Choosing the right walking shoe can make all the difference in comfort, support, and foot health. In this guide, we’ll review some of the best walking shoes available today, split into categories based on their stability, cushioning, and heel drop. You’ll know which shoe might work best for your needs by the end.
I’m James, a foot and ankle specialist with over 10 years of experience providing footwear advice. Let’s dive in!
Types of Support and Cushioning
In this review, we’re comparing five shoes. The first two are neutral shoes—meaning they offer no extra tilt for stability—and the other three have various forms of stability, influencing how you walk and support your foot.
Neutral Shoes: Brooks Ghost 15 vs. ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25
The Brooks Ghost 15 and the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25 are two top choices for neutral shoes. However, their cushioning types differ:
- ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25: Known for its plush cushioning, this shoe gives underfoot a super-soft, cloud-like feel. It is ideal if you prioritize comfort and want a shoe that compresses as you walk.
- Brooks Ghost 15: This shoe has firmer, more responsive foam, giving you more feedback with each step. If you’re a faster walker or prefer a springy, push-back sensation, the Ghost 15 may suit you better.
Stability Shoes: ASICS GT-2000 12, New Balance 860 v13, Hoka Gaviota 4
Stability shoes provide extra support, particularly for people whose feet tend to pronate (roll inward) when walking. Here’s a breakdown of three great options:
- ASICS GT-2000 12: This model ditches the traditional gel cushioning and uses FF Blast foam throughout, offering a softer, lighter feel. It’s supportive but remains responsive, making it a great lightweight stability shoe option.
- New Balance 860 v13: This shoe features a medial post, providing a slight tilt on the inner foot for arch support. It’s perfect for those who experience foot fatigue or pain after long walks. The cushioning is firm yet supportive.
- Hoka Gaviota 4: The Gaviota 4 features a high-density foam along the inner aspect, providing stable support from heel to toe. This shoe offers the most stability of the three, ideal for those who need extra control in their gait cycle.
Links to Purchase the Shoes On Amazon
Weight Comparison
Typically, stability shoes tend to be heavier, but that’s not always the case with newer models:
- Brooks Ghost 15 and ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25: These neutral shoes have similar weights.
- Hoka Gaviota 4 and New Balance 860 v13: Heavier due to their added stability features.
- ASICS GT-2000 12: This shoe is a winner in the weight category. It is only 2 ounces heavier than the Cumulus and Ghost while still providing extra stability. This is a great option if you need a stable, lightweight shoe.
Heel Drop: From 12mm to 5mm
Heel drop refers to the difference in height between the heel and the shoe’s forefoot. It can affect how pressure is distributed across your foot.
- Brooks Ghost 15: The most prominent heel drop is 12mm, which places more pressure on the front of the foot. This might not be the best choice if you have conditions like bunions or Morton’s neuroma.
- ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25 and ASICS GT-2000 12: Both feature a more moderate 8mm heel drop, providing a balanced feel.
- New Balance 860 v13: Similar to the ASICS models with an 8mm drop, offering support without extreme pressure on the forefoot.
- Hoka Gaviota 4: Its 5 mm heel drop makes it perfect for those who prefer less elevation from heel to toe.
Toe Box Fit
Fit is always an important consideration, especially for those with wider feet. Here’s how these shoes compare in terms of toe box space:
- New Balance 860 v13 and Hoka Gaviota 4: They have slightly snugger toe boxes. If you have wider feet, you may want to opt for the wide fit versions available in these models.
- ASICS GT-2000 12: Offers a broader toe box than its previous versions, providing a comfortable fit for most foot shapes.
- Brooks Ghost 15 and ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25: Both have standard fits in the toe box, offering ample room for toe splay during walking.
Links to Purchase the Shoes On Amazon
Final Thoughts: Which Shoe is Right for You?
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best walking shoe:
- For a responsive, neutral shoe, Consider the Brooks Ghost 15.
- For cloud-like softness, The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25 is your best bet.
- For light stability, Try the ASICS GT-2000 12.
- For firm support and a higher heel drop, The New Balance 860 v14 is a solid option.
- For maximum stability with minimal heel drop, The Hoka Gaviota 4 offers excellent control.
If you have any questions or need more information, please comment below. Be sure to check out the links to all the shoes mentioned, and if you found this guide helpful, please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more reviews!
If you would like more reviews of different brands check out our guide to Asics and Hoka walking shoes.
