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Best walking shoes 2025
We reveal how the cheapest brand surveyed secured the highest customer score
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a great pair of walking shoes.
We surveyed more than 2,600 walking shoe customers, and the brand they were most satisfied with and most likely to recommend was also the cheapest. Its customers paid just £42 a pair on average.
Its shoes scored lower for water resistance than some pricier labels, but walking shoes are better suited generally to drier conditions. You just need enough waterproofing to avoid soggy shoes from dewy grass, or a light shower.
But if you’re happy to spend a bit more, buy from one of our latest Which? Recommended Brands. These seven brands stood out for their quality and customer service, making them a great investment and worthy of our endorsement. Read on to see the best choices whatever your budget.
What are the best walking shoe brands according to Which? members?
Why you can trust our reviews of walking shoe brands
Expert analysis
Most reviewers make their judgement based on their individual preferences. Instead, we evaluated the quality of 31 brands based on the experiences of 2,648 customers.
Which? Recommended Brands
Our Which? Recommended Brands are the best of the best. Brands have to meet strict criteria including high customer ratings, and uncompromising checks on product guarantees/ warranties, and returns policies.
| 83% | £42 | ||||||||||
| 82% | £83 | ||||||||||
| 82% | £145 | ||||||||||
| 82% | £138 | ||||||||||
| 80% | £99 | ||||||||||
(142) | 80% | £67 | |||||||||
| 79% | £72 |
Survey conducted in May 2025 based on responses from 2,648 members of the Which? Connect panel who own 3,112 pairs of walking shoes bought in the past five years. ‘n/a’ means not enough data to provide information. Average price paid = mean price members said they paid. Customer score based on satisfaction and whether members would recommend.
Walking shoes are great for the drier months as an alternative to weighty walking boots that are better suited to wetter conditions. Their lightweight and flexible nature makes them fantastic for travelling with, too. But what separates the best brands from the worst is an extra level of durability and water resistance whilst allowing your feet to breathe.
Considering a new pair of walking boots for braving harsher conditions? Head to the best walking boots brands for our top recommendations.
Best budget walking shoes
Decathlon Quechua review
Verdict: Best-rated and a real bargain
Customer score: 83%
Average price paid: £42
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Lots of fits and designs
- Comfy yet durable
Cons
- Not the best brand for breathability
- Could be more water resistant
People in our survey loved their Decathlon Quechua shoes – despite middling scores for shock absorption, breathability and water resistance. This is likely due to value. They’re the cheapest brand in our survey, but still won four stars for grip, flexibility and durability.
Plus, its shoes are comfortable, with one customer telling us that they were the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever owned. As it has around 50 UK stores and 50 styles, you can try on a few designs before buying.
Buy a pair direct from Decathlon.
Best all-round walking shoes
Grisport review, Which? Recommended Brand
Verdict: Premium quality for a reasonable price
Customer score: 82%
Average price paid: £83
Pros
- Outstanding value
- Extremely comfortable with a good fit
- Robust materials
Cons
- Nothing major
Customers spent an average of just £83 on Grisport walking shoes, yet it’s a safe bet, as it scored four and five stars across the board.
One customer praised the longevity of their Grisport shoes too: ‘They are showing gratifyingly little signs of wear and tear.’ Some people likely bought them on sale though, as while you can get them this cheap, we've found that prices range from £39 to £130 online.
You can pick up a pair from Grisport, Decathlon, Mountain Warehouse or Next.
Meindl review, Which? Recommended Brand
Verdict: A five-star experience
Customer score: 82%
Average price paid: £145
Pros
- Gained some of the highest ratings in our survey
- Breathable and flexible
- Very good water resistance
Cons
- Expensive
With almost a clean sweep of five-star ratings, from breathability to fit and comfort, it’s not surprising that Meindl's walking shoes have loyal fans. One applauded their comfort and durability, telling us: ‘I have walked miles in them and in all weathers and they still look and feel brand new.’
The brand has had more than 300 years to hone the quality of its footwear, and it's clearly paid off.
We’ve handpicked some styles in the links above. Or you can browse more at Meindl, Cotswold Outdoors, Snow + Rock or Taunton Leisure.
Scarpa review, Which? Recommended Brand
Verdict: Superb quality
Customer score: 82%
Average price paid: £138
Pros
- A top level of comfort
- Fit wider feet well
- Great weather resistance
Cons
- Pricey
One customer told us that after trying other brands, they always return to Scarpa, calling them ‘totally reliable’. Its shoes are a masterclass in balancing comfort with breathability and durability.
It has multiple styles available at major retailers with fits to suit different foot shapes. One satisfied customer told us: 'I have arthritis in one foot, so the shoes give me the support I need’.
Find the design for you at Cotswold Outdoors, Scarpa or Taunton Leisure.
Other Which? Recommended Walking Shoe Brands
Nike ACG, 80%, Which? Recommended Brand
Pros: Excellent durability; Nice fits; Comfortable and flexible.
Cons: Could be more breathable and have better water resistance.
Available at a handful of retailers including Nike and Size.
Clarks, 79%, Which? Recommended Brand
Pros: Superb fit; Great weather resistance; Particularly good value for money.
Cons: Nothing major.
Available at Clarks.
Ecco, 78%, Which? Recommended Brand
Pros: Very robust; Flexible but still fit well; Breathable to avoid sweaty feet.
Cons: Pricey.
Available at Ecco.
Merrell, 78%, Which? Recommended Brand
Pros: 5-star fit and flexibility; Comfortable, Hard-wearing materials.
Cons: Other brands are more water resistant.
Available at multiple retailers including directly from Merrell, or Cotswold Outdoor, Millets and Sports Direct.
What is the difference between a walking boot and a walking shoe?
Walking shoes are designed for drier conditions over easier terrain. They feel more like a trainer, rather than a boot, and are lightweight and flexible. They should be water resistant enough to protect your feet from light showers, but they'll likely get wet in very bad weather.
Walking boots are made from more robust materials than walking shoes. Their sturdy build, which goes up to your ankle, gives your foot more support. They also have a higher level of water resistance than walking shoes, making them great for giving you grip over challenging and uneven terrains. Check out our guide to the best walking boot brands so that you can buy with confidence.
Whichever you opt for, the footwear should always feel comfortable from the first try-on. And don't compromise on durability if you want them to last – check the durability ratings in the table.
Is it best for walking shoes to be tight or loose?
Walking shoes mustn't ever feel too tight or too loose. They should have a snug fit without feeling tight across your toes or foot, with a little room to allow for your feet to swell, which is natural after they’ve been working hard.
It’s just as important that they’re not too loose to prevent the material from agitating your skin or causing blisters. Only leave around half an inch of space in front of your toes and make full use of the laces to tighten them across your feet.