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The best walking shoe for you is the one that fits securely, feels comfortable over your usual distance, and suits the surface you walk on. In GQ’s February 2026 guide, the HOKA Bondi 9 is the overall pick, the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 is the wide-foot pick, and the New Balance 1906R is the non-running pick. Those are editorial recommendations—not a universal ranking—so use them as candidates to try, not substitutes for checking fit and current availability.
Which walking shoes are worth considering?
These models were highlighted in GQ’s February 24, 2026 roundup. The category and fit notes matter: two of the picks are running shoes that can also be used for walking.
| Model | Why it stands out | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| HOKA Bondi 9 | GQ’s overall pick, described by the publication as highly cushioned, with lighter and more responsive foam than its predecessor. | Whether its cushioning and feel suit your stride; the pick is GQ’s assessment, not a controlled comparison of every shoe. |
| ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 | GQ’s wide-foot pick. The guide describes an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop and wide and extra-wide options, and notes that it is a running shoe that can be used for walking. | Confirm the exact men’s size and width offered in the listing. GQ names Amazon as a retailer, but price and availability can change. |
| New Balance 1906R | GQ’s non-running pick; its mesh upper and shock-absorbing sole are cited as useful for long days on the move. | Check the fit and comfort in person, especially if you need a particular width or depth. |
GQ’s selections and descriptions are available in its men’s walking-shoe guide. The article identifies candidates, not guaranteed outcomes or a complete survey of the market.
How should a walking shoe fit?
Start with the shape of your foot and the way the shoe holds it, rather than choosing by brand, softness, or listed size alone. Mark J. Mendeszoon, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, tells Men’s Health: “All [walking] shoes should feel snug around your foot, have good arch support, the heel shouldn’t slip around, and there should be adequate room in the toe box.”
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- ABZORB HEEL CUSHIONING - ABZORB heel crash pad absorbs impact on every step, paired with a molded PU insert for underfoot comfort that lasts from morning to night
- SUEDE LEATHER UPPER - Sturdy suede upper provides supportive structure and a classic look that breaks in nicely over time for a personalized fit
- DUAL DENSITY COLLAR - Dual density collar foam supports the ankle and helps maintain stability during workouts, walks, and all-day wear
- PHANTOM LINER INTERIOR - Phantom Liner construction features minimal interior seaming to reduce irritation and create a smooth, comfortable fit against the foot
- LIGHTWEIGHT EVA FOAM - EVA foam midsole with an internal shank adds lightweight cushioning and midfoot stability for versatile daily comfort
- Try your usual walking socks. A different sock thickness can change the fit.
- Check the heel hold. Your heel should feel secure rather than slipping as you walk.
- Check toe room in both width and depth. Toes should not rub against the sides or top. GQ advises leaving about a centimeter between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- Try shoes later in the day or after walking, if practical. Feet can expand while walking, so a shoe that feels fine at first may become tight.
These checks help distinguish a shoe that is simply long enough from one with enough space and the right shape. A longer size does not necessarily solve a shoe that is too narrow or shallow.
Are running shoes good for walking?
They can be. Men’s Health notes that running shoes may offer shock absorption, support, and flexibility, and GQ’s wide-foot pick is itself a running shoe. But a running label does not guarantee a good walking fit. ASICS emphasizes smooth stability through heel-to-toe movement for walking, while adidas notes that some walkers find running shoes too stiff for all-day wear.
Choose by how the shoe feels during your own walk. If you are considering a running shoe, check heel security, toe space, flexibility, and whether its cushioning remains comfortable over the time you expect to wear it. New Balance also cautions that highly corrective features may aggravate pain for some people with flat feet; don’t assume that more correction or support is automatically better.
Rank #2
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added structure & support
- Enhanced cushioning around ankle collar for superior comfort
- Deluxe Comfort System sockliner molds to your foot for ultimate step-in comfort
- Charged Cushioning midsole provides all day comfort with responsiveness & durability
- Durable rubber outsole provides traction & durability with flexibility where you need it for toe-off
What should you prioritize for your walking conditions?
Everyday pavement and commuting
Prioritize a secure fit and cushioning that feels comfortable for your ordinary walking time. Men’s Health describes foam or gel cushioning as useful for absorbing impact; some walkers prefer a softer feel, while others prefer a more responsive ride. Comfort is individual, so a cushioning label alone is not a reliable decision rule.
Wide feet
Look for the exact model’s width options rather than assuming that sizing up will provide a proper fit. GQ says the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 is available in wide and extra-wide widths, but confirm those options for your size and retailer listing before buying.
Trails or uneven ground
Pay attention to outsole grip and whether the shoe is suitable for the terrain. A shoe designed for smooth pavement may not provide the traction you want on trails. New Balance describes multi-directional rubber outsoles in its walking-shoe guidance; adidas describes grippy rubber outsoles in its walking range. These are brand descriptions, so check the particular shoe’s outsole and intended use.
Rank #3
- Skechers Hands Free Slip-Ins for an easy fit
- Lightweight, responsive ULTRA GO cushioning
- Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam cushioned comfort insole
- Breathable mesh upper with elastic bungee laces, functions as a slip on
- Machine washable, air dry
Long days or travel
For extended wear, consider comfort over time alongside weight, durability, breathability, and how the shoe works with your itinerary. Mesh can help with ventilation: GQ points to the New Balance 1906R’s mesh upper, and adidas describes breathable mesh in its walking range. Breathability does not establish weather resistance, so account for the conditions you expect.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do stability and cushioning affect the choice?
Stability and neutral designs suit different preferences and foot mechanics. Men’s Health describes stable shoes as designed to help offset pronation, while neutral shoes let the foot fall more naturally. ASICS describes its technologies as addressing shock absorption, cushioning, midfoot stability, and overpronation control. These manufacturer descriptions are not independent proof that a specific feature will suit every wearer.
Compare shoes by how they feel underfoot and whether the support is comfortable during your walk. New Balance recommends comfortable fit, adequate cushioning, and supportive stability, while warning that highly corrective features can aggravate pain for some people with flat feet. If walking in a shoe causes persistent pain, consider stopping use and getting advice from a qualified clinician rather than treating a shoe feature as a diagnosis or cure.
What should you verify before buying?
- Try the shoe with your usual walking socks and walk in it long enough to assess heel hold and toe comfort.
- Confirm the width and size actually available in the specific model and retailer listing.
- Match the outsole and upper to your usual surface and weather needs.
- Check the current price, return terms, and stock directly with the seller; prices and availability are not established by the editorial picks and can change.
- For older models cited in brand guidance, verify that the model is still sold as a current option. ASICS lists the GT-1000 11 as supportive and the GEL-ODYS as intended for distance walking, but that guidance may lag newer model cycles.
For broader category guidance, see New Balance men’s walking shoes, ASICS walking-shoe guidance, and adidas men’s walking shoes. Brand pages describe their own products; check each model’s specifications and current availability.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
