The Ultimate Walking Shoes for Achieving Your 10,000 Steps

      June 5, 2025

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      This year, I've been more committed than ever to establishing healthier habits and focusing on self-improvement. The latest addition to my routine? Walking every day. The wellness enthusiasts have consistently praised the advantages of daily walking, and my social media feed is filled with new challenges and creative ways to integrate walking into my everyday life. So, every day, I put on my reliable Hokas, grab my Bala Bangles (you know what I mean), and aim for 10,000 steps. Believe me, the wellness enthusiasts were spot on. The benefits of daily walking—mentally and physically—are numerous, and it has become an essential part of my routine that I genuinely look forward to.

      As walking has become more central to my daily life, I noticed that my choice of footwear needed an upgrade. My old walking shoes had lost their traction, resulting in sore heels following intense workouts or long walks. Since I began walking daily, it became crucial to find shoes that kept my feet comfortable and dry. I’ve gotten more serious about my health and activity levels, and I realized I needed to act quickly regarding my footwear. However, I honestly didn't know where to begin.

      Knowing I wasn't alone with this challenge, I sought advice from someone who could provide the best tips on selecting new walking shoes: a board-certified podiatrist. Read on for the best guidance on choosing the ideal walking shoes.

      MEET THE EXPERT

      Dr. Megan Ishibashi, DPM, FACFAS

      Dr. Ishibashi is a fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in foot and ankle conditions at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. She addresses various aspects of foot care, with a focus on reconstruction, surgery, trauma, and correction, among others. She also shares advice on comfortable shoe options and experiences as a woman in medicine on her TikTok page here.

      Why the Right Walking Shoes Matter

      If you're dedicated to achieving 10,000 steps a day, the shoes you wear can significantly influence whether your walk is enjoyable or leaves you with pain. The best walking shoes prioritize not only style but also offer support for your feet, cushioning with every step, and preventing injuries due to inadequate support. Whether you're strolling through your neighborhood, engaging in a fitness walk, or running errands, selecting the right walking shoes is crucial for comfort and long-term foot health. With countless options available, finding the perfect pair can be daunting, but understanding the characteristics of a good walking shoe can guide you toward comfortable movement.

      READ: The 6-6-6 Walking Challenge Helps You Reach Your Steps and Potentially Increase Caloric Burn

      Do You Need Special Walking Shoes?

      If you're walking daily or frequently covering long distances, Dr. Megan Ishibashi advises that you should invest in supportive footwear, such as lightweight running or training shoes. A supportive pair of walking shoes can help prevent foot pain, reduce the risk of injury, and maintain long-term foot health. While you don't necessarily need a specific pair of shoes just for walking, choosing supportive shoes that you also use for running or workouts can suffice during your walking sessions.

      What Should You Look for in Walking Shoes?

      While it's true you can walk in any shoes, that doesn't mean you should. For extended periods of walking, additional support is essential. "The key features to look for are cushioning, support, and stability," explains Dr. Ishibashi. "Cushioning minimizes the impact and force, making it comfortable to stay on your feet longer and hit your step goals."

      Dr. Ishibashi recommends shoes with a thicker foam or cushioned sole. "We refer to them as rocker bottoms, which facilitate an easier push-off," she says. Dr. Ishibashi also suggests testing potential options with what she calls The Shoe Test.

      The Shoe Test: Take your shoe and twist, squeeze, and bend it. If it folds in half or collapses, it likely isn't offering the support needed for long walks, and you should choose another option.

      While thick cushioning in the shoe's sole is ideal for walking, specific concerns like high arches, low arches, or wide feet may require attention to more specialized features when selecting walking shoes.

      Low Arches: You’ll still need cushioning, but it should be firmer in the middle and not overly soft.

      High Arches: Look for shoes with high support that can adapt to your foot’s shape. Dr. Ishibashi also recommends adding arch support with shoe inserts.

      Wide Feet: It's best to choose a shoe with a wider toe box.

      How Often Should You Replace Your Walking Shoes?

      According to Dr. Ishibashi, it depends on how frequently you're wearing your shoes to determine when it’s time for a new pair.