Looking for the perfect pair of comfortable and supportive shoes for your daily walks? Look no further! Get ready to step into the world of the best cushioned walking shoes that will revolutionize your walking experience. From the innovative Allbirds Tree Runners to the classic Reebok Club C 85 Sneaker, we have rounded up the ultimate collection of footwear that will make your every step a cushioned delight. Whether you need slip-on convenience, lightweight design, waterproof protection, or slip-resistant grip, we have got you covered. And let's not forget about the much-needed arch support! So, tighten those laces and join us as we dive into the world of the best cushioned walking shoes that are perfect for any city adventure or daily stroll. Let's walk on!
Allbirds, Inc(NASDAQ:BIRD) Tree Runners
Price: $105
Parent Company: Allbirds, Inc (NASDAQ:BIRD)
The Allbirds, Inc (NASDAQ:BIRD) Tree Runners are a popular choice known for their use of sustainable materials. These shoes are made from eucalyptus tree fiber and recycled polyester laces, making them an eco-friendly option. Not only are they environmentally conscious, but they are also lightweight, breathable, and extremely comfortable. These features make them perfect for people living in urban areas or for light to medium hikes. Additionally, the Merino wool soles provide a cloud-like feel and help control odor.
However, it's worth noting that the light-colored shoes of the Tree Runners can easily pick up dirt, requiring regular cleaning. These shoes are not suitable for rugged terrains or wet conditions, but they perform exceptionally well in dry, everyday urban environments. Despite these limitations, they're still the go-to choice for those seeking casual and comfortable footwear for work and daily activities.
Reebok Club C 85 Sneaker
Price:
Parent Company: Authentic Brands Group
The Reebok Club C 85 Vintage sneaker stands out for its superior cushioning, making it the perfect choice for work. This shoe is designed with thick padding along the tongue and a soft, plush terry cloth lining inside the ankle collar, providing ultimate comfort. While the insole may lack arch support, it compensates with extra cushioning that creates a pillowy feel underfoot.
In addition to its comfort, the perforated pleather material enhances breathability, offering a more comfortable experience during long work hours. The vintage charm of the shoe, featuring an off-white upper and yellow-tinted outsole, adds a touch of style to your work ensemble. Its versatility allows it to pair well with various outfits, making it a convenient and comfortable choice for work-related occasions.
HOKA Clifton 9
Price: $145
Parent Company: Deckers Outdoor Corporation (NYSE:DECK)
The HOKA Clifton 9 is renowned for its exceptional comfort, stability, and support, making it the best-cushioned shoe for work. With a lightweight design, weighing only 7.3 ounces for women and 8.7 ounces for men, these shoes are perfect for long periods spent on your feet. The 5mm heel-to-toe drop and 24-29mm stack height provide ample cushioning, reducing impact on bones and joints, and ensuring all-day comfort.
The Clifton 9's unique rocker bottom design facilitates a smooth stride and minimizes fatigue. Endorsed by podiatrists, these shoes are suitable for neutral runners and everyday use. The improved shock absorption guarantees a comfortable experience, even on hard surfaces. However, for weightlifting, these shoes may not offer the necessary stability. Overall, the Clifton 9 is a versatile and supportive shoe, making it an excellent choice for long work hours and running errands.
Asics GT-1000 11
Best Value
Rykä Devotion X
Best Female-Specific Fit
On Cloud 5 Push
Price: $149
Parent Company: On Holding Ag (NYSE:ONON)
The On Cloud 5 Push features an engineered mesh upper that offers breathability and flexibility, providing all-day comfort. The CloudTec cushioning technology in the midsole absorbs impact, reducing strain on the feet and joints, making it ideal for long hours on your feet. With its lightweight construction, it allows for easy movement, while the durable outsole provides excellent traction in various indoor and urban environments. Whether you're walking or standing for extended periods, the On Cloud 5 delivers the perfect blend of cushioning and performance. It is considered one of the most cushioned walking shoes for work.
Skechers Go Walk Speed Walker
Best for Fitness Walking
Best slip-on cushioned walking shoes
Full review of On Cloud 5
Today's best price
Best lightweight cushioned walking shoes
Allbirds Tree Runners
What sets it apart?
In our quest to find the top lightweight cushioned walking shoe, we sought a shoe that offers exceptional cushioning despite its lightweight design. After thoroughly testing and pushing the Allbirds Tree Runners to their limits in both the lab and on the streets, we can confidently say that they outshine the competition in this aspect. Their ultra-light construction, soft insole, and ample underfoot cushioning are what brought them to the forefront of this category.
During our extensive testing of the Allbirds Tree Runners on different terrains, we were certain of their lightweight nature. In fact, our laboratory measurements confirmed that they weigh only 245g (8.6 oz), making them 23.1% lighter than the average walking shoe.
Remarkably, the Tree Runners do not sacrifice cushioning despite their lightweight build. Walking in these shoes felt incredibly comfortable, with their underfoot support standing out from the rest. To delve deeper into their cushioning, we measured the insole thickness to be 7.2 mm, which exceeds the average walking shoe thickness by 1.7 mm.
An added benefit we discovered while putting in the miles with the Allbirds Tree Runners is their suitability for extended walking sessions. Thanks to their generous cushioning, they provide excellent comfort even during prolonged use. To explore this further, we conducted a midsole stack height measurement and found that the heel stack height is 31.1 mm, offering substantial impact absorption despite the shoe's lower weight.
Although the Tree Runners excel in comfort for regular walking, they require caution when walking on rough surfaces. Our durometer testing revealed that their outsole is 13.6% softer than the average walking shoe, making them less suitable for rigorous use.
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable interiors
- Comfortable in various temperatures, from 40 to 85ºF
- Can be worn without socks
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Flexible sole
- Removable insoles
- Easy to style
- Machine washable
- Sustainable design
Cons
- No half sizes available
- Lacks arch support
Read the full review of Allbirds Tree Runners
Best waterproof cushioned walking shoes
On Cloud 5 Waterproof Read the full review of On Cloud 5 Waterproof
Today's best price
Top-rated slip-resistant cushioned walking shoes
Read the complete review of Hoka Bondi SR here
Best current price
Zappos Hoka Holabird Sports Road Runner Sports Fleet Feet Amazon
Comfortable walking shoes with excellent arch support
Explore the comprehensive review of Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit
Saucony Tempus
Best Cushioning
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12
Price: $159
Parent Company: New Balance Athletics, Inc
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 has been named the top running shoe for SELF's 2022 Sneaker Awards. It earned this title due to its perfectly cushioned footbed and medium-wide toe box that provide a snug and supportive fit for long-distance running. However, it also excels as a walking shoe for work. The Fresh Foam midsole offers exceptional comfort and is particularly advantageous for long periods of walking on hard surfaces. It helps keep your knees and ankles feeling fresh, even during extended hours of walking. With its supportive fit and cushioning, this shoe is a versatile and reliable option for all-day wear at work.
Click here to see the 5 Most Cushioned Walking Shoes for Work.
Suggested Articles:
Disclosure: None. 10 Most Cushioned Walking Shoes for Work is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Best Cushioned Walking Shoes for the City
Full review of On Cloudnova
Today's Best Price
When it comes to finding the perfect cushioned walking shoes, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for slip-on style, lightweight design, waterproof protection, slip-resistance, or arch support, there is a pair out there for you. Some popular choices include Allbirds, Inc(NASDAQ:BIRD) Tree Runners, Reebok Club C 85 Sneaker, HOKA Clifton 9, Asics GT-1000 11, Rykä Devotion X, On Cloud 5 Push, and Skechers Go Walk Speed Walker. Each of these shoes offers a combination of comfort, support, and style that will keep you moving comfortably all day long. So, whether you're strolling through the city or hitting the trails, these cushioned walking shoes will have you covered.
