<p>Also, these shoes are functionally perfect now. As someone with baby bunions, who lives in a walking city, and who <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/esq-premium-exclusive/” target=”_blank”>would rather drop dead than wear anything purely for function</a>, I promise you these shoes do both form and function. These <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g60791949/best-walking-shoes-for-flat-feet/” target=”_blank”>walking sneakers</a> span the range of totally athletic (some are <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g3143/best-running-shoes/” target=”_blank”>running shoes</a> that are great for walking) to sneakily supportive. They have heel cradles, thick cushioning, and soft landings. </p><p>These walking <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/author/222405/esquire-sneaker-desk/” target=”_blank”>sneakers</a> can, should, and will become your most-worn sneakers in your closet. Here are our 14 favorites. </p>” data-next-head/>
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
Best Outdoor Walking Shoes
Arc’Teryx Norvan LD4
Arc’Teryx’s Norvan sneaker is built for activities that are tougher on shoes than just walking, which is exactly why we like them for it. These are built with adventure in mind: a roomy forefoot and secure mid, with a grippy lug pattern. They are waterproof and have a strong underfoot support. They’re great for walking in nature, in the city, or anywhere it might be raining. We also like how low-key they are with monochrome colorways.
| Sizes | 7-13 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 3 |
| Weight | 10 oz |
| Heel Drop | 6 mm |
Best Running Shoes for Walking
Brooks Ghost Max 2
The Brooks Ghost is an ongoing favorite for long-distance and outdoor runners, thanks to its cushion, neutral support, and lightweight upper. The Max is a cushioned out version, with a higher shock absorption. That makes it especially great for dedicated walking shoes. We like the rocker feel and how little it hurts our knees to walk in these for a long time. Also a standout: the medium, wide, and extra-wide sizing available (though, less fortunate, not in all colorways).
| Sizes | 7-15 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 14 |
| Weight | 10.8 oz |
| Heel Drop | 6 mm |
Coolest Walking Sneakers
https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/xt-4-og-li3335.html#color=109880 XT-4 OG
We are a sucker for a Salomon XT style, even if we’re a few year’s past the XT-6 hype wave. We love this XT-4 pair for walking. Yes, they are made for the great outdoors, not for the coffee shops we’re seeing them in. But that durable, breathable, abrasion-resistant design is exactly why we like wearing them wherever we please, thank you very much. The underfoot feels supportive around the heel and midfoot, and we love how the mesh upper is designed to swipe off dirt and debris. The Very Outdoor sneakers are infiltrating the fashion sneaker market in a big way—lugged soles, quick laces, and all.
| Sizes | 4-13 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 3 |
| Weight | 12.6 oz |
| Heel Drop | 10 mm |
What to Consider
Shoes marketed as walking shoes are often heavy on the cushion underfoot, which we do love for great shock absorption. They’ll also often have a rocker shape, which helps guide your feet forward. But don’t sleep on walking shoes that are marketed as something else. Namely, running sneakers and hiking sneakers. If they’re designed to run, they’re designed to walk. Expanding your search means you can get something lighter weight or waterproof.
How we Tested
Why Trust Esquire
Because we do not mess around when it comes to sneakers. We are harsh critics, both on function and on form. These sneakers—the ones we are certain are good for walking—have been around the block, ours and others. We wouldn’t lead you or your sneaker closet astray.
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