All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Nike is known for making cute, cushioned, lightweight sneakers, which means it’s one of the best brands to shop for great walking shoes. With key features like breathable mesh uppers and extra padding in the heels, the retailer’s sneakers are designed to provide the kind of support you need on long treks.
We chatted with experts and scoured dozens of online reviews to find the best Nike shoes for walking. Below, we’re also breaking down which factors you should keep in mind as you look for your next strolling sneaker. Whether you’re planning to hit the pavement, the trails, or the treadmill, these Nike pairs can help you do it all in comfort and style.
- Best Overall: Nike Pegasus 41
- Best Budget: Nike Revolution 7 EasyOn
- Most Cushioned: Nike InfinityRN 4 Blueprint
- Best Waterproof: Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex
- Most Comfortable: Nike Motiva
- Best for Everyday Wear: Nike Invincible 3
.jpg)
- Airy mesh upper
- Well-cushioned
- Responsive
- Some reviewers say it runs small
Winner of a 2024 Sneaker Award for best do-it-all-running shoe, the lightweight, breathable Pegasus 41 is equally well suited for walking. It has a just-right amount of cushioning (not too stiff; not too firm) and plush padding around the ankle. “On the treadmill, these shoes felt nimble and supportive,” our tester said. “I also used them for some sprints—this is where they felt PERFECT. They were responsive, snappy, grippy, and snug enough that I didn’t need to think about whether or not my foot was steady when I pushed my pace. Overall, I love these shoes.”
Alicia Canzanese, DPM, ATC, a board-certified podiatrist, athletic trainer, and former collegiate track athlete, calls the Pegasus 41 a great option for fitness walkers who are trying to push the pace or log more mileage, pointing to its rocker sole that’ll help push you forward with each step. If you have slightly high arches, you’ll appreciate this sneaker’s nice shock absorption, she says (though it’ll work for folks with a normal arch, too). The Pegasus 41 is a neutral shoe, meaning it’s structured enough for most folks, but isn’t the best option for anyone who needs a lot of arch support or deals with issues like overpronation (meaning your ankles roll inward as you walk).
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular, extra wide | Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Toggle allows you to cinch laces easily
- Good traction
- Plush ankle padding
- Some reviewers say the ride isn’t soft enough
One of Nike’s more affordable options, the Revolution 7 has a good amount of foam, a soft, cushy cradle for your Achilles, and a rubber outsole with a unique lug pattern that should keep you feeling secure on even wet grass or pavement. Best of all, this shoe has a pull-and-release toggle system—zero lacing up necessary.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
- Super comfortable
- Water-resistant
- Runs small
If you’re in the market for something with an extra plush ride, the InfinityRN 4 Blueprint is for you. Dr. Canzanese points out its ample cushioning and cloud-like feel, as well as the rocker bottom to keep your momentum moving forward. A water-resistant membrane will also help keep you dry on rainy walks.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular, extra wide | Weight: 9.9 ounces
.png)
- Ankle gaiter keeps dirt and water out
- Treaded sole provides great traction
- Doesn’t scream “trail shoe”
- Runs small, according to the brand
If you’ll be walking on dirt, gravel, trails, or in rainy conditions on the regular, the Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex (which gets Dr. Canzanese’s seal of approval) can make your steps much more comfortable. A waterproof upper and ankle gaiter lock out moisture, while deep lugs on the sole provide solid traction. It also has a smooth, responsive ride, with a look that easily transitions to the road, brunch, or wherever you’re headed after your off-road adventure.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: 8 ounces
- Highly cushioned
- Designed to help propel you forward
- Runs small, according to reviewers
Designed by Nike specifically for walking, the Motiva offers the brand’s highest level of cushioning, for an extra marshmallow-y experience. The exaggerated rocker bottom and “Comfortgroove” waves along the sole help you traverse bumpy terrain with ease. “I have to walk a lot and these shoes are really super comfy,” wrote one Nike reviewer. “They are a bit bouncy, which is helpful for my soles when I have to stand for a long time.”
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
- Cushioned, but still feels responsive
- Breathable upper
- Rocker bottom
- Some reviewers report durability issues and heel slipping
The Invincible 3 is a solid choice for everyday walks and runs—it took home the title of Best Everyday Runner in our 2023 Sneaker Awards, thanks to its lightweight ZoomX foam and breathable Flyknit upper. “These feel just plush enough to give my cranky knees a break, but still have a decent amount of response so that I’m energized into each next step. I would absolutely recommend them to the casual runner, but also for someone who is training for a race and intending to put a lot of miles on their shoes,” our tester wrote.
There are plenty of nice details on the Invincible 3, including a rocker bottom that supports your natural stride from heel to toe, a soft foam ankle collar, and a waffle outsole that prevents slipping. Plus, it has tons of fans beyond the SELF crew: “I love the Invincible! No other company has foam that is as comfortable,” one Nike reviewer wrote. “I have a lot of foot issues and can manage a run in these when nothing else works.”
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular, extra wide | Weight: 9.1 ounces
If none of the pairs above speak to you, check out more top-rated Nike sneaks below. These shoes may not be for everyone (for example, some help combat specific foot conditions like plantar fasciitis), but they still come highly recommended by experts and reviewers alike.
This running shoe also comes recommended by Dr. Canzanese. It’s Nike’s stability model, which means it has more arch support and better structure for those with flatter feet or plantar fasciitis. It manages to be both lightweight and supportive, says Dr. Canzanese, which makes it a great option for longer distances and fitness walking.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular, extra wide | Weight: 8.5 ounces
As the winner of a 2021 Sneaker Award for best athleisure sneaker, the Waffle One garnered high praise from SELF’s associate director of special projects for how functional it is, despite its casual appearance. She noted that the shoes provided lots of traction and protection, due in no small part to their sturdy lug rubber outsoles, and liked that they kept her comfortable all day long, writing that she actually forgot she was wearing them at one point.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
.png)
Slightly chunky and available in a range of bright colors, the Air Max 90 offers the ideal blend of comfort and retro-inspired style. A separate unit in the heel adds cushioning and shock support where you need it most, while the ankle collar boasts padding to help prevent uncomfortable blisters. “You can never go wrong with an Air Max 90,” one happy Nike shopper wrote. “My absolute favorite shoe. Comfortable all day wear and great style to boot.”
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
The Nike Spark’s ultra-cool design isn’t just for show—the breathable mesh upper features modern-looking overlays that also add to the shoe’s durability. We’re also fans of the padded tongue and plush collar, which help prevent hot spots while you’re on the move. Inside, the midsole has a softer foam on the bottom and a firmer foam on top, with a plate sandwiched in between for a pleasantly propulsive ride.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
This workhorse road running shoe features a soft foam midsole for plenty of shock absorption and a band across the midfoot for a locked-in feel. When it comes to the upper, strategically placed mesh helps air circulate, and protective skins at the toes and eyelets are there to prevent wear. The rubber outsole also has plenty of traction, should your walk take you across steep slopes or slippery surfaces.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
Extra heel cushioning and padding around the tongue and collar make the Journey feel plush on runs and walks alike. A mesh upper offers excellent breathability, while the grippy rubber outsole keeps you feeling secure. Reviewers praise the roomy toe box and super comfortable fit: “I walk a lot, and the support I get is amazing,” wrote one. We’re also big fans of the bright, neutral, and metallic colorways.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
You don’t necessarily have to buy sneakers that are specifically designed or labeled for walking—most running shoes work too. Just note: “You can walk in a running shoe, but you should not run in a walking shoe,” says Dr. Canzanese. Here’s what else you’ll want to keep in mind as you shop.
“Overall, you want to make sure that the shoes are the proper size—and shoe size can change as we age,” says Dr. Canzanese. “There should be a thumbnail’s length [of space] between the tip of your longest toe and the front of the shoe,” she explains. And they should feel comfortable pretty much right away: Avoid sneakers that feel like you have to break them in.
“Because walking is generally a heel-to-toe motion, you want to have cushioning and shock absorption in the heel,” says Dr. Canzanese. Soft foam padding throughout the entire midsole will provide more comfort if you plan on walking far or being on your feet all day long. Still, more cushioning isn’t always better—for some, it can lead to an unstable feeling, so try on several options to see what you like best.
If you prefer or need sneakers with a lot of support, look for a stability shoe. “These are the ones that have extra design features built in to increase arch support,” notes Dr. Canzanese. You may also want to try on shoes with various heel-to-toe drops to see what feels good on your feet. Heel-to-toe drop refers to the difference in the height of the sole at the forefoot and the heel. Some running and walking shoes offer a steeper drop, while some are flatter, with very little (or zero) drop. There’s no wrong heel-to-toe drop for walking; it ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
Get more of SELF’s great product recommendations delivered right to your inbox (for free!).
Related:
