Best Shoes for Long-Distance Walking 2024

For long-distance walking, the most important piece of equipment is a good pair of shoes. There are many different things to consider when choosing shoes for walking.

Trainers are what we consider the best option. This is because walking for a long time can have multiple effects on your feet. You could end up with blisters, sores, or even swollen feet if you do not have the correct shoes on.

The research on these top 13 shoes that we have chosen for you is done on many factors. These include the comfort level they provide, breathability as well as the support you need for long distances. Experienced and amateur walkers have different preferences when it comes to these shoes. We have tried to cater to all kinds of long-distance walkers so that there is a shoe best for everyone.

So, these are the best shoes for walking long distances that have come out on top.

1. Altra Lone Peak 4.5

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 5 oz.
Waterproof: No
Upper: Mesh
Outsole: MaxTrack rubber

It’s an all-conditioned version of the award-winning Lone Peak with vamped-up protection against rain, snow, and mud. As with all Altra models, the shoe has a zero-drop platform. Unlike most walking shoes that have a higher heel, the height of the heel and the forefoot of Altra shoes are identical. This is intended to provide your feet with a neutral platform that allows them to perform at their best. This can take some getting used to so if you’re trying zeroing drop for the first time be conservative with initial mileage until your feet have adjusted.

The shoe’s foot-shape cut is also unique to Altra. Our feet tend to be at their widest just before the toes and this design provides room for toes display and react to the terrain beneath them. Waterproof eVent fabric in the shoes upper does a fantastic job of keeping feet dry while still providing breathability to keep you from overheating and sweating on the inside.

Overlays in places that are prone to abrasion and wear increase the durability of the shoe. The design of the tongue helps to keep out debris. You can add additional debris and weather protection by using ultra gaiters. They are sold separately but they connect easily to the shoes, thanks to the system of Gaiter Trap attachment points. Relative to other options, the shoe moderately cushioned. Its EVA midsole strikes a nice balance between comfort and weight.

Another nice feature is the shoe integrated stone guard, which offers additional underfoot protection against sharp rocks, roots, and inconsistent terrain. The rubber outsole uses multi-directional lugs and has a tacky surface that provides great traction on-trail or off.

Pros: Super light but with plush cushioning.

Cons: Not very protective and the wide fit isn’t ideal for difficult terrain.

View Men’s at REI View Women’s at REI
View Men’s at Amazon View Women’s at Amazon

2. Adidas Terrex Swift R2

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 8.6 oz.
Waterproof: Yes (non-GTX available)
Upper: Ripstop mesh
Outsole: TRAXION rubber

Adidas Terrex Swift R2 is light, fast, breathable, and durable. They’ll keep you moving confidently through challenging terrain. All of that while not putting a massive dent in your wallet. The upper part of the shoe is a mesh and synthetic blend of material. The main stuff is highly abrasion-resistant, and you’ll find the iconic Adidas stripes that create a more structured build around the middle of the foot. The lacing is a speed-lacing system. All you have to do is cinch down and tuck the cord away and you’re ready to move.

In the mid-section of the shoe, you’ll get a lightweight EVA midsole for cushioning. EVA tends to provide good rebound and good shock absorption but it isn’t always meant to handle heavier loads. There is a TPU support structure built in to enhance that mid-foot stability. You’ll get comfort from the EVA but additional structure as well. Still, I probably wouldn’t use these shoes while wearing a super heavy pack!

On the outside, there is a TRAXION outsole and it’s got Continental rubber. These outsoles are supreme. The 5mm lugs dig deep into loose trail surfaces and still provide good traction on slabby rocky terrain. The Continental rubber performs well across the board whether it’s wet or dry conditions. There isn’t a whole lot going on with these shoes which I like a lot. They give you exactly what you need to hit the trail without weighing you down. Good cushion, lightweight materials, and some extra stability features make the Adidas Terrex Swift R2 an excellent light walking shoe.

Pros: Super lightweight, athletic, upper doesn’t absorb water

Cons: Average comfort, lacks support for heavy loads over a long distance

View Men’s at EMS View Women’s at EMS
View Men’s at Amazon View Women’s at Amazon

3. Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 10.8 oz.
Waterproof: Yes (non-GTX available)
Upper: Textile/synthetic leather
Outsole: Contagrip rubber

Salomon X Ultra 3 offers the supportiveness and waterproof protection that long-distance walkers crave but it also borrows the lightweight responsiveness of Solomon’s trail running shoes. A weight-saving alternative to traditional heavy hiking boots, it weighs in at less than 2 pounds per pair. The boots’ durable and breathable synthetic upper has strategic overlays that increase support and stability without adding excess bulk or weight. This construction also allows them to wear right out of the box instead of you during the long break-in period of a full leather boot.

A gusseted tongue and a full Gore-Tex lining combined to keep out debris and moisture. Underfoot, Solomon’s advanced chassis provides streamlined structural support. Comfort and fit are enhanced by the boots’ injected EVA midsole and OrthoLite sock liner and an EVA footbed. The rubber Contagrip outsole offers excellent grip regardless of the terrain. Aggressive lugs increased traction. A rubber front cap takes the brunt of contact with rocks and roots so your toes remain protected.

Pros: Great mix of lightness, performance, and durability.

Cons: Gore-Tex model runs warm.

View Men’s at REI View Women’s at REI
View Men’s at Amazon View Women’s at Amazon

4. Arc’teryx Aerios FL GTX

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 8.4 oz.
Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)
Upper: Cordura mesh
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip

It’s a fast-and-light shoe that is great for multi-day walking. The shoe is comfortable, lightweight, it provides excellent traction, and it’s extremely well-built. The shoe is a little stiff (particularly around the heel) out-of-the-box and it is less forgiving than many cushier shoes but it loosens up nicely within a day while walking. It is important to know that this shoe is not ideal for those who want a highly cushioned ride, but it is a great choice for minimalist long day walks.

These shoes provide excellent stability and support. With the laces taught around the feet, they provide enough support for you to navigate several different terrains. These shoes also come in a “mid” version so if you’re prone to roll ankles, the “mid” version will provide some added structure. Aerios FL shoes also perform well in wet-weathers. But if they become wet, they won’t dry as fast as non-waterproof shoes. So that being said, these shoes may be ideal for moderate conditions. Despite being waterproof, they offer great ventilation. The upper of the shoe is mesh and it promotes solid ventilation.

The shoe is very durable and extremely well-built. One of the great features of the Aerios is the burly TPU toe cap. This is a think rubber bumper and this thing is very durable for hitting rocks and things like that. As for the side, there’s a plastic-like rubber membrane that goes all the way around. That gives these shoes a fair bit of abrasion resistance. The bottom of the shoes features a Vibram sole, which is grippy and great in all conditions. The lugs are not super deep, but it will still give you a lot of grip on various terrain.

Pros: Impressively breathable, sleek and stylish enough for around-town use.

Cons: Feels a bit stiff out of the box, expensive

View Men’s at REI View Women’s at REI
View Men’s at Amazon View Women’s at Amazon

5. Vasque Men’s Juxt

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 13 oz.
Waterproof: No
Upper: Suede leather
Outsole: Vasque OTG

This is a lightweight and budget-friendly shoe. It is constructed out of leather with a rubber cap that protects the toe. Underfoot on the Vasque Juxt, you get an EVA midsole that provides support and it also gives the shoe a little bit of athletic feel underfoot. You do have a TPU plate, which is a harder molded plastic and that’s giving some rigidity and stiffness to the bottom of the shoe so you get a little bit of support and protection underfoot if you’re on rough and rocky trails.

The outsole is a Vasque outsole and they called it “Off the Grid”. The shoe provides enough support for flat and rough trails on long day-walks. You’ll also appreciate the reinforcement in the insole. It is the second layer of denser foam that extends from the heel to the front of the foot arch. The shoe is going to fit well who’ve got a higher arch and a little bit of a higher volume through the mid-foot. The tapered toe box allows for plenty of space for your toes but it doesn’t leave a lot of extra wasted space for your foot to slip around in.

Vasque Juxt is not a waterproof shoe but it is constructed out of leather, which is going to give you some good protection. If it’s any sort of rainy or drizzly day or in damp weather, go ahead and wear your shoe. Your foot should stay relatively dry. There are a nice lacing system and a little bit of asymmetry in some of those lace lines. This gives a nice fit over the top of the foot and there’re leather anchor points that laces are going into.

Pros: Lightweight, affordable, breathable, great dry traction

Cons: Not waterproof, less durable

View at Amazon

6. Salewa Mountain Trainer

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 5 oz.
Waterproof: No (waterproof available)
Upper: Nubuck leather, protective rubber rand
Outsole: Vibram

It’s a premium example of Salewa’s alpine-inspired craftsmanship and it delivers the fit, flex, and support for which the brand is renowned. The shoes’ full-grain nubuck leather upper delivers maximum stability and durability. The supple leather also lines the interior of the shoe a full rubber wraps the lower portion of the upper to add even more durability. You’ll also notice the Y-shaped construction on either side of the shoe. This is Salewa’s signature 3F system which connects the heel, the instep, and the sole to provide an anatomical fit, flexibility to promote a natural stride, and excellent lateral stability.

This design also minimizes movement in the heel, which greatly reduces the potential for blisters. The climbing style lacing system also plays a role in the customized fit. By extending almost to the toe, lacing gives a broad range of adjustability to cinch down tightly or leave lacing looser depending on what feels most comfortable. Anticipating technical terrain and alpine conditions, the shoe is intentionally rigid underfoot but the midsole does employ TPU injected construction to cradle and support your foot.

An included OrthoLite foot-bed offers additional molded cushioning. The Vibram rubber outsole is incredibly durable. The tread pattern is designed to provide traction on all types of surfaces and effectively shed mud, snow, and other trail debris.

Pros: Great for all-day wear, durable, comfortable

Cons: A little narrow toe box. If you have wide feet, I’d suggest going a half size larger than normal.

View Men’s at Amazon View Women’s at Amazon

7. Brooks Addiction Walker

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 12 oz.
Waterproof: No
Upper: Leather
Outsole: Rubber

Brooks Addiction Walker is a comfortable, durable and supportive training shoe that is designed to easily blend into everyday outfits and various occasions. These shoes will make you forget about foot pain and correct gait so you don’t overpronate while walking.

Addiction Walker has a super soft full-grain leather upper. It is nicely lined on the interior with cushioning in the footbed and a complete amount of textile lining for added comfort. Plus the footbed on the inside is completely removable – allowing you the opportunity to customize it with your orthotic.

You have HydroFlow technology throughout the full-length BioMoGo midsole to absorb shock on every step. You even have an additional Diagonal Rollbar technology on the instep to help reduce pronation, and it’s all on a durable slip-resistant HPR Green outsole that’s made of environmentally-friendly silica.

Pros: Good traction on wet and dry surfaces thanks to the slip-resistant outsole, helps with reducing feet, leg and back pain, biodegradable midsole.

Cons: Lack of breathability, expensive

View Men’s at Amazon View Women’s at Amazon

8. La Sportiva Wildcat

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 9 oz.
Waterproof: No
Upper: Nylon mesh
Outsole: Rubber

The Wildcat is favorite among thru-hikers, trail runners, and light backpackers for nearly a decade. The upper is made with nylon mesh and the overall shoe is well-built for long hikes. The shoe offers a relatively stiff heel, an EVA midsole, and a FriXion rubber outsole. Despite all-mesh upper, the material is extremely durable and robust. Wildcat weighs around 24.7 per pair for men and they do manage to feel reasonably light underfoot. In fact, these shoes are close in weight to some lightweight waterproof boots.

If you have a wide foot, this may not be a good option for you because this is a narrow or kind of medium shoe as far as width goes. If you have an extremely wide foot, one thing you can try though is going up a half size in your length and that will allow your toe to spread out a little bit more and your foot will probably stay secure due to the design. The rest of the shoe has an average shape and it does a great job of holding your heel in place during ups and downs. The toe box provides a nice overall fit for average feet.

Pros: Stiff build and superb durability make them solid for hiking.

Cons: Flat insole likely will be uncomfortable for those with high arches.

View Men’s at REI View Women’s at REI
View Men’s at Amazon View Women’s at Amazon

9. ASICS Gel-Contend 5

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 4.5 oz.
Waterproof: No
Upper: Synthetic mesh
Outsole: Rubber

Gel-Contend 5 by ASICS are entry-level running shoes designed to offer the energized cushioning and stability required to clock up those extra miles. They offer a supportive fit, thanks to an internal heel counter. The rearfoot GEL technology and the AMPLIFOAM midsole ensure your feet remain cushioned and comfortable every step of the way. The outsole is made of a durable rubber that gives this trainer a solid feel. The athletic mesh and removable ORTHOLITE insole help you stay fresher for longer as you take on new challenges.

ASICS Gel-Contend 5 is quite comfortable for all-day wear. It could be an option for those getting into walking. If you’re a runner, you’ll love these shoes for long training runs, and even after loading miles onto this shoe, it still looks and feels new.

Pros: Comfortable upper, affordable, and underfoot cushioning is considered to be comfortable for all-day wear

Cons: Stiff collar, narrow through midfoot, wears out quickly

View Men’s at EMS View Women’s at EMS
View Men’s at Amazon View Women’s at Amazon

10. Asics Gel-Cumulus 21

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 2 oz.
Waterproof: No
Upper: Mesh
Outsole: DURASPONGE Rubber

Nearly 25 years ago, Asics set out to design a cushioned running shoe that moves naturally with your foot and that’s how the Gel-Cumulus family was born. The Gel-Cumulus 21 has been updated with soft and flexible materials yet still holding to its roots, offering great long long-run protection with a soft and flexible ride.

The upper on the Cumulus 21 has an engineered jacquard mesh so when you are running in the shoes, you feel like you have a breeze going through. Your feet don’t get hot and you have a nice room for your toes wiggle around.

In the midsole, you have the FlyteFoam as well as Rearfoot and Forefront Gel. There’s twist foam in the forefoot so when you’re running around and you have to change the direction, the twist gel helps to keep your foot in the right spot. So when you heel, strike, and toe-off, you’re in a good place.

In the midsole, you have the FlyteFoam as well as Rearfoot and Forefront Gel. There’s twist foam in the forefoot so when you’re running around and you have to change the direction, the twist gel helps to keep your foot in the right spot. So when you heel, strike, and toe-off, you’re in a good place.

The grooves on the heel have been slightly adjusted and redesign to allow for more compression and therefore a softer landing. The color has been modified with additional foam to provide better ankle wrap.

A new sock liner has been redesign that better matches the natural contours of your foot which proves better comfort and fit. This new fit provides more height across the toe box as well as more volume across the ball of your foot which provides better feel and comfort.

Pros: Very comfortable with great support

Cons: Could be more ventilated, feel warmer than ideal

View Men’s at EMS View Women’s at EMS
View Men’s at Amazon View Women’s at Amazon

11. Merrell Intercept

Weight (Pair): 2 lb. 4 oz.
Waterproof: No
Upper: Leather
Outsole: Vibram

Merrell has been building durable shoes for years and Intercept is no exception. Merrell Intercept is known for its Vibram outsole, a proprietary egg-shaped heel, an indentation that cradles the heel like no other products in the market. The 4mm outsole provides fantastic traction and grip on a wide range of surfaces. Also, they’re pliable, lightweight, comfy, and convenient men’s shoes. The upper, that’s what makes them different from other collections. It is made from leather and features the AEGIS Antimicrobial technology in the lining to help prevent the formation of odors.

On the inside, Merrell Intercept features a 4.5mm Ortholite Anatomical footbed that hugs the shape of your feet tightly, providing optimal comfort all day long. Like other Merrell Shoes, Intercept has an air cushion in the sole. This feature saves your feet on more than on occasion. These shoes also have a toe cap that comes in handy more than you would think. If you’re heading into a rocky or mountain area and looking for durable and comfortable shoes, Merrell Intercept would be a great choice.

Pros: Grippy even on wet and moss-covered rocks.

Cons: Warm and little ventilation, heavy

View Men’s at Amazon

12. Asics Gel-Venture 7

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 0 oz.
Waterproof: No
Upper: Leather
Outsole: ASICS High Abrasion Rubber

Asics Gel-Venture 7 is a trail running shoe. It will have good uphill and downhill traction on all the different types of terrains. In terms of pronation, this is a neutral shoe. Your foot will land on the outside of the heel and then roll inward to absorb shock and support your body weight. This will best support foot types that are normal arch and during the push-off face, there’s even destitution from the front of the foot.

These shoes are versatile with all the qualities a trail runner would expect. Venture 7 is built with a sturdy, lugged outsole. These lugs provide a solid grip on challenging terrain. The outsole also features a firm support bar across the midfoot which prevents the foot from twisting too much when walking on rocks and gravel.

The midsole has a Gel cushioning system that can be found in many Asics shoes. It is located only in the heel of this style. The rest of the midsole is comprised of a dense, firm foam material. Asics used a tough nylon material to make the upper of this shoe to withstand debris. The toe is covered with a durable bumper for protection. The shoe features rugged laces which enable the wearer to secure the foot in the shoe solidly.

Pros: Strong built that makes it great for trail running and remain comfortable throughout long runs

Cons: The outsole is not as grippy as expected, a little heavy for trail running

View Men’s at EMS View Women’s at EMS
View Men’s at Amazon View Women’s at Amazon

13. La Sportiva TX4

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 10 oz.
Waterproof: No
Upper: Nubuck leather
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip

It isn’t a traditional pick and it’s built as an approach shoe but there is a lot to like about La Sportiva TX4. The shoe is very grippy and tough, which makes it a good option for long walks to technical climbs. The upper of the shoe features a full leather construction that gives the shoe durability and structure while also providing comfort. The shoe is a little water-resistant although not fully waterproof. It will shed some light precipitation but again not waterproof so keep that in mind. There’s a fully wrapped rubber to rand so that’s going to offer good protection for those steep rocky climbs.

La Sportiva TX4 features a durable but soft and grippy Vibram outsole. It’s great for those smoother ascents or those technical rock scrambles. It’s going to give you good smearing power with its low profile lugs. The shoe is a little softer than some of the other Vibram rubbers. The shoe also has Impact Brake System in the heel. It is aggressively shaped lugs that are going to enforce a good stopping power. When you’re trying to stop on the trail, it’s going to help you with that dig in and bite the trail so you don’t go slipping and sliding all around.

Pros: Performs impressively well both for hiking and climbing.

Cons: Slightly large fit and wide toe box, roomy for those with low-volume or narrow feet.

View Men’s at REI View Women’s at REI
View Men’s at Amazon View Women’s at Amazon

Best Shoes for Walking Long-Distances: Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Shoes for a Long-Distance Walk

Nowadays the number of companies that are manufacturing products has increased to such an extent that you get confused about what product is for you. The same is the case when you go out to buy shoes for yourself for long-distance usage.

To facilitate you, we have mentioned some tips below to guide you. This way whether you are in the market or buying online, you can get the perfect shoe for you.

Know Your Size and Style

When buying new shoes, you must know what your size is. A shoe that is too small can cause blisters on your feet. A size big can have your foot sipping out of it and prove to be a hindrance in daily usage. If you do not know your size, it is better to either consult the guide available with the shoe you want or go to a shoe shop to have your feet measured.

The style of the shoe is also important. Some people have wider feet and some have narrow ones. You also need to know whether your toes are long and require a longer shape of the shoe or not. All this is crucial so that you get the shoe that fits perfectly on your feet and does not cause any discomfort.

Know what’s your Need

You need to ask yourself what is your needs. If you need to use it for extensive training, it is better to invest in a high-quality shoe so that it does not wear out easily. If it is more of a casual everyday walk, then you can go for other types of material. Also, make sure that the shoe is suited to the weather in your area.

Gather Information and Compare

This is one of the most important tips. Do your research. Do not just walk into a shop and buy the first shoe you see. It is a good idea to compare similar shoes and ask a lot of questions. You can search up online about this information or ask the sales representative until you are satisfied.

Stick with the Brand you are Familiar with

People often make the mistake of shifting between brands constantly. It is a good idea to stick to one brand so that you can compare the quality to the ones you bought previously and make sure that you are getting an original. Each company works with different materials and the fit of the shoe may be varying as well. Stick to what you know. But if the brand is not working out for you, do your proper research and then make a change.

Know the Shoe

When buying a shoe, see how it fits your feet. Check out everything from the grip to the ankle collar to make sure your foot sits easily inside. Check out the laces and the upper to ensure durability. It is a handy tip to go to a shoe shop when you have time to spare. This way you can get the right product.

Go to the Shop at the Right Time

Study shows that our feet swell at different times of the day. It is not a good idea to buy your shoes early in the morning because it might not fit you properly by the afternoon. Try to buy your shoes when it is mid-afternoon or evening to get the perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the correct shoes for your walks is important and we both can agree on that. This is why it is a good idea to go over the tips we have mentioned above to help you get the perfect shoe. Our top picks have been chosen after extensive research to make sure they cater to all kinds of budgets, and weather types.