The 13 Best Walking Shoes, According to TikTok

As a native New Yorker and frequent traveler to cities throughout Europe and Latin America, I know a thing or two about walking. Every day, I try to clock between 10,000 and 20,000 steps, a goal that takes a toll on my joints and feet. I have never — and I repeat, never — been a running shoes person from an aesthetics standpoint. But the demands of daily pavement pounding have required that I find quality walking shoes with a middle ground between trendy good looks and all-day support.

Most recently, I ran a pair of Hoka Clifton 9s into the ground, accruing hundreds of thousands of steps around Mexico City over several months. Their sad fate led me to TikTok, where I can keep track of the latest sneaker drops accompanied by the honest reviews of everyone from marathon runners to “hot girl” walkers. This time, I want to mix it up by keeping two to three pairs of walking shoes in rotation. So I’ve rounded up 13 of the most TikTok-famous walking shoes of 2024 (so far); they strike that elusive balance between comfort and style. Like the TikTok influencers say, “cop” these viral walking shoes quickly because they’re selling out faster than I can walk a city mile. 

New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V13 Running Shoes

I’ve just received my New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13s, one of the most popular running shoes of the moment, for my spring-to-summer treks. It’s safe to say that TikTokers love these sneakers (which are available in both women’s and men’s styles), so I have high hopes. The Fresh Foam line features super-cushioned midsoles that fans say rival other name-brand options and some runners prefer that this one isn’t so heavy on the arch support. The uppers have a secure, sock-lock fit, but one not-so-great thing I’ve found so far is that my big toe hits the top, which means that the toe box runs a little short for me in terms of depth (but it’s fine in width). Overall, the soles are indescribably squishy and I find them very cute to wear around town.

Brooks Women’s Glycerin 21 Running Shoes

These might be going in my cart next because, even though I don’t love colorful running shoes, the new (and TikTok-viral) pink/fuchsia colorway of these Brooks Glycerin 21s is so adorable, they look almost edible. Brooks, of course, is an industry leader and one of the most respected names in running shoes, but this pair comes recommended by nurses and runners, so I’m game to try them. These ultra-cushioned shoes have “a ton of support,” according to reviewers, as well as the coveted APMA Seal of Acceptance. With such a sleek look, these sneakers will definitely help elevate your travel wardrobe. 

Brooks Women’s Ghost Max Running Shoes

I’m also contemplating adding the Brooks Ghost Maxs to my cart. Though I may not love the look of running shoes, when they manage to have such sleek silhouettes with their supportive chunky soles, I can roll with them. These come in soothing monotone colorways like this pinkish-grey one and an oyster shade that gives the trendy all-white look while camouflaging dirt better. One prolific walker on TikTok described all of the ways these Brooks sneakers protect your joints and feet, and other runners on TikTok are “obsessed.” And yes, the fashion girls of TikTok are even incorporating their Ghost Maxs into their OOTD (outfit of the day) videos.

On Women’s Cloudmonster Running Shoes

The shoes I spotted all over New York City last year (and that Disney moms swear by) are gaining traction among TikTok’s walking “obsessed” users in this outrageously chunky style: the On Cloudmonsters. On is another big hit with nurses, thanks to its recognizable Helion SuperFoam midsoles, the brand’s claim to fame. These also have a ton of traction, so they’d be great for hiking if that’s on the itinerary. They’re getting a lot of hype in the pink/tan colorway, but I’m partial to them in frost/acacia ones with the neon green soles and white uppers. 

Nike Women’s V2K Run Running Shoes 

These may be lifestyle sneakers, but they’re oh-so-comfy (I tried them on in the Nike store just to see). The Nike V2Ks are practically everywhere, and TikTok creators are having a field day with this pair by styling them for walking, hanging out, or being photographed. A nod to the early aughts (V2K, Y2K, get it?), these shoes redefine the “Dad shoes” trend — and you know dads value comfort. To that end, Nike uses dual-density midsoles to make these wonderfully walkable. 

Asics Unisex Gel-Kayano 14 Running Shoes

For a Dad shoe style that’s a little more refined, there’s the Asics Gel-Kayano 14s are “worth the hype,” according to TikTokers, who are having fun styling these with everyday outfits and giving them the comfort seal of approval — even for wide feet — thanks to their cushioned Gel midsoles. Beyond social media, shoppers can’t help but rave over their supportive fit. “The shoes are super comfortable and I can walk around in them all day without my feet hurting,” a Madewell reviewer wrote. And honestly, their ability to go with practically any outfit makes these a great suitcase staple.

Nike Women’s Zoom Vomero 5 Running Shoes

Sneakerheads, listen up: If you’re looking for Nike’s perpetually sold-out Vomero 5s, you’ll find them at Nordstrom. They embody “the ‘It’ girl aesthetic” and have been proclaimed “the ultimate hot girl walking shoe” by TikTokers — and I have to agree. I’m partial to them in this white colorway as they give the chunky white sneaker trend more of an elevated look. They score major style points while also being an ideal all-day walking shoe thanks to Nike’s embedded Zoom Air cushioning, ensuring they really hit that sweet spot that I’m always searching for. Come to think of it, these might be the perfect travel shoe.

New Balance Women’s FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Running Shoes

In case you haven’t noticed, New Balance is having a moment. The brand that has been a staple in your dad’s closet is now in the rotation of pretty much every trendsetter on TikTok and beyond. I mean, dad shoes alone have been co-opted by the arbiters of street style, so why not the brand itself? The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4s are the shoes that serious runners have been turning to this spring, so if you’re athletic and comfort is paramount, these are the viral shoes for you. The cushioned midsoles are designed to propel you forward, and their eccentric look is definitely for the bold.

Of course, such an expertly engineered shoe doesn’t come cheap, so this style is the well-worth-it splurge on our list. Like most of the shoes I’ve rounded up here, the FuelCell comes in both men’s and women’s models, but the men’s version seems to be the hottest (spoiler: they look exactly alike and are the same price).

New Balance Women’s 327 Sneakers

While we’re in New Balance territory, I could bring you yet another “Dad sneaker” going viral right now, but that would be a cliché. Instead, let’s take a look at these ‘70s-inspired beauties that have earned a stamp of approval from Jennifer Aniston. I happened to try on the New Balance 327s during one of my epic walks and almost bought them. The chunky soles had ample cushiness and the toe boxes were roomy despite looking narrow. Stylish TikTokers are calling them “must-haves,” and even loyal sneakerheads are being converted.

Nike Women’s Air Max SC Sneakers

TikTok influencers are stepping out in (and styling) the Nike Air Max SCs, and they have my full attention. These shoes boast an overlooked detail that I prefer in a walking shoe: their ability to make my size 9 feet look smaller. In addition to Nike’s famous air cushioning, this pair is partially made with recycled materials and is part of the brand’s big push toward becoming a zero-carbon, zero-waste company. 

New Balance Women’s Classics 990v6 Sneakers

Ok, just kidding about not featuring any dad sneakers by New Balance: my own dad’s favorite sneaker brand is rocking it in 2024 and has managed to produce a sneaker that I’d happily wear — and he’d whole-heartedly approve of. Plenty of women on TikTok feel the same way I do, like this sneaker enthusiast, who can’t get enough of the Classics 990v6s. The style has been generating buzz for more than a year now, and is still holding on strong. 

On Cloud 5 Women’s Running Shoes

“[These are] hands down the best sneaker I have ever owned,” a TikTok creator said about the On Cloud 5s. These popular shoes aren’t necessarily news, but they have remained unshakeable in 2024, and have a passionate fanbase that swears by them. I’ll admit, at first, it was hard for me to believe that a shoe with such a thin sole (in comparison to the chunky kicks out there) was so superior, but the On Cloud 5s’ enduring fame can’t be denied. The brand’s secret is zero-gravity foam that makes you feel like you’re literally walking on a cloud – hence the name. 

Hoka Women’s Skyward X Running Shoes

It wouldn’t be a TikTok-famous shoe roundup with a mention of Hoka. The viral brand has earned a spot in the closets of thousands of TikTokers, but it’s the newly dropped Hoka Skyward X shoes that are generating the most buzz. “[I’m] in love with my new running shoes,” one sprinter on TikTok raved while donning colorful kicks. These sneakers have sole — and very vibrant ones at that. They’re equipped with Hoka’s signature chunky bottoms.

In addition to the cushiness, these kicks spring you forward thanks to a state-of-the-art suspension system. Hence why another TikTok-famous influencer declared that “you need [these shoes] for your long runs.” You’ll also need to run for these; Hoka’s new releases usually don’t stay in stock long.

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