Walking Shoes for Men: Our Favorite Picks

The quest for the best walking shoes for men is not easy to accomplish. It’s a journey many of us embark on, but few ever complete. Today, we’ll carry you through this long road. We’ll come across 10 noteworthy models along the way so that by the end of the article you could pick at least one worthy companion for your future works. There will be variety, a lot of breathable uppers, some bumps along the way and a happy ending (we hope).

Saucony Men's Guide 16

First off, Saucony Guide 16 is a stability shoe designed for those who want extra support during their outings. With its PWRRUN midsole, this shoe delivers just the right degree of cushioning, so a warm hug with every step is guaranteed. The shoe transitions effortlessly from heel to toe, allowing you to waft through city streets with comfort and ease. The TPU guidance frame provides excellent pronation control, ensuring your arches won't collapse under pressure (and who doesn't need a bit of stability in their life?).

The upper’s crafted from engineered mesh. It's breathable, lightweight and keeps your feet cool and dry even on the hottest days. You might even forget you're wearing shoes at all. But worry not, for FORMFIT technology will gently remind you, cozily wrapping around your foot, providing a secure and comfortable fit.

Obviously, no shoe is perfect, and Guide 16 is no exception. Some users have reported that the toe box can feel a bit narrow, so if you've got wide feet or simply enjoy letting your toes roam free, this may not be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, while the shoe offers a decent amount of cushioning, those seeking a truly plush ride may be left wanting more.

Saucony Men's Triumph 20

With the Triumph 20, cushioning is the word of the day. Its PWRRUN+ midsole makes walking on clouds a very real prospect. Or the feeling of it, at least. This shoe offers exceptional energy return, turning your casual walk into a spring-loaded adventure.

Let's talk design. Saucony Triumph 20 shares all the great features of the Guide 16 model. The engineered mesh upper not only looks sleek and stylish but also provides excellent breathability, ensuring your feet stay cool when the heat is on. FORMFIT technology returns to deliver a snug and secure fit without feeling restrictive.

While Triumph 20’s cushioning is undeniably luxurious, some may find the shoe a tad heavy for their taste, especially those who prefer a more minimalist feel. If you are not a fan of cloud-like comfort, you might want to opt for something different.

HOKA Men's Speedgoat 5

Next on our best walking shoe list are HOKA creations. You might think ‘How can a shoe with the name Speedgoat be a valid choice for walking?’ The thing is, it’s features we focus on, not labels. First up, the Speedgoat 5's claim to fame is its aggressive grip, thanks to the Vibram Megagrip outsole. Whether you're tackling your local park's trails or walking off the beaten paths, these shoes won't let you down. They're like the off-road vehicles of the running shoe world, and walking on more challenging terrain calls for footwear that can meet the challenge.

Now, what about cushioning? HOKA Speedgoat 5 doesn't skimp on it, offering a plush ride that'll keep your feet happy on even the longest of treks. The shoe's lightweight foam midsole provides excellent shock absorption and responsiveness, making each step feel like a bounce rather than a thud.

While the Speedgoat 5 strikes a perfect balance of flexibility and stability, it’s not without its flaws. The tongue issues seem to be hereditary for the Speedgoat family. The tongue's relatively thin and gusseted and leans on the shorter side. While it’s nothing big and is definitely not a dealbreaker, it’s something you should be aware of before purchasing. Or maybe it will be just how you like it, we don’t know your life.

HOKA Men's Arahi 6

The Arahi 6 is all about striking the perfect balance between support and comfort - a perfect combo for best men's walking shoes. With its J-Frame technology and EVA midsole, this shoe provides excellent stability for those who need a little extra help in the arch department, while still maintaining a lightweight and responsive feel. It's not too firm, not too soft, but rather just right.

The breathable mesh upper ensures your feet stay cool and dry, even during those hot summer walks (or runs, it can do both). And let's not forget the shoe's sleek design, which manages to be both stylish and functional. HOKA Arahi 6’s blend of stability, cushioning, and breathability makes it ideal for those leisurely strolls or power walks around the neighborhood.

Regarding imperfections. Some users have reported that the responsiveness of the shoe is inconsistent. Sometimes, runs can feel a bit stiff. You might also feel like the drop is too low if you are accustomed to different kinds of trainers. And there is firmness that could have been less firm.

Brooks Men's Launch 9

The Launch 9 feel like they’ve come straight from a video game. Its BioMoGo DNA midsole adapts to your unique stride, providing a responsive, springy feel that'll make you consider leaping more than you usually do. Plus, its lightweight construction ensures you won't feel weighed down as you tackle your daily (weekly?) walk.

The Brooks Launch 9's sleek design is both eye-catching and functional. The blend of responsiveness, lightweight construction, and breathability makes Launch 9 perfect for all paces of walking. After all, variety is the spice of life, and Launch 9 is here to spice up your walking routine.

Launch 9 isn’t known as a particularly breathable shoe, so you might want to save them for colder days. Additionally, the shoe's narrow fit may not be ideal for those with wider feet or those who prefer a roomier toe box. Opting for a bigger size should do the trick, though.

Brooks Men's Glycerin GTS 20

If you are looking for a pair of shoes to pamper your feet, then Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 might very well be the thing. Its DNA LOFT midsole provides maximum cushioning, making each step light and airy. Plus, its GuideRails holistic support system ensures your feet stay on the straight and narrow, offering excellent stability for those who need it. The transition to toes is smooth and responsiveness is just right.

The shoes feel lighter than they are supposed to be, which contributes to their ‘carrying away’ reputation. The midsole wasn’t neglected either, being durable and responsive as it is, ensuring soft landing and light ride.

Glycerin GTS 20’s premium comfort isn’t without its drawbacks. The shoe is streamlined rather than plush. Not that it’s bad, but it might not be what you expect at this price. The weakest link of this chain is the outsole. It is thinner than it could be and will probably be the first part to wear out. In all other aspects, Glycerin GTS 20 is a real treat.

FILA Mens Oakmont TR

With its retro-inspired aesthetics and bold color combinations, FILA Oakmont TR shoes are sure to make a statement, whether you're hitting the pavement or simply strolling around town. Chunky sneakers make for a great time portal, so watch your step lest they should carry you away.

But the Oakmont TR isn't just a pretty face – it also offers solid performance. Its cushioned EVA midsole provides a comfortable ride, making it perfect for casual runs or leisurely walks. The shoes' bulky appearance doesn’t interfere with their being comfy. Their height-boosting construction doesn’t add too much to the weight so any fears of being encumbered are unwarranted.

Some things, however, can cause discomfort. Oakmont TR takes its time to get used to your feet. Or vice versa. Anyway, the break-in period may be hard, with blisters being a very real possibility. They can be precluded by wearing suitable socks.

Topo Athletic Men's Magnifly 4

If you were waiting for zero-drop shoes to make an appearance, your anticipation paid off. Topo Athletic Magnifly 4's most distinctive feature is its zero-drop design. Should you prefer a more natural running experience, these shoes can give you that by keeping your heel and forefoot on the same level. This encourages better form and helps reduce the risk of injury. Not that walking entails many risks, but better safe than sorry, they say.

The Topo Athletic Magnifly 4 boasts a dual-density midsole that provides a cushy yet responsive ride, perfect for everything that includes moving. Its breathable mesh upper ensures your feet stay cool and comfortable, even when you're breaking a sweat. The toe box offers plenty of room for every single digit. The Magnifly 4 combines the best of the minimalist and cushioned shoe families.

Surprisingly, there is little to be said about the drawback. Nothing, to be more precise. The features that users nag about are so minute that we won’t bother covering them. If you are a fan of zero-drop shoes, this model will give you everything you might want - the best walking shoe for men indeed.

Topo Athletic Men's Ultrafly 4

The Ultrafly 4 takes the best aspects of the Magnifly 4 and kicks it up a notch. With added cushioning and a 5mm drop, this shoe provides a more traditional feel without sacrificing the benefits of a natural stride. Its multi-density midsole offers excellent shock absorption and support. The tongue is comfortably thick, not gusseted but rather secured with two loops the laces go through. The forefoot and midfoot feature breathable stretchy mesh, while the rearfoot part enjoys a denser material. The wide toe box only adds to the already impressive list of advantages.

Could Topo Athletic Ultrafly 4 be any better? It could. Ironically, the heel is the weak spot of these shoes. It feels clunky in a way. The Zipfoam, while still able to do its work, looks and feels less appealing than some of the other contemporary options. It doesn’t diminish all the great features of this shoe but rather leaves room for growth.

Altra Men's Torin 6

Last but certainly not least, the Altra Torin 6, the crowd-pleaser. This is another pair of zero-drop shoes that come with the standard bundle of benefits. The Zero Drop platform promotes a natural foot strike and encourages proper biomechanics during walking. The spacious FootShape toe box allows for comfortable toe splay, further enhancing the natural movement of the foot. The shoe's Quantic midsole provides just the right amount of cushioning without adding excess weight.

However, some users have reported durability concerns, particularly with the outsole. The shoe might also feel narrow in the midfoot and the tongue is known to deliver some discomfort to some people.

There you have it, folks – 10 best walking shoes for men, each pair with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Whether you're a casual stroller or a seasoned power walker, there's a shoe on this list that's sure to make your next walk a walk to remember.

FAQs

Do walking shoes really help?

The ways your feet move during running and walking are different. The footwear you use should be designed with this factor considered to relieve stress put on your feet. While some running shoes are better used for running only, some models boast broader versatility.

Can sneakers be used as walking shoes?

That depends on how these sneakers are made. Those that offer sufficient flexibility throughout the footbed make for great walking shoes. If your sneakers are too stiff, have very thin soles or offer little arch support, they are not optimal for walking.

Are there any brands specializing in walking shoes?

Many brands that produce running shoes have either dedicated or versatile models. Saucony, Brooks, Hoka and Altra are some examples.