My New Favorite Walking Sneaker Is Ultra-Cushioned and Costs Less Than $100

While I’m a lot of things (a commerce editor, a dog person, and sometimes even a wannabe nudist), I’m definitely not a runner. To each their own—but personally, I’d choose a leisurely stroll around Central Park or a hike over a 5K any day.

Most popular “walking shoes” I’ve tried are designed with runners (not walkers) in mind. These bestselling pairs boast sleek, aerodynamic features to help marathoners beat their personal bests. So when I received Ryka’s Devotion X Max to test for SELF’s 2024 Sneaker Awards, I was intrigued. Here was a sporty pair of shoes supposedly created…just for walking?

I wasn’t expecting much—with my high arches, tendency to overpronate (or roll my ankles inward as I walk), and blister-prone feet, I have very high standards when it comes to shoes. But after wearing the Devotion X Max for a whole summer of farmers market runs, museum strolls, and trips to the lake, it’s now my all-time favorite walking sneaker. Here’s why.

Who the shoe is (and isn’t) for

According to Ryka, the Devotion X Max is made for “high-performance fitness walking.” It’s heavily cushioned and lab-tested to ensure it absorbs shock well as you wear it. Plus, the shoe has earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a panel of podiatrists has confirmed that its design helps keep your feet healthy.

In my experience, this shoe is easy to wear for pretty much everything. I reach for mine when I’m taking the trash out, conquering my weekend errands, and walking my dog. They even make the four flights of stairs up to my apartment slightly more bearable after a long day of being on my feet—no small feat (heh).

One thing to note: While Ryka sells these sneakers in medium and wide widths, the brand doesn’t offer any options for people with narrow feet. My feet are on the wider side, and I found that the medium width still felt pretty spacious. So if you tend to have issues with your shoes being too roomy, this pair may not be your best bet.

Fit and feel

Trying the Devotion X Max on for the first time was a near religious experience: I’ve never, ever slipped my feet into a more comfortable sneaker. (My jaw literally dropped when I first stood up in them!) There’s a thick layer of cushioning throughout the entire midsole, with additional pads underneath the forefoot and heel to help protect your feet from impact.

When I took them for their first test walk, all I could think about was how each stride felt like stepping on a giant marshmallow. While the sole is ultra-soft, my feet never sank into the cushioning—it’s still slightly springy. I was so impressed that I insisted my mom try them on right after I did, and she also fell in love with them instantly (so much so that it took some serious convincing to get her to give them back).

While walking

Over the next three months, I realized that the Devotion X Max also has plenty of other walking-friendly features, like a light, breathable upper. The fabric and mesh provide great airflow—I could easily feel a summer breeze through the shoe, which prevented my feet from getting too hot or sweaty, even on 80-degree days.

Also handy? A stain-resistant coating that the brand claims will shed dirt, mud, coffee, blood, and more when you run the shoe underneath cold water. (While I haven’t spilled anything on my pair, I can confirm that they still look like new after weeks of wear.)

At first, I was concerned that a shoe with so much cushioning (and a fairly chunky heel) would weigh me down. But at just 8.6 ounces, this pair is lighter than many other SELF favorite shoes—including Hoka’s Bondi 8 and Brooks’ Glycerin 21, two 2024 Sneaker Award winners that both weigh 9 ounces. I also never tripped or stumbled in them, despite how padded they are.

After miles of test walks, this shoe only feels more comfortable, cradling my arches and helping me trek farther before I get that telltale ache in my heels that comes with a day well spent strolling around New York City.

Bottom line

I can usually find something to gripe about with almost every pair of shoes I’ve tried on. But with Ryka’s Devotion X Max, I (shockingly) have no notes. Aside from the large logo emblazoned on the side, they’re cute, easy to wear, and come in lots of chic color combinations. Even the price is right: At $90, these are much cheaper than many other popular athletic shoes (which can run anywhere from $120 to $285).

If you’re still slipping the same, worn-down walking sneakers on every day, I’d highly encourage you to give this pair a shot. There’s really no other shoe like them (or, at least, I haven’t found one yet that comes close). They’re super comfortable, not too expensive, and backed by podiatrists—what do you have to lose?

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