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Updated March 11, 2024: This article on the best adidas walking shoes was updated with new product selections and with editor testing and review notes after a round of footwear testing by FN staff. We are currently testing additional adidas walking shoes for consideration in this expert-approved guide.
If there’s anything that adidas walking shoes are made to do, it’s to take hold of footwear rotations as some of the best sneakers of all time. That’s because much of the brand’s energy and resources go into innovation for fabrics and structures designed to disperse running impact — which makes them overqualified (in the best way) for your daily walking journey.
Since 1949, the best adidas walking shoes have pioneered the footwear market. adidas has made some of the best walking shoes for women and the best walking shoes for men, including the ever-popular Ultraboost Light sneakers, Stan Smith shoes, and Cloudfoam sneakers. adidas also constantly reinvents their most-loved models, like the Adizero Bostons and Solarglides, which serve as some of the best running shoes that are good for walking.
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This combination of style and support in adidas’ walking shoes is what keeps the brand’s hold on the sneaker industry alive. Take the Samba OG, Gazelle, and Country OG shoes, for example, which serve as modern iteration of adidas’ heritage staples and original game-changing shoes — improved in premium materials, durable construction, and impressive support features for all-day comfort. Or, look to the brand’s unique Primeknit uppers, seen in models such as Solarglide and Cloudfoam sneakers, or 3D printed-midsoles, which reflect adidas’ unmatched design innovation with each new season of releases. Plus, adidas is one of the leading footwear brands to double-down on sustainability initiatives, where almost every offering involves sustainably-sourced materials and recycled elements.
adidas’ shoe technology offers ideal features for walking shoes, such as BOOST midsoles which provide optimal cushioning and major energy return to reduce foot strain and make your walk more efficient. The best adidas walking shoes also support several common foot types and conditions such as wide feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel spurs, thanks to roomy toe boxes and inclusive sizing options.
Below, we’ve curated the best adidas walking shoes of 2024, from updated popular models, timeless lifestyle silhouettes, and performance footwear for all levels of activity.
Editor’s Choice: Top 3 adidas Walking Shoes of 2024
Over several years, Footwear News Shop editors have tested dozens of adidas sneakers. Our results in this roundup of the best adidas walking shoes reflect the assessment of various shoe models on a range of foot types, foot concerns, and style preferences, with careful assessment and comparison of design and support. Since practically every adidas shoe is designed for walking, from lifestyle sneakers to performance footwear, we honed in on our top three shoes from the brand that represent a variety of comfort needs and style preferences.
We rated each adidas shoe based on essential criteria, including overall comfort, key foot support, style appeal and versatility, and durability that will last years to come, so you can feel confident about your next pair of kicks. Below, view our holy grail adidas walking shoes.
- adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoes: The Ultraboost Light sneaker is our walking shoe pick from adidas’ performance shoe selection. It’s among adidas’ best shoes of all time for it’s light-as-a-feather feel and reliable comfort. A cult-favorite for a reason, it boasts essential arch and heel support, flexible uppers, and buoyant midsoles, and comes highly recommended by podiatrist and our editor testing.
- adidas Country OG Shoes: If you’re looking for an stylish lifestyle sneaker that fronts all the same performance comfort as adidas’ best running shoes, look no further than the Country OG. The brand’s oldest retro runner is seeing a resurgence in the fashion lexicon, as it boasts the same streamlined and luxe appeal of the popular adidas Samba, with outstanding athletic features defined by maximum midsole cushioning, high stability, and arch support. Reliably plush and stylish all the same, the Country OG is bound to be a staple in your daily sneaker rotation.
- adidas Adistar Cushion 3 Shoes: The Adistar Cushion 3 is the perfect fusion between a classic adidas performance sneaker and the brand’s ever-popular lifestyle shoes. It excels in cloud-like cushioning and underfoot support, and fronts a stylish Y2K-inspired design with mixed mesh uppers that keep feet cool and comfortable. Additional key zone padding along the footbed soothes and supports all foot types and concerns, including flat feet and plantar fasciitis, making for a standout walking shoe for any and all activity levels.
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12; men’s 5 to 18
Colorways: White, black, pink, and more
Materials: Primeknit, Boost, rubber
Additional features: 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester
Pros: Flexible footbed, lightweight breathable upper, heel and arch support
Cons: Toe box runs narrow for wide feet
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “I tested the Ultraboost Light Running Shoes at various paces and felt it was most comfortable at my natural, easy-going everyday pace. The Primeknit material throughout the upper is top-notch and very comfortable, and fits so snugly against my foot that I didn’t need to tie the laces to get a good fit. I found the Ultraboost Light to be moderately cushioned running and walking shoes. With a 10 millimeter heel drop, most cushioning comes under the heel and then tapers off to a more sensitive feel under the forefoot. Between the large amount of cushioning under the heel and a steep heel drop, the Ultraboost Light caters to more of a mid-to-heel foot striker, and makes for a great everyday shoe for getting you from A to B with ease and support.”
What testers say: “These are soft and comfortable. They’re great for running, a long day at work, or hanging out with your family or friends. Good-looking shoes and love the color options.”
Comfort: 4.9/5 rating | Foot Support: 5/5 rating | Style Versatility: 4.5/5 rating | Durability: 4.9/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Size range: Men’s 4 to 14
Colorways: Core Black / Cloud White and Cloud White / Collegiate Green
Materials: Leather upper, suede overlays, gum rubber sole
Additional features: Heritage style
Pros: High traction and stability, arch support, shock-absorbing midsole cushioning
Cons: Narrow fit is not suitable for wide feet
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “The Country OG shoe held a firmer grip to the ground compared to other adidas sneakers I’ve worn, making for incredibly stable footing on slick surfaces, like New York City pavement during a rain shower. I love that its streamlined look can pull an outfit together without looking like an overly technical, sport shoe silhouette, whether for quick dog walk or night on the town. However, my neutral-width feet did feel slightly constricted in the slim silhouette, so I do not recommend this style for those with wide feet or bunions.”
What testers say: “Great shoe! One of the best styles ever made. It has a smooth, comfortable fit. It’s lightweight feel makes it even better. You can’t go wrong with this one, trust me.”
Comfort: 4.7/5 rating | Foot Support: 4.9/5 rating | Style Versatility: 5/5 rating | Durability: 5/5 rating
Size range: Women’s 5 to 14.5; men’s 4 to 14
Colorways: Silver Metallic, Cloud White, Core Black / Bright Blue, Cloud White / Pulse Lime, and more
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Additional features: Adiprene cushioning, textile lining; contains at least 20% recycled content
Pros: High-cushioned running shoe
Cons: May feel bulky on small silhouettes
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “If you’re looking for a stylish chunky sneaker with tons of cushioning, the Adistar is one of my favorites in my rotation. Its underfoot cushioning molds to my foot, bringing support the key zones, from the heels, arches, and down to the toes. As someone with slightly wide, flat feet, I don’t experience strain at the end of the day, as opposed to similar styles from other brands I’ve tried, and routinely slip these on for long office days and weekends spent roaming the city.”
What testers say: “I’m reaching on hitting 10,000 steps per day, three times per week, and these shoes have proved so comfortable. My regular size is a perfect fit. Love the ankle support for the gym too!”
Comfort: 5/5 rating | Foot Support: 4.7/5 rating | Style Versatility: 5/5 rating | Durability: 4.9/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $113
Colorways: Maroon, Black, Mauve, Beige, Pink, Blue, and more
Materials: Primeknit textile, tubber
Additional features: Boost midsole, torsion system; Yarn upper contains at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester
Pros: Lightweight cushioning, breathable upper
Cons: Not recommended as a running or workout shoe
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “I have now had 3 pairs of these and they are the best shoe I’ve purchased. I can wear them all day everyday and my feet don’t hurt. I will never buy another pair of shoes besides these!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $190
Colorways: Gray, burgundy, black, navy, dark green, and more
Materials: Leather, rubber
Additional features: T-toe design, molded tongue, OrthoLite sockliner
Pros: Stylish color options, durable design
Cons: Narrow footbe, may squeak as you break them in,
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve owned my adidas Gazelles for over a year, wearing them at least once a week. I’m surprised at how well they’ve held up to wear and tear on city streets despite the price point — the sole is starting to wear, but otherwise the shoes are good as new. The sole features a little bit of arch support, which is helpful for those like me with high arches.”
What testers say: “I love wearing these trainers, they are stylish, comfortable and look great.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: Charcoal Gray, Gold Metallic, Core Black, Cloud White, and more
Materials: Memory foam, Cloudfoam
Pros: Great cushioning
Cons: Not as durable as some of the other picks
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “These shoes are great! I wanted something simple and a bit casual. Super comfy and light weight — I have several pairs.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $53
Colorways: White and black, white, white and green, white and red, off-white, green
Materials: Synthetic leather, suede, EVA, rubber
Pros: Grippy outsole
Cons: Some report issues with inconsistent arch support
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “The adidas Sambas have a light amount of cushioning that’s just enough for me to wear them on everyday walks. The outsole traction is a huge selling point for city slickers, as the rubber sole keeps you steady on slick sidewalks after rain or down steep stairs to subway platforms. And of course, you can’t beat the look of the adidas walking shoes — they’re bestsellers for a reason.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: White, black, white and black, neon green, gray, pink, white and blue
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Additional features: Sandwich mesh upper, Support Rods system, Dreamstrike+ midsole, Adiwear outsole
Pros: Grippy outsole for walking and running on rough terrain
Cons: Size runs small
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “I absolutely love these shoes. They fit so well. Both the padded tongue and heel patch are comfortable. I use them for easy, long runs.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Colorways: White, black, brown, red, green, and more
Materials: Boost, knit, rubber
Additional features: Yarn upper made with recycled plastic and polyester
Pros: Great for all types of walking, 22 colorways
Cons: Lacks substantial arch support for flat feet, wide feet should select a half size up
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “I really like the comfort AND the look of the shoe. Most shoes have one or the other but the NMD’s have both.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $130
Colorways: Taupe, black, magenta, orange, silver, and more
Materials: GORE-TEX, Continental rubber, mesh
Additional features: High ankle fit
Pros: Tough traction
Cons: Pricey
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “Like the best cushioned running shoes, the Free Hiker sports an energy-returning midsole in the form of the adidas BOOST cushioning, which does an excellent job providing both propulsion and comfort on hard-packed terrain. This is one of the most comfortable hiking shoes I’ve tested in my career, and kept my feet warm on several trail days when temps dropped below 40 degrees. Another notable mention is the EVA stabilization frame, which provides an extremely locked-in, grounded feel with each step — something you don’t often see with low-cut hiking shoes. For the price, the adidas Free Hiker 2.0 comes highly recommended. It retains the comfort, stability, and protection of a hiking boot while offering a bit of the lightweight, performance-driven build of sneaker.”
What testers say: “Love the boost cushioning in a hiking boot. So far they are as waterproof as advertised. This is my 2nd pair, I’ve used them in both snow and water. So far so great.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Colorways: White and green, white, white and blue, white and red, white and black, black, off-white, and more
Materials: Vegan leather, rubber
Pros: Ankle support, highly durable construction
Cons: Narrow fit; need some wear to break in
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “The Stan Smith shoes are so comfortable right out of the box — they have a soft lining that prevents any rubbing or blisters, even on the first wear. I love the leather upper on these that makes them surprisingly easy to wipe clean, softening into a comfortable, slipper-like feel after months of wear.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: Cloud White, Core Black, and Charcoal Grey
Materials: Textile, elastic, Cloudfoam
Additional features: Laceless
Pros: Good shock absorption, slip-on design
Cons: Not adjustable
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “Shoe is really good for people who has small and very thin feet but it’s not a fit model for people who has a wide or medium wider feet.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $46
Colorways: All white, white and black, all black, green and white, and more
Materials: Leather, textile, rubber
Additional features: Rubber shell toe
Pros: Made in part with recycled content generated from production waste
Cons: Shell toe not as flexible for extensive walking
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “adidas always makes great shoes. I’ve owned many adidas over the years, and these Superstar shoes are the softest shoes I’ve had. There is more flexibility in the sole, and the top materials seem more pliable than before. I’m very appreciative that adidas has improved the quality of the materials they use in their shoes.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: White and silver, black and white, yellow, blue, and more
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Additional features: Lightstrike Pro and Lightstrike2.0 EVA cushioning, Energyrods, Upper made with at least 50% recycled content
Pros: Rocker heel aids in effortless strides and prevents foot strain, roomy toe box for wide feet
Cons: May take time to slip on due to the stiff upper
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “From the mesh upper through the elegant molded foam midsole and all the way down to the racing tire inspired outsole, these top adidas sneakers reflect a design that screams speed. Across all of my walks and runs, I appreciated the excellent security in the forefoot which really ramped up my energy transfer, and the surprisingly roomy toe box kept my foot feeling great.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $136
Colorways: Red, mint, white, pink, and more
Materials: Knit, rubber
Additional features: Boost cushioning, LEP 2.0
Pros: Upper made of at least 50% recycled content
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “I bought these right before a trip where I walked around 26,500 steps a day over all kinds of terrain, including asphalt, rocks, light mud, dust and even volcanic sharp rocks. I was constantly flying, driving, swimming, and walking, and these shoes supported it all. If you’re asking yourself, is this the right choice? Definitely!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $72
What to Look for in the Best adidas Walking Shoes
- Proper cushioning: “For shorter walks on even terrain, look for cushioned shoes,” says Dr. Geller. “They should also be light and have an easy transfer of weight from heel to toe.” Extra-cushioned, support footwear, like adidas’ Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoes and Terrex Freehiker 2.0 Hiking Shoes are ideal for a long walk of about three miles or more.
- Responsive sole: If you walk on rugged and unforgiving terrains like concrete, look the adidas’ Ultraboost Light Running Shoes or Solarglide 6 Running Shoes that have great midsole response, as it will be easier on your feet, knees, and back. Boost’s support will work overtime to help your joints, and if you’re spending less time on concrete and more indoors and carpet, you can get away with less attention to that stride response.
- Arch support: If you deal with foot pain and ailments and walking is your preferred exercise method, Dr. Jacquelyn Sutera, podiatrist and foot pathology specialist, recommends wearing sneakers with arch support. That’s why shopping for walking shoes for high arches or walking shoes for plantar fasciitis will help prioritize your pain minimization. Dr. Parker M Gennett says the best adidas walking shoes will have “a stiff heel counter, firm, protective sole, and torsion stability,” adding that “if you can twist the shoe like a pretzel, it’s probably not a good option.” If you have flat feet, look for sneakers with stiffer elements such as insoles and orthotics, like adidas Adizero Boston 12 Running Shoes or adidas Gazelle shoes. Your best bet is to test out shoes to find which gets your foot in a neutral position and, maybe even more importantly, feels comfortable for you to wear.
- Fabrics: For more athletic types of walking or hiking, look for materials like adidas’s Primeknit, which you can find on the 4DFWD 2 shoes and more. They’re flexible enough to fit comfortably as your feet swell, which they do when you’re getting your steps in. Some of adidas’s other shoes, like adidas Superstars or adidas Stan Smith Shoes, are made with a primarily leather upper, which stretches over time but isn’t quite as forgiving step to step.
How We Chose the Best Adidas Walking Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To compile this comprehensive guide of the best adidas walking shoes, we delved into adidas’ walking shoe technology, pinpointing the most momentous developments and unique features from the brand. We enlisted insight from expert sources and compared key customer testimonials in order to curate the most satisfying shoes for a large range of needs. Footwear News editors made sure to include options to suit different terrains, foot conditions, climates, and distances, as well as trendy colorways and stylish silhouettes. We noted any downsides, too, be it blisters, durability, or sizing issues. Shoes are a highly personal choice — every foot is different — but the innovative options on our list passed with flying colors. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Dan Geller is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and advisor for Kane Footwear.
Dr. Jacquelyn Sutera is an NYC-based surgically trained doctor of podiatric medicine specializing in the prevention and treatment of foot pathology. She graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Philosophy. She later attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where she earned the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). She is a proud member and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association and the New York State Podiatric Medical Society.
Meet the Authors
Christine Flammia is a writer and editor based in NYC, focusing on fashion and lifestyle. She is currently working on her PhD at Columbia University while staying at the forefront of all consumer trends with a keen eye for the latest, greatest, and classics of what people wear, buy and love. As a huge fan of adidas and a big city walker, Flammia is always searching for the best new adidas walking shoes.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She updated this guide for the best adidas walking shoes in 2024 with Editor’s Choice recommendations, testing reviews, upgraded models, and additional styles available from adidas.
