If you’re on your feet often—whether you’re working, walking the dog, commuting, hiking, or exploring a new city—you need a shoe that will support you all day long. While walking shoes may seem similar in shape and style to running shoes, they have key components that are especially suited for walking.

First, a quick biomechanics lesson: When you walk, you land on your heels and push off from your toes in a rolling motion, with your midfoot absorbing the most force. To help protect the midfoot and lessen stress on the joints, walking shoes are designed with advanced arch support, ample cushioning, and roomy toe boxes that allow for a greater range of movement.

Saucony makes walking shoes with comfort and durability in mind, so you can walk your blocks or miles without worrying about aches or pains holding you up.

Best shoes for walking on concrete

If you live in the concrete jungle or habitually stand and walk on hard surfaces, it’s important to protect your feet and legs from the pounding. Walking on concrete without the proper footwear can cause pain in your feet, back, and joints, or something even more serious (e.g., a metatarsal stress fracture).

Frequent concrete walkers should try the Omni Walker. It comes in Medium and Wide sizes for men and women and hits all the marks for comfort, durability, and flexibility. This shoe features comfy cushioning from heel to toe, a sturdy upper, plus a roomy toe box, and extra stretch in the forefoot for a perfect fit.

Walking shoes with arch support

Since the midfoot takes the brunt of the landing force when walking, wearing shoes with proper arch support is critical. Before you choose your perfect pair, you should first determine the amount of arch support you need. If you have lower arches (or flat feet), a shoe constructed with more support will help stabilize your feet and relieve muscle and joint stress.

The best Saucony shoe for arch support is the Omni Walker. With a breathable, marled mesh upper, plush cushioning from heel to toe, and an updated FORMFIT design, this shoe hugs your foot for a customized feel.

Is a running shoe good for walking

Running shoes can be used for walking, but there are a few key differences between running and walking shoes to be aware of before you decide what works best for you.

Compared to walking shoes, running shoes are lighter, more responsive, and made with more breathable materials that make it easier to pick up the pace without our feet dragging or overheating. Because our feet spend less time on the ground when we run, running shoes have less cushioning in the midsole than walking shoes. Running shoes also tend to have a lower offset and less arch support than walking shoes.

If you prefer a running shoe to walk in, we suggest trying the men’s and women’s Echelon, available in Medium, Wide, and Extra Wide widths. It has a spacious toe box and extra heel support to keep your feet secure whether you’re walking or running. Another all-activity option is the Tempus.  It’s available in men’s and women’s sizes in Medium and Wide widths and features a lightweight, breathable mesh upper and gives you a great fit with adaptive lacing and a cushioned midfoot. You can also check out the men’s and women’s Omni running shoe that offers similar arch support as the Omni Walker but with the benefits of a running shoe—lightweight, with a mesh upper and a responsive midsole. Another option is the Guide for men and women in Medium and Wide widths. It’s designed to cradle and contour your foot, creating a supportive fit. Ride is engineered to do it all. The PWRRUN foam midsole offers super-soft cushioning and the higher sidewalls allow your foot to sit into the shoe for more support.

Best women’s walking shoes

• Omni Walker

• Echelon

• Tempus

• Omni running shoe

• Guide

• Ride

Or you can check out all of the women’s walking shoes from Saucony.

Best men’s walking shoes

• Omni Walker

• Echelon

• Tempus

• Omni running shoe

• Guide

• Ride

Or you can check all of the men’s walking shoes from Saucony.

Ready, set, walk!

Saucony wants to outfit you in shoes that will allow you to walk and stand comfortably all day long. If you need help choosing the right ones for you, use the Shoe Finder. It will help match you with a pair. You can also visit your local running store for more suggestions on walking shoes.

Want more Saucony scoop?

Be sure to keep checking the Saucony blog for tips and insights about shoes, training, racing, and more. And, of course, you can shop the entire Saucony collection anytime.