The Best Cushioned Walking Shoes To Buy Now

What's great about them: These Skechers are some of the best walking shoes out there. They're enormously popular on Amazon with over 5,000 ratings. Most reviewers note they're extremely durable and comfortable as they’re constructed with soft foam cushioning over springy yoga mat-inspired midsoles for stellar shock absorption. On top of that, they have rubber soles combined with mesh uppers for ventilation and moisture management. In case you’re looking for all of this comfort in a sneaker version, Skechers has that too.

A helpful review: “I have purchased many shoes and I finally found the one I can work all day in. I am on my feet all day and I feel like I’m walking on a dream cloud. After walking 13,000 steps a shift my feet thank me for getting these.”

• Available colors: 8
• Available sizes: 6 — 12

— Also available on REI, $85

What's great about them: These cushioned walking shoes are a lowkey luxe favorite. Fans say they love not only that they're comfortable but breathable, too, so your feet don't get hot and sweaty. They're made with strong rubber soles and a dual-density polyurethane footbed that's designed to be soft on top and shock-absorbing underneath. Best of all, they're available in your choice of leather or mesh, and a wide variety of colors. The casual yet fashionable look of these shoes makes them perfect for everyday wear.

A helpful review: “My favorite sneakers ever. The vamp is ventilated so easy to wear in spring and summer in the hot, humid Charlotte NC seasons. Fits perfectly with great arch support and removable insoles. Love these.”

• Available colors: 1
• Available sizes: 5 — 11

What's great about them: With over 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, you cannot go wrong with these slip-on sneakers. In addition to the elastic MD outsole, this shoe is also designed with a mesh upper that’s breathable and flexible in places where other shoes might add pressure and discomfort. The Solyte Midsole has excellent bounce-back and durability making them perfect for walking. Even more so, you’ll love the sleek and athletic design of these shoes that reviewers find extremely easy to slip on and off.

A helpful review: “This product was absolutely perfect from detail to detail. I originally bought them for a Disney trip, and let’s just say that they were so comfortable that I did not care for walking...and that’s a lot of walking. I walked all 4 parks at Disney World and I have been continuing to walk in these shoes till today. They have held up for a while now, and I’m still loving them because they give me such great comfort.”

• Available colors: 33
• Available sizes: 5 — 13

— Also available on Sierra, $20

What's great about them: These waterproof foam slippers from Cushionaire are perfect for summer — or anytime you’re looking for casual comfort. Thus far they’ve received over 7,000 glowing five-star ratings and an overall 4.4 rating on the comfort scale. These slides feature a soft and flexible upper and outsole and a modeled cushioned footbed. A 1.75-inch platform also offers additional comfort and cushion.

A helpful review: “These are legit THE most comfortable sandals I've ever worn. I bought them to have good support while walking around at home, and I never want to take them off. They're like walking on a cloud. They also seem to have pretty good slip resistance to them.”

• Available colors: 21
• Available sizes: 5 — 12

What's great about them: Real leather shoes for under 30 bucks? Say less! These moccasins-style loafers will have your feet looking chic without sacrificing any comfort. You’re also practically guaranteed to find them in any color you like with over 30 color options. They’re made with a durable outsole with a no-slip grip rubber bottom and a padded insole to add comfort for when you’re walking or standing all day. And while you might be hesitant about wearing leather on your feet, reviewers assure you these feel lightweight and breathable.

A helpful review: “I get so many compliments on these shoes!! I needed light grey shoes - I found these. They were inexpensive and the right color. Omg, they are my favorite closed-toe shoe! I do hair so I stand in one place for over 12 hours at a time. My feet never hurt. My back never hurts. My legs never hurt. I wear these for over 40 hrs a week. I am getting them in other colors.”

• Available colors: 32
• Available sizes: 5 — 12

What's great about them: If you're looking for a comfortable and reliable pair of sneakers, look no further than these gel cushion shoes from ASICS. With more than 11,000 reviews, the popular sneakers showcase a maximum cushioning style that's super comfortable, whether you're using them for running, walking, or simply traipsing around town. The mesh upper portion is breathable so your feet don't get sweaty, and they have EVA foam midsoles for shock absorption, too. Additionally, they have tough rubber soles and come in a wide range of colors.

A helpful review: “This is my fourth pair of these; they are perfect for my walking schedule (60-90 mins brisk walking, 6-7 x a week). I have no issues with instep pain or knee pain when I'm wearing these. Also, a very good value!”

• Available colors: 10
• Available sizes: 6 .5— 11 (regular and select wide sizes)

What's great about them: A pair of flip-flops typically aren’t most people’s first thought when they think of “walking shoes” however, these platform flip-flops offer top-notch support. Over 2,000 Amazon reviewers give these flip-flops a glowing five-star rating with many in agreement that they’re perfect for vacation. At approximately 1.38 inches tall, these shoes will be thick enough to protect your foot with added arch support. They’re outfitted with an anti-skid EVA foam outsole and yoga mat midsole that’s designed with comfortable memory foam.

A helpful review: “I bought these shoes to go on vacation with. I knew I'd be doing a lot of walking and having the built-in arch support would be a bonus. I was right! These are the most comfortable sandals to walk in I've ever had. The yoga mat lining is also a must for comfort and not slipping if your foot gets wet.”

• Available colors: 13
• Available sizes: 5 — 11

— Also available on Belk, $70

What's great about them: If you want a pair of shoes that are dressy but still comfortable enough to walk around in all day, these comfortably stylish heels are just the ticket. Designed with a 2.75-inch pump, they're made with a faux leather upper for durability and a chic crossover strap with hidden elastic that ensures your foot stays secure. The footbeds feature soft, well-cushioned support that molds to your feet over a shock-absorbing rubber sole, and customers say they're easy to break in.

A helpful review: “These are AMAZING! I NEVER wear heels because I’m clumsy and I usually hate them (and I work in the car/bank business so I’m constantly walking and standing). Bought these in black and beige and I can wear them all day AND all night. They are incredibly comfortable and my ankles don’t roll when I walk in them. They are a perfect fit. I’m on my feet ALL DAY and a lot of the time going into the evening too and the fact that I can wear these for both and never have to take them off says a ton about the quality!”

• Available colors: 6
• Available sizes: 5 — 11 (regular and select wide sizes)

— Also available on Kohl’s, $65

What's great about them: If you’re still hanging onto the dad shoe trend a little while longer, the New Balance 411 V1 Training Shoe is calling your name. The durable rubber outsoles and soft and cushioned insole lining provide you comfort and support on all types of surfaces from concrete to gravel. Designed with breathable mesh materials, these shoes will keep you cool as well.

A helpful review: “My exercise is walking every day. I needed a supportive and comfortable shoe to replace my flat cushioned existing pair. This New Balance brand was suggested by another family member and is the perfect suggestion.”

• Available colors: 3
• Available sizes: 5 — 12 (regular, narrow, and wide)

— Also available on DSW, $65

What's great about them: Flats are typically more comfortable than heels but not always. They can be just as killer to your feet if they don’t provide enough support and cushion and you find yourself up walking all day. These ballet flats from Naturalizer are designed with a thick rubber outsole and a “very soft footbed” as reviewers describe. They also adhere to the brand’s own N5 Comfort System, which is a promise that their products will deliver in five key areas to customers including flexibility, softness, balance, breathability, and lightness.

A helpful review: “I’m a teacher and this is my favorite ballet flat. I’ve bought several pairs now. They usually last about a year, and they are comfortable to walk in all day.”

• Available colors: 15
• Available sizes: 5 — 12 (regular and wide)

— Also available on Macy’s, $135

What's great about them: Boasting 9,600-plus reviews, these popular women's sandals offer a fantastic combination of style and comfort. They have durable nubuck leather uppers with contoured EVA foam in the footbed that's lightweight and extremely comfortable, per reviewers. The midsoles are injected with polyurethane foam for extra cushioning and shock absorption. The soles, which are constructed with tough rubber, feature lugs that give them traction, too. On top of that, they remain comfortable even after long periods of walking, according to fans.

A helpful review: “These walking sandals have allowed me to resume my walking program and actually be able to stick to it for more than a few weeks. I have had foot issues for years now and foot pain kept me from walking consistently. I have walked two miles four or five times a week for more than a year wearing these shoes and have not suffered at all from pain. I just bought my second pair. Love them!”

• Available colors: 50
• Available sizes: 4 — 12.5

What's great about them: Reviewers say these cushioned women's boots offer an exceptional degree of comfort paired with style, too. They feature synthetic leather (that's fully vegan) made from durable polyurethane that doesn't scuff easily and a soft padded collar that's warm while still being breathable. The sturdy soles showcase anti-skid rubber, and they're designed with cute buckles and decorative zippers on the side. These boots also hold up well in wet, snowy weather, according to reviewers.

A helpful review: “Love these boots!! I wore them snow tubing and walking downtown the city in Tennessee. The snow never got into my shoes, which was great. Also, I walked all throughout the city with them and they were so comfortable.”

• Available colors: 3
• Available sizes: 5.5 — 10

What's great about them: These lightweight, breathable women's hiking shoes are wonderfully well-cushioned yet also tough and durable. They're built with a blend of suede and mesh that makes them strong enough to withstand rough terrain with ventilation, so your feet don't burn up. They have soft padded tongues and air cushioning to cradle your feet, providing support, shock absorption, and stability. Additionally, their Vibram rubber soles have 5-millimeter lugs with great tread and traction.

A helpful review: “I bought these shoes for a hiking trip to Utah. They are my first Merrel and when I got them I was a little skeptical because the toe box felt kind of big. But after hiking miles and miles every day for 8 days in all kinds of terrain including water, my feet never hurt. They always felt safe and comfortable. I am very satisfied with this purchase.”

• Available colors: 15
• Available sizes: 5 — 12 (regular and wide)