Walking is one of the most underrated exercises, not only does it thwart chronic disease, it’s great for your mental health, your joints, bones and muscles. The best part is that it’s also a low-impact exercise, so you don’t need any costly gym memberships or high stamina to be a walker. Whether you’re walking along the beach, through a national park or around the streets near your home, every walker needs a great pair of shoes that’ll protect their feet and joints along the way.
Here are some of the best walking shoes to add to your fitness wardrobe.
2025’s best walking shoes
- ASICS GEL-Kayano 31, $219, The Iconic
- Skechers Slip-Ins: GOwalk Joy, $95.99, Skechers
- Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes, $160, Nike
The best walking shoes 2025
01
ASICS GEL-Kayano 31
from $280 $219 at The Iconic
Best for: a highly-rated walking and running shoe
Talk to any avid walker or runner about their shoes, you’ll find that most of them are likely to tell you that they wear ASICS Gel-Kayanos. Crafted with a foam gel base, the Gel-Kayanos are not only comfortable to wear, they also soften the impact when you hit the ground running (or walking).
Sizes: 5-13.
Colours: Black, white, green, blue, orange, magenta.
Materials: Textile, synthetic.
Key features:
- Textile and synthetic upper
- 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM helps provide adaptive stability
- Midsole implements FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning
- PureGEL technology
Available at:
- $280 from ASICS (20% off RRP for OneASICS members)
- $280 from The Athlete’s Foot
02
Skechers Slip-Ins: GOwalk Joy – Abby
from $119.99 $95.99 at Skechers
Best for: a comfortable walking shoe
The Skechers Slip-Ins: GOwalk Joy – Abby are designed to be an ultra-comfortable walking shoe. With a lightweight mesh design, these sneakers are more comfortable than other options on the market. As well as having a handy slip-on design, the Skechers’ Cooled Memory Foam® insole and lightweight 5-GEN® cushioning give you high-rebound comfort and shock absorption, which is kinder on your feet and joints.
Sizes: 5-11.
Colours: Black, white, peach.
Material: Synthetic.
Key features:
- Engineered mesh and laced front
- Durable dual-density traction outsole for stability
- 1 1/2-inch heel height
- Machine washable
- Exclusive Heel Pillow™ holds your foot securely in place.
03
Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes
from $160 at Nike
Best for: a stylish pair of walking shoes
Just because you’re working out doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style. As far as walking shoes go, the Nike Motiva shoes are exceptionally stylish. But they don’t just look good, they feel good too. Featuring a uniquely patterned outsole and exaggerated rocker, these shoes promise a super-smooth, cushioned and comfortable ride, no matter what your pace is.
Sizes: 6.5-11.
Colours: Beige, white, blue, jade, black.
Material: Synthetic.
Key features:
- 1/2-inner sleeve for easy shoe removal
- Widened forefoot, arch and toe box
- Soft foam waterfall collar
- Exaggerated rocker on the outsole helps propel you forward and make every step you take as smooth as possible
Available at:
04
Women’s UA Sonic 7 Running Shoes
from $160 $112.00 at Under Armour
Best for: an ultra-light walking shoe
A great running shoe that also doubles as a nice running shoe if needed. If you love a light shoe, then these ultra-thin, lightweight Women’s UA Sonic 7 Running Shoes from Under Armour are perfect for you. Featuring a cleverly designed mesh upper for breathability, a deluxe foam sock liner and a durable sole, these walking shoes will be the perfect walking companion.
Sizes: 5-11.
Colours: Grey, black, white.
Material: Synthetic.
Key features:
- Performance mesh upper for lightweight breathability
- Comfortable fit & feel
- Deluxe foam sock liner moulds to your foot
- UA HOVR™ cushioning midsole for ultimate responsiveness & durability
- Durable outsole pattern for flex & traction
05
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
from $194.96–259.95 at The Iconic
Best for: long distances and road running.
This Brooks running shoe is built for stability and comfort, offering targeted support for overpronators without sacrificing responsiveness. Its lightweight design, adaptive fit, and plush cushioning make it ideal for road runners pushing from 5km to marathon distances.
Sizes: US 6, US 6.5, US 7, US 7.5, US 8, US 8.5, US 9, US 9.5, US 10, US 10.5, US 11, US 12, US 13.
Colours: Black & Ebony; Black & White; Black, Peach & Peacoat; Alloy, White & Zephyr; Oyster, Excalibur & Pink; Grey, Blue Ribbon & Peach; Mercury, Ebony & Copper; White, Oyster & Alloy; Coconut, Rose Gold & White; Orchid, Coconut & Purple; CMA Hyperglow Pink, Nectarine & Orange; Amparo, Thistle & Yellow; White, Limpet Shell & Amparo.
Materials: Synthetic
Key features:
- GuideRails® support system to help control excess movement and support knees and hips.
- DNA LOFT v3 cushioning
- Breathable mesh upper for a secure, adaptive fit.
- 12mm midsole drop & 255g weight
Available at:
