You know how it goes. Those walking shoes you bought looked like they'd be comfortable. They even felt comfortable for the first few hours you wore them. But then — boom! — blister city. And your poor, aching soles — looks like that plantar fasciitis is back in full swing. Next time, instead of just eyeballing it, focus on the actual comfort factors (specific structural features and the materials used, for instance) to ensure that your new kicks are going to deliver on their promise of keeping your feet cradled in comfort and pain-free all day long.
Quick Overview
See 3 moreWe asked two podiatrists — Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus, DPM, RPhs, FACFAS, an award-winning and board-certified podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, and Dr. Bruce Pinker, DPM, owner of Progressive Footcare, to break it down for us.
What to look for when shopping for comfortable walking shoes?
In general, there are certain structural features that make a walking shoe a standout. Here's a cheat sheet.
Arch support: "Whether you have flat feet or a high arch foot type, a shoe with a supportive arch is favorable over a flat shoe," says Schoenhaus. "A good arch support allows for natural control during the gait cycle limiting the amount of stress and strain on muscles, tendons and joints." Ever wear a pair of slides with a sole that's thin and as flat as a board, then realize your plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis is acting up? That's because there was nothing to support the natural arch of your foot and help distribute pressure evenly. (Note: If you don't want to toss the too-flat shoes you already own, you can try adding an insert, like these popular arch supports.)
Roomy toe box: "Adequate room in toe box can prevent cramping of toes and reduce the onset of hammertoes, blisters, ingrown toenails and neuromas, and also tiny micropores or holes in the toe box to allow for an air exchange, [which] prevents onset of athlete's foot fungus, warts and toenail fungus," says Pinker. Bottom line, give your pointy-toed shoes the boot — they're cute, but they're doing your feet no favors.
Shock-absorbent sole: "The sole of the shoe should be manufactured with materials that are good for shock absorption. These include rubber or cork," notes Schoenhaus. "By having the sole of the shoe absorb the impact of hitting the ground during gait, forces are taken off of the joints of the foot, ankle, knee, hip and low back." Shock-absorbent soles not only prevent foot pain, but they protect your joints, which can decrease the development of arthritis.
Firm heel counter: Pinker emphasizes the importance of this feature for stability. A firm heel counter — that stiff, supportive piece of material located at the back of a shoe — supports proper foot alignment and helps prevent ankle rolls and twists, reducing the risk of injury.
Grippy outsoles: "Appropriate traction or grip on the outsole to prevent slippage" is key, says Pinker, and it should ideally be made of rubber (and never leather). Schoenhaus recommends avoiding rigid shoes with soles that don't bend at all.
Soft, breathable upper: When it comes to the upper material of your walking shoe, leather is best, says Pinker, but make sure it's not too stiff, Schoenhaus notes. She says any kind of breathable upper works.
The most comfortable walking shoes have some important things in common. (Getty Images)
The most comfortable walking shoes, according to podiatrists
No worries if you're not taking notes. Below, we've rounded up eight pairs of comfortable walking shoes, each of which is a standout when it comes to the particular features that Pinker and Schoenhaus advocate for. Any one of these shoes is a giant step in the right direction, whether you have chronic foot pain or just prioritize comfort wherever you roam.
Amazon
Arch support is this pair's middle name. Its insole system is so good at its job that it's podiatrist-certified. This pair of walking shoes has other comfort features like cushy, shock-absorbent insoles and grippy rubber outsoles, just like the doctor ordered.
"The built-in Arch Fit insole system is a game-changer. It offers exceptional arch support that molds to my feet, reducing fatigue and improving overall comfort during long walks," one customer wrote.
Amazon
As a Brooks girlie myself (don't tell my Hokas), I can assure you that the toe on these Glycerin 21 running shoes is the real deal. Or this fan can tell you: "The toe area is long enough over center to accommodate those of us with a long second toe, or Greek toe. This can be especially helpful if you suffer pain or potential hammertoe due to cramped shoes."
And this pair is ahead of the pack with regard to arch support, outsoles and that thick, cushy sole too.
Amazon
Can't get enough of Skechers? Then add this pair of sneakers to your collection. They have a three-layer insole comprised of a moisture-wicking layer, a gel-infused, high-rebound memory foam layer (heavenly!) and a molded base layer that come together for maximum support and shock absorbency.
"The memory foam insoles mold to my feet, relieving any discomfort and allowing me to stay on my feet for longer periods without pain," one shopper noted, calling them "actual clouds to walk on."
DSW
Vionics, that beloved shoe brand founded by a podiatrist, makes a pair of chunky walking shoes with the brand's famous thermoplastic heel, which works to keep your heel secure and your feet properly aligned while you walk.
"I'm on my feet all day teaching. I literally do not know where my feet and knees would be without these shoes," a shopper wrote.
Amazon
Want the best nonslip grip money can buy? Opt for a trail-running shoe, like Amazon's No. 1 bestseller in the category by Asics.
Not only are they going to help protect you from slips and falls, but they also hit all the points our podiatrists recommended: They have breathable mesh upper, gel-infused insoles for shock absorbency, and lots of arch support.
"Firm grip on ground, not slippery at all," confirmed a fan.
Amazon
If that telltale heel pain is flaring up and you want a comfortable walking shoe that eases your plantar fasciitis, look no further than these viral slip-on sneakers that pack in the cushioning and arch support and have breathable fabric upper.
One customer wrote, "I have plantar fasciitis and very high arches. I can wear these shoes all day and feel no foot pain. These are better than buying really expensive shoes that cost a fortune. Even my podiatrist approved!"
Zappos
Believe the hype: I have Achilles tendonitis, and the best shoe I've found by far is the Clifton 9 by Hoka. A lack of arch support seems to be the kicker for my flare-ups, and this shoe has arch support for days. It also has an incredibly cushion-y sole and is roomy enough for wide feet.
"I was having Achilles pain with my previous walking shoes. Now I have no pain and love walking every morning!" a shopper wrote.
Amazon
Looking for a wide toe box to ease the pain of bunions and hammertoes? Go for a running shoe that's wide throughout. Thousands of customers are reaping the benefit of this Amazon bestseller.
One customer wrote, "Sooo comfortable. I don’t normally leave reviews, but this one, I had to. I have an extremely bad bunion and a hammertoe. I’ve tried all kinds of shoes and spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars and [was] still in a lot of pain. This was the first day I wore them 9 1/2 hours with an insert in for a little cushion. I did not have any burning pain or anything. This shoe was absolutely perfect."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
