Sore feet after a long walk? We compared 22 walking shoes and these 5 are worth it

The Bondi has long been a favorite among walkers, nurses and anyone on their feet all day, and the Bondi 9 keeps the formula. A thick, soft midsole absorbs impact on pavement, and Hoka's rocker geometry encourages a smooth heel-to-toe roll that many owners say reduces fatigue on long walks.

Despite the stack height, the wide base feels stable, and the Bondi comes in wide sizes. The trade-offs are the chunky look and the price. Some walkers also find the soft cushioning less responsive than firmer shoes. If you prefer a lighter feel, look at our best running shoes, several of which double as walkers.

The Addiction Walker 2 is built specifically for walking, and it's one of the most supportive shoes in the category. Brooks uses a firmer section of midsole on the inside of the shoe to help guide feet that roll inward, and the full-grain leather upper is durable and easy to wipe clean.

It's a long-running favorite among people who walk or stand on hard floors at work, and it comes in narrow, wide and extra-wide sizes. Owners often mention it works well with custom orthotics. The trade-offs are weight and style: it feels heavier than modern knit sneakers and looks more traditional.

The 990 is one of New Balance's most famous sneakers, and the v6 updates it with a FuelCell midsole that feels softer and bouncier than earlier versions. It's a shoe you can walk in for hours and then wear to dinner, which is why it has such a loyal following.

New Balance makes the 990v6 in the US and offers it in several widths. Owners praise the durable suede-and-mesh upper and the stable ride. The trade-off is price: it's one of the most expensive shoes here, and you're partly paying for heritage and style. Walking in all weather? Pair it with one of our best women's rain jackets.

Skechers' GOwalk line is popular for good reason: these shoes are light, flexible and simple to slip on. The Arch Fit version adds a contoured insole designed with podiatrist input to support your arch, which owners say makes a noticeable difference compared with flat budget sneakers.

The breathable knit upper is comfortable on warm days, and many styles are machine washable. The trade-off is durability: the soft midsole compresses faster than premium shoes, and the shoe offers less structure for people who need firm stability. For casual daily walks and errands, it's hard to beat for the money.

Allbirds Tree Runners are less about technical support and more about easy, everyday comfort. The breathable eucalyptus-fiber upper keeps feet cool, the shoes are light enough to pack easily, and the plain design works with nearly anything.

Owners love them for travel, sightseeing and running errands, and many styles are machine washable. The trade-offs: the cushioning is modest, the outsole wears faster than rubber-heavy walking shoes, and there's little arch support. Track your daily steps with one of our best fitness trackers to see how far they carry you.