The 12 Best Nike Shoes for Walking
September 2, 2024
There are plenty of nice details on the Invincible 3, including a rocker bottom that supports your natural stride from heel to toe, a soft foam ankle collar, and a waffle outsole that prevents slipping. Plus, it has tons of fans beyond the SELF crew: “I love the Invincible! No other company has foam that is as comfortable,” one Nike reviewer wrote. “I have a lot of foot issues and can manage a run in these when nothing else works.”
Product specs
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular, extra wide | Weight: 9.1 ounces
More great Nike walking shoes
If none of the pairs above speak to you, check out more top-rated Nike sneaks below. These shoes may not be for everyone (for example, some help combat specific foot conditions like plantar fasciitis), but they still come highly recommended by experts and reviewers alike.
Nike Structure 25
This running shoe also comes recommended by Dr. Canzanese. It’s Nike’s stability model, which means it has more arch support and better structure for those with flatter feet or plantar fasciitis. It manages to be both lightweight and supportive, says Dr. Canzanese, which makes it a great option for longer distances and fitness walking.
Product specs
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular, extra wide | Weight: 8.5 ounces
Nike Waffle One
As the winner of a 2021 Sneaker Award for best athleisure sneaker, the Waffle One garnered high praise from SELF’s associate director of special projects for how functional it is, despite its casual appearance. She noted that the shoes provided lots of traction and protection, due in no small part to their sturdy lug rubber outsoles, and liked that they kept her comfortable all day long, writing that she actually forgot she was wearing them at one point.
Product specs
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
Nike Air Max 90
Slightly chunky and available in a range of bright colors, the Air Max 90 offers the ideal blend of comfort and retro-inspired style. A separate unit in the heel adds cushioning and shock support where you need it most, while the ankle collar boasts padding to help prevent uncomfortable blisters. “You can never go wrong with an Air Max 90,” one happy Nike shopper wrote. “My absolute favorite shoe. Comfortable all day wear and great style to boot.”
Product specs
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
Nike Spark
The Nike Spark’s ultra-cool design isn’t just for show—the breathable mesh upper features modern-looking overlays that also add to the shoe’s durability. We’re also fans of the padded tongue and plush collar, which help prevent hot spots while you’re on the move. Inside, the midsole has a softer foam on the bottom and a firmer foam on top, with a plate sandwiched in between for a pleasantly propulsive ride.
Product specs
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
Nike Quest 5
This workhorse road running shoe features a soft foam midsole for plenty of shock absorption and a band across the midfoot for a locked-in feel. When it comes to the upper, strategically placed mesh helps air circulate, and protective skins at the toes and eyelets are there to prevent wear. The rubber outsole also has plenty of traction, should your walk take you across steep slopes or slippery surfaces.
Product specs
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
Nike Journey Run
Extra heel cushioning and padding around the tongue and collar make the Journey feel plush on runs and walks alike. A mesh upper offers excellent breathability, while the grippy rubber outsole keeps you feeling secure. Reviewers praise the roomy toe box and super comfortable fit: “I walk a lot, and the support I get is amazing,” wrote one. We’re also big fans of the bright, neutral, and metallic colorways.
Product specs
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
What should you look for in a walking shoe?
You don’t necessarily have to buy sneakers that are specifically designed or labeled for walking—most running shoes work too. Just note: “You can walk in a running shoe, but you should not run in a walking shoe,” says Dr. Canzanese. Here’s what else you’ll want to keep in mind as you shop.
Fit
“Overall, you want to make sure that the shoes are the proper size—and shoe size can change as we age,” says Dr. Canzanese. “There should be a thumbnail’s length [of space] between the tip of your longest toe and the front of the shoe,” she explains. And they should feel comfortable pretty much right away: Avoid sneakers that feel like you have to break them in.
Cushioning
“Because walking is generally a heel-to-toe motion, you want to have cushioning and shock absorption in the heel,” says Dr. Canzanese. Soft foam padding throughout the entire midsole will provide more comfort if you plan on walking far or being on your feet all day long. Still, more cushioning isn’t always better—for some, it can lead to an unstable feeling, so try on several options to see what you like best.
Arch support
If you prefer or need sneakers with a lot of support, look for a stability shoe. “These are the ones that have extra design features built in to increase arch support,” notes Dr. Canzanese. You may also want to try on shoes with various heel-to-toe drops to see what feels good on your feet. Heel-to-toe drop refers to the difference in the height of the sole at the forefoot and the heel. Some running and walking shoes offer a steeper drop, while some are flatter, with very little (or zero) drop. There’s no wrong heel-to-toe drop for walking; it ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
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