On, a Swiss-based brand that we have been following since its inception, is one of the shoemakers that makes the best shoes for this purpose. Whether you’re a power walker, a trail enthusiast, or prefer the treadmill, the On lineup likely has a great pair for you. The brand’s trademark podded sole are thanks to its CloudTec technology, an exclusive midsole cushioning system which features small, circular cushioned pods. These pods compress to absorb as little impact as possible with each step without overdoing it with a sky-high stack, making them ideal for walking comfort and fashion. In short, they’re sort of like walking on clouds (sorry, not sorry).

How fitness products are thoroughly tested and evaluated by Men’s Health According to board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, Brad Schaeffer, DPM, On strikes a great balance between cushioning and support with its neutral shoes, making them a top footwear choice for extended periods of walking or standing. He provides the following explanation: “I love On sneakers because they feature exceptional offloading features with a rocker bottom sole.” “This unique design provides excellent foot support without exerting excessive pressure on the heel and ball of the foot.”

I’ve been wearing On shoes for years to do everything from workouts to walks to the grocery store, and know how great they can be in the rotation. Our full team of fitness editors, contributing writers, and podiatrists like Dr. Schaeffer are here to guide you in selecting the ideal On Cloud shoes for walking for you. So, if you’re ready to find your new favorite pair of On walking shoes, you’re in the right place. Take a look at our six choices below and learn why they stand out from the rest.

What to Consider

Some people swear by sneakers with maximum cushioning, while others prefer sneakers with a more responsive feel and less cushioning for walking.

Stability

If you tend to pronate quite a bit (meaning your foot rolls outwards) as you walk or run, you may want to look for walking shoes that are labeled as ‘stability.’ Typically, stability shoes have some kind of medial support to keep your feet in the right position while you move. If you don’t particularly need that extra support, look for a shoe labeled ‘neutral’. Without a support structure to prevent your feet from rolling outward, this kind of shoe will allow you to move your feet exactly how they normally would.

Surface

Ask yourself where you walk the most frequently before selecting a shoe. Our recommendation for someone walking on a rocky trail versus on a treadmill is completely different. This is primarily due to the fact that trail shoes’ outsoles offer more traction and durability than those of walking shoes, which are typically lighter and more flexible. Additionally, because no one wants something sharp to stab their feet on a rocky path, you might need more or less protection from the shoe depending on the conditions.

How We Chose

I have tried the best On shoes for years for everything from walking to running to standing all day. Even while wearing On shoes and standing at a desk, some of this story was written. Men’s Health Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, also has put countless On shoes through the wringer. While testing each On shoe, we evaluated their fit, support, and comfort for walking, as well as the terrains each model is best suited for.

In addition to our personal favorites, we looked at reviews on Reddit to find the On shoes that are most popular for walking. The guide below reflects our genuine recommendations for the best On walking shoes to consider this year.

Beyond their lightweight nature, these shoes offer excellent ground feel. It’s no surprise that the Cloud X4s are widely popular—they boast a sleek appearance and consistently deliver outstanding performance for all types of walking. I’ve worn the Cloud X series of shoes for years at this point, but for walks with my daughter and light workouts mainly now.

While the price tag may be on the higher side for a shoe dedicated to walking, this is model also serves as a great road running shoe. If your priority is maximum cushioning and you appreciate the aesthetics of a lofty stack, the Cloudeclipse is an excellent choice.

These are super stable shoes that look great on the foot, at the office or on a stroll around the town. The wide base provides a good degree of support, which surpasses most other On models in terms of stability, but falls short compared to some competing stability shoes from other brands.

On Cloudhorizon

Trail walking demands a shoe with ample protection and exceptional traction, precisely what the Cloudhorizon delivers. The outsole features deep lugs crafted from high-quality rubber, ensuring your feet remain safe from any troublesome rocks or sharp sticks. Surprisingly, these shoes are quite technical, allowing for precise navigation on the trail, whether you’re jumping over rocks or other obstacles, all without feeling cumbersome.

However, it’s worth mentioning that these shoes tend to be on the stiff side, particularly if you’re accustomed to more cushioned trail sneakers. Additionally, I’ve encountered some difficulty in keeping the Cloudhorizon clean, especially the mesh upper, which tends to collect dirt and mud during a trail walk.

Can Running Shoes Be Worn for Walking?

Similarly to running shoes, walking shoes need good cushioning and breathability. Every pair of the On running shoes listed above work well for walking, too. On the other hand, you might discover that you have different preferences when walking and running. For instance, you likely require more cushioning in a running shoe than in a walking shoe. A pair of shoes worn only for walking is likely to last longer than a pair worn solely for running, so keep that in mind, too.

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ASICS sneakers have stood out in our Textiles Lab evaluations year after year, and the latest Gel-Cumulus 26 is no exception. The shoe was a top performer in our most recent round of tests, earning top marks from consumer testers who were impressed by the comfortable feel. They’re designed with thick gel-infused foam cushioning to improve shock absorption, and one tester who wore the shoes said it felt “like walking on a cloud.” A GH analyst who tried this pair also said, “They felt just as comfortable out of the box and after wearing them for 10,000 steps.”

For ankle stability, the shoes feature a padded back tab and heel, which testers said felt structured and supportive, but they still found the shoes to be easy to slide on and off. The brand claims that people with neutral feet or underpronators (those whose feet roll inward) should avoid these sneakers. 

Overpronators, on the other hand, should avoid them. The sneakers are high-performing and high-quality and earned top scores in our tests for overall comfort from users who wore them for workouts and walks. “Right when I put them on, they started molding to my feet,” said one tester. I didn’t have to break them in like I would normally have to.” The shoes are slim and sleek, and they were also one of the lightest styles we looked at. Because they are made of flexible material, they are easy to pack in a gym bag and squish down. Our testers noted that the shoes ran a little small, but they come in wide sizes for some added room.

sneakers do,” and even after wearing the shoes for the entire day, one tester compared them to “walking on a cloud.” The sneakers are also a more environmentally friendly choice because their uppers are made of Tencel, a material that is breathable and comes from chemically processed wood pulp. 

One tester said that the shoes appeared dirty more quickly than other styles she’s worn, but the sneakers are machine washable for which makes hitting the pavement (or treadmill) a bit easier on your legs and feet. They are our picks for the best shoes for walking and the best shoes for nurses, so you’ll be able to walk, run, or spend the whole day on your feet in them. “The shoe felt supportive while standing for long periods of time (like at a concert) as well as when walking around a mer testers,” stated one tester who claimed that the Ghost 15 is her new go-to style. Sizes: 5 to 13, with options for narrow and wide Available in wide and extra-wide sizing, these sneakers from New Balance ensure that your feet won’t feel squished or cramped all day long. Plus, the shoes have a flexible knit upper with lots of wiggle room, meaning they’re a solid pick for someone experiencing bunions and the breathable mesh gave the shoes high scores across the board for properties like fit, comfort and cushioning, and we were impressed by the quality construction during our evaluations.

The Bondi 8 is one of Hoka’s plushest styles, and the brand is known for its extra-thick cushioning. It’s a great option for those who One GH analyst who swears by these sneakers added, “I can’t believe how comfortable they are. They help alleviate my typical knee pain and feel so supportive.” The shoes offer neutral stability with a structured heel and extra padding around the tongue and shoe opening, and the knit mesh upper lends breathability. Available in Hoka’s popular standout colorways, the shoes are sure to turn heads while you’re running, walking or standing all day, and some shades are available in wide sizing for those who need a more spacious toe box.

The sandals come in regular/wide and medium/narrow sizing and have adjustable straps to help you achieve the right fit, but some online reviewers have experienced difficulty finding the correct size. Luckily, the brand does accept returns within 30 days of purchase for unworn shoes.

How We Test Comfortable Shoes

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test all types of shoes — from hiking boots to walking shoes to high heels — evaluating them in the Lab and sharing them with consumer testers with a variety of shoe sizes and foot shapes who provide us with real-user feedback. We’ve tested hundreds of pairs of shoes over the years, collecting thousands of data points for review.

Here are a few things we consider when assessing shoes:

Comfort

The level of comfort in and of itself is the most important quality of a pair of shoes. When we evaluate shoes in the Lab, we note the comfort of the footbed, the tongue and the ankle opening, and we ask our consumer testers to rate the comfort of the shoes. We go with styles that received high marks when selecting comfortable shoes.

Weight

When we test shoes in the Textiles Lab, we weigh them, and our customers often tell us if they feel light or heavy.

What to Look for When Looking for Shoes That Are Most Comfortable

When you’re shopping for a super comfortable shoe, here are a few universal features you can look for, regardless of style (sandals, running shoes, slip-ons and more):

Cushioned Insole

If you’re going to be on your feet all day long, it’s important to pick a shoe with great cushioning. Memory or EVA foam, gel padding, or moldable cork insoles will mold to your foot, giving you more comfort and a softer feel.

Arch Support

Arch support looks different in every style of shoe, but it typically involves a contoured footbed shaped to mimic the arch and curve in your foot. A shoe with arch support can help align your foot, which can ultimately relieve pressure and prevent pain. We recommend avoiding shoes with flat insoles.

Breathability

When moisture builds up in your shoes, it can be very uncomfortable and cause your foot to slide around in them. To prevent sweaty feet, try to choose shoes made with breathable materials like knit mesh or shoes with ventilation to allow for airflow. This will also help prevent odor.

Good Fit

An ill-fitting shoe is just not going to feel very comfortable. Take a few laps around the store (or your home if you’re buying online) to get a feel for the shoes and make sure they are the right size and fit for your foot by wiggling your toes to make sure they aren’t too tight. Whether you choose a wide, standard, or narrow width, make sure it fits your foot perfectly. And avoid purchasing shoes that increase existing pain, rub your heels or pinch your toes because the pain will only worsen with time.

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