The Best Walking Shoe Brands for City Walking
Not all walking shoes are created equal. While many brands make comfortable footwear, a few consistently stand out for cushioning, durability, breathability, and comfort over long distances.
For travellers and city explorers, this matters. Urban tourism research suggests visitors typically walk 8–12 kilometres per day while sightseeing, often covering 15,000–20,000 steps on hard surfaces like pavement and concrete.
Shoes designed to absorb impact, manage heat, and provide stability tend to perform best in these conditions.
Below are some of the most reliable walking shoe brands for city walking and what each brand does particularly well.
Best Walking Shoe Brands for City Walking
| Brand | Known For | Best For |
| Hoka | Maximum cushioning | Long walking days |
| New Balance | Support and wide sizes | Foot stability |
| Brooks | Balanced cushioning | Versatile walking/running |
| On Running | Lightweight and stylish | Travel and urban walking |
| ASICS | Gel shock absorption | Long pavement walks |
| Merrell | Durability and grip | Mixed terrain walking |
| Skechers | Affordable comfort | Casual everyday walking |
Hoka
Hoka has become one of the most recognisable brands for long-distance comfort. The company is known for thick cushioned midsoles designed to absorb impact and reduce fatigue.
Hoka shoes often feature a “rocker” sole shape that helps guide the foot smoothly from heel to toe during walking.
Why they work well for city walking:
- excellent cushioning for hard pavement
- lightweight designs despite thick midsoles
- strong comfort during long walking days
Popular models include the Clifton and Bondi, both widely recommended for long periods on your feet.
Tip: Read our guide to city walking shoes.
New Balance
New Balance has been producing walking and running shoes for decades and is widely known for supportive midsoles and multiple width options.
This makes the brand particularly helpful for people who struggle to find shoes that fit properly.
Advantages include:
- excellent cushioning
- stable midsoles
- wide and extra-wide sizing options
Many models use Fresh Foam cushioning, which is designed to provide comfort during long walking days.
Popular models include the Fresh Foam 1080 and 990 series.
Brooks
Brooks is primarily known as a running shoe company, but many of its shoes perform extremely well for walking.
Models such as the Ghost and Glycerin combine soft cushioning with good stability, making them suitable for both running and long-distance walking.
Reasons Brooks shoes are popular:
- balanced cushioning and support
- durable construction
- comfortable fit for long walking days
For travellers who want a versatile shoe that works for walking and occasional running, Brooks is often a reliable choice.
On Running
On Running is a Swiss brand that has grown rapidly in popularity, especially among travellers and urban walkers.
The brand’s shoes feature a distinctive CloudTec cushioning system, designed to provide soft landings and responsive push-off.
Reasons people choose On shoes:
- lightweight construction
- modern design suitable for travel
- responsive cushioning
Popular models include the Cloud 5 and Cloudmonster.
ASICS
ASICS is another brand originally known for running shoes that work very well for walking.
Many ASICS models include Gel cushioning systems, which help absorb impact and improve comfort during long days on pavement.
Advantages include:
- strong shock absorption
- stable midsoles
- reliable durability
Popular models include the Gel Nimbus and Gel Cumulus.
Merrell
Merrell is best known for outdoor footwear, but many of its lighter models work well for city walking.
Merrell shoes often prioritise durability and grip, which can be helpful in cities with uneven surfaces such as cobblestones or stone pathways.
Advantages include:
- durable construction
- strong grip on mixed surfaces
- stable design
Popular models include the Moab series, which bridges the gap between hiking and urban walking.
Skechers
Skechers is sometimes overlooked in technical footwear discussions, but the brand has built a strong reputation for affordable comfort-focused walking shoes.
Many Skechers models use lightweight foam midsoles designed specifically for walking.
Advantages include:
- lightweight construction
- thick cushioning
- affordable pricing
The Go Walk series is particularly popular for casual long-distance walking.
How to Choose Between Walking Shoe Brands
Different brands tend to specialise in different strengths.
- Choose Hoka if maximum cushioning and impact absorption are your priority.
- Choose New Balance if you need wider sizes or extra stability.
- Choose Brooks or ASICS if you want a versatile shoe that works for both walking and running.
- Choose On Running if you want lightweight shoes that also look good for travel.
- Choose Merrell if your walking includes parks, trails, or uneven terrain.
- Choose Skechers if you want comfort at a lower price.
Popular Walking Models by Brand
Some models have become especially popular among people who walk long distances.
Hoka – Clifton, Bondi
New Balance – Fresh Foam 1080, 990 series
Brooks – Ghost, Glycerin
On Running – Cloud 5, Cloudmonster
ASICS – Gel Nimbus, Gel Cumulus
Merrell – Moab series
Skechers – Go Walk series
These models are widely used for long periods on your feet and often recommended for travel walking.
Choosing the Right Shoe Matters
Brand reputation can help guide your choice, but fit and comfort are always the most important factors.
Even the best brand will not work if the shoe does not match your foot shape.
When choosing walking shoes, focus on:
- proper fit
- cushioning and support
- breathable materials
- comfort during walking
For more guidance on choosing shoes for long walking days see:
(Internal link: What Makes a Good City Walking Shoe)
You may also want to understand how cushioning affects walking comfort:
(Internal link: Cushioned vs Minimal Walking Shoes)
Materials also play a role in breathability and durability:
(Internal link: Leather vs Mesh Walking Shoes)
And understanding shoe lifespan can help when deciding when to replace them:
(Internal link: How Many Kilometres Do Walking Shoes Last?)
Finally, proper fit is essential for comfort during long walks:
(Internal link: The Ultimate Guide to Fitting Shoes)
FAQ
What brand makes the best walking shoes?
Several brands consistently produce excellent walking shoes. Hoka, New Balance, Brooks, and ASICS are among the most widely recommended because they combine cushioning, durability, and support.
Are running shoe brands good for walking?
Yes. Many of the best walking shoes are actually running shoes. Running shoes are designed to absorb impact and handle repeated steps, which makes them suitable for long walking days.
How long do walking shoes from these brands last?
Most walking shoes last around 500–800 kilometres before cushioning begins to break down.
Which brand is best for walking long distances?
Brands known for strong cushioning—such as Hoka, Brooks, and ASICS—often perform well during long walking days on pavement.
Final Thoughts
Several brands consistently produce excellent walking shoes for city exploration. Hoka, New Balance, Brooks, On Running, ASICS, Merrell, and Skechers are among the most reliable options.
Each brand has its own strengths—whether it is cushioning, durability, lightweight construction, or affordability.
For travellers planning to explore cities on foot, choosing a comfortable shoe from a reputable brand can make a significant difference to the overall walking experience.
