We Sourced 6 of Nike’s Best Walking Shoes, Plus Tips From a Podiatrist on How To Choose

The Nike Motiva is the brand’s only designated walking shoe, and it is the result of hundreds of hours of interviews and focus groups in the Nike Research Lab to hone in on what people want when they are walking and jogging—or fluctuating between these two paces. Because people are more likely to strike the ground heel-first at a walking pace, the Motiva features a dramatic rocker shape that provides a smooth transition as you move through your stride. But cushioning is also important while walking, and this shoe has it in droves, not only at the heel but along the entire length of the foot. The outsole also has a fun, wavy design that not only looks cool but also compresses to give you a soft landing pad with each step.

Sizes available: 5-12 (in half sizes) | Colors: 10

Pros:

• Shape accommodates the common heel strike of walking

• Bouncy cushioning

• Wide toe box so your feet don’t feel restricted

Cons:

• Rocker design may take some getting used to

If you want a shoe that you can wear for all of your walks and runs, the Pegasus 40 is one of the most versatile shoes that Nike offers. It’s simple and streamlined, without the extra bells and whistles of expensive road running shoes, but with enough of the essentials that you’ll reach for it again and again when you step out the door. What sets it apart is it is truly designed for every foot: It has a neutral design that gives support but is not too stiff and moderate cushioning that creates a cushy ride but doesn’t detract from its stability. The mesh upper wraps around your foot for a secure fit, and it comes in both regular and extra wide so you can choose the right one for your foot shape.

Sizes: 5-12 (half and extra-wide sizes) | Colors: 16 (plus design-your-own)

Pros:

• Comes in both regular and wide sizes

• Breathable mesh upper

• Midsole cushioning is comfortable yet stable

Cons:

• May run small

When I’m out all day logging 20k steps around the city, my go-to Nike’s are the Air Max 90s because of their comfy cushioning, arch support, and bold color options. Because they were originally designed for running, they have a lot of cushioning in the heel that tapers off towards the toe. That creates a high heel-to-toe drop which is great for anyone with calf or Achilles tendon tightness (like me) because your heel doesn’t have to travel as far when it hits the ground. The outsole is grippy, even after a fresh rain, and the ankle collar is padded and doesn’t create hotspots.

Sizes: 5-12 (half sizes available) | Colors: 5 (plus design-your-own)

Pros:

• Max Air unit in the heel is good for all day comfort

• Plastic overlays add a bit of flair and 90’s style

• Rugged outsole provides traction

Cons:

• Not as breathable

• Relatively stiff

One of the most iconic Nike designs, Air Force 1s may not be your initial go-to as a walking shoe. But if you’re looking for a comfy sneaker that you can pair with nearly any outfit (and doesn’t look like you’re about to go for a run), these have a lot to offer. While the thick, cushioned midsole is a bit stiffer than other shoes on this list, it is super durable and the foam won’t pack down as you rack up the miles—while lighter weight shoes may lose some of their bounce more quickly. The upper is made of leather, so it takes some time to break in, but again, this just enhances the durability. And unlike many Nike shoes, they feature a wide toe box with plenty of breathing room; in fact, you might want to size down if you prefer a more snug fit. Sure, these shoes may be more about style than comfort, but there’s a reason they’ve stayed true to their ‘80s design and you see them on people of all ages every time you step outside.

Sizes: 5-12 (unisex, half sizes available) | Colors: 2 (plus design-your-own)

Pros:

• Nike Air cushioning is durable and doesn’t pack down quickly

• Customizable color options

• Classic design that stands the test of time

Cons:

• Leather makes the break-in period longer than other shoes

• Heavier and less breathable than other shoes on this list

These shoes may look more like dad shoes than like the max cushion running shoes you may be used to seeing, but they have a hefty platform of cushioning in the heel, just where you need it when you’re walking for miles. I’ve worn them while around New York City for a day full of work and errands, and they’re exceedingly comfortable—no heel pain when I get home. But they’re also versatile enough to wear during cardio workouts or when you want to add a bit of vintage aesthetic to your outfit.

Sizes: 5-12 (unisex, half sizes available) | Colors: 13 (plus design-your-own)

Pros:

• Wide stack of cushioning under the heel

• Mesh upper is light and breathable

• Fun metallic overlays and accents

Cons:

• Early aughts aesthetic is divisive

• No wide sizes

These shoes may look more like dad shoes than like the max cushion running shoes you may be used to seeing, but they have a hefty platform of cushioning in the heel, just where you need it when you’re walking for miles. I’ve worn them while around New York City for a day full of work and errands, and they’re exceedingly comfortable—no heel pain when I get home. But they’re also versatile enough to wear during cardio workouts or when you want to add a bit of vintage aesthetic to your outfit.

Sizes: 5-12 (unisex, half sizes available) | Colors: 7

Pros:

• Wide stack of cushioning under the heel

• Mesh upper is light and breathable

• Fun metallic overlays and accents

Cons:

• Early aughts aesthetic is divisive

• No wide sizes