- Our expert panel
- Quick list
- Best overall
- Best walking shoe on a budget
- Best for concrete
- Best slip-on
- Best for wide feet
- Best for grip
- Best for trail walks
- Best for waterproofing
- Best sandal
- Best barefoot
- Best Nike walking shoe
- Best Hoka walking shoe
- Best Brooks walking shoe
- Best New Balance walking shoe
- Best Skechers walking shoe
- Other tried and tested shoes
- How we test the best shoes for walking
- How to choose
- FAQs
One of my favorite activities as a fitness writer is walking—I'm always trying to get more steps into my day because I've experienced firsthand the benefits of walking. As someone who walks a lot, particularly on hard concrete surfaces, I’ve become fussy about what I wear on my feet. For me, the best walking shoes have great energy return, cushioning and support.
I've been on a quest to find the most comfortable walking shoes for the past nine months. In that time, I've walked more than 400 miles in shoes from Skechers, New Balance, Nike, HOKA and others, making notes about what I do and don't like about each one. I’ve also quizzed an expert podiatrist on what to look for in good walking shoes.
These are my recommendations if you are looking for the very best walking shoe for your needs, whether you're on a budget, want something waterproof to keep your feet dry or even if you're in the market for a walking sandal.
Our expert panel
Lou Mudge is Fit&Well's resident fitness writer. She walks between 6,000 and 10,000 steps every day, usually with her dog. She is a supinator, meaning her feet roll outward rather than inward, and favors neutral shoes with lots of cushioning and bounce.
Dr. Lori A. Grant is a foot and ankle surgeon and a board certified podiatrist. During her residency at Florida Hospital, she performed more than 1,200 surgical procedures. She is a specialist in sports-related foot and ankle injuries, diabetic foot care and traumatic injury. She regularly works with conditions such as bunions, heel pain, hammer toes and has completed multiple complex post-traumatic foot and ankle repairs.
The quick list
The Brooks Glycerin Max is a comfortable, cushioned walking shoe with tons of stacking to protect your foot. I recommend this shoe for those who spend a lot of time walking on hard surfaces or who work on their feet all day.
The Gola Lansen is a comfortable and affordable shoe. It lacks the cushioning of some more expensive brands, but I liked its breathable mesh upper and solid, neutral sole.
The Clifton 9 is a bouncy shoe with a lot of cushioning. If you are looking for a lighter, softer alternative to the Bondi 8, the Clifton 9 is a great option and ideal for concrete walks.
The Hoka Transport is a great everyday shoe that can be worn anywhere. The lace-free toggle option makes them easy to slip on and their firm, comfortable sole will suit most walks.
A roomy toe box makes this a good option for wide-footed walkers. It has a firmer sole than other shoes I've tested and an excellent grip.
Of all the walking shoes I’ve tested, these New Balance models have the best grip. They’re also surprisingly lightweight, making them ideal for fast-paced trail walks or off-road runs. They are not quite as sturdy and have a thinner upper than my choice for "best for trail walks" but are very suitable for this if you want a lightweight option.
A lightweight, comfortable and durable trail hiking shoe. The Merrell Moab Speed 2 has nifty features that make it great for taking rugged terrain, but it is less suitable for city walks on wet concrete. While grippy underfoot, they were not quite as grippy as others I've tested.
The only truly waterproof shoe I’ve tested thus far, my pair of Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Low have replaced my Wellington boots on rainy days, as they can withstand a dip in a puddle without getting saturated with water.
These versatile sandals are secure on the foot and have a cushioned sole suitable for walking long miles. They’re perfect summer walking shoes if you can get over their slightly clunky aesthetic.
Curious about the barefoot lifestyle? The wafer-thin sole on this sneaker will allow your foot to move as it would without shoes, while still offering a good layer of protection
The latest iteration of the Pegasus model offers no major upgrades from the previous generation but it remains the best Nike walking shoe I've tested, offering plenty of grip and a good amount of spring.
The Hoka Bondi 8 had the top spot in this guide for most of 2024, only to be toppled in November by the Brooks Glycerin Max. The generous foam cushioning underneath the heel makes it feel like you're walking on marshmallows. They are the softest, comfiest and bounciest shoes I've ever tested.
The Brooks Glycerin 21s have an impressively robust and bouncy midsole, which felt springy and plump after several hours of walking.They’re reasonably grippy too, which is why they’re my favorite sneakers from Brooks
If New Balance is your brand, the Fresh Foam X 860v14 is one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve tested. With great cushioning and chunky soles, I found myself comfortable all day, although they were a little too wide for my feet.
A mid-price shoe with good grip, a breathable mesh upper and impressive bounce, these are my favorites from Skechers
The best shoes for walking you can get right now
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Best overall
Buy it if
✅ You want a well-cushioned, stacked shoe: These have the most cushioning of all the Brooks shoes I’ve tested, beating even the Hoka Bondi 8 for comfort.
✅You’re looking for a well-ventilated shoe: The ventilation in these shoes uses the same technology as the Brooks Glycerin 21, making them very breathable.
Don't buy it if
❌You’re on a budget: At $200, these shoes are undeniably expensive. For a similarly plush ride at a lower price, you can get the Hoka Bondi 8 for $165 or the Sketchers Max Cushioning Elite 2 for $100.
❌ You don’t like stacked shoes: If you don’t like super-high shoes, try something like the Brooks Glycerin 21, which is closer to the ground.
Cushioning + support: These are the most cushioned shoes I’ve ever tested. Mega stacking (35mm at the heel, 29mm at the toe) and a nitrogen-infused foam midsole make these shoes super bouncy. In comparison, the Hoka Bondi 8 (my previous favorite) has a 31mm stack at the heel and a 27mm stack at the toe.
The Glycerin Max is a neutral shoe, which will suit most people. If you have issues with overpronation, you will need more arch support, but anyone whose gait is broadly normal will find this shoe comfortable. The Max has a heel-to-toe drop of 6mm, designed to encourage your foot’s forward motion.
Design + features:The shoes lack a heel-pull tab, but the pointed collar is easy to grab, making them easy to pull on. The upper is also super plush without being too heavy.
The shoe features a GlideRoll rocker, to encourage smooth heel-to-toe transitions. In the past, with walking shoes like the Nike Motiva and the Keen WK400, I’ve found the rocker to be intrusive and uncomfortable, pushing up into the middle of my foot and making me feel unstable. However, the Brooks Glycerin Max gets the rocker right. It guides the foot’s forward motion without creating an uneven-feeling ride.
Materials + durability: The stacking on the sole meant I could barely feel hard surfaces like concrete underfoot. The high energy return also put a spring in my step even on an incline and decline.
I’ve had issues with Brooks's shoes slipping at the toe, especially on slick surfaces like concrete. This was a major issue I had with the Ghost range, but the Glycerin Max is thankfully much grippier. I found it easy to keep my footing on uneven surfaces and go up and down hills— top marks, Brooks.
These are not waterproof but can navigate shallow puddles easily, as the stacking carries you above the water’s surface.
Best walking shoe on a budget
Buy it if
✅ You like simple and stylish: If you want an everyday shoe you can wear anywhere without looking like you’re going to an athletics competition, these shoes are for you.
✅You like a firm sole: I generally like a bouncy sole, but these shoes are firm underfoot. Despite covering miles of concrete, I found these no less comfortable than some super-bouncy offerings from other brands.
✅You don’t want to break the bank: These shoes will suit a lower budget. Although you sacrifice some technical specs and design options from more expensive shoes, if you just want a comfortable, subtle-looking sneaker, these shoes tick that box and more. .
Don't buy it if
❌You like a soft, flexible shoe: The construction of this shoe is quite stiff. The upper and the sole lack the flexibility and cushioning of a shoe designed for distance running. I didn’t find this impeded
Cushioning + support: Like many of the other shoes in this guide, the Gola Lansens are designed for running. They offer a comfortable, neutral ride, which means they don’t have awkward in-built support to offset any pronation. The upper is solidly structured—to the point of being a little inflexible. They also have a very firm sole. Once laced up, the shoes won’t move around on your feet.
I don’t generally like a chunky sole, as I find it cumbersome. But while the Lansen is thick underfoot, it still feels like a lightweight shoe.
Design + features: I liked the simple design of the Lansen shoes—my pair have a black upper and white sole—they can be worn with any outfit and are more subtle than other shoes I’ve tested.
The colorways are limited, but the options are minimalist and aesthetically pleasing.
There's not a lot of grip on the underside of these shoes, which might mean they're better for city walks rather than rural environments. That said, I didn't find them slippy, even on wet days.
Materials + durability: The Lansens aren’t as springy as high-tech running shoes from the likes of Nike or Hoka, which makes sense given their lower price. Despite this, they are still fairly comfortable. I could happily wear these shoes all day. They are extremely lightweight, which compensates for the hardness of the sole.
The mesh upper is breathable, more so than sportier shoes I’ve tested. The material is slightly stiff and the pleather detailing looks a bit cheap, but again, they’re great value shoes and I only noticed this feature when inspecting them closely.
Best for concrete
Buy it if
✅ You’re looking for a light shoe: These shoes weigh just 8.7oz (men) and 7.3oz (women), so you’ll feel light on your feet.
✅ You want a flexible shoe: The sole on this shoe flexes with your foot and the upper moves freely, which is great if you need a reactive sneaker.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a waterproof shoe: If you wear these in a heavy downpour, you will get wet socks. They are well-ventilated, so better suited to summer walks.
Cushioning + support: These are light, comfortable shoes with a stacked midsole providing lots of pillowy cushioning. While the Hoka Bondi 8s technically have more cushioning stacked underfoot, those shoes are slightly heavier and the cushioning feels denser. The Clifton 9s are lightweight and the support is softer so you ‘sink’ into it, which feels delightful when you’re on your feet all day or doing long-distance walks on concrete.
I often struggle with pinching or rubbing on the back of my heel but the Hoka Cliftons were incredibly comfortable from the moment I put them on. The high back offers good support around the bottom of the Achilles tendon, which I’ve not found in many other shoes. There’s no pull tab on the shoe, but I found it easy to grab onto the high backs and slip my foot in.
I also found that the Hoka Clifton 9s offer excellent energy return with each step, making their ride bouncy and comfortable. The upper is soft and flexible, hugging the foot gently.
Design + features: The Hoka Clifton is a lightweight shoe, with plenty of flexibility in the sole and upper, allowing the shoes to move with your feet. This is ideal if you’re on your feet all day or doing long-distance walks on concrete, as they have ample support and cushioning but don’t weigh your feet down.
They come in a wide variety of colors and offer both regular and wide-fit options.
Materials + durability: These shoes were excellent in hot weather, keeping my feet cool on hot and sweaty 10km walks. However, the breathable mesh upper isn’t waterproof, so they’re not ideal for rainy days.
While the sole is not as chunky as the Bondi 8, it still offers a thick layer of cushioning, so you’ll feel supported even on hard surfaces.
Best slip-on
Buy it if
✅You’re looking for a multipurpose shoe: I used this shoe for dog walks, city strolls, short hikes and casual outings. They’re perfect if you want to do lots of different activities but don’t want to buy multiple shoes.
✅You want an accessible fastening: The slip-on design is useful if you have limited mobility. And unlike a lot of other slip-on models, you can actually tighten or loosen the fastening to suit your foot.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a chunky sole: If you’re looking for a chunkier, softer sole, I would recommend the Hoka Bondi, which tops this guide as the best walking shoe overall.
Cushioning + support: The Hoka Transport is a great shoe, with a good amount of firm cushioning in the midsole. They aren’t quite as stacked as other Hokas I’ve tested, which means they don’t have the same energy return, but they’re still very comfortable.
You can use these sneakers for walking, running or hiking, as Hoka has designed them to work as a multipurpose shoe. I loved their versatility and used them on a variety of terrains.
Design + features : The lace-free toggle option on the shoe makes them easy to slip on and off, but there are some laces included if that’s your preference.
The upper is more rigid than some of the other shoes I’ve tested, but not so rigid as a hiking shoe. They are stylish enough to be worn as a sneaker, and comfortable enough to walk (or run) for five miles.
Materials + durability: These shoes are perfect for a stroll in the city. I found that the grippy soles handled wet concrete, wet grass and slippery shop floors well. The sole has ridges and bumps that make it resistant to slipping on low-traction surfaces.
The model is water-resistant but not waterproof, so can be worn in mild wet weather conditions. The mesh is breathable and I didn’t find my feet getting sweaty, even when I walked long distances.
Best for wide feet
Buy it if
✅You want a grippy shoe: I can’t fault these shoes for their grip. Even on the slippiest surfaces, I felt stable and supported. I particularly liked that the sole was grooved, as this helped me to stay upright on uneven surfaces.
✅You have wide feet: The width of the toe box gives your feet room to splay. While they perhaps aren’t as wide as shoes specifically designed for wide feet, they’re a fairly wide-foot-friendly standard shoe.
Don't buy it if
❌ You like a bouncy sole: The sole isn’t as bouncy as other shoes you can buy. That said, if you’re looking for a firm shoe with less energy return then these might be a good fit.
Cushioning + support: Inov8 claims these shoes offer a soft ride with great bounce, but they didn’t match up to bouncier shoes I’ve tested like the Nike Pegasus or Hoka Bondi. The soles were quite stiff and hard. However, this didn’t mean I didn’t like them. They were still relatively comfortable and didn’t feel overly chunky on my feet.
The responsiveness of the shoe (its ability to efficiently transfer energy and propel you forward) was minimal when compared with other road-running shoes I’ve tested, which you might miss when walking on concrete but they're brilliant for muddy hills.
Design + features: I have narrow feet, so the wide toe box didn’t suit me but it's ideal for wide-footed walkers who need space to spread.
The soles are very grippy. I’ve found myself practically ice skating in other shoes I’ve tested, but this wasn’t an issue with these Inov8 shoes. As they are designed for trail running, the soles are deeply grooved and can handle a swift pivot on slippery ground.
There are a few color options available, but the pair I tested were green and orange, which isn't something I would usually choose for my wardrobe.
Materials + durability: I walked several seven-mile slogs in these shoes and there were no signs of wear. I washed them once as they got muddy and they came out as good as new.
My only complaint is that they aren’t waterproof, although Inov8 says they are water-resistant. As a shoe designed for trail running, I would have expected them to be suitable for rainy days, especially as the grippy soles make them great for wet-weather walking. Inov8 suggests re-waterproofing occasionally with a water-repelling product.
Best for grip
Buy it if
✅ You want superior grip: These shoes will not let you down, even on the slippiest surfaces.
✅You want a tough, all-terrain shoe: These are rugged shoes, with a toe cap, ideal for rough ground and adventures off the beaten path.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want waterproof shoes: These shoes are fairly water resistant, but the huge gaps down the sides of the tongues let in water on rainy days.
Cushioning + support: I liked the level of support offered by these shoes. The Vibram outsole is chunky and firm, but well cushioned, and wraps around the sides for extra protection. The midsole is also super thick; I didn’t feel any stones or twigs underfoot when walking.
The upper wasn’t as rigid as other hiking shoes I’ve tested but was firmer and more structured than everyday sneakers like the Hoka Bondi 8. However, I did find that the design rubbed the skin on my Achilles tendon.
Design + features : These are trail running shoes and you can tell. They’re fairly lightweight, at 11.2 oz for the men’s shoes and 8.9 oz for women’s. They also come with an extra grippy Vibram sole, a common feature in rugged all-terrain shoes (the Merrell Moab Speed 2 and Reebok Nano X3 also have Vibram outsoles).
The tongue is held in place by a pair of elastic tabs, which is supposed to allow your foot to move around. However, I found this created a gap on either side of the tongue, which let water in and looked strange.
The toe protection feature was useful, shielding the end of my feet, but it felt restrictive and stiff. If you’re looking for shoes to wear all day at work, there are softer, more comfortable options.
Materials + durability: The soles seem very durable, with not a mark on them after my usual 40,000-step testing period.
Best for trail walks
Buy it if
✅You’re looking for a trail shoe: These are purpose-built for trail walking and are great for going off-road. They can grip fantastically on wet grass, uneven surfaces and mud.
✅ You want to walk long distances: These shoes kept my feet comfortable all day and didn’t need to be broken in before I started taking them for longer walks.
Don't buy it if
❌You want a shoe for city walking: While the grippy lugs on the soles work well on rugged surfaces, I found that these shoes were slippy on wet roads and sidewalks.
❌You have bony ankles: I found the rigidity of the upper chaffed my ankles on uneven surfaces when my foot was tilted to one side.
Cushioning + support: There’s a lot of support built into this shoe. It has a solid upper along with heel and toe caps, to protect your foot from brambles and knocks, while the rigidity of it means that your foot won’t twist at an awkward angle when tackling uneven ground. This is why the model is my top pick for trail walks. It’s not an ideal companion for concrete—in fact, I found it a bit slippery in the city—but off-road hiking is a dream.
The shoes have firm midsoles but are still comfortable. I walked over 10km while wearing these and my feet didn’t hurt. Usually at the end of such a walk, I’ll need to massage the balls of my feet and arches, but that wasn’t necessary with these Merrells.
Design + features: The tongue and heel loops (the looped tab at the back of the shoe) make them easy to get on and the laces are textured, so once they are fastened, they stay tied. They’re also easy to loosen and tighten without getting stuck in the eyelets.
These shoes are water resistant rather than entirely waterproof. On a rainy day, they will keep your feet cozy and dry, but they will allow water through when submerged in water (I got a damp sock when walking through a puddle).
Materials + durability: These are more of a trail shoe than a city walking shoe. While the grip is great on uneven surfaces, when I walked up and down hills around town, I slipped on the wet concrete.
The shoes seem fairly durable, showing no signs of wear after my usual testing protocol (40,000 steps per shoe) other than a bit of surface dirt. They are also quite light, despite the thickness of the sole (12.34oz/350g per shoe for men, 9.7oz/275g per shoe for women.)
Best for waterproofing
Buy it if
✅ You plan to walk in the rain: I have had issues with the grippiness of other shoes I’ve tested on wet concrete. The Adidas Terrex has no such problems, handling wet pavements and slippery, dew-covered grass with ease.
✅ You want a trail shoe: These are definitely a hiking shoe, with a sturdy sole that can make short work of uneven and rocky terrain. If you’re looking for a city walking companion, you might want to choose something more lightweight and bouncy.
Don't buy it if
❌You want a flexible sole: For those looking for plush comfort, these aren’t the right pair of shoes. They are designed for the trail and do not offer the flexibility of a running shoe or city walking shoe.
Cushioning + support: These are certainly firm shoes, bordering on stiff, but offer excellent support for those wanting to go off-road on potentially slippery or uneven terrain. The sole offers little bounce and energy return, but are deeply ridged to prevent slipping.
They are quite heavy shoes and I found that they took a few days to break in. They need to be worn with sports socks or hiking socks to avoid rubbing, particularly around the ankles and Achilles tendon.
Design + features : The laces need double knotting if you want to be certain they won’t come untied as they are quite slippery and can loosen over a long walk.
Most walking shoes have a grabbable loop on the heel, but these shoes also have a loop on the tongue, making them incredibly easy to put on. There is also a toe cap to protect your feet.
Materials + durability: I’ve tested many shoes that claim to be waterproof or water-resistant with a GORE-TEX element, but very few have been truly watertight. I was impressed when I clumsily put my foot in a puddle on the first day of testing these shoes and still had bone-dry socks afterwards.
These are very well-structured shoes and will support your feet over rocky terrain. While this is an asset on the trail, it can be a bit much when walking on concrete and I found the balls of my feet felt compressed after a long walk over flat pavements.
Best sandal
Buy it if
✔️You’re looking for a walking sandal: These shoes are robust, tough and versatile on different terrains, and give your feet airflow like a flip-flop.
✔️You want breathability: It goes without saying that these are the most breathable shoes I tested. They were great for hot summer days, keeping my feet cool.
Don't buy it if
❌You want a shoe you can wear barefoot: I tried these with and without socks and found that without socks the insole got slick from sweat, making it less comfortable. The sides also chafed my feet without socks.
Cushioning + support: When I say sandals, you probably picture something with a flimsy sole, but that’s not the case for these shoes from KEEN. These are the off-roading Jeep version of sandals: as suitable for hiking up a mountain as they are for inner-city mooching. The sole is cushioned and I felt as though it cradled my foot. It was also an unexpectedly bouncy ride with good energy return on each step.
I tested it with and without socks and preferred the former option. While the insole is lightly textured to prevent slipping, I started sliding around inside the sandals whenever my feet got sweaty. I also found that they chafed the side of my foot without socks on.
Design + features: The toggle fastening and the tabs on the heels made it quick and easy to put on the sandal. You can also tuck the toggle away to prevent it from flapping around and hitting your. The crisscrossed stretchy laces felt secure during my walks but still allowed the shoe to flex with my foot.
The outsole material covers the front of the foot, which I found handy when walking on uneven terrain, as it protected my toes. The toe box is wide too, so your toes can naturally spread out. They’re also great as water shoes (I took them for a dip in the local stream) protecting your feet from underwater rocks and drying off quickly once on land again.
These are functional, comfortable shoes, but I couldn’t get over their appearanace. I tested a pair in a yellow and black colorway and felt as though I was wearing construction equipment on my feet. If you can get past this, they are great, purpose-built sandals and perfect for hot climates.
Materials + durability: These are tough shoes. Despite getting them wet and testing them over many miles on hard concrete and rocky footpaths, there wasn’t a mark on them at the end of the testing period.
The outer sole was grippy on slick surfaces and flexible enough to mold to my feet on uneven surfaces. They weigh 9.52oz / 270g, which is roughly equivalent to some road running shoes I tested. I expected them to be lighter, being sandals, but the sole is heavy duty so that contributes to the overall weight.
Best barefoot
Buy it if
✔️You want to try out barefoot shoes: If you’re curious about the barefoot movement and want to see how your feet respond, give them a go.
✔️You want a flexible shoe: These shoes cannot be beaten for flexibility. They’re so flexible that they can be folded into a small ball and will still retain their shape.
Don't buy it if
❌You like a chunky sole: If you like a well-stacked, bouncy shoe with lots of cushioning, this won’t be a good fit for you.
Cushioning + support: The Motus Flex is designed to mimic barefoot walking, allowing your foot do what it “wants” to do. There’s no cushioning or support to speak of, which I thought I’d dislike, but I found the design surprisingly comfortable. The balls of my feet did get a little sore after a few hours of walking, but that’s to be expected when you’re new to barefoot shoes.
Speaking previously with Fit&Well, podiatrist Dr Sondema Nikpmo Tarr said: “To be able to wear barefoot shoes for a full day can take upwards of a month for your feet to adapt. The breaking-in period for barefoot shoes is key in order to prevent joint, tendon or bone injuries.”
The key is to go slowly, wearing them a few times a day for short periods of time, and gradually extending this in line with your own comfort levels. I personally found that if I wore the shoes without socks they rubbed my mid-foot, so I ended up opting for the (daring) socks and barefoot shoes look.
Design + features: I was anxious about my feet being vulnerable in this model, but I needn’t have worried. The protective pieces of outsole that wrapped around my mid-foot were robust, protecting my feet from sharp stones and uneven surfaces.
Despite the “decoupling” of the soles—they are split into three distinct sections to allow your foot to flex—the outsole material comes up quite far on the sides, offering a good amount of protection. There is also a protective rubber plate on the back of the shoe to keep your heel and Achilles tendon safe.
The toggle laces were handy and quick to fasten. There is also a handy hook on the end to tuck them away so the ends aren’t flapping about.
I enjoyed that these shoes allowed my feet to wrap around things. This allowed me to grip like a monkey and stay stable while hopping over rocks and branches.
Materials + durability: After my usual testing period of 40,000 steps these shoes were barely scuffed on the bottoms. Will they last as long as regular shoes, with their thin soles? The rubber construction does seem tough, but I’m skeptical that they’re equally durable as something like the Merrell Moab Speed 2.
They are incredibly lightweight, with the women’s size 7.5 weighing just 214g/7.5 oz. They fold up small too, making them perfect if you want a comfy backup shoe to keep in your bag for the commute home.
Best Nike walking shoe
Buy it if
✔️You want cushioning and comfort: These are very comfortable shoes, with high energy return on par with the Hoka Clifton 9 or Brooks Glycerin. They aren’t quite as chunky or bouncy as the Hoka Bondi 8 or the Skechers Max Cushioning 2.0, but are great for walkers who don’t want too much stacking.
✔️ You want a good multitasker: Although I tested these as walking shoes, you can use these shoes as a day-to-day sneaker or as a running shoe.
✔️You love Nike: These shoes have the classic Nike branding, with a bold swoop design on the side.
Don't buy it if
❌ You like a lot of arch support: These shoes offer quite a neutral ride, which I prefer in a walking shoe, but might not be so good if you want a chunky, highly supportive shoe.
❌You can find the Pegasus 40 in your size: There are very few differences between this model and its previous iteration. Stock is low, so it's hard to find popular sizes, but if you can find a Nike Pegasus 40 that fits it will offer all the same benefits as the Pegasus 41.
Cushioning + support: These are well-cushioned shoes, designed for road running, which makes them excellent for walking on hard surfaces like concrete. If you work on your feet all day, these shoes will keep you feeling comfortable and supported.
The Nike Pegasus 41 is a neutral shoe, so it will suit most people. I'm a supinator, which means that my foot rolls outwards slightly when I walk, but I found this shoe very comfortable. If you have a tendency to overpronate, which means your foot rolls inward to an excessive degree, then you'll need something with more arch support. But anyone with a fairly average gait should get on with these sneakers. You can read more about supination vs pronation in the FAQs below.
Supinators like me also tend to get on with chunkier, stacked soles, as the cushioning absorbs some of the impact when walking. These are not as stacked as some of the other shoes I’ve tested, but the sole is still reasonably chunky.
Design + features: I like the design of the Pegasus sole, with a large crash pad and a divot on the heel that makes it easier to kick these shoes off your feet. They are cute, retro-looking shoes that can be worn casually, despite being designed as athletic shoes.
There's little difference between the older and newer Pegasus models. Nike says that this is a lighter shoe than the previous generation and that the mesh upper is more breathable, but I honestly could not tell the difference. The outsole design on the 41 has a break at the arch that did not feature in the Pegasus 40, but as this part of the foot makes little contact with the ground, I found it made no tangible difference.
Materials + durability: These shoes are decidedly not waterproof and remain a fair-weather shoe only. The mesh is breathable and light, making it great for summer walks where your feet might get sweaty. My pair are white and I did find that they picked up dirt very quickly, but with a quick scrub, they were back to normal.
The sole is durable, with a waffle design that doesn’t pick up pebble or debris, but still provides a good amount of grip, even on slick surfaces.
Best Hoka walking shoe
Buy it if
✅You like high-energy return: Many shoes I’ve tested have thick soles without much bounce. The Hoka Bondi 8 offers the best of both worlds, with a responsive sole that isn’t hard or jarring to step on thanks to the wide crash pad (the foam cushioning underneath the heel).
✅ You want a supportive, but soft upper: The upper has a barely-there feel on your feet and ankles. Even after hours of wearing them, the Bondi 8 is weightlessly comfortable.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a waterproof shoe: The Bondi 8 is sadly not waterproof and when walking through wet grass, I found my socks got wet. However, if you’re wandering around on paved streets and can avoid puddles, these shoes are a great choice.
Cushioning + support: These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve tested, beating my previous favorites the Nike Pegasus 40s. I’ve not enjoyed wearing chunky-soled shoes in the past, but here they give the Hokas a comfortable bounciness without adding any weight.
According to Hoka, these shoes have a reworked sole that uses softer, lighter foam. This means that it doesn’t feel heavy on the foot, which is probably why I prefer this model to other chunky-soled shoes. I think the sole’s impressive width and height is what makes it feel so comfortable.
Design + features: I tested the Blanc De Blanc / Swim Day colorway, which looked like something a unicorn would wear—not my vibe but they grew on me, perhaps because they are such a comfy shoe. I eventually found myself enjoying the bright pink laces and flashy yellow soles. The Bondi 8 also comes in colorful pastel tones that complement the shoe’s cloud-like spring, along with solid black or white options.
Despite the plush, chunky sole, these shoes offer neutral support and don’t tip your foot in any direction. The heel pull tab is helpful, as they are a snugly-fitting shoe and I found my heel often squashed the back of the shoe down when putting them on.
Materials + durability: The springy soles are grippy and the deep grooves kept me on my feet even on slick surfaces. Despite their size, these are lightweight shoes (11 oz/311g), and it doesn’t feel like you’re carrying a load around while walking.
The upper is soft and flexible. It cradled my foot without rubbing or crushing, thanks partly to the memory foam collar. I have bony ankles and it was nice not to have to worry about rubs under the ankle joint due to the soft fabric and foam.
Best Brooks walking shoe
Buy it if
✅ You’re looking for a well-ventilated shoe: The ventilation on these is better than other Brooks shoes I’ve tested, keeping my feet cooler for longer.
✅ You want cushioning: These have a high level of cushioning, comparable to the Nike Pegasus 40 or the Hoka Clifton 9.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a waterproof shoe: If you wear these in a downpour, you will get wet feet. They are well-ventilated, so better suited to fair weather conditions.
Cushioning + support: There are two things I look for in a good walking shoe: bounciness and comfort. The Glycerin 21s tick both boxes, thanks to the shoes’ thick midsoles. Even after walking for several hours, the midsole remained plump and my foot didn’t feel as if it had compressed the cushioning.
This model feels softer underfoot than the Brooks Ghost model, which is why it’s my preferred shoe from the brand. The neck is also well padded, making it comfortable around the ankle, and the knit upper offers a secure but flexible fit.
Despite the well-stacked sole, these are a neutral shoe, which will suit most people.
Design + features:There were no tabs at the back of the heel to help pull on the shoe, but once my feet were inside they weren’t budging.
I’ve previously had issues with the grip on Brooks shoes but had no issues with the soles of the Glycerin 21. I walked uphill and downhill on wet concrete and didn’t slip once.
The toe box is wide, leaving plenty of room for your digits to spread out. I have quite narrow feet so found them a little too roomy, but most people shouldn’t have this issue.
The wide crash pad at the back of the shoe stabilized my foot without affecting my natural gait, which made it ideal for uneven terrain.
Materials + durability: These are light, breathable shoes, with the women’s pair weighing 8.8oz / 249.5g. The upper is made from breathable material and even on hot days, my feet didn’t feel uncomfortable and they dried quickly if my feet got wet.
The sole seems to be pretty tough, with no marks on it after my standard 40,000-step stint of testing.
Best New Balance walking shoe
New Balance Fresh foam X 860v14 tested by fitness writer Lou Mudge
Buy it if
✅ You want stacked shoes: The chunky sole is satisfying and bouncy to walk on, perfect for those who want a bit of lift.
✅You want a cushioned ride: They are well-cushioned shoes, offering a firm but yielding base for your foot.
Don't buy it if
❌ You have narrower feet: If you are narrow-footed, you may find yourself swimming in these, especially around the toe box.
Cushioning + support: Like the Nike Pegasus 40, these well-stacked shoes are incredibly bouncy. I preferred these models to the other New Balance sneakers I tested—the Hierro v8s—because of their soft, flexible upper. This still offered plenty of support and I felt that my feet were secure and cradled.
They were fairly comfortable shoes off the bat, but I did find that I developed hot spots on the back of my heel after a few hours of walking in them. This only occurred on my first walk, as my foot adapted to the new shoe.
Design + features: I found the fit quite wide around my narrow feet. I was able to lace up tightly to combat this, but the toe box left lots of wiggle room.
These shoes have a rocker design, which means they have a curved sole to help with forward propulsion. A lot of rocker shoes I’ve tested are uncomfortable as they press against the arch of my foot, but I didn’t find that this time. It felt as though the 860v14 had subtle arch support rather than a design that was forcing my foot to roll forwards.
Materials + durability: The mesh upper is breathable and lightweight, making these shoes great for summer. I tested them on some very hot days and although my feet got a little sweaty, they didn’t feel too uncomfortable. The inner dried off quickly after sweaty walks.
The grip is good and the shoes handled slippery surfaces well. They aren’t quite as grippy as the Hierro v8, but the textured sole gave me plenty of purchase on concrete. Like most of the shoes I’ve tested, these models are not waterproof.
Best Skechers walking shoe
Buy it if
✔️You’re looking for a bright shoe: My pair are in the white/pink colorway, which features a mix of salmon pink and peachy hues, along with vibrant orange shades.
✔️You want a chunky sole: The chunky two-inch sole on these Skechers kept me comfy on my feet all day long.
Don't buy it if
❌You want a casual shoe for both work and play: If you want something a little less vibrant than the Max Cushioning model, go for the Skechers Go Walk (Clear Path), which come in respectable blue, black and white variations.
❌You want waterproof shoes: As with most of the shoes in this guide, these can handle a spot of rain, but won’t hold up in really wet weather. For a truly waterproof shoe, you might want to try the adidas Terrex Free Hiker Low.
Cushioning + support: These shoes are a great budget option if you want the comfy Hoka Bondi 8 experience at a smaller price. Even though they are recent releases, Skechers’ Max Cushioning Elite Speed Play only costs $100, which is about $65 cheaper than the Hoka Bondi 8.
These are stacked shoes, taking your foot two inches off the ground, and all of that cushioning makes every step delightfully soft. Even on rough terrain, my feet remained comfortable and I couldn’t feel the hard edges of rocks or gravel underneath.
I liked the soft upper, too. Like a lot of sneakers, they don’t have much structure around the ankle, but I prefer this to feeling restricted by high-top footwear like hiking boots.
Design + features :The grab tab on the heel and the soft upper make these shoes easy to slip on. They are technically running shoes, so the energy return from the sole is great. They aren’t quite as bouncy as the Nike Pegasus 40 or the Hoka Bondi 8, but they are on par with the Hoka Clifton 9. The light, mesh upper was great for hot days, as it was breezy and breathable.
Materials + durability: These are grippy shoes, which can handle steep hills and wet concrete without issues. I didn’t find that stones got stuck in the outsole either, despite the deep hollows and ridges in the grippy underside (an issue I’ve had with other Skechers models).
After 40,000 steps, these shoes are showing few signs of wear and tear, thanks to that super-stacked sole.
Other tried and tested shoes
The shoes listed above are the best we’ve tested, scoring high for comfort, cushioning and durability. We’ve also tried out the below options, but they didn’t quite make the cut.
Buy it if
✅You want cushioning and comfort: these are very comfortable shoes, I found them to be on par with the Nike Pegasus 40s for cushioning. You can easily wear them all day on hard surfaces like concrete and your feet won’t get sore. They didn’t need breaking in either.
✅You need width options: Brooks offers four width options for this shoe. I have quite narrow feet but found the “medium” option a good fit. They also offer a wide and extra wide option.
Don't buy it if
❌You need a grippy toe: the downfall of these shoes is the lack of grip in the toe area in particular. While making my way up slick concreted hills in the rain, I found myself slipping, only to be caught by the heel of the shoe. This might not be much of an issue on flatter surfaces, but living in a hilly city it became treacherous at times.
❌You want a lot of arch support: If you want a more supportive shoe you might want to look elsewhere.
Cushioning + support: These are well-cushioned shoes, with a soft midsole, making them suitable for walking long distances. I found them to be comfortable even on long city walks where I’d be walking on hard surfaces for hours.
They offer more cushioning than a “standard” offering by Brooks, but not as much as “maximum support” options, making them a good middle-of-the-road shoe in terms of supportiveness. They are neutral shoes, designed for the average Joe, with standard arch support. The sole is chunky at the back but I didn’t feel weighed down or encumbered by them.
Unfortunately, there's no grip at the end of this shoe underneath the toes, so they can feel very slippery, especially when walking up hill in wet weather.
Design + features: There are seemingly endless color and design options for the Ghost 15s, so you should be able to find your perfect style match. I liked that they were stylish enough to wear to work or out and about but supportive and durable enough to wear for sports or running. Once tied, the laces don’t budge and you can trust the shoe to remain snug on your foot.
Materials + durability: Brooks is proud of their sustainability efforts and states that the shoes are carbon neutral, with 57% recycled materials in the upper. The mesh upper is breathable and it kept my feet cool on long, sweaty walks.
Buy it if
✅ You love a comfy shoe: I cannot fault this shoe for comfort. It is well-cushioned with an ultra springy sole that will carry you effortlessly over long distances. An ideal pick for summer tourists looking to explore a city.
✅ You’re looking for a casual shoe: Th design is subtly stylish enough to be worn with any outfit without looking too much like a chunky walking shoe.
✅ You're on a budget: This model has an MSRP of $80, but it's usually discounted to $59.99.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want an all-terrain shoe: When I tackled a rural walk in these shoes, I had to pick pebbles out of the sole. This quickly became tiring and I found that removing the debris often caused damage to the sole.
❌ You want something waterproof: The mesh upper is great for cooling your feet, but unfortunately that means you’ll get soaked as soon as you step outside in the rain. These are more of a summer shoe.
Cushioning + support: The Hyper Pillar Technology (round foamy springs on the bottom of the shoe) provides an ultra-responsive, bouncy ride, which is comfortable and supportive.
Design + features: While I appreciate the springiness of the Hyper Pillar Technology on the bottom of the shoe, it does have a practical defect: the gaps between each pillar are a magnet for gravel, pebbles and other debris. This shouldn't be a problem if you're keeping to urban environments, but it means the shoes aren't ideal for rural hikes.
Otherwise, the design is comfortable and practical. The mesh uppers kept my feet cool and the lace-up design meant I could tighten the shoes to my preference.
Materials + durability: This is a moderately grippy shoe on slick concrete surfaces thanks to the textured sole. However, I found the pebbles trapped by the pillars caused chipping and damage to the sole, leaving holes and tears.
Interestingly, this is an all-vegan shoe. It's also machine washable, which makes it easier to keep them looking fresh.
Buy it if
✅You want a slip-on shoe: This is a specialized shoe, and while it didn’t have the fit or comfort I was looking for, for someone with reduced mobility, who struggles to bend or needs to take their shoes on and off frequently, this shoe may be a game changer.
✅You need a high level of arch support: I don’t enjoy the level of arch support offered by this shoe, but if you need it then these shoes provide exactly that.
Don't buy it if
❌You don’t like chunky soles: The heel is 1¾ inches, making the soles significantly chunkier than I would like.
❌You want a snuggly fitted shoe: The slip-in technology means there’s less ankle support on these shoes. Even when you tighten the laces, they are more open around the ankles than I liked.
Cushioning + support: These are supportive shoes, though I personally didn’t enjoy them. I found the sole too chunky, the heel too high and the inner arch support invasive. I prefer a neutral ride in a shoe, so was not as comfortable in these as other shoes. However, this reflects personal preference rather than flaws with the shoe.
Design + features: The laces are mostly there for show: the slip-in features make this shoe easy to take on and off from standing. The sole is removable, making the shoes fairly easy to clean. I found them to be loose on my feet, I got them in a UK 6 as I am between a size 5.5 and 6 and would advise sizing down. The flexibility offered by the slip-in technology may also be partially responsible for the looser fit.
Materials + durability: These are more durable than the other Skechers I’ve tested, the Go Walk 7s, and the sole looked the same at the end of my testing period as it did in the beginning: these shoes are tough. They aren’t waterproof but are more water resistant than the Go Walk 7s, making them suitable to wear in light rain.
Buy it if
✅You love a chunky sole: The main selling point of the Motivas are that they have chunky supportive soles. This isn’t really my jam and I found them heavy and cumbersome however if you want that level of arch support they’re sure to be a winner.
✅You need a good grip: You can trust the Motivas to keep you steady. The rubber soles grip concrete paths snuggly and the deeply grooved underside of the shoe handles pivots and swift directional changes with ease.
Don't buy it if
❌You want something springy: The Motivas don’t have the springiest soles: they’re firm, which makes them less comfortable than other shoes I’ve tested. While that solidity will carry you over a variety of uneven surfaces, it makes the shoes quite hard.
❌You like a sleek shoe: Unfortunately, they look as comfortable as they feel. The sole’s heel comes out much further than the actual back of the shoe, which is helpful when taking them off, but doesn’t make them attractive.
Cushioning + support: I found them a little uncomfortable to start with due to the stiffness of the upper—my other Nikes (Pegasus) were softer and more comfortable to wear from the get-go, but the Motivas took more time to mold to my foot. Once I’d worn them for a few hours, they stopped rubbing my Achilles and underneath my ankles and became much better walking shoes. They are supportive and chunky; once broken in I could walk or stand for hours with no discomfort in my feet.
Design + features: The ridge at the back of the sole makes it easy to slip the shoe off from standing (undo the laces first to avoid damaging the shoe) and the laces won’t easily come untied while walking.
Materials + durability: They are fine to wear in light rain and make easy work of slick concrete surfaces due to the grippiness of the soles. They are water-resistant, but not waterproof, so they’re great for city walking or if your job requires you to stand for long periods, but I wouldn’t hike through wet grass in them.
Buy it if
✅ You like a flexible upper: The uppers fall somewhere in the middle for flexibility. They are more rigid than something like the Hoka Bondi 8 or Nike Pegasus, but less rigid than the Hoka Transport or Merrell Moab Speed 2.
✅ You want a lightweight shoe: At 9.5oz/ 269.3g(men) and 8.5oz / 241.0g (women), I can’t fault the Ghost 16 for being lightweight. The sole is firm and has a medium level of bounce without feeling like you are carrying around excess weight or feeling dragged down.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want superior grip: The main sole is fine and the grooves work well to maintain grip on slick pavements, but as soon as I shifted my weight to the front of the shoe, I lost traction.
❌ You want to upgrade from the Brooks Ghost 15: I much preferred the Brooks Ghost 15 and still wear them occasionally since testing them. I won’t be reaching for the Brooks Ghost 16 as a day-to-day running shoe.
Cushioning + support
These took a while to break in and pinched my Achilles tendon and toes for the first few days. Once worn in, they were a lot more comfortable and on par with the Brooks Ghost 15 for cushioning and support—but I didn’t have to spend time breaking in my pair of 15s, so this felt like a downgrade.
The sole has medium energy return: less bounce than some shoes I’ve tested but much more than others. You can tell they are designed to be road-running shoes but they are not the most comfortable I’ve tested.
Design + features
My main issue with the predecessor, Brooks Ghost 15, was that the toe offered little to no grip and I found myself slipping on wet pavements. Unfortunately, the Brooks Ghost 16s haven’t improved this flaw, and I lost my grip when going uphill. While this is less of an issue at a walking pace, these are shoes designed for running, and it worries me that a swift direction change could lead to the shoe losing grip. I suspect this is due to the vertical grooves in the sole, as they don’t offer grip for a back and forward motion (like walking) and the horizontal grooves end in the middle of the toe box, meaning any weight put forward of that final horizontal groove puts you at risk of slipping.
Visually, there is little difference between these shoes and the Ghost 15.
There are several width options, making these a good choice if you have wider feet. However, I would still recommend going for the Ghost 15 over the 16, which is cheaper and has a better base fit.
Materials + durability
The air mesh upper kept my feet cool on warm days and they were reasonably water-resistant in the rain. The sole stood up well to my testing, with very little visible wear after the usual testing over 40,000 steps.
How we test the best shoes for walking
I’ve tested the most popular walking shoes from all the major shoe brands: Nike, New Balance, Hoka, Skechers and more. I do a minimum of 40,000 steps in each shoe and a five-mile walk. Each shoe will have gone through around 20m/35km of walking before I write a review.
I’ve clocked up nearly 400 miles in the last nine months testing shoes in this way and I’ve conducted this testing alone. The benefit of doing this, rather than reviewing with a wider team, is that I now have an encyclopedic knowledge of all these shoes and can compare them fairly and accurately. Here’s a list of the criteria I consider when testing a shoe.
- Cushioning: I like a shoe with a lot of cushioning for long walks on concrete, so I evaluate how much support there is in the midsole and review how well it retains its springiness and bounce. If it has overly firm cushioning, I’ll flag that in the review, and if I find it interferes with my natural gait, I’ll mention that too.
- Comfort and fit: For a shoe to be comfortable, it needs to fit well without pinching the toes or rubbing the heel, so I’ll evaluate how well it does this. Breathability is a big factor here, too, so I’ll always highlight when a shoe has managed to keep my feet cool. I’ll also analyze whether or not the fit is true to size and if you need to adjust your order accordingly. Some shoes require a ‘breaking in’ period to be comfortable; if that’s the case I’ll mention it in the review.
- Stability and grip: I make sure I test each shoe over different terrains (both rural footpaths and concrete) to examine how well they handle different surfaces. I’ll also always analyze how well the shoes’ lugs grip concrete in wet, slippery weather. If a shoe has an extra-wide crash pad for stability on uneven surfaces, it will earn extra points from me.
- Value for money: A good set of walking shoes can cost upwards of $150, but you don’t need to spend this much to find something comfortable. When I give a shoe a star rating, I’ll take its cost into account. If I don’t think the price is justified, it will lose points.
- Durability: Each shoe is tested for a minimum of 40,00 steps. If it doesn’t hold up well for this testing period, I’ll flag this. I also revisit the shoes after a month and update my review if I think the level of disintegration is unacceptable.
How to choose the best walking shoes
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.
FAQs
How should walking shoes fit?
"You need to make sure that it is snug but not tight and not too loose," explains podiatrist Dr. Lori Grant. She says a shoe shouldn't be so big that your foot moves back and forth inside, as this will cause blisters. At the same time, it shouldn't be so snug that it restricts toe movement. "You should be able to wiggle your toes, so they aren't lying on top of each other or cramped in the toe box," she adds.
Dr. Grant says there should be a thumb's width of space between your longest toe (either your big toe or you second toe) and the tip of the shoe.
How long do walking shoes last?
Dr. Grant says there's some disagreement on how frequently you should change walking shoes, but you will usually want to change them every six months.
"Some people say it should go by mileage—every 500 miles you walk you should change your shoes — then others say that you should change them every six months to a year. I usually tell patients to change their shoes after no more than a year, but if you start getting little aches and pains that you're not used to then that's usually a sign that it is time to get a new pair. If your heels hurt or the balls of your feet start hurting, it’s time for new shoes.”
Is it ok to wear running shoes for walking?
Most running shoes are made with similar design features to the best walking shoes so will be suitable for keeping you comfy on walks. However, this varies between models and manufacturers.
So, a pair designed for speed and reaching the 5km finish line won't be best suited to a long hike on rough terrain. This is why it pays to consider the type of walking you do and find a pair of shoes to match this.
Running shoes also tend to have a lot of cushioning underfoot, which won't suit everyone.
"For longer walks, [well-stacked shoes] absorb some of the shock and reduce the impact on your feet. However, if you are an older person or someone who has balance issues the thicker soles increase the possibility of you rolling your ankle and increase fall potential. You just need to make sure it is the right shoe for you. But they are definitely helpful for people that are wanting to walk long distances or run longer distances."
What's the difference between pronation and supination?
"Supination is where the foot rolls outward and you end up putting more pressure on the outside of your foot where the ankle rolls inward. Pronation happens when you start putting more pressure on the inside of the foot, along the inside of your ankle, and down into your big toe. So pronation is where your ankle rolls inward and supination is where your ankle rolls outward," explains Dr. Grant.
I asked Dr. Grant if either of these is preferable for good health and she explained that a little bit of supination or pronation is natural.
"When it becomes bad for you is if you overpronate or over supinate. If you over supinate, then that increases your risk of rolling your ankle and if you overpronate that's usually associated with tendon issues. There's a certain type of tendonitis that you can get because of it. It also usually relates more to being flat-footed."
Which are the best HOKA shoes for walking?
It's no secret that I love HOKA, and I've been fortunate enough to test several of their shoes. Each HOKA shoe I've tested has made it into one of the top spots of the guide, with the HOKA Bondi 8 taking the crown as the best walking shoe overall. I adore the Bondi 8 because it is a chunky, supportive shoe that remains flexible and it has a soft, breathable upper. It has a wider crash pad than the other HOKA shoes, giving it a “walking on air” feeling, even if you are stomping up a hill or clocking up the miles on hard surfaces.
The HOKA Clifton 9 is close on its heels, offering almost as much cushion and bounce as the Bondi 8 in a slightly more streamlined, narrower package. I rate the Clifton 9 as the best shoe for walking on concrete because it is slightly lighter than the Bondi 8.
Both the Clifton 9 and Bondi 8 are designed to be road running shoes, but if you're a runner, the Clifton 9 would be a better choice. When running in the Bondi 8, I found the wide crash pad (which I love as a walker) tended to clip the side of my leading leg. The Clifton 9 is a slimmer shoe and doesn’t have this problem. The Clifton 9 comes further up the back of the heel and is marginally lighter than the Bondi 8.
The HOKA Transport is a different animal altogether, with less padding, a more stiff, structured upper, and an easy-to-fasten, slip-in design. There is less cushioning underfoot in the Transport than the Bondi 8 and the Clifton 9, because it is designed to be a hybrid shoe that can easily transition between running and hiking. When hiking on softer terrains like grass, cushioning is less important as the surface underfoot is more forgiving, and large stack heights can make the shoe unstable, meaning for hiking and hybrid shoes I prioritize grip over cushioning. However, the Transport is still comfortable and relatively bouncy, and the toggle fastening makes it easy to get on and off. It's more of an everyday sneaker than the other HOKAs I've tested with a more understated style that might appeal to those who don't enjoy the sporty vibe of the other two.
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