Walking might be the most widespread form of exercise, but, like with any fitness activity, your gear matters. Even though you can (and do) walk in all shoes, tackling long-distance jaunts for the purpose of breaking a sweat requires proper footwear.

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Luckily, there are plenty of impressive, purpose-built walking shoes on the market. Something that might surprise you? The best long-distance walking shoes are different than the running shoes many people lace up before a long stroll.

Running shoes are built for impact absorption at a higher speed and cadence, often being equipped with more responsive (bouncy) midsole foam and a higher heel stack that could actually cause discomfort and instability during long walks. Long-distance walking shoes, by contrast, prioritize cushioning under the heel and flexibility at the forefoot, since walking involves a heel-to-toe roll rather than a midfoot or forefoot strike. They also tend to have a lower heel drop, a more rigid sole for sustained support over hours, and less aggressive tread than running shoe counterparts.

We combed through hundreds of offerings in this latter category to find seven of the best long-distance walking shoes available online right now. These kicks from brands like Brooks, On, Nike, and Hoka let you log the miles and look head-turningly good while doing it (especially important when you’re cruising through airports all day).

Here’s to your next 20,000 steps.

BEST OVERALL

On Cloud 6 Shoe

$160

Buy men’s at on

$160

Buy women’s at On

On’s Cloud sneakers are an industry game-changer — becoming ubiquitous on most walking paths and in airport lounges all across the globe shortly after their initial launch. The Cloud has dominated for two reasons: function and fashion.

On the performance side, it’s engineered for a slower pace and long stretches of standing, what with On’s proprietary, namesake CloudTec midsole. This element not only delivers plush cushioning but also retains energy for a certain kind of springiness that kicks fatigue to the curb. Looks-wise, the Cloud showcases a modern, minimal look that’s years ahead of most other walking sneakers and running shoes’ primary colors and bulky builds.

What reviewers say: “I walk six miles, three to five days a week. These are my favorite shoes. Arch support and comfort are perfect, and sizing is about right as well. I normally wear a size 8 shoe but size up to 8.5 in Ons. I also like the ease of a slip-on shoe with elastic lace. On includes regular laces as well in the box.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $160

RUNNER-UP

Nike Motiva Shoe

$89.97 $115 22% off

Buy men’s at nike

$115

Buy women’s at nike

Our runner (erm, walker)-up long-distance walking shoe is the Nike Motiva. It’s the Swoosh brand’s first shoe built specifically for walking, and the sportswear giant knocked it out of the park (but we expected nothing less). The lightweight style boasts Comfortgroove cushioning, which offers a squishy supportiveness that absorbs any bumps underfoot. We like that Nike made the inside of the shoe a little more roomy, allowing your feet to comfortably swell during long walks.

Plus, similar to the On Cloud 6, the Motiva has a contemporary appearance that we wouldn’t mind taking into a coffee shop mid-walk. Its reasonable price tag of $115 is the cherry on top of all this goodness.

What reviewers say: “These are the best sneakers I’ve purchased in a long time! They give great support and stability if you suffer from plantar fasciitis.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $89.97, $115

BEST NEW RELEASE

Brooks Ghost Max 4 Shoe

$165

Buy men’s at brooks running

$165

Buy women’s at brooks running

Released this August, Brooks’ Ghost Max 4 flaunts the best of the best in the realm of comfort tech features, even leaving enough room for custom orthotics and thereby making each lengthy walk more intimately tailored to your anatomy. Because long distances often correlate with growing fatigue plus imbalance, the Ghost Max 4’s already-present stability systems are also here to protect and align the feet.

We consider this buzzy arrival a win for folks with knee issues, too, seeing as how it contains a rocker that cuts down on the amount of work joints and muscles have to do to get you where you need to be. All in all, the shoe is a god at transitions — letting you roll from heel to toe in a way that feels like gliding through butter, without ever entering unnatural, clunky territory (thanks to a low-to-intermediate drop).

What reviewers say: “Perfect toe box for my feet. I can, and have, walked 20k steps a day in this shoe while traveling, with no pain or swelling. Really liking the addition of the strap at the heel; great help in getting it on fast.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $165

BEST CUSHIONING

On Cloudmonster 3 Shoe

$190

Buy men’s at On

$190

Buy women’s at on

Another one of the best long-distance walking shoes from On is the Cloudmonster 3, the latest evolution of the Swiss brand’s cushy yet responsive road-running shoe. Although it’s engineered for running, the sneaker’s support and forward-rolling feel are great for logging miles at a slower pace too. At the heart of the design is On’s triple-layer CloudTec cushioning system, which keeps your body protected from impact without sacrificing reactiveness. Plus, like all On sneakers, the Cloudmonster 3 scores major style points and comes in a wide range of colors.

What reviewers say: “This is the perfect sneaker and my second pair. Very comfortable and supportive. Material is lightweight and washes beautifully.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $190

BEST LEATHER

Hoka Bondi SR Shoe

$180

Buy men’s at hoka

$180

Buy women’s at hoka

Hoka stands out from the crowd as one of the best long-distance walking shoe brands, thanks primarily to its signature beefy outsole. Leading Hoka models also have a pronounced rocker, which provides that heel-to-toe rolling sensation you want in a long-distance walking shoe.

This Bondi SR is our top recommendation for anyone who’s standing on their feet all day at work or cruising for long miles at a leisurely pace. It takes Hoka’s most cushioned shoe (the Bondi) and levels it up with a slip-resistant outsole, not to mention a more civilian leather upper. This makes the SR read more “normal” and guarantees grip on slick surfaces, while still delivering the cloud-inspired feel that first put Hoka on the map.

What reviewers say: “On my feet long hours every day as a server. The best shoe I have ever worn.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $180

BEST ROAD-TO-TRAIL

Hoka Transport 2 Shoe

$155

Buy men’s at hoka

$155

Buy women’s at hoka

If your walks involve both roads and trails, check out Hoka’s Transport 2. The Vibram outsole here grants added texture for traction on dirt and rocks, but not to the point of hampering your walking experience on concrete. The upper is also pampered with a water-repellent treatment to handle rain and puddles alike. Of course, just like the shoe before it, this bestseller can additionally be praised for giving you access to the brand’s marquee cushioning — ensuring your feet stay fresh mile after hard-won mile.

What reviewers say: “I love the Transport 2. I walk and hike a minimum of four miles a day. I have tried the Clifton and noticed redness and blisters from pressure points. Switched to Transport 2 and all of those issues disappeared. This shoe is durable and provides more stability than other walking shoes.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $155

BEST FOR HIKING

Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Shoe

$175

Buy men’s at salomon

$175

Buy women’s at salomon

Planning to log miles on the trail this summer? We urge you not to sleep on the Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex. Salomons have become a veritable staple in urban neighborhoods, so you’ll be earning top marks for trendiness with this purchase, but let’s not forget that the shoe’s natural habitat is still in the wild.

Equal parts stable and agile, the X Ultra 5 can handle slippery, loose dirt; steep climbs; rocky descents; and flat, long stretches. Interestingly enough, the sneaker does its best work when faced with inclement weather, courtesy of a Gore-Tex upper that will put an end to your excuses for not going out there and seizing the day.

What reviewers say: “Had a chance to walk approximately 88 miles in these shoes on hardscape surfaces, beach sand, as well as forest trails. They’ve proven to be waterproof, as long as the water stays below the openings. The shoes also fit well, running true to size in both length and width.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $175

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Meet the Author

Oscar Hartzog is a Managing Commerce Editor at Penske Media Corporation, overseeing lifestyle and commerce content across WWD, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, and Billboard. After a decade in the space, Hartzog has reviewed thousands of products spanning categories like fashion, fitness, spirits, and travel. He is passionate about helping people spend their hard-earned dollars on purchases that live up to their hype, whether it’s a T-shirt, a bottle of whiskey, or a gift for a loved one. Hartzog graduated from The American University of Paris with a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature and philosophy.

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Recent Articles by Oscar Hartzog

Top Long-Distance Walking Shoes to Buy Online

On Cloud 6 Shoe

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Hoka Bondi SR Shoe

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Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Shoe

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