Walking is among one of the best exercises for any fitness level. While not as beneficial as running for quick weight loss, it is far less jarring and easier to develop a positive habit due to its low impact nature. Walking requires no special gym equipment or pre-requisite fitness training. But in order to avoid pain and potential foot health problems, you will need the right shoes. Proper support and padding is essential to getting the most out of your walking fitness plan. The following shoes are among the most comfortable walking shoes for 2018 you can get with good cushioning.
Walk all Day in Comfort with the Best Walking Shoes
1. Altra Men’s Olympus 2 Trail Running Shoe
The third edition from Altra’s sleek running shoes, Olympus 2.0 comes with significant improvements in tread design, weight and traction. Touted as one of the most reliable trail runners of modern times, this sturdy shoe combines a fuss-free, lightweight design with good cushioning to give you the feeling of literally walking on a cloud. Whether you are aiming to cover muddy trails, or traverse along wet pavements, Olympus 2.0 has got you covered!
Pros
- Olympus 2.0 is designed with comfort in mind. The entire shoe is fitted with a thick foam padding to keep your feet snug and protected. That is why, it is suitable for trail running on hard terrain.
- The zero heel-foot drop promotes an upright posture and negates the chance of dangerous slips and falls while running. It also transfers impact from the knees to the ankles, so that you get more control on your body while walking.
- These shoes offer a commendable amount of traction, as they are engineered with the Vibram Megagrip technology that ensures more grip than its predecessors.
- The shoes have a lightweight framework, which improve foot placement and help you deliver more power to the ground while making use of the high traction. It doesn’t drag you down, rather increases response on slippery terrain.
Cons
- Olympus 2.0 features a narrow toe box, so if you have wider toes, you should probably opt for its predecessor model.
- The heel consists of foam instead of rubber. This was done in a bid to reduce weight, but foam is not as durable and shortens the overall lifespan of the shoes, especially if you are more of a heel-striker.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, the Olympus 2.0 is built to impress. Its minimalistic and fuss-free design makes for a lightweight shoe that offers a snug fit and pillowy feel, even at those times when you are at your breaking point. Just like any high-quality trail runner, it features sufficient foam padding for premium comfort and gives the traction to ace dry and wet trails alike.
2. Under Armour Flat Tire 2
A welcoming change from the run-of-the-mill design featured by other running shoes, the Under Armour Flat Tire 2 looks like it has been fitted with a small bike tire at the base. Besides a sturdy, shock-proof framework, it includes soft cushioning on the sides and bottom, to promote equal distribution of your body weight and minimize the impact of stepping on hard objects strewn on the path. Consequently, this leads to lowered chances of sprain and injuries.
Pros
- The midsole is super squishy and bouncy, and allows you to run confidently over stones and rocks without tripping or feeling the impact of them underneath.
- The upper part of the shoe is breathable and allows your feet to stay dry and odor-free.
- The outsole is made of thick rubber and is extremely resilient to abrasion. It doesn’t fall apart upon coming in contact with rocks or roots, and even absorbs the shocks from stepping on hard terrain.
- The overall geometry of the shoe is responsive enough to help you move freely on rough terrain.
Cons
- At 13.5 oz, the Under Armour Flat Tire shoe is pretty heavy. This may create discomfort during long runs.
- The outsole is neither breathable nor waterproof; it’s like a big panel of rubber that doesn’t allow water to evaporate quickly, and may give you the feeling of walking barefoot on puddles.
Final Verdict
With a unique design and contoured make, the Under Armour Flat Tire succeeds in giving you the most in terms of traction, stability and performance. While it’s a bit heavy and doesn’t shield you from damp weather, it is definitely a great choice for fitness enthusiasts and runners that are comfortable training in slightly burly shoes.
3 Hoka One One Bondi 5
Bondi 5 is the fifth version of Hoka One One’s first models. It is also the most cushioned shoe of this brand, promising a pillowy soft comfort for any distance you walk. With a redesigned upper and seamless construction, this shoe incorporates thoughtful detailing with firm rubber soles to provide superior grip over track, while keeping your feet secure from the vagaries of the elements.
Pros
- The shoes have a lightweight framework, which improve foot placement and help you deliver more power to the ground while making use of the high traction. It doesn’t drag you down, rather increases response on slippery terrain.
- With a 37mm stack height, the shoe definitely adds a few inches to your height, and its thick layer of cushioning gives you comfort and compression to walk around.
- The rockered design of the shoe creates a smooth transition when you shift pressure from heel or toe.
- The midsole is made of EVA foam that runs along the entire length of the shoe and provides wholesome support in each foot strike you make.
- Like most max cushion shoes, Bondi 5 feels more padded and cushioned than it looks.
- It has a wide base that offsets the high stack height and provides lots of stability for conquering bumpy roads. The outsole is made of abrasion-resistant rubber that allows solid grip.
Cons
- Depending on how you lace up the shoe, the tongue may feel a bit rigid and even rub against your foot at times.
- The upper tends to show signs of wear and tear after extensive use.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Bondi 5 is a high-quality walking shoe that incorporates maximum cushioning for a smooth and comfortable ride. While it isn’t the typical multi-purpose shoe, it is certainly suitable for lengthy runs and recovery runs, and thus worth your money. Whatever be your style of running or training, Bondi 5 has got you covered!
4. New Balance 1080v7
As the latest iteration of its equally popular predecessor, New Balance 1080v7 embodies cushioning and plushness in a single attractive combo that is bound to deliver well on track. It features a brand-new mesh on the upper, in order to even out the fit and feel in the midfoot area, as well as redesigned flex grooves on the outsole for better traction. Additionally, the entire geometry of the shoe has been altered to ensure a smoother ride.
Pros
- The upper is fitted with a mesh-like panel using a bootie construction that contributed to a sock like feel and fit.
- The base of the shoe is extremely wide and stable, and the firm midsole material ensures a friction-free ride.
- The outsole is made of a thick layer of rubber and equipped with flex grooves the allow your feet to flex naturally and attain grip over unsteady terrain.
- There is a plush tongue on the upper of the shoe that offers a snug fit and comfortable feel during the journey.
Cons
- The foam cushioning on the sole lacks suitable compression and comes across as a bit too firm for top-notch comfort.
- The seam located over the fabric linking the tongue to the base rubs against the medial part of the foot and tends to cause blisters with extensive use.
Final Verdict
After reviewing the features, the New Balance 1080 V7 comes across as a minor upgrade with no significant improvements in comfort or quality. If you have already tried and liked the previous New Balance model, you will most probably like this one as well, and even appreciate some of its new modifications.
5. Saucony Triumph ISO 2
The newest revamp version of the Triumph line of walking shoes, Saucony Triumph ISO 2 combines the best of both worlds: cushioning and light body weight. It is comfortable right of the box, and features an aesthetic design that is sure to complement with your sportswear. The sole is even and thickly padded, to allow even distribution of your body weight across your feet, and preventing residual soreness and fatigue in the process.
Pros
- Triumph ISO 2 sports a seamless construction that contributes to a marked lack of friction, and negates the chance of ending up with sore feet and blisters. The firm ISOFIT make of the upper is designed to encourage the natural motions of your feet, and render admirable performance when you need it the most.
- The fit of the shoes is true to size, and you will feel like your feet is being cradled with every stride. Each of the compartments are thoughtfully designed to prevent any restriction to your foot motion.
- It features an 8 mm heel-to-toe angle, which makes it possible to achieve sufficient traction on paved roads and dirt trails alike.
- The sole is engineered with the PWRGRID+ sole technology that ensures up to 20% more cushioning, and that too without an increase in weight.
Cons
- One of the few major flaws of Triumph ISO2 is that it is quite costly, but the features are totally worth it.
- The extra cushioning may be a bit too much for speed work and interval runs, as it tends to lessen the typical ground feel and energy transfer.
Final Verdict
Triumph ISO 2 is a nice choice for a neutral runner who prefers walking shoes that incorporate premium cushioning and comfort, while sporting a lightweight framework. While the price is slightly on the higher side, it comes with the promise of long-lasting durability and dependable performance, the two things that you would trade for any amount of money in the world.
6. Brooks Glycerin 14 Shoes
Brooks hit it out of the ballpark with their Glycerin 14 models. These shoes are available in men’s and women’s options, although the women’s is often sold out or on back order. This is in large part due to the demand for the feminine, but not overly girly purple/blue color option. Men’s model comes in black with green and blue accents or blue/silver. Beyond looking great, these shoes are meant to help those with a neutral gait feel great as well. 3D print and synthetic materials work together to secure feet in the upper like a saddle. This cuts the weight significantly, making these shoes less than 11 ounces. 
Super DNA rubber sole is a step up from Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA. It provides 20% more cushioning than previous models for a more comfortable walk. Pressure zone technology easily distributes weight across the entire shoe for easier shock absorbing power and a smoother glide. And since 96% of customers say it’s a true-fit walker, you can feel secure ordering them in your natural size. But if you swell or have width issues at all, consider ordering up a half size.
7. ASICS Gel Kayano 24 Running Shoes
The ASICS Gel Kayano 24 is one of the most comfortable walking sneakers you can get your feet in. Made specifically for mild pronators, these walker/runners come in men’s and women’s options. Skeletal crossing synthetic material over the breathable mesh upper creates a stretch fit. The Ortholite sock liner wicks moisture away and is antimicrobial treated to resist bacteria and odor. FluidRide cushioning differs depending on gender foot shape. 
Raised heel and guidance lines in the grip sole ensure proper foot placement as correction and healing occur. Rear and forefoot gel cushioning aids in healing Plantar Fasciitis. And the toe box is comfortable for most users. However, if you suffer from edema or other swelling concerns, ordering up at least a half size (and possibly a full size depending on your swelling needs) can offset the issue. Otherwise, most customers say these are true-fit ASICS shoes that offer stability and all day comfort.
8. Hoka One One Clifton 3 Shoes
A quick look at the sales photos alone of the Hoka One One Clifton 3 running shoe shows that this sure to be a comfortable shoe with plenty of padding and cushioning. There is no doubt that there is a thick sole underneath that wide shoe, a feature that is accentuated by the stripes. This big rubber sole contains an impressive amount of cushioning from the heel right down into the toes. This, along with the lightweight materials and the breathable linings over the foot, means that walkers should have no problem handling long distances without foot pain or blisters. There is also a wider toe box than previous models, which has helped many keen fans.
The Clifton 3 also lives up to expectations, and arguably surpasses the models before it, because of the look. This is a good looking shoe despite all that material and width. The sole and upper are usually found in contrasting colours, often a bright white on the bottom and selection of bold colors on the top. Again, there are plenty of colour choices out there that should suit all kinds of tastes.
9. New Balance 1260V6 Running Shoes
New Balance is well known for their stability shoes. The comfort enhanced correction plan of this model incorporates an 8mm toe-heel drop to provide a better stride for overpronators. While the 1260V6 isn’t heavily padded, but T-Beam arch support is among the best new technology for flat feet. 
This model is considered to be one of the most comfortable walking shoes from New Balance. Synthetic material over soft mesh ensure proper support and breathability. Men’s and women’s options are addressed with bright color choices to combine fitness form with function. The shoe runs true-to-size for most. But if your feet are wide or you need to add personal orthotics, ordering up in size can be beneficial. ABZORB heel cushioning and technologically advanced sole structure provide reliable support and stability for hours on end.
In today’s times of never-ending stress and pollution, exercise is the only trick to avoid getting sick and depressed to the point of death. Among easy forms of exercising are walking and running. Besides giving you a rush of energy in the peak morning hours, they do oodles of good to your body metabolism and uplift your mood. And the best part is that they don’t require you to shell out some extra bucks for gym equipment or even special training. But in order to negate strain, fatigue and potential foot problems, you do need to strap on the right pair of well cushioned walking sneakers. Experts believe that proper foot support and cushioning is essential to making the most of your walking/ running time on track.
The right shoes are essential for every fitness enthusiast. While walking is a simple and effective exercise option, wearing the wrong gear can lead to serious pain and discomfort that can impede your fitness and health goals. Considering your needs based on foot gait, foot health condition, comfort, appearance and price can help ensure you find the perfect pair for your intended purpose. And the best cushioned walking shoes like the the models listed above will easily get you started on a better lifestyle.
looking for a good shoe to help me. I stand on concrete floors for 12 hours a night.. I have memory foam skechers. my feet still hurt
Hi, please do have a look at some of the options in the post about shoes for concrete floors here- findmyfootwear.com/best-work-shoes-for-standing-on-concrete-floors/
i had that problem too working on a standing all night job til I bought the HOKA shoes, the soles are thicker for those hard concrete and wood floors like at the post office and dock when we unload mail trucks and tracktor-trailers and hundreds of mail sacks on cement docks onto conveyor belts all night….but these HOKA’s with the the thcker soles and cushiony insoles are like standing all day on balloon-pillows, massaging my feet all night. Try em, and you’re sold for life. (costs more and are worth it)