7 Best Running Shoes For Walking in 2025

How we test running shoes

There are a lot of things we should consider before choosing the best running shoes for walking. And to make sure we end up with the finest, we put them through a series of tests in our lab. Here, we do the following: 

• Use a durometer, force gauge, smoke machine, dremel, tire tread gauge, and other tools to measure 20+ parameters
• Cut the shoes in half and into pieces to perform more tests that could be done accurately only on shoes cut in half

We also run 30-50 miles in each pair to be able to combine first-hand experience with the shoe with our lab data. We buy all the running shoes that we test with our own money to avoid brand bias.

Unsurprisingly, the best running shoes are also excellent walking shoes. Many essential shoe features remain unchanged, no matter your speed.

However, that doesn’t mean all running shoes are suitable for more pedestrian pursuits. And running shoes are increasingly designed around performance-oriented features, sometimes at the expense of their walking versatility.

Here is how to identify and choose among the best running shoes that are still fit for walking.

4 features that make running shoes good for walking

Whether you’re walking or running, the best shoes do the same things well: they are comfortable, durable, supportive and stable, and (hopefully) stylish enough to be more versatile than your typical pair of running shoes. Let's explain all of these features in greater detail now. 

1. Finding comfortable running shoes for walking: stack height and midsole softness

Adequate midsole cushioning, flexible and breathable upper construction, and ergonomic footbed design are nearly universal qualities of every great running shoe. These qualities make for the best walking shoes, too. When talking about the cushioning, we refer to the stack height or how high off the ground we walk, and the softness of the footbed. 

The most comfortable running shoes for walking tend to have average-to-high stack heights (midsole thickness). A comfortable walking shoe's optimal heel stack height ranges from 30 to 40 mm. Low-stack (minimally cushioned) shoes provide ground contact and feel light and nimble, but are not very comfortable for walking or working on your feet, especially if you're not already used to them.

In most cases, people will say soft shoes are the most comfortable ones. However, some running shoes are so soft they bottom out and cause premature fatigue. On the other hand, shoes can be so firm they start hurting our feet. So, it's about finding the right balance between responsiveness and support. 

Even when the midsole is firmer than the average, walkers love a thick, cushioned insole! Another thing you can always check in our reviews is the thickness of the insole. 

If you have a favorite set of insoles and always use them in whichever footwear you wear, we've got that covered as well because we always note whether the insole is removable or not. 

2. Durability of running shoes for walking

Durable running shoes are often even more durable when used as walking shoes. This is because walking creates significantly smaller impact forces than running, so it takes longer to compromise the material integrity of a shoe’s midsole foam and outsole. Compressed midsoles typically spell the end of a running shoe’s useful lifespan, as they will no longer absorb and distribute shocks effectively.

If you care about midsole durability the most, we suggest looking for daily trainers with standard foams. There are pros and cons here though: standard foams are more durable but less responsive. Premium foams, on the other hand, offer more energy return and leg-saving features, but they are more expensive and less durable. 

We've written the most extensive running-shoe-foam guide in the world, so if you want to dig deep, we could not recommend The ultimate guide to running shoe foams more! 

In our lab, we test the durability of 3 different parts of the shoe: toebox, heel padding, and the outsole. We use a Dremel and we've standardized all these tests so that each shoe gets treated evenly: the same pressure, RPMs and time duration!

Toebox durability test performed in RunRepeat lab 

On our website, you can find dozens of running shoes for walking that scored the highest (5/5) for toebox durability and heel padding durability.

Then, we test the durability of the heel padding. The durability of this part of the shoe depends on the material and shoe build quality, but also on a) the frequency of the shoe use, b) how you put them on - with a shoe horn or without, c) whether there's any heel slipping while walking. 

Testing the durability of the heel padding using a Dremel 

Just like in the toebox durability test, here we assess the durability on the 1-5 scale and assign 1/5 rating for the least durable heel area and 5/5 for the most durable one. 

Last but not least is the durability of the outsole. Again, we use our Dremel to simulate the wear and tear. 

Testing the durability of the outsole in RunRepeat lab 

In this case, we're able to precisely measure the depth of the dent instead of assessing it. The material of the outsole allows us to do that, so we use a tire tread gauge and have accurate numbers on the display. The lower the number, the more durable the outsole! 

3. Support and stability of running shoes for walking

The support features you need depend on personal preferences and your unique biomechanics. Fortunately, the shape of your foot remains the same—whether you’re running or walking. If you need extra arch support or stability features to correct overpronation, you will benefit from wearing those supportive shoes called stability shoes for both running and walking.

What makes these running shoes different is the overall design: they have specific, often trademarked technologies that stabilize the heel and prevent the arch from collapsing inwards (to a certain degree).

One of the features of stability running shoes for walking are known for is the wide platform. This is something we can also find in neutral running shoes for walking that are simply stable! No extra stabilizing technologies for fallen/flat arches, but simply stable on varying terrain. 

If you want extra stable running shoes for walking, we suggest looking for those with very weight platforms. However, avoid the extra chunk, so consult the weight column as well! 

4. Style: colors, materials, and design

Neon green and orange running shoes look slick if they’re paired with split shorts and a race bib. But they’re a little more conspicuous than desired for a casual weekend stroll through town. The best running shoes for walking tend to reign in the bright colorways in favor of more versatile styles.

Running shoes for walking for women, obviously, often have more variations in pink, red, orange, and similar colors. Some look more casual, but it's all up to a personal preference. 

2 features to avoid in running shoes for walking

Although similar in many ways, the biomechanics of a walking and running stride still have some remarkable differences. With innovations in shoe technology, designers are increasingly targeting the biomechanics of running specifically. As a result, many modern running shoes do have features that make them super-optimized for running but not ideal for walking. 

Some features to avoid when choosing running shoes for walking include carbon plates and advanced PEBA-based foams. 

Carbon plates

High-end performance-oriented running shoes feature a thin carbon plate above the midsole. These ultralight plates maximize stride efficiency and encourage a quick heel-to-toe-off. It makes them a game-changing innovation for uptempo running, but the propulsive effects are actually a bad thing for walking due to the biomechanical movement changes they encourage.

If this topic interests you though, we've covered it in great detail in our guide Carbon-Plated Shoes Cut In Half, Explained and Lab-Tested. 

Advanced PEBA-based foams

PEBA (polyether block amide)-based foams are used in many running shoes marketed for race day or uptempo training sessions. They are light, flexible, and bouncy to encourage optimal running efficiency. While helpful for chasing a marathon PR, this efficiency is unnecessary for walking. 

We covered PEBA foams in great detail in our comprehensive guide on foams. 

Breathability of running shoes for walking

Breathability varies just like the weather conditions and the level of feet sweatiness. So, if your feet sweat a lot and/or you live in a hot climate, we recommend finding the most breathable shoes out there. If, on the other hand, you need more warmth, look for less breathable shoes that trap heat. 

Testing the breathability in RunRepeat lab using a smoke machine and a 3d printed cast 

Based on how much smoke comes out of the shoe and at which pace, we assign a breathability rating on a 1-5 scale, where 1 stands for the least breathable and 5 for the most breathable. 

We also examine the uppers in the most incredible detail under our microscope. This allows us to understand the smoke test results better; sometimes, ventilation holes are not visible to the naked eye, and sometimes, we don't see that there are many layers present, which is why the shoes trap heat. 

Wide or narrow toebox? 

We've already covered the topic of comfort. A perfect fit is a part of that story, although it's one we often overlook as most people already know how to nail the size. When it comes to the width, some people struggle because they have differently shaped feet, too wide forefoot, or too narrow forefoot. We're here to explain our measurements and how you can use them to filter the shoes that would work for you! 

Knowing both measurements matters a lot because of the different shapes of the feet. 

To nail the fit, you may need a shoe with a tapered (pointy) toebox, one that's more foot-shaped (looks squared a bit), or something plain narrow. 

We also measure the height of the toebox in our tests. This is especially important if you have a big toe pointing up or shoes often squish your toes and you get black toenails. If that's the case, look for higher toeboxes! 

Here's a selection of running shoes for walking if you need the most room at the ball of the foot (usually around the pinkie toe):

These running shoes offer the most room at the big toe, which means they are not pointy but more square-ish: 

However, these shoes often feature a low or a zero drop, which usually asks for an adjustment period if you're new to that low drop. Caution is needed if the heel drop is 4 mm or lower! To learn more, read our guide on Heel to toe drop. 

In case you have narrow feet, here are the narrowest running shoes for walking: 

Rockered running shoes for walking

Running shoes can have a rockered shape to encourage an efficient and propulsive stride. Rockered footbeds that are particularly stiff and aggressive may feel awkward while walking.

But there are rockered shoes that feel great. Keep in mind you might need time to get used to rockered running shoes. 

If you want to learn more (all) about rockered running shoes, we highly recommend reading our guide All you need to know about rockered running shoes.

FAQs

Can I use trail running shoes for walking?

Trail running shoes can make for excellent walking shoes, especially if you are walking primarily on natural surfaces. Indeed, many hikers and backpackers now prefer the comfort, breathability, and traction of trail running shoes over heavy and clumsy hiking boots. 

In case you want to enter this world, we'd recommend hiking shoes with shallow lugs (up to 3mm). The shallower the lugs, the less you'll feel them if you plan to walk on hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Also, keep in mind that these shoes will last shorter if you wear them on hard surfaces because it's not the terrain their were made for.

Are low-drop running shoes appropriate for walking?

Low-drop running shoes can be good for walking, but like most things, it depends on your stride and personal preferences. Higher drop (10-12mm) shoes encourage heel striking, which puts more strain on the thighs and hips, but less on the calves and feet muscles. Low-drop (0-5mm) shoes do the opposite. Low-drop running shoes often feature a wider toebox as well. 

If you want to give these running shoes a try, we recommend reading our guide on heel to toe drop first!