Best Walking shoes 2025

Hi, I’m James, a foot and ankle specialist with over 10 years of experience helping people find the perfect footwear. Today, I’ll guide you through seven of the best walking shoes available. These shoes have been carefully selected for comfort, stability, cushioning, and fit. By the end, you’ll know which shoe works best for your specific needs.

We’ll break these shoes into categories: stability shoes, max-cushion neutral shoes, and classic neutral shoes. Let’s get started!

Stability Shoes: Hoka Arahi 7, New Balance 860 v14, and ASICS Gel-Kayano 31

Hoka Arahi 7

The Hoka Arahi 7 stands out for its J-Frame technology, a denser foam that resists overpronation without feeling intrusive. The cushioning is responsive, so when you make contact with the ground, you get a springy energy return that keeps you moving. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want mild stability and a faster feel in a walking shoe.

If you’re comparing other Hoka stability options, the Hoka Gaviota 5 offers a broader fit and additional support, making it a great alternative for those who need a wider toe box.

New Balance 860 v14

The New Balance 860 v14 provides a unique medial wedge that tilts your ankle slightly outward, giving excellent support for the medial arch. It combines firm cushioning on the inside with softer cushioning on the outside, providing balance and stability for those needing structured support.

If you’re considering a shoe with similar features but a softer ride, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is worth exploring.

ASICS Gel-Kayano 31

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 is all about plush cushioning and comfort. Its stability comes from a broad base and a medial tab under the arch, which resists pronation. This shoe provides a soft, cloud-like feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort in their walking shoes.

For those seeking a more balanced ride with slightly less cushioning, the ASICS GT-2000 13 is another excellent option.

Max-Cushion Neutral Shoes: On Cloudmonster 2

On Cloudmonster 2

The On Cloudmonster 2 is a max-cushion shoe with a TPU plate running through the sole. This adds a touch of rigidity, giving you some stability even though it’s classified as a neutral shoe. While it provides plenty of cushioning, it’s slightly firmer than other max-cushion options like the Brooks Glycerin Max or New Balance 1080 v13, making it a good choice for those who want a balance of comfort and support.

The durability of the outsole is a standout feature. Even after 40–50 kilometres, the sole shows minimal wear, making it an excellent long-term option for walkers and runners alike.

Neutral Shoes: ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26, Brooks Ghost 16, and Topo Phantom 3

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26 offers plush cushioning that makes it one of the softest neutral shoes on the market. With a true-to-size fit and good comfort throughout the upper, it’s a reliable option for walking or light running. It has a slightly shorter fit, so some users may need to size up.

If you’re looking for something with a slightly firmer feel, the Brooks Ghost 16 could be a better match.

Brooks Ghost 16

The Brooks Ghost 16 is a balanced neutral shoe with DNA Loft V3 cushioning. It’s softer than its predecessor, the Ghost 15, but still offers some responsiveness, making it versatile for walking and running. The high 12mm drop helps reduce pressure on the Achilles, but it may not be ideal for those with forefoot sensitivity.

If you’re looking for a shoe with a more even distribution of pressure, the Topo Phantom 3 is worth considering.

Topo Phantom 3

The Topo Phantom 3 is designed with a wide toe box that allows your toes to splay naturally. It has a low 5mm drop, which evenly distributes pressure across the foot. The ZipFoam cushioning provides a responsive yet comfortable feel, making it a great option for those who prioritize forefoot comfort.

For those who prefer a more traditional fit, the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26 offers a snug feel with plenty of cushioning.

Key Takeaways on Comfort, Stability, and Fit

Stability Shoes

If you need stability for pronation control, here’s how the options stack up:

• Hoka Arahi 7: Mild stability with responsive cushioning.
• New Balance 860 v14: Excellent medial arch support with balanced cushioning.
• ASICS Gel-Kayano 31: Plush cushioning with direct support under the arch.

Max-Cushion Neutral Shoe

• On Cloudmonster 2: A versatile option with plenty of cushioning and a touch of rigidity for stability.

Neutral Shoes

For those seeking a neutral ride, these are your top picks:

• ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26: Plush and soft for ultimate comfort.
• Brooks Ghost 16: Balanced cushioning with a slightly firmer feel.
• Topo Phantom 3: Wide toe box with low drop and responsive cushioning.

Final Thoughts

These seven shoes cater to a variety of needs, whether you’re looking for stability, maximum cushioning, or a classic neutral ride.

For more in-depth reviews, check out posts like Best Walking Shoes of 2024 and comparisons such as Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16. We also have detailed reviews of the Hoka Gaviota 5 and New Balance 1080 v13 for additional options in the stability and max-cushion categories.

If you have questions, leave a comment below. For more reviews, explore our catalogue of Hoka, ASICS, Brooks, and New Balance shoes.

Thank you for reading, and happy walking!