Are you on your feet all day long? Do your feet hurt? If your answer to these questions is yes, then you need walking shoes.

For years, I worked in an industry where I had to stay on my feet and walk up and down stairs every day. I made some bad decisions when it came to footwear, and my feet suffered as a result.

I’d like you to benefit from my experience, so you don’t suffer the same. That’s why I want to help you identify the most comfortable walking shoes for men.

Best Walking Shoes For Men

	Rockport Eureka Walking Shoe	Skechers Performance Go Walk 4 Shoe	Rockport We are Rockin Chranson Shoe
Sizes:	6 ½ - 14	7 - 16	7 - 14
Weight:	12 oz (per shoe)	7.5 oz (per shoe)	12 oz (per shoe)
Upper:	Leather	Mesh fabric	Leather & suede
Outsole:	Rubber	Rubber	Rubber

For more of my top gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Men’s Hoodies, Men’s Sandals, Men’s Flip Flops.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Men’s Walking Shoes For 2021

1. Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoes
2. The Sketchers Performance Men’s Go Walk 4 Incredible Walking Shoe
3. The Rockport Men’s We Are Rockin’ Chranson Walking Shoe
4. ECCO Men’s Soft 7 Sneaker
5. Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker
6. The ASICS Gel-Contend 5 SL Men’s Walking Shoes
7. The New Balance Men’s MW840v2 Walking Shoe

Our reviews of the top rated walking shoes for men with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right pair for you.

Men’s Walking Shoes Reviews

#1 Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoes

The Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe combines the appearance of an everyday casual shoe, suitable for office workers, with the superior comfort of a walking shoe.

If you work in a professional field, an office, or a hospital, these shoes will provide you with a great look while still protecting your feet.

You’ll appreciate the smart appearance given by the full-grained leather upper. Hidden below this is a mesh lining that provides ventilation and enables wicking to keep your feet cool and dry when you’re on your feet all day.

Generous tongue and collar padding and a lace fastening mechanism create a snug and comfortable fit. The latex foam insole provides an initial layer of cushioning.

It’s also removable, which is ideal if you need to insert a prescribed orthopedic insole. Cushioning and shock absorption is provided by the lightweight and flexible ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole.

This shoe’s design emphasizes flexibility and cushioning, making it an ideal shoe for men who have high arches or tend to supinate. The durable rubber outsole ensures good traction and grip, even on tiled surfaces.

If you have wider than average feet, you’ll be happy to hear that the Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe comes in a wide range of sizes, including some designed especially for extra wide feet.

In my opinion, this shoe is excellent for men who are on their feet all day and offers great value for money. If you’re looking for smart and comfortable shoes to wear in the office, look no further.

The Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe is the best walking shoe for men working in a professional environment.

#2 Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 4 Incredible Walking Shoe

When you see the name “Sketchers”, you have certain expectations—great comfort at a reasonable price.

The Sketchers Performance Men’s Go Walk 4 Incredible Walking Shoe is an especially comfortable, casual walking shoe, and it won’t break the bank.

The upper is constructed entirely of engineered mesh. That means it offers incredible ventilation, and your foot will remain cool and dry even if you’re on your feet all day.

Add in the featherweight, proprietary Goga Max insole, and it feels great. But, of course, it won’t offer much protection when you stub your toe or drop something on your foot.

This is a slip-on shoe, so there is no fastening mechanism. On the one hand, this means no messing around with laces or other fastenings.

On the other, unless your foot fits exactly, your shoe could be a little loose when you wear it. For this reason, I’d recommend only casual use rather than long country walks.

Your foot will appreciate the plush cushioning and reinforced heel support of the responsive 5GEN midsole, and the rubber outsole offers great traction on most floor surfaces.

The most incredible thing about this shoe is its low weight.

The lightweight mesh means this shoe weighs a mere 7½ oz. Combined with the comfortable midsole and breathable upper, that makes this one of the most comfortable shoes you can buy.

The Sketchers Performance Men’s Go Walk 4 Incredible Walking Shoe is the best shoe you will find for casual comfort.

I’d say it’s probably the most comfortable men’s shoe on the market. However, I wouldn’t wear it in an environment where it could become dirty or wet.

#3 Rockport Men’s We Are Rockin Chranson Walking Shoe

If you like to wear something a little rugged-looking but still smart enough for an office environment, the Rockport Men’s We Are Rockin’ Chanson Walking Shoe is the best shoe for you.

A blend of full-grained leather and suede, combined with the thick padded mesh tongue and collar, give this walking shoe somewhat the rugged appearance of a small hiking boot.

The same mesh also lines the inside of the shoe, providing ventilation and wicking moisture away from your foot. The lace fastening mechanism enables a snug and comfortable fit.

Cushioning is provided by a latex foam insole and the lightweight ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole.

The midsole utilizes TruFLEX technology for added flexibility and features a shock-absorbing heel that provides additional cushioning. The plush cushioning and high level of flexibility make this shoe great for men who underpronate.

The thick outsole is made from durable rubber, providing great grip and traction. Overall, this shoe is solidly built and looks smart.

The Rockport Men’s We Are Rockin’ Chranson Walking Shoe is an ideal shoe for professional men who need to look smart in front of clients and colleagues but who want something a little tougher on their feet.

#4 ECCO Men’s Soft 7 Sneaker

You won’t find another shoe that feels softer underfoot than the ECCO Men’s Soft 7 Sneaker. It’s also a smart-looking shoe that you could wear to work.

However, with the white edge along the outsole, it wouldn’t go well in a formal setting or with a business suit. The full-grain leather and suede upper look great, and the lace fastening enables a snug fit.

Inside are a partial leather lining and a leather-covered insole that utilizes the ECCO Comfort Fibre System for extra cushioning. Because the insole is removable, it’s easy to insert an orthopedic insole into this shoe.

The two-component thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyurethane (PU) midsole provides plush cushioning and support for your foot. The midsole is also light, flexible, and durable.

Something that really impresses me about this shoe is that it comes in such a wide range of sizes, starting at 5 and going all the way to 16½.

None of the other shoes in the top 7 are available for such small or such large feet. And, what’s more, this shoe features a full-range of half-sizes.

For men with especially large, small, or half-sized feet, the ECCO Men’s Soft 7 Sneaker is the best men’s sneakers for walking. I find it to be one of the best men’s shoes for walking all day.

#5 Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker

The Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker is a versatile, all-purpose shoe that you can use for everyday walking, working out in the gym, or even jogging.

You will find that the stylish leather upper provides firm support, and the padded collar and tongue enable a snug fit.

A webbed insole provides comfortable cushioning for your sole. Because the insole is removable, you can easily replace it with an orthopedic insole if necessary.

The flexible midsole is especially supportive and features a padded heel to attenuate shock. The durable rubber outsole provides non-slip traction on road surfaces, like asphalt and concrete.

Over the years, Sketchers have developed a reputation for manufacturing comfortable shoes, and this shoe does not disappoint.

If you’re looking for comfy walking shoes on a budget, the Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker is the best choice for you.

#6 ASICS Gel-Contend 5 SL Men’s Walking Shoes

When I want to go on a long walk beside the river, the ASICS Gel-Contend 5 SL Men’s Walking Shoe is my shoe of choice. It boasts a sporty look and is super comfortable.

The synthetic leather lattice mid-foot cage offers great support, while the engineered mesh allows good ventilation and effectively wicks away moisture.

The padded collar and tongue combined with a lace fastening mechanism allow a snug fit, and the Ortholite insole adds additional comfort and support.

The magic happens in the midsole. The proprietary AmpliFoam technology provides flexibility, comfort, and durability, and the additional Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System absorbs impact shock.

When out on the path, you’ll appreciate the reliable grip provided by the durable rubber outsole.

Weighing only 10 oz, this is lighter than most of the top 7 men’s walking shoes, which is great if you plan to walk long distances every day.

The combination of structural support, snug fit, stable heel, and supportive cushioning found in the upper and midsole makes this shoe ideal for men who underpronate (supinate).

If walking around the park is your favorite daily exercise, the ASICS Gel-Contend 5 SL Men’s Walking Shoe is the best shoe for you. I find it to be one of the most comfortable walking shoes for men you can buy.

#7 New Balance Men’s MW840v2 Walking Shoe

As might be expected from New Balance, the MW840v2 is well-manufactured using high-quality materials and designed to offer maximum support.

The upper is made from durable leather with a perforated panel to enable efficient wicking when you’re on your feet all day. A dry inner lining further facilitates wicking to keep your feet cool and dry.

A foam-cushioned tongue and collar together with a lace fastening mechanism help this shoe achieve a snug and comfy fit.

The insole provides extra cushioning but is removable so that you may replace it with an orthopedic insole should you wish.

After you’ve been walking for hours, you’ll be impressed by the cushioning provided by the thick ABZORB midsole. The endurance blown rubber outsole is designed to work on various ground surfaces, providing superior grip and traction.

The New Balance Men’s MW840v2 Walking Shoe is a good choice if you want a high-quality man’s walking shoe that is both comfortable and durable.

Men’s Walking Shoes Comparison Table

How To Choose The Best Men’s Walking Shoes

In my opinion, the 7 men’s walking shoes reviewed above are the best on the market. However, now that you have read all about them, it’s time for you to decide which shoe is best for you. Every man is different, and we all have specific requirements in the shoes we wear every day.

When choosing a pair of men’s walking shoes, important factors you must consider include their upper, fastening mechanism, insole, midsole, outsole, weight, size, color, and aesthetics.

Upper

Most men’s walking shoe uppers are constructed from leather, synthetic leather, or engineered mesh, and sometimes a combination of these.

Leather

If you want to wear your walking shoes in a more formal setting, or you simply like to look smart, then you might prefer to wear traditional-looking men’s leather walking shoes.

The leather used to manufacture shoes is flexible and durable and can be treated to be waterproof. It also offers great structural support to your shoe’s upper. You will often see mesh shoes with leather strips formed into a lattice to provide the support that the mesh cannot provide.

However, real leather tends to be heavier than other materials, which is an important factor in walking shoes. Plus, it requires regular maintenance, like blacking and polishing on a regular basis.

Synthetic Leather

Synthetic leather is usually easier to clean and maintain than natural leather. If you’re a strict vegetarian or have religious objections to leather, then this is your best option if you want walking shoes for formal occasions.

However, synthetic leather somehow lacks the flexibility and feel of the real thing. Also, I personally believe that real leather is more durable, though that will vary from shoe to shoe depending upon the quality of real leather or of synthetic used in a particular shoe.

Engineered Mesh

Engineered synthetic mesh is commonly used to manufacture the upper in more sporty-looking shoes. It offers many huge advantages over leather and synthetic leather. In particular, it is lightweight and breathable.

Mesh provides great ventilation, which enables better wicking than perforated leather. Your foot will remain drier and cooler in a shoe with a mesh upper. Generally, your foot will sweat less, and you’ll feel more comfortable, which is important if you’re on your feet all day at work.

On the other hand, if you’re going to walk outside in the rain, or walk through muddy places with deep puddles, mesh will also let the water in quicker when compared to shoes with leather uppers. If you work in a harsh environment, mesh won’t protect your feet as well as leather.

It’s easier to wipe away splashes and spills from leather. Mesh offers very little structural support, so it is usually found used in combination with supporting leather strips.

An important factor to remember is that shoes with leather uppers usually last a little longer than those with mesh uppers. If you need to wear walking shoes every day for work, buying a shoe with a leather upper may cost you less in the long run because you won’t need to replace it so often.

Closure Method

Men’s walking shoes might use laces, straps with buckles, or even Velcro strips as a closing mechanism. If you are walking a lot, you need a snug fit to prevent calluses, blisters, and slipping.

Straps with buckles can only be fastened to set positions, so they will always be a little loose.

Velcro strips tend to lose their stickiness after a few months wear, meaning you either must wear your shoes loose or replace them early. A traditional lacing arrangement provides the snuggest fit you can get.

Insole

A good insole (sometimes called a sock liner or footbed) is essential to a good pair of men’s walking shoes. The best quality insoles will support your foot through its whole movement during each step you take. Insoles also provide cushioning to protect your feet from impact.

Some insoles are removable, which is especially useful if you want to replace them with orthopedic insoles to better protect your foot. Removable insoles also benefit from the fact that you can remove them for cleaning and drying.

If your physiotherapist or chiropodist prescribes a special orthopedic insole for your foot, it is essential you buy a shoe with a removable insole so you can remove the manufacturer’s insole and replace it with your own.

Midsole

The midsole of your man’s walking shoe is its most important feature. Most of the cushioning, shock-impact, energy transmission, and support are focused there. That’s why many famous-brand companies focus their marketing campaign and branding on the features of their proprietary midsole structure.

Many manufacturers design proprietary midsoles to provide extra cushioning and support. These proprietary designs may offer special features for people who suffer from overpronation or underpronation.

The cushioning inside the midsole is usually provided by foam, gel, air, or a clever blend of these. The positioning of this cushioning and general design of the midsole sometimes ensures extra cushioning for those who under overpronate or extra structured support for those who underpronate.

The best-designed midsoles transform impact shock into upward force, so your feet spring from the floor with every step. Personally, because I walk a lot every day, I want the midsole in my shoe to make me feel like I’m walking across clouds.

Outsole

This is the part of your shoe that makes contact with the ground when you walk. Two things should concern you about your shoe’s outsole: the material and the grooves.

Most men’s walking shoe outsoles are made from rubber, which is durable, flexible, and provides a good grip on slippery surfaces. Better shoes may use proprietary blends of rubber and synthetic materials designed to improve the durability or traction of your shoe.

The grooves molded into the outsole are designed to increase traction and grip. Over the years, manufacturers have studied how particular shapes and the orientation of grooves achieve optimum traction when walking, and the men’s walking shoes reviewed above are the end result of that research.

Weight

Your legs were not designed to carry extra weight on your foot while walking, but every day you place an unnatural burden on your feet.

Of course, I wouldn’t want to turn up to work in my bare feet. Not only would people laugh, but I could get seriously hurt when somebody dropped a sharp or heavy object on my toes!

So, if you must wear shoes, and you are going to be on your feet all day, the best thing you can do is to wear lightweight shoes. However, there is a negative side to this. Generally, the lighter your shoes are, the less their cushioning, support, and durability will be.

When choosing your ideal shoe, bear in mind this balance. Select a man’s walking shoe that provides the support and cushioning you need but with minimum weight.

Size

When choosing your ideal shoe, it’s important to select the right size to avoid blisters and slipping. This is especially important if you have wide feet or full sizes don’t quite match your foot. Watch any little girl try on her mom’s shoes when dressing up, and you’ll soon see just how difficult it is to walk in the wrong size shoes.

I’m between sizes, taking a size 9½, and sometimes finding the right size shoe to fit me is difficult. If a shoe doesn’t fit properly, I soon know about it. Blisters aren’t pleasant.

Fortunately, the best men’s walking shoes come not only in half-sizes but also in varying widths, with wide and X-wide options.

Color & Aesthetics

While looks aren’t everything, and comfort is your main aim when you’re on your feet all day, you still want to look good.

If you’re a doctor or a nurse working on a busy hospital ward, or your work means you must dress formally, then you won’t want to wear walking shoes that make you look like you’re about to go jogging. Walking shoes that resemble dress shoes would suit you best, like the Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe.

But if you’re walking for fun around a park, you might want to look relaxed in order to feel relaxed. In that case, something more sporty-looking, like the ASICS Gel-Contend 5 SL Men’s Walking Shoe, would be more appropriate.

And, of course, it is usually important that your shoes match your clothes. For this, choosing the right color is especially important. Most men wouldn’t wear neon blue sneakers with a grey office suit, though you might want to be the man who starts the trend…

FAQs About Men’s Walking Shoes

Q: Must I buy men’s walking shoes or can I simply wear my running shoes for walking?

A: It is possible to wear running shoes for walking, but they were not designed for that. When you walk, your feet strike the ground with a different pattern to when you run, and your feet move along a slightly different path. Also, while walking, there are times when your weight is supported by both feet at the same time.

When running, usually only one foot at a time supports all your weight.  Walking shoes are specially designed with the strike path and body mechanics of walking in mind. If you are frequently on your feet for long periods of time, you will feel more comfortable in shoes designed for walking.

Q: Should I buy the most expensive, famous-brand men’s walking shoes?

A: No. The top brands are backed by huge marketing budgets, so sometimes you are buying an image rather than] a shoe. That is not to say that the ideal men’s walking shoes for you will not be a famous-name brand or that they will be cheap. The important thing is to choose shoes suitable for your feet, not ones that are unsuitable for you but look great on Taylor Lautner’s feet.

Q: Which men’s walking shoes are best for men with high arches?

A: Men with high arches are more likely to underpronate (supinate). If you underpronate, you need shoes like ASICS Gel-Contend 5 SL that are especially flexible and offer additional cushioning.

Q: Which men’s walking shoes are best for men with flat feet?

A: Men with flat feet tend to overpronate. If you overpronate, look for shoes like the Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn that provide good support and structured cushioning.

Tips For Buying Men’s Walking Shoes

1: Never buy cheap men’s walking shoes

First, cheap shoes lack the padding and support of better-made footwear, so you are at risk of causing injury to your feet. If you are on your feet a lot, this damage can lead to poor posture and walking gait, in turn leading to other health issues.

Second, cheap walking shoes are a false economy. They are usually poorly manufactured using substandard materials, meaning they wear out much quicker than average priced shoes. Why pay $30 twice for poor quality shoes instead of $60 once for a pair that last you twice as long and don’t hurt your feet?

2: Find a brand and design you like then stick to it

Sometimes finding a good pair of walking shoes is difficult. When you do find an ideal pair, try to stick to that brand and design when choosing your next purchase. Any new pair you buy is then much more likely to suit you than shoes from a different manufacturer whose shoes you’ve never worn.

3: Replace your men’s walking shoes before they wear out

It’s obvious when you see visible wear on the outsole and upper of your walking shoes that it is time to buy a new pair. However, visible wear isn’t the most important. Research carried out by Cook, Kester, and Brunet proved that the shock absorption of midsoles drops to 75% of the original after 50 miles, to 67% after 150 miles, and 60% after 500 miles. So, don’t wait for visible wear. Replace your shoes when you feel that you’ve lost the bounce in your feet.

Summary

Now you know everything you need to know about men’s walking shoes. I truly believe there’s a perfect pair of shoes waiting just for you. But only you know what horrors you subject your feet to daily.

Why not make a list of what qualities are essential for you in a pair of men’s walking shoes? Maybe you need your shoes to last a long time. Will you be using them in wet environments? Will the surfaces be slippery? Does your chiropractor want you to use a special orthopedic insole?

Once you have a list of what’s essential in your walking shoes, compare your list to the 7 shoes reviewed above. I’m confident you’ll find a perfect match from that group.

Whichever men’s walking shoes you decide to buy, I hope you find a pair that keep you comfortable and cool, even when you’re on your feet all day.

How We Researched

To come up with the top men’s walking shoes, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Target, Dicks Sporting Goods and Best Buy along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The staff authors, have extensive experience with a variety of outdoor sports like paintball, roller skating, baseball and golf.

To help narrow down the selection they used their personal experience along with recommendations from instructors and retailers.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources