The best walking and running shoes combine comfort for long walks with enough cushioning for regular runs. Whether you're a beginner following a run-walk plan, packing a single pair for sightseeing and morning runs on a trip, or finishing a gym session with a treadmill jog, you need shoes that feel comfortable and controlled at either pace. Here are the main things to consider:
Cushioning: Cushioning absorbs impact underfoot, helping your legs feel less beat up during runs and long days of walking. A higher stack height also puts more material between your feet and the ground, which can add comfort. A score of 7.5+ is good.
Stability: A stable platform helps you feel planted when walking around town and keeps landings controlled when you run. If your feet tend to roll inward excessively, look for a support shoe with added guidance.
Fit: Your feet can swell throughout the day and during exercise, so you need enough room for your toes without the fit feeling sloppy. Our True To Size usage is a useful starting point: with a score of 9+, you can choose your usual size. Check the individual fit measurements to see exactly how the shoe fits.
Flexibility: This matters less than the three factors above, but a very stiff sole can still feel awkward when walking. Our Forefoot Bending Stiffness test measures how much the shoe resists bending, helping identify shoes that flex more naturally.
Design and color are worth considering, too. Beyond personal taste, you might need all-black shoes for work, such as if you're a server, or prefer a neutral color that goes with the rest of your clothes when traveling.
We've tested over 300 running shoes, and below are our recommendations for the best shoes for walking and running. If running performance is your main priority, see our picks for the best running shoes. For more options as you build a running routine, check out the best running shoes for beginners, or explore the most comfortable running shoes if overall comfort matters most.
We've bought and tested more than 300 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
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Best Walking And Running Shoes
Cushioning8.0Stability7.6True To Size9.6Weight:261.1 g (9.21 oz)See all our test resultsHeel Stack Height:41.9 mmThe HOKA Clifton 11 is the best shoe for walking and running we've tested. Its cushioned, flexible ride suits walks and easy runs. The heel has plenty of cushioning, while the forefoot bends readily as you push off, so it feels very comfortable and forgiving when you're walking between running intervals or spending an afternoon exploring on foot. Its great cushioning also provides impact protection when you run, with good stability to keep the platform controlled. It also fits true to size in length and width, so most runners can confidently pick their usual size.
There are plenty of colors to choose from, including an all-black option if you need to meet a workplace dress code while keeping your steps cushioned through a long shift. However, it dries slowly after getting soaked. That's worth considering if you're packing only one pair for a trip and expect wet weather.
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Best Cheap Walking And Running Shoes
Cushioning7.3Stability8.4True To Size8.9Weight:296.7 g (10.47 oz)See all our test resultsHeel Stack Height:44.3 mmIf you want great value from a single pair for walking and running, the Nike Winflo 12 is our best cheap pick. It combines decent cushioning with a broad, stable platform, making it a practical choice for regular walks, beginner run-walk sessions, and easy treadmill miles. Its firm foam and wide base keep it controlled underfoot, even though it sits quite high off the ground. That can appeal if you prefer a planted feel while walking but still want enough cushioning to use the same shoes for your runs. Despite the firm foam, the forefoot is fairly flexible, helping it move with your foot as you walk.
Compared with our top pick, the HOKA Clifton 11, it offers more stability at a lower price but absorbs less impact and feels bulkier. The HOKA is more forgiving if cushioning is a priority, while the Nike suits runners who prefer a firmer, more planted feel.
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Cheapest Walking And Running Shoes
Cushioning7.0Stability8.1True To Size9.3Weight:305.5 g (10.78 oz)See all our test resultsHeel Stack Height:38.2 mmIf you want to save even more money and still get a stable shoe with decent cushioning for walking and running, consider the adidas Questar 4. It provides enough impact protection for regular easy runs, making it a useful option if you're starting a run-walk plan or want an affordable pair for neighborhood walks and occasional treadmill sessions. Its broad platform helps keep your steps controlled, but the heel feels firm, which can feel harsher on your legs over time.
Our cheap pick above, the Nike Winflo 12, offers more cushioning to better protect your legs, if you can stretch your budget a little. Otherwise, the adidas gives you a proper running shoe at a lower price, with enough protection for more than the occasional short jog.
For more affordable options, see our picks for the best cheap running shoes.
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Best Cushioned Walking And Running Shoes
Cushioning8.6Stability8.3True To Size8.9Weight:272.9 g (9.63 oz)See all our test resultsHeel Stack Height:42.5 mmIf long days on your feet or increasingly long runs leave you wanting more cushioning, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 is the best cushioned walking and running shoe we've tested. Its excellent impact protection makes it worth considering for extended sightseeing, long walks, or the longer distances you start tackling as you become more comfortable running.
Compared with our top pick, the HOKA Clifton 11, it absorbs more impact under the forefoot and provides a more stable platform. That combination gives you extra protection during repeated running landings without making the shoe feel unstable when you slow down to walk. It also feels stiffer and more structured, so it doesn't flex as freely when walking. However, while the foam absorbs plenty of impact, it isn't particularly plush. The heel feels firmer than the HOKA's, so don't expect the same soft, forgiving sensation when you land.
For more options that prioritize impact protection, see our picks for the best cushioned running shoes.
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Best Walking And Running Shoes For Wide Feet
Cushioning7.9Stability7.6True To Size8.6Weight:250.3 g (8.83 oz)See all our test resultsHeel Stack Height:38.4 mmIf standard-width running shoes leave your feet feeling cramped, the New Balance 1080v15 is our pick for the best walking and running shoe for wide feet. It comes in Wide and Extra Wide versions for both men and women, giving you options to accommodate your feet without simply buying a longer shoe. New Balance has a size and width guide under the Size & Fit section of each model page to help you choose the appropriate version. Beyond its width options, it offers good cushioning and stability for comfortable everyday walks and easy runs. The forefoot also bends easily with your steps when walking.
Compared with our top pick, the HOKA Clifton 11, it sits a little lower at the heel, which can appeal if taller shoes leave you feeling perched above the ground. Its forefoot rubber also resists abrasion better, so that section of the outsole should hold up better if you usually wear through the front of your soles. However, it costs more and absorbs more water when soaked, adding weight after a wet walk or run.
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Best Walking And Running Shoes For Stability
Cushioning7.5Stability8.3True To Size9.0Weight:255.1 g (9.00 oz)See all our test resultsHeel Stack Height:39.5 mmIf your feet tend to roll inward too much and you want extra stability for walking and running, consider the ASICS GT-2000 15. Reinforcement along the inner edge and raised foam around the heel and midfoot help keep your foot centered during easy runs and long walks. Despite these support features, the forefoot remains flexible enough for comfortable walking.
Compared with our top pick, the HOKA Clifton 11, it feels firmer and more stable but absorbs less impact, so landings feel less forgiving underfoot. That said, if you want a stable feel without a shoe designed to correct your stride, some of our other picks, particularly the adidas Questar 4 and ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28, offer great stability without dedicated guidance features. The adidas achieves this through its firmer foam and wide base, while the Nimbus relies more on its broad platform. Both are worth considering if this pick's support features are more than you need.
For more shoes with guidance features, see our picks for the best stability running shoes.
Notable Mentions
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HOKA Bondi 9:
The HOKA Bondi 9 offers more cushioning than the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28, making it another option for long days on foot and easy runs. However, it's heavier and less stable, so the ASICS provides a more controlled platform for mixed walking and running.
See our review -
ASICS NOVABLAST 6:
The ASICS NOVABLAST 6 provides more impact protection than the New Balance 1080v15, making it a better choice if cushioning is your priority as your runs get longer. However, its platform is less stable, making the New Balance a more controlled option for walking and easy running.
See our review -
Saucony Hurricane 26:
The Saucony Hurricane 26 takes a softer, more cushioned approach to a stability shoe than the ASICS GT-2000 15. It's worth considering if you want support with a more forgiving feel underfoot, but the ASICS still feels firmer and more stable overall.
See our review
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we currently consider the best running and walking shoes for most people. We consider performance, price, availability, and how well each shoe suits walking and running.
If you'd prefer to choose for yourself, compare the shoes in the table below for more of the best run-walk shoes. Consider how you'll use them: longer runs make impact protection more important, while long days on your feet make a comfortable fit and a stable platform especially valuable.