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A shoe advertised as being a "walking shoe" might bring to mind a less-than-fashionable orthotic pair. But the best stylish walking shoes on the market today combine supportive, ergonomic designs with style-conscious good looks — and they seriously come in every shoe type imaginable, from sneakers and loafers to ballet flats or even lightweight sandals.
According to the Mayo Clinic, walking shoes should have specific design features that work with your foot’s anatomy to cushion and support each step. They’ll have a soft insole with an extra layer of padding underneath — in what’s called the midsole — plus, extra contouring around the Achilles tendon. Some styles use mesh uppers or panels for breathability (just like your fave running shoes) and the outsole should have good traction with a wide toe box.
It’s a bit of a stretch trying to squeeze so many features into a stylish pair, so many picks on this list combine some of the specs above with a fashion-forward design for a stylish yet walkable shoe. That might look like a waterproof sneaker in a chic, neutral palette or a pair of strappy sandals with a comfortable footbed that reviewers rave about. Only you can know what works best for your feet, but all 10 of the stylish walking shoes below combine fashion and function, delivering all-day comfort, no matter where the road takes you.
1These Wildly Popular Sandals That Are Literally Made Out Of Yoga Mats
These walking sandals really, truly feature a soft yoga mat footbed over a rubber sponge outsole, for a double dose of comfort, with a soft sling sandal design that's infinitely wearable. A wrapped toe post basically eliminates blisters, and the pair is safe to machine wash if the going gets messy. It's not surprising that these comfy sandals have racked up over 17,000 ratings on Amazon. "The moment these amazing sandals/flip-flops were placed upon my feet, I swear I could hear my little tootsies SING," one fan raved.
- Available colors: 9
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
2Some Strappy EVA Sandals From A Trusted Brand
You won’t be sacrificing any comfort for style in these EVA sandals from Teva. They’re perfect for strolling the town or city — and with 16 color options, they go with almost anything. The adjustable straps wrap around your ankle for a secure fit, while the footbed is both and soft and supportive made from EVA material. Thousands of Amazon reviewers rave about how comfy these are.
- Available colors: 16
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
3A Pair Of Waterproof Chelsea Boots That Were Made For Walking
With over 19,800 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, these Chelsea boots are a wardrobe staple for their versatility and comfort. They're made with a padded EVA footbed and have elastic slides that stretch to your fit and prevent uncomfortable rubbing against your ankle. They pair nicely with almost any outfit — whether you’re looking to dress up or keep it casual. And since these boots are waterproof, your feet will stay warm and dry through rain and snow. “I live in the city, so I do a lot of walking and my shoes HAVE to be comfortable, and these are," one reviewer writes.
- Available colors: 15
- Available sizes: 4 — 12
4A Pair Of Comfortable Sneakers With EVA Soles
These lace-up sneakers are sporty and chic. They have thick padded soles for extra comfort when you’re on your feet for long periods of time, and the lower ankle will prevent blisters. Best yet, since this pair comes in 29 different colors, you can get the perfect pair for whatever outfit you have planned. These even have treads on the bottom for better grip on slippery surfaces.
- Available colors: 29
- Available sizes: 5 — 10
5A Fan-Favorite Pair Of Slip-On Walking Shoes In Breathable Mesh
A minimalist walking shoe looks aerodynamic in athletic mesh, and the streamlined style keeps it ultra-versatile. The Skechers Go Walk line is packed with foot-friendly engineering, like a breathable upper that expands with your foot and two types of cushioned insoles over an ultra-flexible synthetic sole that features plenty of grip. They're super lightweight — just over 5 ounces per shoe — and machine washable, making these a great travel option, as well. Over 37,000 Amazon shoppers have reviewed this pair, dubbing them "super comfortable" with a "very generous toe box."
- Available colors: 24
- Available sizes: 5 — 13 (including narrow, regular, and wide)
6These Posh Leather Sandals With Arch Support
These leather sandals were designed by Vionic with stability, cushioning, and arch support in mind — and are just as comfortable as they are stylish. “I get compliments all the time and they save my feet,” one shopper raved. These sandals feature a T-strap and an adjustable hook and loop for fastening — which is something reviewers love. Because of their sleek style, consider them both dressy and casual.
- Available colors: 8
- Available sizes: 5 - 12 (regular and wide)
7These Ergonomically Designed Ballet Flats
These high-quality leather walking ballet flats — which only get softer with time — are designed with your foot’s anatomy in mind. (Vegans, don’t worry: there are imitation options in the listing, too.) The contoured footbed has extra arch support, while a double layer of padding provides added cushioning underfoot to absorb more impact. Their flexible sole adds grip and security and a padded heel tab ensures a secure, pillowy fit that’s still easy to take off at the end of the day. “I've worn them for 12 hours straight (work & then plans) & they are like walking in or on marshmallows," one reviewer raved.
- Available colors: 14
- Available sizes: 5 — 12 (regular and select wide)
8These Leather Walking Shoes With Driver-Inspired Soles
Frankly, I’m just amazed by an under-$30 leather shoe. These chic walking shoes have a minimalist-luxe vibe with raw edges and exposed stitching that looks like a loafer without a whiff of stuffiness. Underneath you'll find a padded insole with a super-flexible rubber sole that's ultra thick and waterproof. Some Amazon shoppers did note that these gorgeous loafers were a touch tight at the toe, but that didn't stop more than 6,800 reviewers from giving them a perfect, five-star review. "As soon as I got them and tried them on, I was immediately hooked. The leather is super soft and supple and comfy, and the soles felt cushiony and supportive. I've been wearing one color or another almost every day for a few weeks," one fan raved.
- Available colors: 32
- Available sizes: 5 — 12
9A Pair Of Best-Selling Kicks Available In Bold Colors
If you love sneakers, opting for an athletic walking shoe in a punchy shade turns them into a style statement. “I was pulled in by the appearance of these sneakers thinking I would have an interesting pair to walk the dog and maybe do stationary cycling in at home, but I was not expecting to find the most comfortable running shoes I have ever worn in my life,” one reviewer commented. This pair has more than 33,000 perfect Amazon ratings, and here’s why: The eye-catching bladed soles provide incredible bounce on pavement, and the knit mesh upper provides breathable stretch. The inside is just as comfortable with contoured padding and a super soft liner. They slip right on with a stylized heel tab and the laces, though largely decorative, are great for adjusting fit.
- Available colors: 17
- Available sizes: 5.5 — 10.5
10These Memory Foam Slip-On Sneakers That Go With Everything
In faux snakeskin, neutral suede, or tie-dye, nobody will guess that these stylish sneakers hide performance innovation under the hood. Their specialty insole was designed to address the unique needs of every part of your foot, from cushy padding under the heel to high-recovery foam along the instep and extra support under your toes. The heel is padded with light contouring for your ankle and a soft fabric lining, plus the patent leather heel accent is a nice touch. In regular and wide sizes, there's a fit for everyone. "They're comparable to Vans or Steve Madden slip-ons, except they're WAY more comfortable," a reviewer praised.
- Available colors: 18
- Available sizes: 5 — 11
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