8 Best Walking Sneakers for Men

When it comes to staying active, walking is arguably one of the most underrated forms of exercise. It's good for your heart and cardiovascular system, builds strength and stamina, and it’s always nice to get some fresh air.

Not only that, but walking is notably easy and accessible. You can do it almost anywhere, indoors or outside, at any time of day, and it's completely free. While counting your steps might save you on the cost of a gym membership or a stationary bike, you're wise to invest in proper footwear. It's important to opt for a comfortable sneaker type that will support your feet and prevent any foot pain from walking. 

There are many options of sneakers for men that are versatile, making them a fashionable and comfortable shoe type at the same time. So, what are the best walking sneakers for men? We rounded up the top options below.

What Are the Best Walking Sneakers for Men?

The beauty of walking for exercise is that you don't necessarily have to wear workout apparel. As long as they're comfortable and don't restrict your movement, street clothes are often just fine. Though you don't need much to get your stride on, we strongly recommend a pair of active shoes.

The eight best walking sneakers for men include:

  • Low-top lace-up sneakers
  • Cushioned canvas slip-ons
  • Slip-on travel trainers
  • Lightweight leather lace-up shoes
  • Sporty technical trainers
  • All-terrain alpargatas
  • Weatherized sneaker boots
  • High-traction chukkas

Read on for insight into each of these styles, including important features and what to look for when shopping around.

1. Low-Top Lace-Up Sneakers

First on the list of walking sneaker types is the low-top lace-up. As a footwear category, sneakers will likely never go out of style. But if there's one type that's undoubtedly here to stay, it's the low-top lace-up. With a low profile and an adjustable fit, this versatile shoe is ideal for walking.

Boasting naturally breathable canvas uppers in a range of neutral colors, plus matching laces and contrasting rubber soles with patterned tread, the laced sneakers from TOMS are just as cool as they are practical.

An ultra-lightweight design and slip-lasted construction ensure a flexible stride, while OrthoLite Eco LT Hybrid insoles provide comfy cushioning with each step. 

2. Cushioned Canvas Slip-Ons

Canvas slip-ons go with everything from shorts and a tee to jeans and joggers—but don't let the laid-back appeal fool you. Believe it or not, although these casual sneakers are among the best slip on sneakers, they are also among the best men’s walking shoe pairs.

The textile slip-ons from TOMS feature canvas uppers and dual stretchy gores, making them not only flexible but also easy to get on and off. Additionally, these versatile shoes have a reliable rubber outsole with vulcanized foxing and our custom tread underneath.

What makes our take on this timeless footwear style stand out from the rest? A removable OrthoLite footbed that provides lightweight cushioning while you walk.

3. Slip-On Travel Trainers

For a more athletic shoe type, you've got the slip-on travel trainer, a refreshingly modern and versatile sneaker engineered for an on-the-go lifestyle. The styles we carry at TOMS flaunt flexible textile uppers in neutral, on-trend hues like black, gray, deep navy, and forest green.

Stark white outsoles contrast the uppers, while mesh sock-liners guarantee a secure, breathable fit. These shoes also have dual-density molded OrthoLite footbeds that provide support, cushioning, and durability.

Thanks to our signature TRVL LITE engineering, you can count on supremely lightweight comfort and traction underfoot. This continuously comfy sneaker is a great option to wear on your daily walks, when exploring a new city, while walking to work, or just out and about running errands.

4. Lightweight Leather Lace-Up Shoes

Leather sneakers might not be the first thing you think to put on when heading out for a walk. However, considering the lightweight construction and supportive soles, they're actually a prime choice.

TOMS lace-up tennis shoes have a weather-treated brown or black leather uppers with matching laces and molded mesh sock-liners for breathability and a secure fit. The real kicker, however, is our exclusive TRVL LITE technology, which delivers continuous comfort, flexibility, a lightweight feel, and traction underfoot.

This ready-to-roam lightweight walking shoe walks the line between put-together and sporty with ease. Pairing well with chinos, slacks, and dark-wash denim, it's an excellent option for guys who walk to work or like to get their steps in on their lunch breaks.

5. Sporty Technical Trainers

If you're partial to active shoes, your best bet is a pair of sporty technical trainers. Athletic sneakers are engineered for forward movement, so you can typically expect flexible uppers, lightweight construction, and performance outsoles.

TOMS technical trainers for men boast water-resistant suede and textile uppers with ribbed collars and handy pull tabs for easy on-off. These weatherized walking shoes also have contrasting dual-density rubber soles to ensure ongoing support, durability, and grip.

Perhaps the best part about these active sneakers is that they go with almost any outfit. We're talking athleisure, workout apparel, joggers, sweatsuits, and streetwear.

6. All-Terrain Alpargatas

For a more casual walking shoe, consider terrain alpargatas. A rugged iteration of TOMS Classics, this laid-back sneaker flaunts a range of outdoor-inspired components, including water-resistant uppers and lug-style outsoles.

The study rubber soles of each slip-on is made of sturdy rubber with custom foxing and our signature patterned tread for top-notch traction. Heel pull tabs and elastic gores on the vamp make for effortless entry, while a hand-washable OrthoLite insole ensures lightweight cushioning with every step.

These textile and suede walking shoes are a go-to for everyday footwear. The laceless design and weatherized uppers offer convenient versatility, year-round practicality, and a contemporary appeal.

7. Weatherized Sneaker Boots

Weatherized sneaker boots are among the choicest walking shoes for men during the fall and winter. This cold-weather footwear style combines the warmth and practicality of traditional boots with the versatility and informality of tennis shoes to bring you the ultimate high-top hybrid.

The designs from TOMS have a water-resistant canvas, suede, or leather upper in seasonless colors like olive and brown. Water-wicking laces, vulcanized foxing, and sneakerized rubber lug soles ensure a solid grip and dry feet while you walk.

Heel tabs make them incredibly easy to get on and off—you don't even have to lace them up each time—while cushioned insoles keep you comfy and light on your feet.

8. High-Traction Chukkas

We're also big fans of the chukka boot during the chilly season. But not just any chukka—specifically a high-traction design, like the styles you'll find at TOMS.

Our sneakerized boots are outfitted with supple suede uppers and rope-style laces. Thanks to convenient pull tabs on the heels, you can get them on and off without lacing them.

The reliable rubber outsole of each sneaker delivers unmatched durability and traction, while a crepe-wrapped midsole provides refreshing flexibility. TOMS chukkas for men are comfortable, flexible, and endlessly versatile.

What to Look for When Buying Walking Shoes

When browsing men’s shoes like our walking sneakers, you'll want to consider the upper material, outsole design, footbeds, and lacing requirements.

Upper Material

The uppers of your walking shoes should be lightweight, breathable, and flexible. Canvas, suede, leather, and mesh are all excellent options—extra points if they're treated for water resistance.

Outsole Design

You'll also want to think about the outsoles. Rubber, and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) are ideal, as the materials are durable, supportive, flexible, relatively lightweight, and provide grip underfoot.

Footbeds

With any active shoe, the footbeds are crucial. Look for an option with a built-in or removable insoles that offer support and cushioning. This will keep you light on your feet and reduce strain in your lower extremities.

Lacing Requirements

When shopping around, you'll see various lace-up and slip-on styles. One isn't necessarily better than the other, though your sneakers should be easy to get on and off. With laceless designs, look for stretchy gore panels and pull tabs.

Men's Walking Shoes from TOMS

If you're in the market for a fresh pair of walking shoes, you've come to the right place. Whether you walk for exercise, walk to work, or have a job that requires you to be on your feet for long hours, you can count on TOMS sneakers to carry you through the many comfortable walking shoe types.

From comfortable sneaker types to the best casual sneakers for men, TOMS has got you covered for endless styles of shoes. From traditional lace-ups and effortless slip-ons to lightweight walking shoes and athletic shoe types, sneakerized boots and all-terrain alpargatas, we have it all. 

Shop sneakers for men from TOMS today!

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Reviewed By Dan Caves

Dan Caves is the Senior Manager of Digital Marketing at TOMS and has been operating in the digital space for 6 years, writing about the latest trends or styles and helping brands make bold statements with innovative tactics and creative concepts. He's determined to go all the places, see all the things, and pet all the dogs.