Hoka Clifton 10
Pros
- Superb joint protection
- Wider toebox improves toe splay
- Comfortable upper
- Stable ride despite its high stack height
- Works well for heel strikers
- Ideal for long runs
- Versatile for daily walking or jogging
- Achilles-friendly heel collar design
- Traction improvements
Cons
- Needs a better foam ASAP
- Notable weight gain from v9
- Feels more Bondi than Clifton
- Non-gusseted tongue
Key Features
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole Material: Synthetic Rubber for enhanced durability and traction
- Outer Material: Synthetic Resin, contributing to lightweight construction
- Closure Type: Lace-Up for a secure fit
Specifications
- Rating: 3.9 out of 5 based on 17 reviews
- Weight: Lightweight, specifics vary by size
- Sizing: Available in various sizes for a better fit
The Hoka Clifton 10 is a lightweight, cushioned, and stable shoe that is well-suited for covering long distances, earning it the designation of our top daily trainer. Lab testing confirms its comfort across various distances, excelling particularly on days focused less on speed.
The thick midsole provides substantial protection with a stack height of 44.4/32.0 mm in the heel and forefoot, significantly dampening ground feel. Our durometer readings indicate a soft sensation at 17.1 HA, ensuring consistent comfort during use.
The fluid midsole enhances the smoothness of transitions, displaying a 6.7% increase in flexibility compared to average results from our bend test. Its lightweight construction contributes to an agile feel, with a weight of just 9.7 oz (275g), remaining below the 10-ounce threshold.
In laboratory measurements, the platform width was found to be greater than average at 116.9/94.5 mm. This feature promotes stability despite the shoe's height, while the midsole sidewalls assist in maintaining proper foot alignment.
Though the padded upper provides comfort and support, it offers limited ventilation, which may not be ideal for warmer conditions. We recommend using this shoe in cooler environments or combining it with thin socks during hotter weather.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
Pros
- Record-breaking shock absorption
- Wide platform ensures stability
- Super-plush foam
- Improved energy return
- Cozy upper
- No price hike this year
- Ideal for forefoot strikers
- Solid durability
- Semi-gusseted tongue for secure lockdown
- Good torsional flexibility despite its size
Cons
- Narrow, low-volume interior fit
- Still a heavy shoe
- Weak airflow
- Low drop doesn't work for everyone
Key Features
- Fresh Foam X midsole: Delivers the most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort.
- Reflective details: Enhance visibility during early morning or evening runs.
- Lightweight design: Weighing only 241 grams (8.5 oz), ensuring you won’t feel weighed down while wearing them.
- Synthetic material: Provides durability and ease of care.
- Lace closure: Offers a secure fit.
- Gusseted tongue design: Ensures a comfortable and secure lockdown fit.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh for breathability
- Inner material: Cotton for added comfort
The Fresh Foam X More v6 is designed for individuals seeking exceptional cushioning and support during long walks. It provides significant shock absorption, making it a top choice among New Balance walking shoes, as confirmed by our lab tests.
With a noteworthy midsole, the More v6 features a heel stack of 41.8 mm—which is 7.2 mm above average—and a forefoot height of 38.5 mm, exceeding the average by 12.5 mm. This design leads to superior comfort, verified by high shock absorption scores of 152 SA for the heel and 144 SA for the forefoot, resulting in a 37.1% reduction in leg load compared to typical options.
Despite its tall stack height, stability remains a strong point, thanks to the broad platform measuring 122.5/102.0 mm, which enhances confidence and secure footing. The design ensures that users do not feel unstable when walking.
A drawback to consider is that the big toe area is more tapered than average, potentially feeling restrictive for those with wider feet. For added comfort, this model does come in wide and extra-wide options to accommodate different foot shapes.
ASICS GT 2000 14
Pros
- Improved FF Blast Max foam
- Outstanding outsole durability
- Stable design without feeling intrusive
- Reasonable weight
- Same price maintained despite upgrades
- Well-crafted, supportive upper
- New outsole design improves flexibility
- Dependable traction
Cons
- Limited breathability
- Tapered toebox may feel restrictive
- Still lacks a truly energetic ride
- PureGEL doesn't add much value
Key Features
- Woven mesh upper: The breathable material helps keep your feet dry during runs.
- Asymmetric tongue wing: Provides a comfortable and secure fit around the midfoot while minimizing tongue movement.
- Trampoline-inspired outsole pod: Improves stability during the toe-off phase of your stride.
- 3D GUIDANCE SYSTEM: An adaptive stability system that offers support through platform geometry and controlled deformation.
- Rearfoot PureGEL technology: A softer version of the traditional GEL technology, about 65% softer, enhancing comfort and shock absorption.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Synthetic Fiber
- Inner material: Polyester
The ASICS GT 2000 14 is an ideal choice for women who prioritize arch support in their walking shoes. It offers a cushioned yet stable base, making it suitable for extended periods on foot and beneficial for individuals with overpronation or other foot conditions.
This model features a 3D Guidance System, which incorporates high sidewalls in the midfoot and a broad base to enhance stability and reduce the risk of ankle twists. Our measurements indicate a width of 117.6/97.1 mm, confirming its supportive design. In our manual twist test, the shoe demonstrated a firm response, earning a rating of 4/5 for its ability to provide a secure footing.
With a stack height of 36.9/28.2 mm, the GT 2000 14 effectively minimizes ground impact, offering increased comfort by reducing pressure on joints and muscles. Furthermore, it boasts a significant shock absorption score of 132 SA, indicating that the foam is 18.9% more protective than the average walking shoe.
However, it is important to note that the shoe provides limited airflow. Women who are concerned about overheating and sweaty feet may want to consider alternatives.
On Cloudtilt
Pros
- Plenty of cushioning for long hours on feet
- Soft yet bouncy ride
- Feels nice and light on foot
- Abrasion-resistant upper and outsole
- Wide and steady platform
- Excellent outsole grip
- Easy on-and-off with bungee laces
- Upper made of recycled material
Cons
- Not very breathable
- Flimsy inner lining and insole
Key Features
- Rubber logo at sides for added style
- Padded collar and footbed enhance comfort
- Ultra lightweight design ensures ease during wear
- Ombre pattern provides a modern aesthetic
- Round toe design suitable for everyday wear
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Synthetic sole
- Outer material: Performance mesh
- Inner material: 100% Recycled Polyester
The On Cloudtilt is an ideal choice for those seeking comfort during extensive city tours on foot. Its design focuses on maintaining consistent comfort, featuring generous cushioning that provides impact protection, responsiveness, and stability throughout long walks. Verified lab tests confirm its lightweight construction contributes to its designation as our best walking shoe for Europe.
This model lives up to its name, delivering a sensation akin to walking on clouds. The significant cushioning effectively minimizes ground feel, supported by a tall stack height of 35.5/26.8 mm. The CloudTec compression system enhances the overall experience, absorbing harsh impacts, which is evidenced by its impressive 132 SA score in our shock absorption test, reducing impact by 18.9% compared to average shoes.
Additionally, the CloudTec technology promotes energy return, demonstrated by a high 58.1% score in our lab evaluations, which lessens the effort needed for continuous walking. Weighing just 9.4 oz (266g), this shoe ensures a lightweight experience that does not feel burdensome during extended use.
Even as fatigue set in after multiple days of walking, the wide platform dimensions of 117.7/96.7 mm provided secure footing. This feature instilled confidence with each step, especially while navigating uneven cobblestone streets.
However, it is important to note that the plush upper may result in inadequate airflow. Consequently, the On Cloudtilt can cause overheating when worn in warmer summer conditions.
Hoka Bondi SR
Pros
- Comfort is off-the-charts
- Extra thick cushioning for all-day support
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- Alleviates foot discomfort (podiatrist approved)
- Stable for a neutral shoe
- Truly slip-resistant outsole
- Superior material quality
- Water-resistant leather upper
- Accommodating toebox
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Not breathable
Key Features
- Water-Resistant Leather: Protects against spills and moisture.
- Slip-Resistant Outsole: Ensures better traction on various surfaces.
- EVA Midsole: Delivers exceptional cushioning for all-day wear.
- Full Ground Contact Design: Provides stability and improves foot motion.
- Memory Foam Inner Material: Adds comfort and conforms to your foot shape.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Synthetic
- Inner Material: Memory Foam
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Available Size: 9
- Color: Black
The Hoka Bondi SR is a leading choice for work walking shoes, particularly suited for those who need all-day comfort and protection from various hazards. Our testing confirmed that the shoe offers significant stability, keeping feet dry even when exposed to liquid spills. Throughout our evaluation, we experienced no instances of tripping, instability, or compromised quality.
During lab testing, we conducted a smoke test to assess the shoe's impermeability, which resulted in minimal smoke escaping, earning a breathability score of 1/5. This indicates a highly effective upper that resists water intrusion. Furthermore, the shoe provides excellent traction; we found it exceptionally sticky, ensuring surefootedness during hurried movements at work.
Lab measurements indicated that the outsole hardness of the Bondi is 73.1 HC, making it 3.7% softer than average. This specific hardness level helps the outsole grip surfaces effectively, preventing slips on wet areas. Additionally, the robust construction of the Bondi was demonstrated by tests using a Dremel tool, which showed only minimal wear on the upper material.
However, it is important to note that the Bondi is not lightweight, weighing in at 14.3 oz (404.0g), which is 50.5% heavier than the average work shoe. While its durability and protective features are commendable, those seeking a lighter shoe may find this aspect to be a drawback.
On Cloudnova Form 2
Pros
- Incredibly breathable
- Ideal for all-day wear
- Comfortable from minute 1
- Great stability and foot containment
- Supportive heel structure
- Nylon Speedboard for energy return
- Average durability
- Sustainable materials
- Reliable outsole traction
Cons
- Heavier than its predecessor
- No reflective elements
Key Features
- Rubber sole for durability and traction
- Designed for everyday wear with reflective accents for safety
- Lightweight design enhances comfort during extended use
- Patented CloudTec sole for superior cushioning and support
- Round toe design for added room and comfort
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Performance mesh
- Inner material: Recycled Polyester
The On Cloudnova Form 2 is well-suited for individuals who spend extended periods on their feet. It provides a notable combination of cushioning, responsiveness, and stability. Lab tests confirm its reliable footing without compromising comfort or flexibility, making it the best-supported walking shoe from On.
The effective containment of the Cloudnova Form 2 is attributed to its wide platform, which measures an impressive 119.1/98.0 mm, significantly larger than the 112.0/90.3 mm average. This design allows the shoe to maintain a stable footing without requiring a rigid structure.
The midsole's fluid and natural feel enhances overall comfort and versatility. In our bend test, we verified that it is 7.9% more flexible than the average shoe in this category.
The cushioning offers excellent joint protection while providing a pleasant spring in each step. Our shock absorption test recorded an above-average 115 SA, and the energy return test yielded an impressive 54.5%. The CloudTec cushioning and nylon Speedboard contribute significantly to its bounce and propulsion.
It is advisable to wear clothing with reflective elements during night walks, as the Cloudnova Form 2 lacks such features and may blend into dark surroundings.
Skechers Arch Fit 2.0
Pros
- Amazing support for overpronation
- Tons of cushioning
- Wide and stable platform
- Lighter than the Arch Fit 1.0
- Perfect for all-day wear
- Padded and cozy interiors
- Great traction on wet and dry surfaces
- True to size
Cons
- Very poor breathability
- Lacks durability
Key Features
- ADVANCED ARCH SUPPORT: Podiatrist-designed Arch Fit insole system delivers exceptional support, developed using data from 120,000 foot scans.
- BREATHABLE COMFORT: Jersey mesh upper with stretch laces provides superior ventilation and easy on-off convenience.
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Flexible traction outsole perfect for various activities while maintaining stability.
- EASY MAINTENANCE: Machine washable to stay fresh with simple care, ideal for regular use.
- VEGAN FRIENDLY: Constructed with 100% vegan materials, combining ethical design with performance.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
- Inner material: Textile
The Arch Fit 2.0 is designed for those seeking significant arch support and stability, making it suitable for extended wear on various terrains, including cobblestone streets. Our lab tests confirm that this shoe offers a highly supportive platform without sacrificing comfort, accommodating users with flat feet and overpronation effectively.
Our measurements indicate the tallest heel recorded at 39.2 mm, paired with a forefoot height resulting in a 15.2 mm drop. The ample cushioning provides impact protection, while the high drop helps mitigate ankle and Achilles strain during all-day use.
Unlike many maximalist shoes that lack stability, the Arch Fit 2.0 maintains steadiness due to its wide and firm platform. With dimensions of 114.5/90.0 mm, it ensures extra ground contact, promoting surefootedness and preventing awkward foot movements thanks to its durable cushioning. Our durometer testing shows the foam has a rating of 30.4 HA, providing both firmness for support and softness for comfort.
Another key feature contributing to support is the rigid midsole, which demonstrated an 18.6% increase in resilience compared to average setups. This stiffness is well-balanced by flex grooves that prevent an overly stiff feel, offering the right amount of support for users needing additional stability.
We found the upper material suitable for cooler climates, performing well in temperatures up to 70°F/20°C. However, it is not recommended for summer use, as we experienced dampness during warmer conditions.