Walking Shoes That Are Prodiatrist-Approved

Spring and summer are peak walking seasons. There’s nothing more stress-relieving than a walk around your neighborhood or local trail. Plus, it’s excellent for your physical health. What isn’t great, though? The wrong shoe. 

Wearing an unsupportive walking shoe can affect your walk and cause pain or discomfort afterward. Another common issue, aside from choosing the wrong shoe, is using a shoe that’s too old. Sneakers only last around six to 12 months, or 300 to 500 miles, before they become less effective. To help you find the right walking shoes—regardless of your preferences—we asked two certified podiatrists: Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, FFPM RCPS, assistant professor at Touro New York College of Podiatric Medicine, and Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo, DPM, podiatrist and vice president of Millburn Podiatry Group, PC for their favorite walking shoe recommendations. 

Skip the Flimsy Sandals, Flat Sneakers or Athleisure-Style Cushiony Sneakers 

“A comfortable walking shoe should have an upper with stretch, so your feet can move comfortably and freely within the shoe. It should also have proper arch support built into the sole or with removable insoles. Proper arch support is important for providing stability and alignment, which will help support your body from the ground up,” says Dr. Ferrigno-Taddeo. 

Because of that, there are a few shoes these podiatrists recommend avoiding, like flimsy flip flops, very flat sneakers with little to no built-in support or sneakers that aren’t durable enough and lack balance, like athleisure style sneakers with a lot of cushion. 

What to Grab Instead

Below are the sneakers both podiatrists recommend—and even wear—starting at just $50. 

Birkenstock Arizona Sandal

“Pick Birkenstocks or sandals with a built-in arch support instead. Some podiatrists work with custom orthotic labs and can even make custom sandals. I have two custom Birkenstock Arizona style sandals myself,” says Dr. Landau about this classic summer staple. This pair of shoes is her top choice in place of unstable flip-flops. 

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Sneaker

We’re already big fans of this sneaker, so it’s no surprise that Dr. Landau recommended it. We love them most for men with flat feet because of the shoe’s added support. With their streamlined and firm cushioning, these are excellent walking or running shoes for folks who need something more stable for their daily routine. 

Brooks Ghost 16 Sneaker

The Brooks Ghost 16 was also a top pick from Dr. Landau, and it’s one of my go-to summer walking shoes because of its straightforward features and lightweight body. It has the ideal balance between cushioned and structured in a feathery light frame to keep you cool and comfortable on hot days. 

Asics Gel Venture 10 Sneaker

Best for neutral gaits, these Asics sneakers also rank amongst Dr. Landau’s sneaker recommendation list. It also has a moderate level of cushioning, consistent with all of Dr. Landau’s sneaker picks. And for good reason, she says to “avoid maximum tread unless you have fat pad atrophy” and need the extra cushion. Most folks can get away with less cushion than they think, unless they’re experiencing discomfort. Rest assured, there’s still a helpful layer of padding at the sole. These shoes also have a more treaded bottom to work on rugged trails. 

New Balance 990 Sneaker

Dr. Landau recommends New Balance shoes for fans of chic styles that pair well with activewear or your favorite summer dress, She specifically called out the 990 sneaker, which has a slightly higher level of cushion that tapers from the heel to the toe to absorb impact with each step, meaning you’ll look cool and feel comfortable. 

New Balance 530 Sneaker

Another stylish option is the New Balance 530 sneakers. These have a more textured tread, so they’re fantastic for a range of surfaces, whether the pavement or a dirt trail (though they’re so cute, I’d venture to guess you don’t want them dirty). The mesh upper is breathable for all-day wear, whether hitting the town with friends or reaching your next personal best.

Bronax Sneaker

Allowing your feet to splay while walking makes movement more enjoyable. Dr. Landau likes these sneakers because they offer extra space, which is perfect for some folks. “The wide forefoot is ideal for people who have bunions and hammer toes!” They’re also easy on the wallet at $50 for the pair. 

Aetrex Danika Sneaker 

Full disclosure—Dr. Ferrigno-Taddeo is a physician liaison for the brand Aetrex, which means she speaks to customers frequently, gaining a lot of familiarity with what shoes work best for what. She likes the Danika style for walking. “Their orthotic support and memory foam cushioning make them great for long wear,” she says.  

Asics Gel-Nimbus 2

In addition to the Aetrex sneaker, Dr. Ferrigno-Taddeo also likes these Asics. “They’re lightweight but provide maximum cushioning and shock absorption.” That makes these ideal for people who need that extra padding, but don’t want to be weighed down by clunky soles.