There are a lot of cool details about the Invincible 3, including a rocker sole that supports your natural stride from heel to toe, a soft foam ankle collar, and a waffle outsole that prevents slipping. Plus, it has a fan base beyond Team SELF: “I love the Invincible! No other company has foam this comfortable,” wrote one Nike reviewer. “I have a lot of foot issues and I can run in them when nothing else works.”
Product specifications
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular, extra wide | Weight: 9.1 ounces
More great Nike walking shoes
If none of the above pairs speak to you, check out more top-rated Nike sneakers below. These shoes may not be for everyone (for example, some help combat specific foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis), but are still highly recommended by experts and critics.
Nike Frame 25
This running shoe also comes highly recommended by Dr. Canzanese. It’s Nike’s stability model, which means it has more arch support and a better structure for those with flat feet or plantar fasciitis. It manages to be lightweight and supportive, says Dr. Canzanese, making it a great option for longer distances and fitness walks.
Product specifications
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular, extra wide | Weight: 8.5 ounces
Nike Waffle One
As the winner of the 2021 Sneaker Award for best sports shoe, the Waffle One The shoes received a lot of praise from SELF’s associate director of special projects for how functional they are despite their casual appearance. She noted that the shoes provided plenty of traction and protection, due in large part to their sturdy rubber soles, and liked that they kept her comfortable all day long, writing that she actually forgot she was wearing them at one point.
Product specifications
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
Nike Air Max 90
Slightly chunky and available in a variety of bright colors, the Air Max 90 offers the ideal blend of comfort and retro-inspired style. A separate heel unit adds shock-absorbing cushioning and support where you need it most, while the ankle collar boasts padding to help prevent uncomfortable blisters. “You can never go wrong with an Air Max 90,” wrote one happy Nike shopper. “My absolute favorite sneaker. Comfortable for all-day wear and great style to boot.”
Product specifications
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
Nike Spark
The Nike Spark’s ultra-cool design isn’t just for show—the breathable mesh upper features modern-looking overlays that also add to the shoe’s durability. We’re also fans of the padded tongue and plush collar, which help prevent hot spots while you’re on the move. Inside, the midsole has a softer foam on the bottom and a firmer foam on the top, with a plate sandwiched in the middle for a pleasantly propulsive ride.
Product specifications
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
Nike Quest 5
This workhorse road running shoe features a soft foam midsole for plenty of shock absorption and a midfoot strap for a locked-in feel. When it comes to the upper, strategically placed mesh helps circulate air, and protective films on the toe and eyelets are there to prevent wear and tear. The rubber outsole also has plenty of traction, should your hike take you up steep slopes or over slippery surfaces.
Product specifications
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
Nike Journey Running
Extra cushioning in the heel and padding around the tongue and collar make the Journey feel plush on runs and walks. A mesh upper provides excellent breathability, while a grippy rubber outsole keeps you feeling secure. Reviewers praise the roomy toe box and super-comfortable fit: “I walk a lot, and the support I get is amazing,” wrote one. We’re also big fans of the bright, neutral, and metallic colors.
Product specifications
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular | Weight: N/A
What should you look for in a hiking shoe?
You don’t necessarily need to buy shoes that are designed or labeled specifically for hiking – most running shoes work too. Just note: “You can walk in a running shoe, but you shouldn’t run in a walking shoe,” says Dr. Canzanese. Here’s what else you’ll want to keep in mind while shopping.
Adjust
“In general, you want to make sure your shoes are the right size — and shoe size can change as you get older,” says Dr. Canzanese. “There should be a thumb-length [of space] between the tip of your longest toe and the front of the shoe,” she explains. And they should feel comfortable almost immediately: Avoid sneakers that feel like you have to break them in.
Damping
“Since walking is generally a heel-to-toe motion, you want cushioning and shock absorption in the heel,” says Dr. Canzanese. Soft foam padding throughout the midsole will provide extra comfort if you plan on doing a lot of walking or standing all day. Still, more cushioning isn’t always better—for some, it can lead to an unstable feeling, so try out a few different options to see what you like best.
Arch support
If you prefer or need a shoe with a lot of support, look for a stability shoe. “These are the ones that have extra design features built in to increase arch support,” notes Dr. Canzanese. You can also try on shoes with various heel-to-toe drops to see what feels good on your feet. Heel-to-toe drop refers to the difference in the height of the sole at the forefoot and the heel. Some running and walking shoes offer a steeper drop, while others are flatter, with very little (or no) drop. There’s no wrong heel-to-toe drop for walking; it ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
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