Walking is one of the most underrated exercises. Not only can it support your overall health and wellbeing, but it’s great for your mental health, your joints, bones and muscles. The best part is that it’s also a low-impact exercise, so you don’t need any costly gym memberships or high stamina to be a walker.
Whether you’re walking along the beach, through a national park or even on something like a walking pad, every walker needs a great pair of shoes that’ll protect their feet and joints along the way.
Here are some of the best walking shoes to add to your fitness wardrobe.
2025’S BEST WALKING SHOES
- Brooks Addiction Walker 2, $269.95, Brooks (here’s why)
- ASICS GEL-Kayano 31, $280, ASICS (here’s why)
- Skechers Slip-Ins: GOwalk Joy, $119.99, Skechers (here’s why)
- Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes, $160, Nike (here’s why)
- Women’s UA Sonic 7 Running Shoes, $160, Under Armour (here’s why)
The best walking shoes in Australia 2025
01
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
$269.95 at Brooks
Best for: Maximum support and all-day walking comfort
If you’re after walking shoes that put support and stability first, these Brooks sneakers are strong contenders. Built with a full-grain leather upper and plush BioMoGo DNA cushioning, they’re designed to keep your stride smooth and steady – whether you’re heading out for a stroll or on your feet all day. The roomy fit, reliable arch support and slip-resistant sole make them a go-to for slow-paced walkers, casual commuters and anyone prioritising comfort.
619 reviewers awarded these shoes five stars, with one recent shopper sharing: “This shoe has transformed my walking life. The support is amazing – my feet feel held and cushioned so that every step is a pleasure. The contour and fit are excellent and I can walk for hours with no foot or leg fatigue. The only problem is that no other shoe now feels as comfortable!”
Sizes: 6-12
Colours: White and black
Materials: Full-grain leather upper, synthetic sole
Key features:
- Full-grain leather upper
- BioMoGo DNA cushioning adapts to your stride
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Maximum arch support
- 12mm drop for a natural heel-to-toe transition
- Designed for flat to medium arches
02
ASICS GEL-Kayano 31
$280 at ASICS
Best for: Serious walkers and runners
Talk to any avid walker or runner about their shoes, you’ll find that most of them are likely to tell you that they wear ASICS Gel-Kayanos. Crafted with a foam gel base, the Gel-Kayanos are not only comfortable to wear, they also soften the impact when you hit the ground running (or walking).
“I have been using ASICS way before following a Podiatrist on Instagram who recommended the Kayanos for pro-nation, flat feet and issues with ankle rolls,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “Because of my wider feet, I choose to go with a men’s size (half size lower than my woman’s size). The base is wider and so is the toe box (very important when you don’t want future toe issues.”
Sizes: 5-13
Colours: Black, white, green, blue, orange, magenta
Materials: Textile, synthetic
Key features:
- Textile and synthetic upper
- 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM helps provide adaptive stability
- Midsole implements FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning
- PureGEL technology
Also available at:
- $209.99 (usually $279.99) from The Athlete’s Foot
03
Skechers Slip-Ins: GOwalk Joy – Abby
$119.99 at Shoe Warehouse
Best for: Effortless slip-on comfort
The Skechers Slip-Ins: GOwalk Joy – Abby are designed to be an ultra-comfortable walking shoe. With a lightweight mesh design, these sneakers are more comfortable than other options on the market. As well as having a handy slip-on design, the Skechers’ Cooled Memory Foam insole and lightweight 5-GEN cushioning give you high-rebound comfort and shock absorption, which is kinder on your feet and joints.
Sizes: 5-12
Colours: Black, white, peach
Material: Synthetic
Key features:
- Engineered mesh and laced front
- Durable dual-density traction outsole for stability
- 1 1/2-inch heel height
- Machine washable
- Exclusive Heel Pillow holds your foot securely in place
04
Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes
$160 at Nike
Best for: Style-conscious walkers
Just because you’re working out doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style. As far as walking shoes go, the Nike Motiva shoes are exceptionally stylish. But they don’t just look good, they feel good too. Featuring a uniquely patterned outsole and exaggerated rocker, these shoes promise a super-smooth, cushioned and comfortable ride, no matter what your pace is.
“After a complex tear in the meniscus of my left knee, my doctor suggested I search for a high cushioned sole shoe,” posted a reviewer on the Nike website. “Bought these and have been in love with them ever since. I do swimming pool construction and have worn these every day to work since purchasing them. They’ve held up exceptionally well. I never write reviews on products, but as I plan on buying a new pair of these same shoes soon, I felt compelled to leave a review because they’re just that good.”
Sizes: 6-12
Colours: Beige, white, blue, jade, black
Material: Synthetic
Key features:
- 1/2-inner sleeve for easy shoe removal
- Widened forefoot, arch and toe box
- Soft foam waterfall collar
- Exaggerated rocker on the outsole helps propel you forward and make every step you take as smooth as possible
Also available at:
- $89.99 (usually $159.99) from Hype DC
- $160 from The Iconic
05
Women’s UA Sonic 7 Running Shoes
$160 at Under Armour
Best for: An ultra-light walking shoe
A great running shoe that also doubles as a nice running shoe if needed. If you love a light shoe, then these ultra-thin, lightweight Women’s UA Sonic 7 Running Shoes from Under Armour are perfect for you. Featuring a cleverly designed mesh upper for breathability, a deluxe foam sock liner and a durable sole, these walking shoes will be the perfect walking companion.
One five-star customer shared: “These shoes are lightweight, great material and super comfortable. I am on my feet a lot at work and these shoes feel great all day. Love the colour too.”
“So glad I got this pair,” added another. “So lightweight and comfortable. Definitely wearing these to my Europe holiday in a few days.”
Sizes: 5-11
Colours: Grey, black, white
Material: Synthetic
Key features:
- Performance mesh upper for lightweight breathability
- Comfortable fit and feel
- Deluxe foam sock liner moulds to your foot
- UA HOVR cushioning midsole for ultimate responsiveness and durability
- Durable outsole pattern for flex and traction
Which type of shoe is better for walking?
Walking shoes are your best bet for comfortable, all-day walking adventures.
Think of it this way: walking shoes are crafted specifically for how we naturally walk – that smooth heel-to-toe roll we do thousands of times a day. They have lower heel drops (under 8mm) and better side-to-side stability, which means less strain on your feet during long shopping trips or weekend strolls.
While those trendy running shoes in your wardrobe can absolutely work for casual walks (and they do have amazing cushioning!), they’re designed for a completely different movement. Walking keeps one foot on the ground at all times, while running has both feet airborne – so the engineering is quite different.
If you’re someone who loves regular walks, whether it’s morning power walks or exploring new neighbourhoods, investing in proper walking shoes will keep your feet happier and more comfortable in the long run.
Related articles:
- Get fit while you work with these desk-friendly walking pads for small spaces
- All the essentials you need to build a home gym
- The best flat boots for winter and all year round
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