Our favorite supportive sneakers and sandals start at $44
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/peo-picks-comfy-walking-shoes-tout-4fcbd46811c94c9497d755cd6990aec6.jpg "Three women in casual outfits pose outdoors showcasing walking shoes")
Just a Few of Our Favorites
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals |
New Balance 574 Sneakers |
Adidas Sambae Shoe |
Hoka Arahi 8 |
We’re firm believers that a comfortable walking shoe is the most essential piece of footwear in any collection, but we know it can take some trial and error to find a pair that’s just right.
Collectively, the PEOPLE shopping team has tested hundreds of sneakers, slip-ons, and sandals, but only a select few meet our rigorous style standards and carry us through heavy walking days pain-free.
We logged a combined 120,000+ steps in these styles at Disney, on trips to England and Portugal, and while traversing Manhattan from tip-to-tip (tracking our average step count in a single day), so we’re confident they’ll serve you well — wherever your feet take you.
Editor-Approved Comfy Walking Shoes
- Height Boost: Reebok Club C Extra Platform Sneakers, $90 (orig. $100); Amazon
- Dog Mom-Approved: New Balance 530 Sneakers, $110; New Balance
- Lowest Price: Toms Classic Alpargata, $44 (orig. $50); Amazon
- Jennifer Garner-Worn Brand: Brooks Anthem 7 Running Shoe, $85; DSW
- Twist on a Classic: Adidas Sambae Shoe, $110; Adidas
- Pop of Color: Coolway Goal Sneakers, $120; Free People
- On-Sale-Style: New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Sneakers, $85 (orig. $90); Amazon
- “Compliment” Magnet: Brooks Cascadia 1 Sneakers, $140; Brooks
New Balance 530 Sneakers
“I walk for 2+ hours daily with my dog, so a comfortable shoe is crucial to my footwear collection. These New Balance sneakers have only been in my rotation for a month, but I've been quite literally pounding the pavement with them. They've got a good amount of cushioned arch support, so I'm not itching to kick them off immediately when I get home. I've also worn them while exploring a cute nearby mountain town and for a full day at the office.” — Alex Nelson, associate editorial director
Reebok Club C Extra Platform Sneakers
“I laced up these sky-high platform sneakers for a day exploring and touring the beautiful city of Bath, England. I don’t remember having any pain despite going up and down hills and being on my feet for hours on end, and the whole day ended up being one of my favorites of the entire trip. (Would someone whose feet were hurting have such good memories? I think not!) My Oura ring says I racked up more than 22,000 steps — and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.” — Alyssa Grabinski, senior shopping writer
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Toms Classic Alpargata
“My wife is a longtime, die-hard fan of the classic lightweight Toms flats. As someone who hates wearing socks, she swears by the slip-ons in the spring, summer, and fall. They go with everything! She also loves that they can go through the washing machine and come out looking (and feeling) like new.” — Clint Davis, shopping editor
Brooks Cascadia 1 Sneakers
“Living in New York City means quality walking shoes are essential to my everyday wardrobe. I've had these Brooks sneakers for one year, and they've supported me through countless treks around the city, through parks, and beyond. They have an athletic design that's more akin to trail runners, which means a cushiony insole and durable outsoles with lots of traction. I especially love their bright, eye-catching silhouette that adds a fun, unexpected pop of color to my outfits. I've worn them on multiple 10,000-step days, and they've earned me a ton of compliments along the way.” — Clara McMahon, senior writer & strategist
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Sneakers
“I learned the hard way that supportive shoes shouldn't be overlooked after I tore a muscle in my foot from wearing tennis shoes with zero arch support. Since I have flat, wide feet, my podiatrist recommended I wear New Balance shoes — and I noticed an immediate difference from the first wear. The roomy toe box lets my feet spread without pinching, and I love how the heel is made from a silky smooth foam to prevent rubbing and blisters. I was able to walk 10 miles in these shoes around New York City without my bunions flaring or back hurting.” — Rylee Johnston, shopping writer
Adidas Sambae Shoe
“These were my first pair of Adidas sneakers since elementary school, and I wear them on repeat. Not only do they resemble the popular Sambas that Jennifer Aniston wears, but they have a platform which gives me a welcome boost since I am 5-foot-3. I wore them straight out of the box for a weekend packed with walking, where I logged more than 20,000 steps and had zero pain, pinching, or blisters. This was a huge win, and I've continued to build my Adidas collection since trying them!” — Jackie Tempera, shopping writer
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
“I’ve had my Birkenstock Arizona sandals for five-plus years, and they still reign in terms of style, comfort, and wearability. From travel days and hikes to vacation and everyday errands, the sleek sandals offer all-day support thanks to the cork footbed that molds to your feet, a wide toe box, and eye-catching adjustable straps.” — Nicol Natale, shopping writer
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Coolway Goal Sneakers
$120 at Freepeople.com
“Belgium, Paris, Portugal… It’s shorter to name a trip that I haven’t worn these sneakers on in the last three years than the ones I have (and logged 10,000+ steps in daily to boot). Through hilly terrain and cobblestone streets, they’ve held up with no signs of wear and tear and eliminated dreaded foot fatigue. Plus, I love that my bright red and pink pair adds a pop of color to any outfit.” — Maggie Horton, shopping writer
Hoka Arahi 8
“As someone with a history of foot pain, I am very persnickety about my walking shoes. My longtime go-tos are the Hoka Arahi 6 sneakers (now discontinued and upgraded to the Arahi 8). These shoes help correct my overpronation so I walk with each foot in a better alignment. I've traversed Manhattan tip-to-tip on foot in these shoes (15 miles), as well as climbing the Acropolis in Greece. They've carried me far, and I can walk for hours with no foot pain.” — Madison Yauger, senior shopping editor
New Balance 574 Sneakers
“I buy myself anywhere from one to three new pairs of sneakers every year, and my decision to buy the New Balance 574 was purely based on comfort. I wanted a sneaker that felt cushiony and secure with each step for days when I know I'm walking a lot. I've had these sneakers for two years now and have worn them to sporting events (climbing up and down many stadium steps), on walks, and most recently, on a trip to Disney World. They have never once hurt my feet, and although they might not be the prettiest sneaker out there, I know when I reach for them, they don't give me any issues. Reliability is key in a pair of sneakers.” — Jennifer Maldonado, associate editorial director
Brooks Anthem 7 Running Shoe
“Seeing celebrities like Jennifer Garner (plus, one of my neighbors who goes on walks every day) often wear Brooks sneakers made me want to give them a shot. A year later, I'm a total convert. I spent many long amusement park days wearing them last summer, regularly racking up 10,000 steps, and they always gave me this odd sensation of not wearing shoes at all (in the best way possible). This reminds me that I need a new pair for this summer!” — Clint Davis, shopping editor
More Comfy Walking Shoes We Love
Gola Elan Sneaker |
Hoka Bondi 9 |
Saucony Trainer 80 |
Nortiv 8 Running Shoes |
Brooks Anthem 8 |
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneakers |
Birdies The Starling Flats |
Adidas Grand Court 3.0 Sneaker |
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