The 10 Best Walking Shoes for Men, According to ‘Men’s Health’ Editors

The Hoka Clifton 10 continues the franchise’s tradition of plush comfort and podiatrist-approved design—earning another nod from the American Podiatric Medical Association. This version builds on what made the Clifton 9 a favorite by refining the jacquard knit upper for a more adaptive fit, while still delivering the high-stack CMEVA foam that gives each stride a cloud-like feel.

The Clifton remains one of the lightest max-cushion shoes in its class. Its signature Metarocker geometry helps roll you forward with less effort, ideal for long walks, recovery days, or standing for hours. While it’s technically a running shoe, walkers and all-day wearers have gravitated toward the Clifton for its smooth ride and day-to-night versatility. I’ve personally have had a lot of friends who love the Hoka Clifton 10 and are on their feet all day working in retail and hospitals.

If you liked the 9, the 10 stays true to the formula—with subtle tweaks that make it feel just a little softer, a little smoother, and still seriously easy on the feet.

Read More: Best Hoka Shoes for Walking

If your walking routine takes you through city streets, sidewalks, or even the gym, the On Cloud X4 is built to keep pace with style. This newest version of On’s beloved crossover trainer retains its signature featherweight feel but adds key comfort upgrades that make it better suited for all-day wear. The breathable mesh upper stays cool and flexible, while plusher materials around the heel and tongue offer a more dialed-in, cushioned fit compared to the X3.

The real update lies in the underfoot tech: the Hellion superfoam midsole delivers soft landings, and the X-shaped Speedboard underfoot adds forefoot flex and energy return, whether you’re walking forward or moving side-to-side. A midfoot cage adds extra structure, while a grippy rubber outsole gives you confident traction on pavement or polished floors.

This is still a firmer-feeling shoe so don’t expect the plushness of a max-cushion trainer but the Cloudtec pods adapt nicely to your stride and deliver a responsive feel that’s great for quick city walks or active errands.

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This newest version of the Glycerin, the Glycerin 22, leans into what the series does best: plush comfort and a dialed-in neutral fit. The nitrogen-infused midsole foam has been fine-tuned for even better softness and smoother transitions, making it ideal for long walks when comfort is a top priority.

Unlike traditional stability shoes, the Glycerin 22 doesn’t use any rigid support posts. Instead, it relies on a wider platform and balanced midfoot geometry to provide a naturally stable base without feeling corrective. The result is a super soft, highly neutral ride that feels consistent from heel strike to toe-off, whether you have 2 miles or 12 miles for the day ahead of you.

The upper remains breathable and accommodating, and the shoe’s durable outsole is built to handle high weekly mileage without wearing down quickly. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable, and that’s exactly why people keep coming back to it.

It’s worth noting that the Brooks Glycerin 23 was recently released, with minor design updates that make it a heavier yet more cushioned shoe. Personally, I prefer the lighter version, and for the price drop, the 22 is a great pick for the value.

If you’re looking for a reliable walking shoe that won’t wreck your budget, the Asics Gel-Pulse 17 builds on the success of the 15 with a few key upgrades to comfort and breathability. The FF BLAST midsole and signature GEL cushioning are still here. Meaning you get a soft, responsive ride whether you’re walking city blocks or putting in time on the treadmill. What’s new is the jacquard mesh upper, which adds a lighter, more ventilated feel compared to last year’s engineered mesh. It helps your feet breathe better on warm days or longer walks without compromising the structure you need for all-day support.

One standout design feature is the elevated midsole through the center, which enhances support and impact absorption across key pressure points. While the foam leans on the firmer side, the added GEL insert softens landings, making it a strong pick for steady-paced daily walks. Stability gets a boost too—thanks to strategic bumpers along the heel that cradle the foot, paired with a rigid heel counter that helps limit excess movement.

If you liked the 16, this one feels like a natural upgrade—just a bit cooler and more dialed in for summer.

The Kuru Atom 2 is designed as a comfort-focused athletic shoe that blends performance features with orthopedic support, making it also one of the best new shoes for stability on the market. The minimalistic style behind the shoe appeals to me, especially when opting for the white or black colorways. I’ll also say that I was impressed at how easily the shoe slipped on, which is a bit of a non-negotiable for me unless I’m doing a trail run or putting in a lot of miles.

The first thing I noticed was how comfortable the shoe was, with its cushioned midsole and KURUSOLE heel shock absorption still providing a solidly responsive ride. This makes it a perfect pick for anyone looking for a daily trainer for low mileage or full days of walking. The Atom 2 brings a moderate improvement to the shoe’s past energy return, but it still doesn’t make for a running shoe you want to hit the pavement with for long distances.

The Kuru Atom 2 is a little heavy on the foot, which comes from the stability and durability that it provides. And thanks to the clean aesthetic, it fits in almost any setting, from the track to the grocery store.

The Brooks Ghost 17 proves why this Seattle-based brand remains a household name in performance footwear. Founded in 1914, Brooks has built its reputation on reliability, comfort, and a no-frills design approach—and the Ghost line is the perfect example of that. While the brand has recently taken steps to modernize its look and appeal to a younger generation, the Ghost 17 still leans traditional in the best way: It’s well-cushioned, durable, and consistent from mile one to mile 100.

The Brooks Ghost has long been a go-to for runners and walkers alike—and the Ghost 17 kept that reputation alive with subtle but smart upgrades. This version uses an air mesh upper for breathability, along with a redesigned kickback collar that cradles the heel without rubbing or slipping. The biggest change from the Ghost 16, though, is underfoot: Brooks added nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam in the heel and forefoot, giving the shoe a softer, more cushioned feel than previous versions. We should note that the Ghost 18 did just release, and while we’re still in the early stages of testing it, it does still use that DNA Loft v3 foam, but gets a fully rebuilt upper and tongue.

What makes the Ghost 17 such a standout is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re on your feet for hours, squeezing in a quick power walk, or just want something that holds up across daily mileage, this is an easy choice. It’s not flashy—but that’s kind of the point. It’s durable, balanced, and built for comfort, making it an ideal “one-shoe-fits-most” option. And with the Ghost 18 just releasing, the price drop on the 17 still makes it worthwhile.

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Asics has refined the Gel-Nimbus line year after year, and the twenty-eighth iteration is one of its most luxurious yet. Known for max cushioning and long-wear comfort, this model upgrades the upper with a premium, breathable knit that feels as good as it performs. The toebox is also more spacious than in previous versions. A welcome relief for walkers who often feel squeezed in standard neutral shoes.

Underfoot, the Gel-Nimbus 28 still delivers a soft and stable ride, thanks to its combo of lightweight foam and added gel (FF Blast Plus ECO) cushioning in the forefoot and heel. The 8mm drop subtly rolls the foot forward, creating that ideal balance between protection and propulsion. The flexible knit tongue and solid heel lockdown add to the premium feel, making it a go-to for long walks, recovery days, or even light runs.

Men’s Health Deputy Editor Paul Kita enjoyed how they felt structured, but not restrictive. Plus, Asics beefed up the outsole for better traction and longer wear. This pair will keep pace with more use. And while it’s built for a neutral gait, it plays nicely with custom insoles if you need more arch support or pronation control.

Two defining features set Altra shoes apart: a roomy toe box and a zero-drop platform. This combination ensures an anatomic fit and promotes a natural gait. Your feet enjoy greater freedom to move naturally, allowing your toes to flex and bend as you walk, which encourages better biomechanics and can reduce strain on your foot’s structures.

Compared to other Altras, the Via Olympus 2 leans more toward plush than performance. The wide-base footbed adds stability, while the rocker-shaped sole still promotes a smooth forward roll with each step—even if it’s more subtle during walking than running. That extra room in the toe box and midfoot also comes in handy during longer efforts, giving your foot space to swell without feeling cramped.

“I love super high stack shoes like this, and Altra’s dedication to extra-roomy toeboxes make the Via Olympus 2 even more comfortable,” notes Williams. “The rocker shape is less pronounced on my walks than when I run in them, but it’s still noticeable for turnover on each step.”

If you’re planning long walks, you’ll appreciate how the shoe’s roomy toe box accommodates the natural expansion that occurs during extended physical activity.

Read More: Best Wide Toebox Shoes

Fashion meets function with this shoe. It showcases a stylish design while seamlessly integrating waterproof features, exceptional durability, and a rocker bottom that ensures a buttery-smooth walking experience. It not only performs well, but looks good doing it.

It’s explicitly designed for outdoor activities, making it an ideal choice for those who do most of their walking in nature. Thanks to its waterproof attributes, my feet stay snug and dry, even in the face of challenging weather conditions. Whether I’m trudging through rain-soaked paths or navigating puddles, these shoes provide unwavering protection for my feet.

Let’s talk Keen’s newly patented “constant curve” construction. This design is engineered to encourage a forward momentum to the wearer’s stride, similar to most Hoka models. The rocker bottom facilitates a smooth transition from heel strike to toe-off, which Keen hopes can make walking more enjoyable for wearers. Based on my personal experience with these shoes, I’d say Keen has succeeded. I find myself walking faster and expending less effort, especially during long or uphill treks.

Although some reviewers have pointed out a rubbery off-gassing scent when the shoes are fresh out of the box, it’s worth noting that I didn’t find this to be particularly noticeable (and I’m pretty sensitive to smells).

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The Kuru tom Trail is a purpose-built trail walking shoe designed to protect your heels, support your stride, and keep you moving confidently over rough ground. Its standout feature is the brand’s proprietary Kuru Sole, a dynamic midsole system that flexes with each step to cup and cradle the heel. Compared to traditional heel cradles, this one offers more adaptability and a locked-in feel. This is especially helpful for walkers who deal with heel pain or plantar fasciitis.

On the trail, the Atom Trail holds its own. A synthetic upper with rugged TPU overlays adds structure and durability, while the gusseted tongue helps block out debris. The outsole is aggressive and grippy, built for varied surfaces. It’s not the lightest or most responsive option out there. Which is why we wouldn’t recommend it for trail running but rather for long hikes, uneven terrain, and daily dog walks on gravel or dirt paths, it’s an excellent pick.

Mendeszoon puts it best: “This is a true traditional trail shoe that provides great support, comfort, and protection against the elements and uneven and challenging terrain.” Our only qualm is that it’s a little heavy and not particularly responsive, which is why we wouldn’t recommend running it. But it excels in what it’s meant for—trail walking.

Bonus points: it’s made with fully vegan materials and has enough breathability to handle summer hikes without overheating your feet.

Read More:Best Trail Running Shoes