The 10 Best Nike Walking Shoes of 2023, Approved by Podiatrists

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Comfortable shoes are an essential for every sneaker rotation, no matter your foot type, the distance you walk, or the terrain you trek. Nike’s walking shoes are widely trusted and beloved for their sleek designs, soft feel, and innovative technology that’s specially designed to support your feet throughout the day.

Nike has been a longtime footwear authority at the forefront of sneaker innovation. Nike’s Flyknit technology provides maximum flexibility in every movement, allowing for smooth transitions, while React Foam provides a lightweight, walking-on-clouds-feel to absorb shock and launch you into your next step. Upgraded models like the Nike Pegasus 40 shoes incorporate Zoom Air units that stabilize for soft landings, while ZoomX foam cushioning in Nike Invincible 3 and Vomero 16 shoes bring a bouncy boost to your natural stride.

It’s important to keep in mind your foot type and environment when you’re shopping for the best Nike walking shoes. Mark Mendeszoon, a podiatrist and owner of Achilles Running Shop in Pennsylvania, recommends a running shoe for walking, especially for those without any foot issues or chronic pains. “Traditional walking shoes are made with leather or a leather-like material,” he explains. “Sometimes, those materials don’t breathe well, and that can cause sweat and moisture to build up. This can lead to blisters and bacterial growth.” Nike running shoes, on the other hand, are made with breathable and moisture-wicking materials, and made to expand without stretching out. This not only makes them initially more comfortable, but prevents a constricted feel or built-up sweat.

An everyday shoe to wear for errands will perform differently than one made for walking on a treadmill incline, and walking shoes designed for roads will provide different traction than those made for rugged trail terrain. Luckily, Nike offers all of the above, with an abundance of versatile walking shoe options. 

Before you place an order for a new pair of walking shoes from Nike.com, be sure to pay attention to key sneaker features in order to ensure you’re investing in the right model. Variations in a shoe’s cushioning, outsole, arch support, and fit will be game-changing in terms of proper foot support, comfort, and injury prevention. You’ll also want to consider your foot type as you browse Nike’s walking shoes, as there are options to shop for flat feet, wide feet, high arches, and plantar fasciitis.

Nike is known for its style-forward silhouettes that pair well with casual and athletic ensembles. Some Nike walking shoes such as the Wildhorse 8 shoe or the new Motiva shoe feature bold, grippy outsoles that stack tall, playing into the celebrity-loved Gorpore trend that fuses optimal function and high fashion. Others are minimalistic in design, so you can team with anything in your workout wardrobe.

We curated the top 10 walking shoes from Nike based on expert insight and comprehensive market research. Keep reading to shop your next go-to walking sneaker below.

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The Best Nike Walking Shoes for Different Foot Conditions and Foot Types

• Best Nike walking shoes for flat feet: If you have flat feet or generally need more support, look for a walking shoe that has a more expansive midsole and wider fit. “A flat foot does better with more cushioning that stops the foot from rolling in,” says Mendeszoon.
• Best Nike walking shoes for wide feet: Those with wide feet should seek a walking shoe that fits snug, but not tight. Look for Nike shoes with a stable shank, cushioned midsole, and stable heel counter.
• Best Nike walking shoes for high arches: Walking shoes for high arches should be supportive and well-cushioned to prevent pain from occurring while you’re spending your day on your feet. Also seek out shoes with a significant heel-to drop and wider toe box.
• Best Nike walking shoes for plantar fasciitis: Those with plantar fasciitis should pay attention to walking shoes with a thick arch, forefoot rocker, and sizable heel-toe drop. Check out Nike’s Motiva shoes or Invincible 3 shoes that feature stiff insoles and ample cushioning to support the foot and avoid added irritation.

What to Look for in the Best Nike Walking Shoes

• Cushioning: “Make sure there’s a good, solid foot bed that’s comfortable for your feet,” says Mendeszoon. Nike’s responsive React, Zoom Air, and ZoomX cushioning provides a lightweight and bouncy feel as you place one foot in front of the other.
• Outsole: When it comes to everyday walking shoes, you’ll want a sneaker that has versatile function and durable traction. Mendeszoon says to look for a “solid footbed that’s comfortable for your feet, a supportive midsole, and a good solid outer that has the ability to go on different surfaces, like trails or cement.”
• Arch support: You’ll find arch support in walking shoes that include an indented heel bed, a shock-absorbing foot bed, and elevated cushioning.
• Fit: If you’ll be on your feet for an extended period of time, a secure fit is essential for comfort, stability, and irritation prevention. Nike’s elastic Flywire technology is specially engineered to hold your foot snug within the shoe, which can be found in the Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2 or the Nike Invincible 3 shoes.

How We Chose the Best Nike Walking Shoes

For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.

We curated this shopping guide of the best Nike walking shoes with expert insight from podiatrist Mark Mendeszoon. Additionally, these selections reflect thorough research by the Footwear News team across Nike’s walking and running shoe selections, based in Nike sneaker technology, specialized fit, and special features that align with a variety of needs and foot types. We also compared customer reviews across Nike’s selections to determine the most beloved Nike walking shoes. Learn more about us here.

Meet The Expert

Mark Mendeszoon is a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon. He extended medical insight in this article to determine the most supportive Nike sneakers for various foot types and conditions. He is currently based in Ohio.

Meet The Author

Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. In her free time, Olivia can be found scouring the internet for deals on cool combat boots and dad sneakers to add to her ever-growing collection.