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Please, a Moment for the Best Walking Sneakers Of All Time

One foot in front of the other—but with style.

By and Christine Flammia
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

Walking sneakers have become a staple. There's no way around it. We know they haven't always been the coolest shoe around, but some of the most iconic brands have been reinventing that. And right now, it's actually cool to look like, dress as, and, hell, even be a high school geography teacher. Cargos got good. Orthotics are hot. Never letting your dress shoes see your 9-5 is the vibe. Shoes designed for walking put comfort and performance first. Their disregard for style has made them the very pinnacle of it.

So how do you choose from the vast market of walking shoes? Well, the two most important factors to consider are cushioning and traction. You want to select sneakers that are supportive and sturdy, so that you can keep on walking all day long. Choose from old school brands like New Balance and Reebok or opt for a contemporary pair from APL or Koio. Whatever you choose, we've got you covered.

  • Bondi 7 Shoes

    Best Lean-into-it Walking Sneakers

    Hoka Bondi 7 Shoes

    $165 at Zappos
    Read more
  • 990v6 Shoes

    Best All-Around Walking Sneakers

    New Balance 990v6 Shoes

    Read more
  • Air Max 97 Shoes

    Best Nike Walking Sneakers

    Nike Air Max 97 Shoes

    Read more
  • Retro Runner Cloud Shoes

    Best Walking Sneakers for the Office

    Koio Retro Runner Cloud Shoes

    Read more
  • Air Max 270 Shoes

    Best Knit Walking Sneakers

    Nike Air Max 270 Shoes

    Read more

Here, we've got 15 of the best ones. While, of course, fashion is subjective, these picks have been tried, tested, and meticulously pulled apart by the Esquire Sneaker Desk, which couldn't miss a flaw if it tried. So when we say best, we really mean it. It might be subjective but it's also correct. Your feet, back, and embodied sense of style know-how will thank you.

Best Lean-into-it Walking Sneakers

Hoka Bondi 7 Shoes

Bondi 7 Shoes
Best Lean-into-it Walking Sneakers

Hoka Bondi 7 Shoes

$165 at Zappos$180 at Amazon$165 at Backcountry
Pros
  • Gives you an extra boost of height
  • Approved by American Podiatric Medical Association
Cons
  • A bit clunky of a design
  • Complaints that toe box is too narrow

The Hoka Bondi 7 is a big, thick powerhouse. They feel slightly insane to wear the first time you put them on, given that they make you grow at least one inch and an additional personality. But then once you start actually walking in them, you see how that thick-ass foam keeps your feet from getting crampy and tired. The all black is a move too.

Sizes16
Colors7–15
Weight11 oz
Best All-Around Walking Sneakers

New Balance 990v6 Shoes

990v6 Shoes
Best All-Around Walking Sneakers

New Balance 990v6 Shoes

Pros
  • Perfect on first wear
  • Comes in multiple widths
Cons
  • Only two colorways
  • Heavier than others

What to say about a 990v6 that hasn't already been said in every love song that's ever been sung? The American-made, dad-approved sneaker is a mainstay in this world of comfort shoes. While you can't go wrong with any 990, the v6 is especially nice for giving your stride a nice little forward motion. They'll last you a lifetime, as any true love should.

Sizes7–16
Colors2
Weight13.2 oz
Best Nike Walking Sneakers

Nike Air Max 97 Shoes

Air Max 97 Shoes
Best Nike Walking Sneakers

Nike Air Max 97 Shoes

Pros
  • Easy to wear
  • Designed for running as well
Cons
  • Runs narrow
  • Newer model so less reviews

Nike's Air Max 97s have the signature Air technology along the entire underfoot, which makes the entire walking experience just more comfortable. They run a bit narrow, but that also comes with a slimmer-looking sneaker if you've had enough chunk.

Sizes6–15
Colors7
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Best Walking Sneakers for the Office

Koio Retro Runner Cloud Shoes

Retro Runner Cloud Shoes
Best Walking Sneakers for the Office

Koio Retro Runner Cloud Shoes

Pros
  • Focus on sustainability
  • Can wear beyond athletic endeavors
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Gets dirty easier

Koio's retro runner is the walking shoe you can wear with a suit as easily as you can with shorts without ever feeling clunky or out of place. The sneakers are nice, made with top-notch leather and suede by top-notch Italians. The sole is recycled (good for the earth) and flexible (good for your gait).

Sizes7–14
Colors15
Best Knit Walking Sneakers

Nike Air Max 270 Shoes

Air Max 270 Shoes
Best Knit Walking Sneakers

Nike Air Max 270 Shoes

Pros
  • Flexible
Cons
  • Knit gets dirty quickly

The Air Max 270 brings just the right amount of performance into a shoe that you don't need to do any sort of performing in. The thick air sole in the heel and the stretchy knit upper makes for a perfect shoe to wear when you're traveling or walking around all day. Swollen feet never felt so loved.

Softest Walking Sneakers

Adidas Response CL Shoes

Response CL Shoes
Softest Walking Sneakers

Adidas Response CL Shoes

Pros
  • Comfy and soft feel
  • Lightweight midsole
Cons
  • A bit of a chunky design
  • Complaints of sizes being off

Ooo, Adidas with the chunky sneaker! Adidas makes a ton of shoes that are good for running, but these thick Responses are especially good for slower paced forward movement.

Sizes4–13
Colors4
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Coolest Walking Sneakers

APL TechLoom Zipline Shoes

TechLoom Zipline Shoes
Coolest Walking Sneakers

APL TechLoom Zipline Shoes

Pros
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Comes in 55 different color ways
Cons
  • Lighter colors get dirty easy
  • Pricier end of lifestyle sneakers

Trying to find that ultra-modern silhouette? APL's TechLoom Zipline sneakers have soared in popularity for a reason. Aside from being incredibly sleek, the shoes have extra cushion that adds a pep to your step.

Sizes7–15
Colors55
Weight10 oz
Hottest Walking Sneakers Right Now

Salomon XT-6 Shoes

XT-6 Shoes
Hottest Walking Sneakers Right Now

Salomon XT-6 Shoes

Pros
  • Virtually indestructible
  • No laces make it easy to slide on and off
Cons
  • Less versatile
  • Complaints of sweat stains showing

For most of forever, you only wore Salomon sneakers if you voluntarily and unironically went hiking. But now, you can be ironic as hell. The extremely outdoor sneakers are infiltrating the fashion sneaker market in a big way. Lugged soles, quick laces, and all.

Sizes4–13
Colors15
Weight12.9 oz
Best Tonal Walking Sneakers

Nike Zoom Vomero 5 Shoes

Zoom Vomero 5 Shoes
Best Tonal Walking Sneakers

Nike Zoom Vomero 5 Shoes

Now 30% Off
Pros
  • Distinct design
  • Minimalist look
Cons
  • Sells out quickly
  • Only two colorways

The Zoom Vomero has all sorts of texture changes happening but in a tonal construction, it feels easy to wear while still feeling cool as hell. It's cool, it's comfortable. Can't beat it.

Sizes5–13
Colors2
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Most Cushioned Walking Sneakers

Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Shoes

Gel-Nimbus 25 Shoes
Most Cushioned Walking Sneakers

Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Shoes

Pros
  • Ventilation so your feet don't overheat
  • Extreme cushioning delivers support
Cons
  • A bit chunky in design
  • Complaints of tread

Once you start wearing Asics, you never go back. The cushioning is unparalleled, and the effective shock absorption helps to prevent against injuries. Plus, the super soft knit upper has the right amount of ventilation to keep your feet cool as you move.

Sizes6–16
Colors19
Weight10.2 oz
Best Retro Walking Sneakers

Reebok Classic Leather Legacy AZ Shoes

Classic Leather Legacy AZ Shoes
Best Retro Walking Sneakers

Reebok Classic Leather Legacy AZ Shoes

Now 50% Off
Pros
  • Easy for every day
  • Focus on sustainability
Cons
  • Narrow toe box
  • Smallest size is an 8

Reebok's Legacy sneaker is cushioned and thoughtfully designed. The original shape was born in the '70s but this one is done up with recycled fabrics and a slightly lugged gum outsole.

Sizes8–13
Colors4
Best Starter Walking Sneakers

New Balance 574 Shoes

574 Shoes
Best Starter Walking Sneakers

New Balance 574 Shoes

Pros
  • Versatile
  • Goes up to size 17
Cons
  • Can't get them wet
  • Not for working out

NB's 574s are a great toe dip into the sea of functional vintage sneakers. They have that roomy fit and cushioned midsole but in a truly retro style. Plays well with jeans and other cool pants.

Sizes4–17
Colors3
Weight9.9 oz
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Best Walking Sneakers for Everyday

Rothy's The RS02 Shoes

The RS02 Shoes
Best Walking Sneakers for Everyday

Rothy's The RS02 Shoes

Pros
  • Padded ankle collar
  • Machine washable
Cons
  • Toe box narrow for some
  • Less breathable

Rothy's made a whole brand based on shoes you can wear all day everyday without destroying your feet, and this low-top white sneaker is the goal, executed. They feel lightweight, the knit upper is flexible, and the padded collar is ideal for anyone who tends to get ankle blisters from any type of shoe.

Sizes3.5–17
Colors3
Best Low-Key Walking Sneakers

Cariuma Salvas Shoes

Salvas Shoes
Best Low-Key Walking Sneakers

Cariuma Salvas Shoes

Pros
  • Goes with everything
  • Plant two trees when you purchase them
Cons
  • Not a lot of support
  • Gets dirty easier

For a walking sneaker that doesn't force you to commit to the Walking Sneaker lifestyle, Cariuma's Salvas are a happy medium. They're comfy and supportive but still low-key and easy to wear everyday.

Sizes5–13
Colors9
Best Outdoor Walking Sneakers

Allbirds Trail Runners SWT Shoes

Trail Runners SWT Shoes
Best Outdoor Walking Sneakers

Allbirds Trail Runners SWT Shoes

Now 50% Off
Pros
  • Water-resistant
  • Mudguard to protect feet
Cons
  • A bit basic
  • Smallest size is an 8

Allbirds brought its eye for sustainable materials to shoes that can withstand the weight of the great outdoors. The upper is made out of a ripstop fabric and the lug soles go heavy on traction.

Sizes8–14
Colors5
Weight11.96 oz
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