is the hard plastic portion at the back of the shoe.

It gives the shoe some stability, which can make the shoe more comfortable.

A person walks outside while wearing the Reebok Women’s DMX Comfort+ Shoes

PHOTO: EatingWell / Brierley Horton

If it compresses easily, it may not offer enough support.

Yakel also encourages re-measuring your feet every few years.

Just because you wore a size 8 shoe ten years ago doesnt mean thats what size you wear today.

A person stands outside while wearing the Reebok Women’s DMX Comfort+ Shoes

Commonly Asked Questions

Are running shoes good for walking?

In comparison, walking shoes tend to be stiffer and can be heavier than your typical running shoe.

Why would weight be important?

A pair of Reebok Women’s DMX Comfort+ Shoes on a wooden floor

The heavier the shoe, the more quickly your muscles will fatigue.

For most of my patients, I suggest they actually get a running shoe, says Butterworth.

Running shoes offer better construction, are more lightweight and the materials are more durable.

A side view of the Reebok Women’s DMX Comfort+ Shoes

Supination, or underpronation, is often associated with people who have high arches.

Proper support can help you avoid common runners and walkers injuries, such as plantar fasciitis.

Are cushioned walking shoes better for long walks?

An overhead view of the Reebok Women’s DMX Comfort+ Shoes

As we mentioned before, it depends.

He warns that a highly cushioned shoe is not for everyone.

While its nice to have the extra shock absorption, its still about comfort and fit for long walks.

A person walks outside while wearing the Reebok Women’s DMX Comfort+ Shoes

Butterworth reminds us not to forget about shock absorption.

Running shoes typically have more shock absorption in the heel.

How long should walking shoes last before replacing them?

A person stands outside while wearing the Reebok Women’s DMX Comfort+ Shoes

Unfortunately, athletic shoes dont last forever.

Walking and running shoes must be replaced every 200 to 500 miles or approximately every six months.

However, this is not the only thing to consider.

A pair of Reebok Women’s DMX Comfort+ Shoes on a wooden floor

Just remember, we tested a wide variety of shoes for a reason: Every foot is different.

The brand or style that works for your friend or neighbor may not be the best for you.

Most online retailers have a generous return policy.

A side view of the Reebok Women’s DMX Comfort+ Shoes

Try on a few different styles and brands to learn more about what you like.

Listen to your foot and go with the shoe that feels best.

Above all else, check that it feels comfortable for you, says Butterworth.

An overhead view of the Reebok Women’s DMX Comfort+ Shoes

If it doesnt feel comfortable in the store, it will not feel comfortable at home!

Online shopping is great once you find a good athletic shoe.

We added newer brands and styles into our tests, along with the latest versions of previous favorites.

Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker

PHOTO: Amazon

Our Trusted Expertise

Julie Floyd Jonesis the co-owner and program director of Excellence Wellness Solutions.

Julie has been published in EatingWell, EatingWell.com and CookingLight.com.

This article was edited byKatie Tuttle, an editor and frequent shoe tester.

A pair of Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers outside on concrete

PHOTO: EatingWell / Katie Tuttle

She has since become yet another believer in the power of the Brooks Ghost 16s.

A person wears the Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

A person walks outside while wearing the Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

An overhead view of a pair of Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

The treads on the bottom of the Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneaker

An overhead view of a pair of Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

A pair of Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers outside on concrete

A person wears the Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

A person walks outside while wearing the Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

An overhead view of a pair of Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

The treads on the bottom of the Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneaker

An overhead view of a pair of Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

PHOTO: Nike

A person stands outside while wearing the Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

PHOTO: EatingWell / Brierley Horton

A person walks outside while wearing the Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

An overhead view of a pair of Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

A side view of the Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

The treads on the bottom of the Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

The bottom of the Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

A person stands outside while wearing the Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

A person walks outside while wearing the Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

An overhead view of a pair of Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

A side view of the Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

The treads on the bottom of the Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

The bottom of the Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes

Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 Sneakers

PHOTO: Hoka

A person stands outside while wearing the Hoka Women’s Clifton 9

PHOTO: EatingWell / Katie Tuttle

A person walks outside in grass while wearing the Hoka Women’s Clifton 9

A person walks outside in grass while wearing the Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 Shoes

A person wears the Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 while standing in grass

A pair of Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 Running Shoes in the box

A pair of Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 Running Shoes on the box

The Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 on a branded box

A person stands outside while wearing the Hoka Women’s Clifton 9

A person walks outside in grass while wearing the Hoka Women’s Clifton 9

A person walks outside in grass while wearing the Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 Shoes

A person wears the Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 while standing in grass

A pair of Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 Running Shoes in the box

A pair of Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 Running Shoes on the box

The Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 on a branded box

Amazon Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

PHOTO: Amazon

A person walks outside while wearing the Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

PHOTO: EatingWell

A side view of a pair of Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

The back of the Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

A person walks outside while wearing the Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

An overhead view of the Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

The treads on the bottom of the Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

A person walks outside while wearing the Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

A side view of a pair of Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

The back of the Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

A person walks outside while wearing the Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

An overhead view of the Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

The treads on the bottom of the Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

Kizik Women’s Paris Sneaker

PHOTO: Kizik

A side view of a pair of Kizik Women’s Paris Sneakers

PHOTO: EatingWell / Katie Tuttle

A pair of Kizik Women’s Paris Sneakers on concrete

A person walks outside in grass while wearing the Kizik Women’s Paris Sneakers

A person walks outside in grass while wearing the Kizik Women’s Paris Sneakers

The back of the Kizik Women’s Paris Sneakers

The laces on the Kizik Women’s Paris Sneakers

A side view of a pair of Kizik Women’s Paris Sneakers

A pair of Kizik Women’s Paris Sneakers on concrete

A person walks outside in grass while wearing the Kizik Women’s Paris Sneakers

A person walks outside in grass while wearing the Kizik Women’s Paris Sneakers

The back of the Kizik Women’s Paris Sneakers

The laces on the Kizik Women’s Paris Sneakers