9 Comfortable Walking Shoes Recommendations for 2026, Is Your Favorite Included?

KOMPAS.com - Walking is often considered a simple activity. However, in reality, it expends energy, raises the heart rate, and sometimes causes sweating.

Finding the right walking shoes is essential. Follow these tips to choose shoes that will make your walks more enjoyable.

Selecting the proper footwear is a crucial part of ensuring comfort while walking, especially since this activity continues to place pressure on the feet and legs.

Runner’s World has released a list of nine shoes that are comfortable for walking by evaluating comfort and stability, breathability, grip, and durability.

According to their official website, the Runner's World team has been testing running shoes and gear annually since 1966.

But this time, their focus was on shoes specifically designed for walking. They tested 40 pairs by taking at least 20,000 steps per day.

Here is the list of the 9 best walking shoes according to Runner's World (data as of September 11, 2026):

1. Asics Gel-Cumulus 28

The first shoe is the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28, featuring a neutral look that isn’t too flashy for running shoes, making it suitable for any activity.

One of its advantages is the rocker geometry, which is very well suited for long-distance walking.

Its sole is thick but doesn’t feel overly soft, equipped with FF Blast foam throughout the midsole for excellent rebound. The gel cushioning in the heel reduces the impact of hard landings.

2. New Balance Ellipse

The New Balance Ellipse is ideal for those seeking comfort and support during walking.

Its midsole is cushioned and absorbs shock effectively, reducing fatigue during long walks and protecting joints from repeated pressure.

This shoe also offers spacious toe room that allows toes to move freely, making it a good choice for those with wider feet.

3. Hoka Clifton 11

Pexels/Maksim Goncharenok Illustration of walking. List of the best walking shoes.

The Hoka Clifton 11 is great for walking in hilly areas thanks to its spacious toe box, flexible forefoot, and easy-to-adjust lacing system.

Its rocker profile gives the shoe a natural movement feel whether walking on flat surfaces, ascending hills, or climbing stairs.

The midsole provides a combination of cushioning, responsiveness, and motion that lets you take many steps without tiring your feet.

4. Salomon Aero Glide 4 Grvl

The Salomon Aero Glide 4 Grvl offers plush cushioning and high traction designed for gravel and slippery terrains.

This shoe has enough foam for support, a higher collar to keep out debris, and elastic laces that won’t easily come undone.

Overall, this is an excellent shoe, especially if you plan to walk on slippery surfaces for hours.

5. On Cloudmonster 3

The On Cloudmonster 3 features a firm surface underfoot yet remains cushioned for walking comfort.

Its sturdy structure creates a balanced footing when walking on uneven terrain.

The CloudTec cushioning helps absorb the impact of long walks. The toe area provides ample room for the toes.

6. Hoka Bondi 9

This sneaker offers maximal cushioning with a soft interior and has a sleeker look compared to its predecessors.

The upper is very comfortable, made with soft, cushioned, and breathable materials.

The Hoka Bondi 9 is ideal for fast walkers who need extra cushioning to absorb shocks during brisk walks.

7. Lululemon Beyondfeel

canva.com Illustration of walking.

This shoe features sturdy cushioning, making it perfect for long walks and standing for extended periods.

The Lululemon Beyondfeel includes subtle details customized specifically for each gender.

Thus, sizes and models differ to suit user types with gender-specific designs.

8. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

The Adrenaline GTS series is Brooks’ go-to moderate stability shoe, making it also very comfortable for walking.

Brooks’ stability feature, the guide rails system, adds firmer foam on both sides of the heel to help keep your stride fully aligned and balanced.

The shoe is also quite cushioned thanks to an additional nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam layer, 3 millimeters thick in the forefoot and 1 millimeter in the heel.

9. Nike Structure Plus

The main advantage of the Nike Structure Plus is its 10-millimeter drop. It’s very comfortable for hours of walking.

Structure Plus is also a stability shoe that puts the load on the big toe rather than the pinky toe, helping you walk more straightly.

This condition is very beneficial for your feet, hips, and knees. Thus, this shoe is suitable for those who experience overpronation.