The Best Walking Shoes for Different Terrains, According to Experts

As someone who walks a lot—for movement, for clarity, for getting the heck outside—my relationship with walking shoes has gone from casual to borderline critical. There’s nothing like being three miles into a beautiful trail when your arches start aching, or realizing halfway through your urban stroll that your sneakers are doing zero favors for your knees.

Over the years, I’ve tested pairs that felt great in the store and flopped on the sidewalk. I’ve also learned that where you’re walking matters just as much as what you’re walking in.

So I reached out to podiatrists, physical therapists, outdoor gear experts, and a few fellow women who’ve logged serious miles across all types of terrain—city sidewalks, rocky trails, gravel paths, sandy beaches—to bring you something more than just another “top ten” list. This is a thoughtful, no-fluff guide to finding the right walking shoe for your terrain—based on real performance and expert insight.

Because here’s the truth: the best walking shoe isn’t about hype. It’s about fit, function, and feel. And yes, a little bit of style, too.

Why the Terrain Matters (More Than You Think)

Walking on concrete is a completely different experience from hiking a forest trail or strolling a packed gravel path. The wrong shoe on the wrong surface can lead to discomfort, inefficient gait, or even injury over time.

According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, wearing activity-specific footwear can significantly reduce stress on joints, improve walking mechanics, and help prevent overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis or shin splints.

What works on a treadmill likely won’t cut it on a rocky incline. And those cute lifestyle sneakers you wear to brunch? Not designed to handle uneven terrain or long-distance wear.

Let’s break it down by surface—so you know exactly what to look for when you're logging steps, no matter the landscape.

1. For Pavement and Urban Terrain

Think: city streets, sidewalks, and concrete-heavy paths

Concrete is one of the hardest walking surfaces out there, and over time, it can be tough on joints—especially your knees and lower back. A good city walking shoe needs shock absorption, structured arch support, and a responsive midsole.

Expert Pick: Brooks Addiction Walker 2

• Built with motion control features to stabilize overpronation
• Excellent cushioning and arch support
• Slip-resistant outsole (key for slick city sidewalks)

Pro Tip: Don’t just go for trendy athleisure sneakers. Podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal recommends looking for shoes with a dual-density midsole for better energy return and reduced fatigue.

2. For Light Trails and Packed Dirt Paths

Think: nature parks, easy hiking trails, and gravel roads

On natural trails, you need grip, stability, and protection—but not necessarily a full hiking boot. Look for walking shoes with a lugged outsole, durable upper, and enough cushioning to protect against uneven terrain.

Expert Pick: Saucony Peregrine 13

• Trail-specific outsole grips well on rocks, roots, and dirt
• Cushioned yet low-profile, making it perfect for hybrid use
• Surprisingly lightweight for how rugged it feels

Tested Insight: I wore these on a 5-mile hike that transitioned from gravel to soft forest trail. No ankle fatigue, no sliding, no blisters. Bonus: they didn’t scream “hiking shoe,” so I wore them to a café after without feeling clunky.

3. For Sand and Beach Walking

Think: wet sand, dry sand, boardwalks, coastal trails

Beach walking is dreamy, but sand shifts underfoot, requiring more effort from stabilizing muscles in your feet and calves. A minimalist shoe or even barefoot-style option can help your foot move more naturally, especially on softer sand.

Expert Pick: Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport

• Lightweight, fast-drying, and flexible
• Thin sole allows for better ground feel and natural stride
• Great for wet-to-dry transitions (yes, you can rinse them off)

Physical Therapist Insight: Dr. Theresa Marko recommends being mindful of your walking form on sand, which often encourages overpronation. A low-profile shoe that lets you adjust naturally can help you strengthen underused foot muscles—just start slow if you’re not used to it.

4. For Treadmills and Indoor Walking

Think: gym walking, mall walking, indoor tracks

Indoor walking may not require rugged outsoles, but it still demands proper support—especially if you’re logging long durations. Breathability, cushioning, and flexibility are key here.

Expert Pick: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26

• Soft, responsive cushioning perfect for repetitive impact
• Engineered mesh upper allows for airflow (sweaty feet, be gone)
• Great for high-mileage walking or walk-run workouts

Side Note: If you’re walking primarily indoors, rotate your shoes every 300–400 miles, even if the outsole looks fine. The midsole cushioning wears down before you see obvious signs of wear.

5. For Uneven Terrain and Hiking Trails

Think: rocky climbs, forest hikes, root-heavy paths

Here’s where a hiking shoe or boot with ankle support and aggressive tread makes sense. Walking on uneven ground means your ankles and knees work overtime to stabilize—your shoe needs to do some of that work for you.

Expert Pick: Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR Mid 2

• Zero-drop platform encourages natural gait and alignment
• Wide toe box for stability and comfort on long treks
• Waterproof without overheating your feet

Expert Note: Altra’s foot-shaped design allows toes to splay naturally, improving balance on rocky terrain. Not everyone loves zero-drop, though—it may take time to adjust if you’re used to a higher heel-to-toe drop.

6. For Mixed Terrain Walks

Think: city-to-trail combos, travel days, unpredictable paths

When you need one pair to do it all—urban sightseeing, light trails, and all the steps in between—a hybrid shoe that offers grip, comfort, and versatility is your best friend.

Expert Pick: Hoka Challenger ATR 7

• Blends road-shoe comfort with trail-ready traction
• Plush midsole for all-day wear
• Lightweight enough for travel but sturdy enough for trails

Wellness Editor Insight: I wore these during a full-day city tour followed by a trail walk in Sedona. My feet felt supported, and I appreciated the extra stack height when the terrain got rocky. A great “one shoe to pack” if you’re traveling light.

How to Choose the Right Walking Shoe (According to Experts)

A few golden rules from the pros:

• Fit matters more than brand. Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a podiatrist in NYC, says always try shoes on in the late afternoon when your feet are naturally more swollen. A shoe that fits then will fit all day.
• Support your gait, not just your arch. Know whether you overpronate, underpronate, or have a neutral gait. Many athletic stores now offer free gait analysis.
• Don’t ignore your socks. Blisters often come from sock-shoe friction. Choose moisture-wicking socks that match the activity level and terrain.

Your Wellness Wins

• Match your shoe to the terrain—not just your outfit. Function first. (Style can come second.)
• Get a gait assessment before buying new walking shoes. Your stride tells you what support you need.
• Choose breathability if you're walking indoors or in warm climates. Your feet will thank you.
• Go for lugs and grip on uneven or natural terrain. Don’t rely on fashion sneakers to keep you steady.
• Invest in one hybrid shoe for versatility. Perfect for travel, city-to-trail days, or packing light.

Take Every Step in the Right Direction

Walking is one of the most accessible, powerful wellness tools we have—and the shoes we do it in can either elevate that experience or quietly sabotage it.

The right shoe won’t just protect your joints—it’ll support your posture, help your stride feel more efficient, and let you enjoy your walk instead of counting down the minutes until you can sit down.

So whether you’re strolling neighborhood sidewalks, adventuring across uneven trails, or pacing through your favorite indoor route, don’t underestimate the power of purpose-built footwear.

Because showing up for your wellness doesn’t have to be flashy. It can be as simple—and as smart—as lacing up the right pair and stepping into your next walk with confidence.