The 6 Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking, According to a Physical Therapist

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Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 FlyEase
Brooks Ghost 14
Hoka Clifton 8
Asics Gel-Kayano 28
Saucony Kinvara 13
New Balance 880
Nike, New Balance and Hoka shoes are among our picks for the best walking shoes for the treadmill.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative

Even the most avid outdoor walkers can't deny that using a treadmill has its perks. With treadmill walking, you can adjust your incline and seamlessly track calories burned, distance and speed — all while avoiding unforgiving weather or unsafe outdoor environments.

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While these machines are designed to help absorb shock, you still want to wear a comfortable pair of sneakers to keep your joints healthy and in good alignment. But with countless brands and designs, finding the best treadmill walking shoes is no walk in the park (pun intended).

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Luckily, you can skip the exhaustive research and try one of these six best shoes for treadmill walking, according to a physical therapist and trainer.

Expert Picks

  • Best Overall:‌ Nike Pegasus 41 ($140, Nike, men's; $140, women's)
  • ‌‌Best for Heel Strikers:‌ Brooks Ghost 16 ($140, Brooks Running, men's and women's)
  • ‌‌Best for Cushioning:‌ ‌Hoka Clifton 9 ($145, Hoka, men's and women's)
  • ‌Best for Stability: ‌Asics GEL-Kayano 30 ($160.00, Zappos, men's and women's)
  • ‌Best Lightweight:‌ Saucony Kinvara 15 ($120, Saucony, men's and women's)
  • ‌Most Breathable: ‌New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14 ($139.99, New Balance, men's and women's)

How We Chose

We chatted with Washington-based physical therapist Melissa Garcia, DPT, CSCS, to better understand what to look for in a treadmill walking shoe and how to find your ideal pair. We chose our top picks based on her recommendations and criteria, including:

  • Weight
  • Arch support
  • Cushion
  • Breathability
  • Comfort

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Learn more about how we cover products.

Why Are Shoes Marketed to Men and Women?

We make deliberate choices about the language we use in regards to sex and gender, but most manufacturers market shoes according to gender, so we have listed both women's and men's picks below.

The main difference between most men's and women's shoes is their width and size. In some cases, men's shoes are wider and built to support greater weights. People with wider feet or bigger bodies may want to opt for men's versions, whereas people with narrow feet or smaller bodies may prefer women's versions. We encourage you to pick the shoes that fit your needs best, regardless of marketing lingo.

1. Nike Pegasus 41

Best Overall

Nike Pegasus 40

More comfortable in the arch, toes and heel than before, the Pegasus is ready to tackle long treadmill treks.

Pros

  • Non-bulky foam cushion system
  • Lightweight, rocker design
  • Breathable fabric and foam tongue

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the fit is a little narrow

For treadmill walking, the Nike Pegasus is a great overall choice, according to Garcia.

"The Pegasus offers lots of responsive cushioning throughout the heel," she says. "For walking on a treadmill, they offer the user a good return on energy as they rock through each step." In other words, the rocker design helps make your treadmill workouts feel a little easier.

Garcia also loves these sneakers for their lightweight feel and breathable mesh fabric. They're even built with a foam tongue, which eliminates unwanted pressure or friction on the top of your foot.

2. Brooks Ghost 16

Best for Heel Strikers

Brooks Ghost 15

A higher heel-toe drop (12mm) and A+ cushioning makes these great if you're heavy on your heels.

Pros

  • Responsive foam cushion
  • Soft feel with each strike
  • Medium to high arch support

Cons

  • Not as ideal for toe strikers

Whether you're walking, jogging or running, the Brooks Ghost is a versatile shoe you can wear from the treadmill to the grocery store.

The Ghost is made with Brooks' DNA LOFT technology, which makes the shoe feel plush when your foot first strikes the ground, according to Garcia. This cushion system is a responsive foam, providing softness without compromising durability and stability.

"These are my personal favorites. With medium to high arch support, they are stable and comfortable shoes," Garcia says. "Looking at the shoe, I notice more cushioning through the heel due to the higher heel toe drop. These are good shoes for someone who may strike hard through their heels."

3. Hoka Clifton 9

Best for Cushioning

Hoka Clifton 9

If you have mid-height arches and want good cushioning without needing tons of extra support, the Cliftons are your best bet for treadmill walking.

Pros

  • High cushion level
  • Rocker design makes steps feel easier
  • Open-weave mesh for breathability
  • Lightweight design
  • Ideal for middle-height arches

Cons

  • Less arch support

After taking just one look at a Hoka shoe, you can probably guess that it's one of the most cushioned shoes on the market. And with their rocker-style design, the Clifton makes each step feel stronger and more comfortable, Garcia says.

"On a treadmill, especially since you are only walking in one direction without obstacles, these are very comfortable," she says. "One downside is that the arch support is less than some other shoes, so if you tend to have overly flat or overly high arches, this may not be as comfortable in the long term."

Despite their appearance, the materials used to make these shoes are incredibly light. So they won't feel bulky during your walk. The open mesh fabric also lets your feet breathe.

4. Asics Gel-Kayano 30

Best for Stability

Asics GEL-KAYANO 30

With a wide base, rubber sole and new tech to help your feet transition through your stride, these will keep your treadmill miles stable and comfortable.

Pros

  • Stable and supportive cushion
  • Flexible movement
  • Snug heel fit
  • Structured design

Cons

  • Stiffer than some other options

For anyone who prefers a more structured, stable shoe, Garcia recommends the Asics Gel-Kayano. The Kayano is a great choice if your feet tend to roll in while you walk or if you like more ankle support while walking.

While it's a little more stiff than some of the other best walking shoes, the Kayano is still comfortable and well-cushioned. This version is built with flexible forefoot grooves that give you a smooth and natural transition from heel to toe as you take each step.

"It also features an external heel counter, giving your heel more support and a better fit," Garcia says. Like to hop on for a 12-3-30 workout? That heel support is clutch for inclines.

5. Saucony Kinvara 15

Best Lightweight

Saucony Kinvara 14

Lower drop (4mm) and lighter weight (only 6.2 ounces) make these great for walkers who want to feel more connected to each step.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Flexible cushion bottom
  • Responsive strike

Cons

  • Less cushion than other options

The last thing you want on a long walk is heavy feet. Garcia loves the Kinvara's featherweight design.

"These shoes are super lightweight, making them very comfortable for fast, more brisk walkers," she says.

But you don't need to be a speedster to enjoy the flexible design of Saucony's shoes. Although they're less cushioned than some of the other best treadmill walking shoes, these are perfect for anyone who wants to really feel the treadmill belt under their feet.

6. New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14

Most Breathable

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13

These sneakers have a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, meaning they're comfy as well as good for your feet.

Pros

  • Soft feel
  • Durable rubber
  • Heel control
  • Full, breathable mesh design

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the sizing has changed from previous models

New Balance has been a walking shoe fan favorite for ages. And this pair is perfect if you prefer to walk indoors.

"This shoe is super soft, but in a good way," Garcia says. "The upper material in the shoe is breathable, making it a great competitor for treadmill walking shoes."

The outsole of the shoe is made with a blown rubber, which increases durability. Plus, the back of the shoe keeps your heel in place while still feeling roomy.

The Difference Between Walking and Running Shoes

The biomechanics of your feet are different when you're walking versus when you're running, so having a separate pair of walking shoes is beneficial, according to Houston Methodist Hospital. Using running shoes to walk — especially long distances — may force you to change your footstrike, leading to foot and leg pain over time.

3 Tips to Find the Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking

As you search for your best sneakers for walking on a treadmill, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

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1. Always Try Them On

Online returns are easier than ever, so definitely try a few pairs out before you fully commit to one, Garcia says.

"With all of these shoes, the differing technologies feel different when worn," she says. To find your best sneakers for walking, she encourages you try several different brands.

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2. Prioritize Comfort

Another perk of treadmill walking workouts is they remove the guesswork involved with outdoor strolls. When you go for a hike or walk in the park, you come across different terrains and obstacles, like hills or uneven pavement.

Without that concern, you can prioritize feel a little over function, Garcia says. "Find a shoe that doesn't cause blisters or pain for short and longer distances."

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3. Look for Durability

When you're walking long distances, you want a pair of shoes that can rise to the occasion. Look for a breathable upper for comfort, but also search for a high-quality mesh fabric that won't fray or shift around as you walk.

Garcia loves a pair that feels durable and stable in the heel, especially if you're going to be using these strictly for walking. For most people, the first point of contact with the treadmill belt is the heel, so you want to feel secure.

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