Whether you work in an environment that involves standing or walking, walk outside for adventure, or to keep fit with your friends, your shoes are the most important element of your outfit.
They’ll keep you comfortable, and they’ll make you look and feel great all day!
What makes the best walking shoe? You need a shoe with cushioning and support. But you also want to look good while you’re out and about.
We’ve done the research and found options for the best walking shoes for men that combine a supportive, cushioned footbed with an attractive style for the best of both worlds!
We’ve sorted them by category, so you can quickly find your ideal work shoes, dress shoes, and hiking shoes. Check out our reviews below to find the best fit for you!
The Best Walking Shoes For Men Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Rockport Men’s World Tour Walking Shoes |  |
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| 2. New Balance Men's Suede 928v3 |  |
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| 3. Rockport Mens Eureka Walking Shoes |  |
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| 4. Dockers Mens Gordon Toe Cap Oxford |  |
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| 5. Merrell Mens Moab Ventilator |  |
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| 6. Columbia Mens North Plains Trail Shoe |  Top Pick |
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| 7. Keen Mens Targhee II |  |
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1. Rockport Men’s World Tour Walking Shoes (Best Work Shoes For Men)
The World Tours combine a traditional look with a modern feel! They use a leather upper and EVA cushioning to provide a thoroughly comfortable yet moderately formal look and feel.
We love them because they’re so versatile, and will blend in with a whole range of outfits. They’re an excellent choice for people who want a walking shoe that doesn’t look utilitarian or athletic in appearance.
Specs
- Leather
- Rubber sole
Pros
- They’re formal, but flexible. These Rockports come in a variety of finishes and color schemes, so you can choose the one that works best with your wardrobe. They’re made from a finished leather upper, which balances casual comfort with workplace formality. They provide the cushion of more traditional walking shoes, but they maintain a more conservative, traditional aesthetic.
- The insole is removable and can be swapped out for use with orthotics. That’s a big plus for PF sufferers, since many of us need special insoles. The built-in EVA cushioning contours to your feet and provides all-around support. People who bought these said that the best part was that they’re so comfortable, and can provide serious plantar fasciitis relief without looking to utilitarian or lounge-y.
- Rockport has a high reputation for durability. These will last a long time for you, with next to no maintenance. The treads don’t wear down, and the seams are glued tightly together. Previous buyers say they’ve had theirs for up to 5 years and longer! After years of daily wear, they’re still holding strong!
Cons
- The lighter finishes are prone to staining. However, reviewers said they were easy to clean and stayed cleaner once they applied a leather protector.
- Some reviewers said the included insole was not as supportive as they expected. That’s why it’s always nice to be able to swap the factory soles out. And remember, while the Rockports are orthotic-compatible, they’re not orthotics themselves.
- These updated World Tours fit a bit tighter than some earlier versions. Recent reviewers said they were narrower and tighter in the toe box. If this is a concern for you, you might try ordering up a half-size or so.
Our Rating – 4.3
Popularity: Medium
2. New Balance Men’s Suede 928v3
These New Balance walking shoes are designed for maximum comfort. They’re very popular with people who work on their feet, or require highly-cushioned insoles because of foot problems.
We like them for a basic walking shoe with plenty of cushion, especially when you don’t have to worry about dress codes. Previous buyers said they’re the most comfortable they’ve ever worn!
Specs
- 100% Synthetic
- Rubber sole
Pros
- They’re simple and low maintenance. The mesh liner helps your feet stay cool, and the material used is odor-resistant. That means you won’t have to clean inside your shoes as often, and you won’t have to keep spraying the odor away. The upper is made from a treated leather, designed to resist scuffs and stains. It’s available in a few different color options.
- An incredibly sturdy, supportive sole provides deep cushioning and posture correction. This New Balance pair uses deep cushioning, a reinforced heel, and a mid-foot roll-bar to keep everything in line.
- Overall, these are some of the most stable walking shoes on the market. They’re certainly closer to orthotics than the Rockports, and are a better choice with people with plantar fasiitis, pronation, or other foot issues. That’s thanks to that stability bar across the ball of the foot.
Cons
- As with most leather uppers, there’s a break-in period. Buyers found that they loosened and became more supple over time.
- They’re not the most aesthetically pleasing pair out there. These won’t be the best choice for working under dress codes or in semi-formal situations.
- Some reviewers said that quality control had dropped since the manufacturer started producing them in Asia. Their main complaint was that for the price, they should be made in the USA.
3. Rockport Mens Eureka Walking Shoes
These Rockports are even more versatile than the World Tours, and are perfect for business casual settings, travel, and nearly any personal style!
We love that they use a lightweight rubber substitute to cut weight in the sole while maintaining comfort.
They’ve got a leather upper and a classic and timeless look which will fit with many dress styles and settings. Previous buyers said they’re both well made and versatile!
Specs
- 100% San crispino
- Rubber sole
Pros
- There’s plenty of support provided, thanks to a latex-foam footbed and replaceable insole. The Eurekas are also designed to provide heel stability while walking and standing. There’s basic arch support and heel cushioning, and a full-length foam footbed. Like the World Tours, the replaceable insole means you can make these work with most orthotics or other custom inserts.
- These work with casual and dress clothes, and are versatile enough to be your primary pair. The leather upper comes in a variety of colors and finishes to suit your wardrobe and workplace alike.
- Loyal customers said the versatility of the Eureka’s was their favorite part. They said that especially on travels, it’s super convenient to be able to wear the same pair for walking all day and then going to dinner in the evening.
Cons
- Some reviewers recommended replacing the insole, as they said the cushioning wore down over time. They said the arch support wasn’t as strong as other walking shoes, and that it could use more support in general.
- Reviewers had mixed experiences with the longevity of these. Some said that recent versions of this shoe were not as well-constructed, but we found just as many recent reviewers saying their new pairs were holding up very well. That seems to be a result of poor quality control, as we’ve seen with so many footwear companies starting to outsource.
4. Dockers Mens Gordon Toe Cap Oxford (Best Dress Shoes For Men)
These inexpensive Dockers are a top seller for men. They’ve got a classic look, and are cushioned enough for the average walker.
Previous buyers say they’re as comfortable as a gym shoe, and have a very low-maintenance construction. The best part is the price–these won’t run you nearly as much as a pair of Clarks!
Specs
- Leather
- Rubber sole
Pros
- They’re less expensive than a lot of other dress loafers, yet they’re still made from high-quality materials. They’ve got a leather upper, and a one-piece sole. Reviewers said the stitching and construction was of high quality, and that the leather polished up easily and aged gracefully.
- They’re cushioned and supportive. They use a rubber sole and a full-foot midsole cushion to keep you comfortable all day long.
- Many buyers said that these were the only reasonably-priced Oxford-style shoes they’d found that could get through the whole day without causing pain. That’s thanks to the mid-sized arch support and full-foot cushioning.
Cons
- They don’t have a great deal of arch support. And some people found the top too restrictive to use with larger orthotic insoles.
- Some reviewers said the sole wore down quickly. You’ll pay less for these at the get-go, but they may not last as long as Clarks.
Our Rating – 4.5
Popularity: Low
5. Merrell Mens Moab Ventilator
The most popular model from Merrell, the Moab Ventilator gives you the ruggedness and stability of a hiking boot with the flexibility and comfort of an athletic shoe.
We think they’re a great crossover for the modern hiker!
Specs
- 100% Leather/Mesh
Pros
- They’re secure. The outsole is heavily treaded, with sticky Vibram material to help give you traction on any surface.
- They’re comfortable and supportive. The Moab’s have a cushioned insole and arch support. The supportive footbed is a real must over a long day of hiking!
- They’re nice and airy. The mesh sections of the upper are designed to keep heat from building up inside the shoe. The material is also odor-resistant.
- They’re built to last. Merrell’s have a great reputation for lasting years without any serious wear and tear. Previous buyers said that both the sole and uppers last very well with very little wear and tear apart from the surface.
Cons
- Previous buyers said they run about half a size to a size too small. You’ll want to order up, especially if you like a wider toe box!
- A few reviewers said their boots arrived with manufacturing defects, which became problems over time. We’d encourage future buyers to inspect their pairs carefully upon arrival, as the return period is limited!
6. Columbia Mens North Plains Trail Shoe (Best Hiking Shoes For Men)
These are some of the best men’s walking shoes for scrambling over rocks and rugged terrain. These combine a mesh/suede upper with a natural rubber sole, which we love for its grippy tenacity.
The North Plains provide arch support, heel stability, and all-terrain traction in a light, breathable package. More than anything else, previous buyers raved about the traction they’ve achieved with these shoes.
Specs
- 100% Suede Leather/Textile
- Rubber sole
Pros
- These lace-ups are very supportive. They have midsole and arch support built in. The full footbed is made from EVA foam, which molds itself to your feet.
- Since they’re more of a stability style than the Merrell’s, we’d recommend these to people with pronation, weak ankles or other stability issues.
- They use a mesh/suede combination upper to give you breathability without losing ruggedness. We like this combo because pure mesh uppers tend to tear quickly, while leather uppers trap sweat like nobody’s business! They’re also very light.
- They’re built to last. We read dozens of reviews from previous buyers who said they’d owned their Columbia’s for years with no issues.
Cons
- Reviewers said these have a particularly narrow fit. While this provides sure footing for many hikers, if you have wider feet these may not be the most comfortable with you.
- A few reviewers said that the soles had trouble getting traction on wet rock faces. Slippy rocks are always a challenge, and we’d recommend lugged soles for a more sure grip.
Our Rating – 4.2
Popularity: Low
7. Keen Mens Targhee II
These hiking shoes combine a low profile and athletic-style upper with a rugged, studded outsole that you’d normally find on a larger boot.
They’re perfect if you want a lightweight, supportive shoe that can handle any terrain. They’re grippier than our other recommendations, and the best choice for tricky terrain and rocky surfaces.
Specs
- 100% Waterproof Nubuck Leather
- Rubber sole
Pros
- They’re rugged. Heavy treads and lugs provide the rubber outsole with maximum grip and traction. There’s also a waterproof lining throughout the shoe, making these great if you will be walking in wet or snowy areas.
- The EVA footbed is removable and features arch support and a natural foot contour. There’s also midsole cushioning and a built-in shank to minimize foot fatigue. Reviewers said that the arch support and deep cushions were extremely comfortable over long hikes. However, they stressed that the cushions were supportive without feeling too fluffy and wobbly. That gives you the sureness of footing that you really want for hiking.
- Even though they’re rugged, they’re low profile. In addition to the minimal upper, these are also slip-ons, for greater convenience.
- Keen shoes also have a patented heel structure system, which is designed to minimize impact and protect against injury. Previous buyers said the stability factor with these shoes is excellent.
Cons
- Some recent reviews mentioned quality control issues, and recommended inspecting them upon arrival in order to return defective items smoothly. Keen, like all the other manufacturers, has started producing their products in China.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve seen our top choices for the best walking shoes for men, you know that you won’t have to sacrifice comfort, quality, or looks.
We hope every guy can find his perfect pair! There are even comfortable dress shoes out there, if you know where to look.
We highly recommend the Columbia North Plains Trail Shoe because of it’s supportive cage built into the sole, which helps you maintain stability on uneven surfaces.
If our recommendations don’t quite suit you, we’d suggest you check out other models by the same brands.
And if you’ve got a foot condition like a fallen arch, high arch, or plantar fasciitis, you’ll want to look at our special guides to shoes and inserts to help you deal with those conditions.
A good orthotic insert will also make all of these great walking shoes work specifically with your foot for a better fit and feel.
