Best shoes for walking: ultimate comfort and support

Life can be tough on your feet, but finding the best shoes for walking can make a huge difference. The right pair will provide support, alleviate pressure and keep you feeling fresh all day long. 

All of the sneakers in our selection are ideal for everyday life, whether that's doing twice-daily dog walks, meeting friends for an after-dinner stroll or even if you've taken up walking to lose weight. They're also ideal if you spend most of your day on your feet, either at work or running errands at home.

The best shoes for walking in our eyes are the aptly named New Balance Ralaxa trainers, which have a removable cushioned insert so you can use your own orthotics. An accessibly-priced alternative is the Nike Revolution 5 sneaker, our best shoes for walking if you're on a budget.

One thing to note: whilst great for walking, these shoes won't necessarily offer suitable support for activities such as running or working out. If that's what you're looking for, check out one of the following links...

• Best running shoes for women
• Best running shoes for men
• Best cross training shoes

 How to choose the best shoes for walking for you 

There are three main things to consider when considering how to choose the best walking trainers for you: cushioning, support and breathability.

Cushioning

You need a trainer with plenty of cushioning to help relieve the pressure on your feet when walking, and ideally this will be zoned to provide extra where you need it. Some shoes also use foam that provides rebound; once compressed, it will spring back into place that can help give your feet a little energy boost. 

Support

Support is also important, ensuring that both the sole and the whole foot are able to move but without moving about within the trainer. If you’re walking all day, also check for internal seams which can cause hot spots or rub and produce blisters. The best walking trainers will often have a seam-free construction to avoid this. 

Breathability

Breathability is especially important for walking in hot weather, or if you’re prone to hot feet. That said, this often comes at the cost of weatherproofing, so if you’ll be walking in wet conditions you may prefer a shoe that provides a little more weather protection. 

The best shoes for walking you can buy right now

The name of these shoes - Ralaxa - promises oodles of comfort, and that’s exactly what they are designed to deliver. There’s plenty of cushioning on offer here, from supportive cushioned midsole to the PU Soft+Supportive insert which is removable; good news for anyone who uses a custom insert or orthotics, as you can pop that in instead. 

They come in a good range of sizes in both men’s and women’s fit. Even better, two width fittings are available, so you’re able to get a shoe that will provide the support you need without rubbing. 

The lace closure system along with the seam-free knitted mesh upper provides a close fit without pressure points, which minimises rubbing. Looks-wise, the subtle design of these shoes makes them ideal for smart-casual office wear if your job requires you to be on your feet a lot.

If there's one thing that Hoka One One shoes are known for, it’s cushioning - something taken to a whole new level in this special edition model thanks the the brand's Meta-Rocker design. This is designed to support and mimic the movement of the foot, with a low heel-toe drop. Although developed for running, these shoes are amazingly comfortable for walking in, particularly if you have any ankle or foot issues - making them one of the best pairs for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis. 

Surprisingly light for what is a chunky shoe, fashionistas will appreciate the striking looks of this special edition collaboration with hip US brand Opening Ceremony. It's a statement shoe for sure, especially in the white and blue color-way; more neutral beige and black versions are available. There’s also a 3M reflective strip to help you stay seen in low light conditions. 

Simple comfort without spending a fortune? That’s what the Nike Revolution 5 offers. 

The breathable mesh upper is ideal for hot conditions or anyone prone to hot feet, allowing sweat to wick away and air flow to cool the foot. A lace fastening system means you can easily pull the upper as close around the foot as you need for comfort and support, while the stitch-free construction means no bulky seams that could rub or irritate. 

Both the sole and midsole are simple but effective. Soft foam for the midsole provides cushioning and support, absorbing the force of the foot striking on pavement, while the rubber outsole offers both traction and durability. The tread itself is in sections which allows the sole to move and bend with your foot, supporting it’s natural movement. A great shoe for the price.

The Go Walk 5 from Skechers is a trainer that has been designed from the ground up for all-day comfort when walking or while on your feet generally. 

It has all the winning elements; cushioning foam in the sole that’s also designed to provide rebound to give you a literal spring to your step, and a dual-density outsole that provides durable protection for the sole, along with stability and support. 

One of the big sellers here is breathability. If you suffer from uncomfortably hot feet, you’ll find the evocatively named 'Air Cooled Goga Mat' insole right up your street. Combined with the mesh upper, they're designed to help wick moisture and heat away, helping to keep your feet fresh and cool.

The crochet mesh upper features a pull-on design, for ease of use. There's also a soft padded collar around the heel, plus a slight heel raise. Perhaps most useful of all, these shoes are washable - so if they get dirty or a bit smelly, you can pop them in the laundry and they’ll come out fresh and clean. 

Let's face it: a lot of trainers that are great for walking aren’t particularly stylish. But if you want comfort but don’t want to compromise your street style, then skate brand Vans have just the thing. 

Its UltraRange EXO line is specifically designed for walking, traveling and general adventuring. Key features include an UltraCush Lite midsole, which provides noticeable cushioning and support for a surprisingly light weight. Meanwhile the tough and robust classic Vans rubber waffle sole provides plenty of grip on a range of surfaces.

A sockliner-style upper helps support the foot, and there's a range of materials available - from lightweight, breathable synthetic mesh to more durable suede and even waterproof leather. So whatever your style, there's a pair to suit.