Should you’re a every day stroller, frequent errands-runner, or any person who prioritizes consolation across the clock, your ft deserve the very best strolling sneakers you could find. We’re right here to assist make your search as seamless as attainable.
We spoke with specialists (together with podiatrists and bodily therapists) and dug by way of highway–examined SELF Sneaker Award winners from years previous to search out the cushiest, most supportive sneakers for all walks (heh) of life. Store our favorites beneath.
Our high picks
- Finest General: Hoka Bondi 9, $170
- Finest Cushioned: New Stability 608 V5 Cross Coach,
$75$56 - Finest for Lengthy Distances: Brooks Ghost Max 2,
$150$120 - Finest for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Quantum 2, $169
- Finest for Strolling and Working: Hoka Clifton 10, $150
- Finest Finances Decide: Ryka Devotion X Max,
$110$78 - Finest for Excessive Arches: Vionic Stroll Strider Sneaker, $165
- Finest for Flat Ft: Hoka Arahi 7, $145
- Finest for Extensive Ft: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24, $140
On this article
Store the very best strolling sneakers
They’re going to put a spring in your step.
Finest General: Hoka Bondi 9
The lately revamped Hoka Bondi 9 has even extra foam than its bestselling, SELF Sneaker Award–successful predecessor. SELF’s director of health and meals took it for a spin and was instantly impressed by its shut match and comfortable really feel. “The Hoka-famous stack means it’s tremendous cozy for standing, with all of that foam beneath,” she says. “Plus, there’s some good padding across the tongue and heel counter.”
One be aware: The chunky sole may not be best for actions the place agility is your high precedence. However the Bondi isn’t too heavy, so far as strolling sneakers go. And its mesh higher boosts airflow—so your ft gained’t really feel fatigued or sweaty, even after a number of miles.
Sizes: US 4 to 12 | Widths: Medium, broad, and extra-wide | Supplies: Mesh, recycled polyester, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, rubber | Weight: 9.30 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 millimeters
SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin testing the Hoka Bondi 9:
Finest Cushioned: New Stability 608 V5 Cross Coach
New Stability’s 608 V5 sneaker has an all-leather higher and a mushy foam midsole that resists compression (so it will not squish flat after per week or two of damage). As buying market editor Angela Trakoshis explains, it gave her an entire new perspective on the model: “By no means in one million years did I feel that I’d love a pair of New Balances like I like this shoe,” she says. “No shade, however I all the time felt just like the model was extra of a ‘dad shoe’ sort of model. However these? Comfy and cute—double win!”
One other key element: There are barely any seams inside, to forestall scorching spots or blisters from forming in your first stroll.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Slim, medium, and broad | Supplies: Leather-based, EVA foam, rubber | Weight: 9.8 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A
Purchasing market editor Angela Trakoshis testing the New Stability 608 V5 Cross Coach:
Finest for Lengthy Distances: Brooks Ghost Max 2
Heading out on a protracted stroll? You want a shoe that’ll cushion each single step with out weighing you down. Whereas some max cushion sneakers can really feel somewhat unwieldy, Brooks’s Ghost Max 2 avoids that with impressively light-weight, air-injected foam all through its midsole and a subtly curved outsole (also known as a rocker backside sole, which might help you keep ahead momentum and make your steps really feel simpler).
“It’s not unusual for my ft to really feel somewhat sore after particularly lengthy walks with my canine,” our senior commerce author says. “However on the times I examined the Ghost Max 2s, I genuinely appeared ahead to taking leisurely strolls in 30-degree climate—and even indulged my pup when she insisted we go a number of blocks farther. These sneakers are positively not springy, however they make strolling on exhausting surfaces—even for hours at a time—really feel subsequent to easy.”
We additionally love that this sneaker has earned the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation (APMA). The seal is barely awarded to sneakers {that a} panel of podiatrists really feel are literally good to your ft, so you already know they’re constructed for logging some critical miles.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium, broad, and extra-wide | Supplies: Mesh, EVA, rubber | Weight: 9.7 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters
Senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin testing the Brooks Ghost Max 2:
Finest for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Quantum 2
No pair of sneakers can completely deal with the heel ache that comes with plantar fasciitis, however Kuru’s deliberately designed Quantum 2 can definitely present some reduction. It has built-in arch assist, a reasonable heel-to-toe drop, and heel-cradling cushioning immediately below the again of your foot. All of those options assist distribute the impression of your steps, so stress doesn’t construct in your heel and trigger you discomfort when you’re on the transfer.
Even higher, the Quantum 2 is backed by specialists—it comes extremely really useful to SELF by podiatrists and bodily therapists alike.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and broad | Supplies: Mesh, artificial | Weight: 10.8 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 8.5 millimeters
Purchasing market editor Angela Trakoshis testing the Kuru Quantum 2:
Finest for Strolling and Working: Hoka Clifton 10
Making an attempt the walk-run methodology or searching for a sneaker you do not have to swap out on coaching days? The Clifton 10 is one other plush providing from Hoka, but it surely’s slimmer and weighs lower than the Bondi (and former Clifton fashions). We’re not fairly certain how the model packs so a lot foam right into a 9-ounce sneaker (however we’re definitely not complaining about it).
Our senior commerce editor, Sarah Felbin, has broad ft and bunions, so she ordered the broad width—and was thrilled she did. “It suits me completely, with loads of area for my toes to unfold out,” she says. “I like the rocker curve too—it makes me really feel like I am doing much less work whereas strolling, even on my second lap across the Central Park reservoir.”
Sizes: 4 to 12 | Widths: Medium, broad, and further broad | Supplies: Knit, EVA foam, rubber | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters
SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin testing the Hoka Clifton 10:
Finest Finances Decide: Ryka Devotion X Max
The layered, shock-absorbing sole on these Ryka sneakers will preserve your ft pleased for lower than most different choices on this record. The APMA-approved Devotion X Max has strong arch assist, an additional padded heel, and a rocker backside to assist naturally push you ahead as you stroll.
Felbin loves the Devotion X Max’s marshmallow-y cushioning: “These are by far the softest, most snug sneakers I’ve ever worn—it’s like strolling on air,” she wrote in her evaluate of the shoe. “Plus, I’ve broad ft and the medium width suits me completely, with loads of area within the toe field. Good and roomy!”
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium, broad | Supplies: Mesh, leather-based, artificial supplies, EVA foam, rubber | Weight: 9.8 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 10 millimeters
Finest for Excessive Arches: Vionic Stroll Strider Sneaker
The Stroll Strider—one other APMA–accepted shoe—has all of the arch assist you want. Excessive-rebound cushioning within the sole pairs with an anti-roll design, for a springy (however steady) journey. In the meantime, the light-weight, versatile insole offers some carry with out feeling too exhausting in your ft.
“Despite the fact that I’ve excessive arches, I draw back from sneakers that tout their ‘arch assist’ as a result of, most of the time, the insole’s crest hits at an uncomfortable a part of my foot,” says one SELF tester. “The Vionic’s instep, nonetheless, is good. When carrying these sneakers, my ft really feel held in a impartial place, serving to me keep away from overpronation” (which occurs when your ft and ankles roll inward as you stroll).
Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Medium and broad | Supplies: Leather-based, mesh, EVA, rubber | Weight: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A
Finest for Flat Ft: Hoka Arahi 7
Plenty of Hokas are accredited by the APMA—together with the Arahi 7, which is a superb shoe for walkers with flat ft. It’s designed to forestall overpronation, and whereas it lacks a number of the cushioning you’ll discover in different Hokas, that helps preserve it steady and light-weight. One factor to bear in mind when deciding on your measurement: Based on some reviewers, the Arahi 7 runs slender.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and broad | Supplies: Artificial cloth, EVA, rubber | Weight: 8.10 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 millimeters
Finest for Extensive Ft: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
Our favourite strolling shoe for broad ft, the Adrenaline GTS 24 earns excessive reward from podiatrists for its high-quality development and steady, supportive design. It is available in 4(!) widths—so, should you wrestle to search out sneakers which can be roomy sufficient, we advocate giving this one a strive.
Additionally key: It has Brooks’s GuideRails system (agency foam items contained in the shoe that assist preserve your ft correctly aligned as you stroll), a serious plus for anybody who overpronates. Simply ask Christa Sgobba, SELF’s director of health and meals: “I overpronate after I run, and whereas I can run in impartial sneakers, I do recognize the additional management, particularly after I discover myself getting drained,” she says. “It’s a strong shoe for simple days and in addition for strolling.”
Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Slim, medium, broad, and further broad | Supplies: Mesh, foam, rubber | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 12 millimeters
Extra nice choices
Have already got a closet filled with sporty sneaks? Strive these informal pairs and sandals for somewhat one thing totally different.
Dr. Scholl’s Hannah Retro Sneaker
Should you’ve filed Dr. Scholl’s away in your mind as only a maker of orthotics, you’re severely lacking out. The model’s sneakers are as cute and classy as they’re snug. (And that’s actually saying one thing: Dr. Scholl’s was created by a podiatrist, in spite of everything.)
The Hannah Retro sneaker options the model’s “BLOOM” insole—a springy, comfortable footbed produced from plant-based EVA foam. “After falling in love with Dr. Scholl’s platform Time Off sneaker, I clambered to strive as many sneakers that includes the identical padded insole as I may,” one SELF tester says. “The Hannah Retro rapidly stole my coronary heart with its bouncy step and ‘80s-track-inspired aesthetic. It seems nice with denims, skirts, and athleisure, and it feels on-trend strutting about New York Metropolis.”
Sizes: US 6 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Supplies: Microfiber, fake leather-based, EVA foam, polyurethane | Weight: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A
Chaco Z/1 Traditional Sandals
With an “ugly cool” gorpcore aesthetic and a stamp of approval by the APMA, there’s lots to like about Chaco’s Z/1. Bodily therapist Nick Cutri, PT, DPT, CSCS, particularly known as out the sturdy arch assist in its contoured footbed when he beforehand really useful it to SELF.
Our senior commerce author, Sara Coughlin, swears by Chacos for heat climate walks—the truth is, they’re the one sandals she’s prepared to put on. “They don’t really feel foamy or squishy, however that’s to not say they’re rock-hard, both,” she wrote in her evaluate. “The Z/1’s insole has some give to assist take up the impression of my footsteps, and it’s versatile sufficient to bend with my foot whereas I stroll. It’s undeniably sturdy (and, at 11 ounces per shoe, fairly heavy) for a sandal, however I like how substantial it’s.”
