The Best Walking Shoes for Men

Walking is the most basic activity the human body performs, yet so many of us experience pain and discomfort, and unfortunately are forced to avoid it. So how can we ensure that when we walk, we will be comfortable and pain free?

The best place to start is by wearing proper walking shoes that are designed with advanced features and technologies that will minimize foot pain, and allow you to walk in comfort no matter how many miles you go.

With so many choices online and in stores today, it can be overwhelming to select a good style, so we have done all the work for you and rounded up the best walking shoes that are appropriate for all types of feet and activities.

4 Best walking shoes for men

Best walking shoes for men with wide feet: Lava

Why you’ll love it

• Breathable uppers for healthy, odorless feet
• Round, tall toe box allows toes to spread naturally

 

Specs

• Sizes: 7-14
• Widths: Standard (D) - Extra Wide (4E)
• Upper materials: stretch knit

 

The Lava walking sneakers are a very good choice for men with wide feet, as well as for those who have bunions, hammertoes or swelling.

The stretch fabric uppers conform to the contours of your feet, creating a relaxed fit from heel to toe. The fabric is also aerated, which means it allows moisture to evaporate, keeping your feet odor and infection free.

The Lava is also available in wide widths, and has a round and tall toe box that gives your toes room to move around without overlapping each other. This eliminates friction and rubbing, which can often be painful and restricting.

The built-in orthotic provides plenty of support, comfort and cushioning for your feet. It will hug your arches and cradle your heel, keeping your feet and body healthy and injury-free.

Finally, the moderate rocker bottom design in the sole of these shoes facilitates foot motion, reduces the need to overwork the joints and ankle, and improves mobility.

Offered in gray, dark gray and black, and also in a black no-tie version that eliminates the need to tie laces.

Best walking shoes for long-distances: Edgewater

Why you’ll love it

• Stretchable uppers provide customized fit
• Removable arch booster realigns the feet with the body

 

Specs

• Sizes: 7-15
• Widths: Standard (D) - Extra Wide (4E)
• Upper materials: stretch knit

 

The Edgewater sneakers are made with high-quality materials and are built to withstand the wear and tear of long-distance walking.

The sneakers feature an orthotic insole, which provides excellent cushioning and support for the entire foot. The shoe is structured with anatomical arch support, a padded heel seat and a non-binding upper, which all work together to reduce pressure and ensure a comfortable walking experience. This is also why these are great shoes for standing all day.

These shoes are made with a breathable mesh upper that allows air to circulate freely, keeping the feet cool and dry during long walks. This is important because heat and moisture can exacerbate and even cause foot problems like blisters and calluses.

The Edgewater also has a wide, stable base that helps prevent over pronation (inward rolling of the foot) and supination (outward rolling of the foot), which can cause discomfort or injury. The sneakers also have a rigid heel counter that provides additional support and stability.

And on top of all that, these shoes are super stylish and that’s always a plus!

Offered in blue, gray and black. 

 

Best walking shoes for men: Yari

Why you’ll love it

• Waterproof, 360 stretch uppers
• Patented technology allows foot insertion without bending or tying laces

Specs

• Sizes: 7-14
• Widths: Standard (D) - Extra Wide (4E)
• Upper materials: stretch knit

 

These sneakers are designed to combine technology, style and function while you walk, and to allow you to enjoy walking pain-free. 

First and foremost, they are designed with a patented hands-free technology that allows easy insertion of your feet without bending or using your hands, which can be beneficial for men who are constantly rushing around and particularly for those who have difficulty bending over. That’s why Yari are great shoes for elderly men.

These sneakers also feature a uniquely shaped insole that supports the arch in the correct location, preventing pain and injuries by properly aligning the body. Multiple layers of foam within the insole and sole disperse shock and provide cushioning throughout the foot. 

The upper design is made with 360 stretch, water-repellent fabric that offers a comfortable, customized fit and breathability, and are super easy to clean. The stretchable knit fabric allows the shoes to move with you, providing pain relief. 

Offered in gray and black.

 

Best waterproof walking shoes for men: Hunter 

Why you’ll love it

• Protect your feet even in challenging terrains
• Water repellent uppers

 

Specs

• Sizes: 7-14
• Widths: Standard (D) - Extra Extra Wide (6E)
• Upper materials: stretch knit

 

The Hunter hiking boots are perfect for exploring the outdoors. 

They have a wide toe box that provides plenty of room for toes to move around, even if you wear thicker socks. They are also waterproof, which keeps the inside of the shoe and foot dry and makes them perfect for any weather.

These walking shoes are constructed with an orthotic insole and ergonomic sole, made with multiple high-tech layers to support and cushion feet, and offer relief from foot pain caused by a variety of conditions.

The non-binding uppers are padded with foam, and together with the extra cushioning around the heel and ankle, these shoes offer superior comfort and a pressure-free fit.

Additionally, they are designed with a higher upper design that will hold the foot and ankle securely in place and minimize your chances of injury.

Offered in black, and also available in a brown version that isn’t waterproof.

 

What key features should I be looking for in the best walking shoes for men?

Shoe construction and their features greatly vary from brand to brand, with some shoes designed very simply, while others have a multitude of elements that make them very healthy for you, and allow for full customization. 

The best orthopedic walking shoes are also designed to target specific foot problems. Additional features can work well for different terrains and weather conditions.

What type of footbed should be included in the shoe? 

Orthotic insoles are not just for people who have a foot problem. 

Shoes with orthotic insoles directly designed in them are considered the best walking shoes for men, as they will support the arch of the foot, align the feet and body and disperse shock forces from the impacts of walking. 

Shoes with a flat, flimsy insert can lead to pain and other injuries. 

Finally, if the orthotic insole is made with materials that conform to your specific foot contours, such as memory foam, that is even better.

How and where should the shoes flex? 

Shoes that bend too much or are too rigid are counter intuitive to the way the human foot moves. Shoes that bend too much or bend near the middle part offer no lateral support. 

The ideal flex should be just right and behind the metatarsal heads.

What type of adjustability features do they have? 

The more the upper of the shoes can be adjusted, the better they will fit your feet. 

Adjustability features include straps, laces and cords, as well as stretch materials that can take the shape of the foot. 

Most shoes have one adjustability feature around the instep (a lace or strap). However, there are other important areas of the foot that will benefit greatly from a customized fit, including the forefoot area and heel.

Are walking shoes available in wide widths? 

Many shoe companies don’t offer extended widths, which means that people are forced to purchase shoes that don’t necessarily fit their feet. 

On the other hand, specialty  shoe companies, such as orthopedic ones, will offer a broad range of widths starting from Narrow all the way up to Extra Extra Wide. 

Basically, your shoes are no different than clothing – they need to fit comfortably so you aren’t forced to squeeze into something too small or narrow.

What kind of soles do good walking shoes have? 

The sole of the shoe is the part that comes in contact with the ground. It needs to be durable and constructed in such a way that will minimize slips and falls. 

Most importantly, it must be constructed with materials that are able to disperse shock forces to reduce heel pain when your feet hit the ground walking.

Are walking shoes made with durable materials made to last? 

Shoes are designed with diverse materials, such as leather, mesh, stretch fabric and synthetics. Each one has its benefits, but should be made to endure everyday usage. 

Some materials are easier to clean than others, so choose materials that are appropriate for the environment you are walking in. 

Most importantly, pick shoes with upper materials that will work for your specific feet. For example, if you have a bunion or swollen feet, a flexible knit upper will feel much better and not exacerbate the condition than a more rigid leather material.

Are walking shoes designed for specific foot conditions? 

Specialty footwear brands design shoes for different foot conditions that can provide targeted pain relief and comfort. 

A foot experiencing plantar fasciitis will need a walking shoe with orthotics, to help alleviate strain on the plantar fascia and ergonomic soles that reduce impacts on the heel and provide soft protective cushioning. 

A swollen foot will need a shoe with ample stretch and adjustability features to accommodate expansion during the day. 

The more the shoe is tailored to the specific condition, the more comfortable it will be.