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While many sneakers are branded as running shoes, most people don’t actually use them for that purpose. If we’re being honest, most athletic shoes should probably be sold as walking shoes for accuracy purposes, but that doesn’t sound as exciting. I’m a pretty regular runner, and even my favorite sneakers could probably be more accurately described as cookie-eatingshoes based on my most frequent activity while wearing them.
The point is that most of us spend a significant portion of the day on our feet, some more than others. If you’re someone who works on your feet, then you need to get the most out of your sneakers. Wearing through your shoes quickly and buying another pair in just a few months doesn’t make financial sense. If you want shoes that feel as good on your feet as they do on your monthly budget, then Brooks and Hoka are the way to go. Both brands have built their business straddling the line between providing shoes with maximum comfort and durability and understanding budget-conscious shoppers.
Although looking for running shoes that are comfortable for long days on your feet is a good strategy, Brooks and Hoka have a number of options referred to specifically as walking shoes. Even if these aren’t the only options to choose from, they offer a great place to start your search. The following are a few choice picks that offer a terrific balance between comfort and value. Plus, they’re backed by people who work long hours on their feet.
Brooks Walking Shoes
Brooks is a brand well-known for its commitment to making shoes that mold around your feet. Much of the Brooks shoes’ comfort comes from their advanced midsole design. What’s more, the company’s history gives a glimpse into why its shoes have a DNA built on comfort. Brooks began in Philadelphia in 1914. That’s over a century of shoemaking experience that gives the brand a bit of gravitas. Perhaps more interesting is what kind of shoes it began with.
Brooks started its adventures in footwear by making and selling ballet slippers and bathing shoes. That means it began as a specialty shoe company designing for very specific purposes. This history gave Brooks great insights into orthopedic mechanics and how to address them in shoe design. Those formative experiences gave the brand a unique perspective on shoes and comfort. That legacy continues today with virtually every pair of shoes Brooks sells.
They’re known for being some of the most popular shoes to wear for all-day comfort, whether you’re a regular walker or work as a restaurant server, nurse, veterinarian, or a teacher. Practically any of the brand’s shoes has a loyal fan base of people who buy them over and over again. Not because they wear out, but because they’re just that good, and it never hurts to have options. Many styles are even backed by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, proving that they’re not just comfortable, but actually beneficial for your feet.
Case in point, the Brooks Women’s Revel 8 Neutral Running and Walking Shoes are the picture of comfort. That’s why we think they’re a wonderful choice for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. The DNA Loft V2 EVA foam midsole makes these shoes a joy to wear. “I’m an ER nurse, and am on my feet 12-14 hours a day with no problems in these!” That’s high praise for any shoes, let alone a pair that won’t break the bank.
Brooks Women’s Revel 8 Neutral Running and Walking Shoes
Brooks Women’s Cascadia 19
Brooks Women’s Glycerin Max 2
Brooks Men’s Beast GTS 24 Walking Shoes
Brooks Men’s Glycerin Flex Sneakers
Hoka Walking Shoes
Hoka is a relatively young brand, but that can be a big advantage when it comes to staying current and maintaining a connection to new technologies. Walking shoes should deliver a balance between comfort, performance, and style, and most Hoka’s offer exactly that. Many models contain an extra pad on the outsole at the toes and the heel. This protects against extensive wear at the points of greatest contact. That makes Hoka one of the best brands for people who spend much of their time on their feet.
Just like Brooks, Hoka shoes are endorsed by the APMA for the way they promote foot health. If you’re going to spend a whole lot of time standing in your sneakers, then you might as well get them from a brand that the experts trust.
What’s more, Hoka’s heritage as a trail running shoe has given the brand a solid starting point for overall durability. Even though the company has expanded far beyond just trail running, the rest of its catalog carries that history of longevity and toughness.
The Hoka Solimar 2 Walking Shoes embody all of the aforementioned characteristics. They’re comfortable, durable, and they look great on the feet. While they are perfectly capable running shoes, they might even be worth more as walking shoes. The ultra-plush heel and thick, responsive foam midsole allow you to wear the shoes all day without irritating major pain points. They increase your productivity and make long workdays that much easier.
The Hoka Women’s Mach 6 is a popular work shoe as well. “I work as a nurse, and these are the most comfortable shoes I’ve found.” This is absolute proof that sometimes Hoka shoes are the best medicine for sore feet.
Hoka Men’s Solimar 2 Walking Shoes
Hoka Men’s Skyward X2 Running Shoes
Hoka Women’s Clifton 10 Walking Shoes
Hoka Women’s Mach 6 Walking Shoes
These shoes were made for walking
Brooks and Hoka may be two of the best shoe brands for those who spend hours standing and walking for work every day. Both have a history of designing and manufacturing shoes that can withstand extensive wear without falling apart, which is what sets them apart from budget shoes you might see at department stores. Both also offer lots of aesthetic options in terms of colorways and styles.
If you’re someone who spends a lot of their time standing or walking, then Brooks and Hoka should be two of the first shoe brands you look into. While we think the above options offer everything you could want in a walking shoe, there are plenty of other model lines available from the brands. These two companies deliver maximum value and comfort with every pair.
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