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Original images by SELF staff / Courtesy of the brands / Laneen Wells
Here are the key features we considered when making our selections.
What should you look for in a walking shoe?
Size and fit
One important note: Your foot size can change as you age.
Many local running shoe stores or your podiatrists office will do this for you.
Most retail stores like Dicks will still have aBrannock devicea traditional measuring tool for shoe sizehiding somewhere too.
Then, walk around for a while (and dont skip this step).
The Hoka-famous stack means its super comfy for standing, with all of that foam underneath, she says.
Plus, theres some nice padding around the tongue and heel counter.
One note: The chunky sole might not be ideal for activities where agility is your top priority.
The Vionics instep, however, isjust right.
When wearing these sneakers, my feet feel held in a neutral position, helping me avoid overpronation.
(And thats really saying something: Dr. Scholls was created by a podiatrist, after all.)
The Hannah Retro quickly stole my heart with its bouncy step and 80s-track-inspired aesthetic.
They never gave me blisters, but did give me some gnarly tan lines.
Check out the top-rated walking shoes below.
The upper is stretchy and breathable, and theres no break-in period, per one Zappos reviewer.
(Nike shoes typically run slim, and these are no exception.)
The waffle outsole also provides great traction, while the knit upper creates an airy, breathable feel.
I have bunions and generally need to wear shoes with lots of cushion, wrote one REI reviewer.
A snug but stretchy recycled yarn upper hugs the feet, while the molded heel counter helps prevent shifting.
I work at a nursing home and these shoes are very comfortable, wrote one Adidas reviewer.
And, she concludes, I love its light, moderate cushioning thats comfy without being too much.
(BTW, the sturdy leather upper softens with wear to feel even more comfortable over time.)
If youre planning to tackle longer or more technical treks, ahiking bootis probably your best bet.
This crowd-pleasing hiker is highly recommended by outdoor experts for its rugged feel and versatility.
A heads up before you order: On sneakers, including this style, tend to run small.
Allbirdss machine washable Tree Lounger checks all those boxes.
I needed something to wear around the house to support my feet during pregnancy.
These are perfect, one reviewer wrote.
They are lightweight and breathable and provide the support I need.
(That being said, you donthaveto be pregnant to enjoy this comfy-casual slip-on.)
