The 15 Best adidas Walking Shoes for 2023
Clock miles with these comfy, supportive and durable picks.
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If there’s anything that adidas walking shoes are made to do, it’s to take hold of wardrobes as some of the best sneakers of all time. That’s because much of the brand’s energy and resources go into innovation for fabrics and structures designed to disperse running impact — which makes them overqualified (in the best way) for your standard walking journey.
Since 1949, the best adidas walking shoes have pioneered the footwear market. The brand has made some of the best walking shoes for women and the best walking shoes for men, including the popular Ultraboost Light sneakers, Stan Smith shoes, and Cloudfoam sneakers. adidas’ shoes like the Adizero Bostons and Solarglides are some of the best running shoes that are good for walking. Plus, you can find far more stylish elements in these shoes than in many other performance shoes.
This combination of style and innovation in adidas’ walking shoes is what keeps the brand’s hold on the sneaker industry alive. Take their iconic Ultraboosts, with the brand’s signature Boost midsole. Before the Boost launched in 2013, most brands designed their shoes with EVA foam midsoles, which didn’t provide as much energy return and, in the end, wore down over time. The little TicTac-looking pellets that make Ultraboosts’ midsole so ubiquitous changed how people and brands conceptualized sneakers. Today, the best adidas walking shoes reflect the brands constant reinvention of sneakers, exemplified in stretchy Primeknit uppers, seen in models such as Solarglide and Cloudfoam sneakers, and future-forward 3D printed midsoles introduced in the 4DFWD 2 running shoes. Additionally, there’s an impressive incorporation of sustainably-sourced materials across the entire range of adidas walking shoes.
adidas’ shoe technology offers ideal features for walking shoes, such as Boost, AdiPrene, and AdiFit, because they provide optimal and targeted cushioning to reduce foot strain and provide built-in arch support. Adidas walking shoes also support several common foot types and conditions such as wide feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel spurs, thanks to roomy toe boxes, additional lacing, and comfortable sizing options.
Below, we’ve curated the best adidas walking shoes of 2023, from updated popular models, timeless silhouettes, and performance footwear for all levels of activity.
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Colorways: White, black, pink, and more
Materials: Primeknit, Boost, rubber
Additional features: 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester
Pros: Tons of color options
Cons: Pricey
What reviewers say: “These are soft and comfortable. They’re great for running, a long day at work, or hanging out with your family or friends. Good-looking shoes and love the color options.”
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Colorways: Taupe, black, magenta, orange, silver, and more
Materials: GORE-TEX, Continental rubber, mesh
Additional features: High ankle fit
Pros: Tough traction
Cons: Pricey
What reviewers say: “Love the boost cushioning in a hiking boot. So far they are as waterproof as advertised. This is my 2nd pair, I’ve used them in both snow and water. So far so great.”
Related: Best adidas Trail Shoes
Colorways: Gray, burgundy, black, navy, dark green, and more
Materials: Leather, rubber
Additional features: T-toe design, molded tongue, OrthoLite sockliner
Pros: Versatile color options
Cons: May squeak as you break them in
What reviewers say: “I love wearing these trainers, they are stylish, comfortable and look great.”
Related: Best adidas Gazelle Shoes
Colorways: White, black, gray, dark gray, and more
Materials: Memory foam, Cloudfoam
Pros: Great cushioning
Cons: Not as durable as some of the other picks
What reviewers say: “These shoes are great! I wanted something simple and a bit casual. I am using these for the gym and for casual use around town and whatnot. They fit nicely, and they don’t break the bank.”
Related: Best adidas Gym Shoes
Colorways: Red, mint, white, pink, and more
Materials: Knit, rubber
Additional features: Boost, LEP 2.0
Pros: Upper made of at least 50% recycled content
What reviewers say: “I bought these right before a trip where I walked around 26,500 steps a day over all kinds of terrain, including asphalt, rocks, light mud, dust and even volcanic sharp rocks. I was constantly flying, driving, swimming, and walking, and these shoes supported it all. If you’re asking yourself, is this the right choice? Definitely!”
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Colorways: White, black, brown, red, green, and more
Materials: Boost, knit, rubber
Additional features: Yarn upper made with recycled plastic and polyester
Pros: Great for all types of walking, 22 colorways
Cons: Lacks substantial arch support for flat feet, wide feet should select a half size up
What reviewers say: “I really like the comfort AND the look of the shoe. Most shoes have one or the other but the NMD’s have both.”
Colorways: White, black, white and black, neon green, gray, pink, white and blue
Materials: Boost, TPU
Additional features: Padded tongue and heel; made with a lower carbon footprint than 2020 Supernova
Pros: Grippy outsole for running on rough terrain
Cons: Size runs small
What reviewers say: “I absolutely love these shoes, as they fit so good, both padded tongue and heel patch are comfortable. I use them for easy, long runs. First run in them, I did 25km and they were so comfortable, easy on foot and I definitely recommend them! Only one thing to take attention is size, they are too small and bigger size is must.”
Related: adidas Supernova 2 Shoe Review
Colorways: White and green, white, white and blue, white and red, white and black, black, off-white, and more
Materials: Vegan leather, rubber
Pros: A ton of rotating color options; inexpensive
Cons: Narrow fit; need some wear to break in
What reviewers say: “I own 5 pairs in various colors and will undoubtedly buy more. This shoe is classic looking, extremely comfortable, durable, and make me feel good when I’m wearing them. Love this shoe and have never, ever, ever had a single problem with a pair.”
Related: Adidas Stan Smith Shoe History
Colorways: White and black, white, white and green, white and red, off-white, green
Materials: Synthetic leather, suede, EVA, rubber
Pros: Grippy outsole
Cons: Some report issues with inconsistent arch support
What reviewers say: “Excellent shoes for those who need versatility from their shoes. I love the treads on the sambas. They provide excellent grip when outdoors but are also flat, which suits my needs for the style of kung fu that I practice. The black color matches with everything, and the rubber sole is dark, blending in easily.”
Related: Best adidas Sambas Shoes
Colorways: All white, white and black, all black, green and white, and more
Materials: Leather, textile, rubber
Additional features: Rubber shell toe
Pros: Made in part with recycled content generated from production waste
Cons: Shell toe not as flexible for extensive walking
What Reviewers Say: “adidas always makes great shoes. I’ve owned many adidas over the years, and these SuperStar shoes are the softest shoes I’ve had. There is more flexibility in the sole, and the top materials seem more pliable than before. I’m very appreciative that adidas has improved the quality of the materials they use in their shoes.”
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Colorways: Black, black and orange, pink, maroon
Materials: Textile, elastic, Cloudfoam
Additional features: Laceless
Pros: Good shock absorption
Cons: Not adjustable, can be hard to get on
What reviewers say: “Shoe is really good for people who has small and very thin feet but it’s not a fit model for people who has a wide or medium wider feet.”
Colorways: White, black, purple, and yellow; gum, purple and yellow; black and blue; white and orange; black
Materials: Primeknit, bio-based EVA, Boost
Pros: Vegan alternative; at least 25 percent recycled content
Cons: Runs large
What reviewers say: “The ASMC Solarglide sneaker has a nice orange-red combination. The shoe is comfortable for everyday athletic wear and walking. I love the comfort of the wide-toe bed. I usually wear size 10 but could size down to 9.5 and create a more snug fit with the inner sock feature.”
Colorways: Mauve, white, orange, coral, black and white, and more
Materials: Primeknit textile, rubber
Additional features: 3D-printed 4D midsole, upper made from at least 50% recycled content
Pros: Snug sock-like fit, stylish colorway options
Cons: Not durable for intensive activity
What reviewers say: “I have broke both my feet and struggle to find anything that I can comfortably wear all day long. I am on my feet at least 14 hours a day and these shoes have made a difference!”
Related: adidas 4DFWD 2 Shoe Review
Colorways: White and green, white and gray, white and pink, beige, gold, and more
Materials: Leather, textile, rubber
Additional features: Padded collar
Pros: Trendy design, versatile color options, durable leather construction
Cons: Toe box may creaseThe color-way was neutral enough that we have several different outfits for this.
What reviewers say: “I love that these colorways are neutral — I have several different outfits to wear these shoes with.”
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Colorways: White and silver, black and white, yellow, blue, and more
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Additional features: Lightstrike Pro and Lightstrike2.0 EVA cushioning, Energyrods, Upper made with at least 50% recycled content
Pros: Rocker heel aids in effortless strides and prevents foot strain, roomy toe box for wide feet
Cons: May take time to slip on due to the stiff upper
Related: adidas Adizero Boston 11 Shoe Review
What to Look for in the Best adidas Walking Shoes
- Proper cushioning: “For shorter walks on even terrain, look for cushioned shoes,” says Dr. Dan Geller. “They should also be light and have an easy transfer of weight from heel to toe.” Extra-cushioned, support footwear, like adidas’ Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoes and Terrex Freehiker 2.0 Hiking Shoes are ideal for a long walk of about three miles or more.
- Responsive sole: If you walk on rugged and unforgiving terrains like concrete, look the adidas’ Ultraboost Light Running Shoes or Solarglide 6 Running Shoes that have great midsole response, as it will be easier on your feet, knees, and back. Boost’s support will work overtime to help your joints, and if you’re spending less time on concrete and more indoors and carpet, you can get away with less attention to that stride response.
- Arch support: If you deal with foot pain and ailments, and walking is your preferred exercise method, Dr. Jacquelyn Sutera, podiatrist and foot pathology specialist, recommends wearing sneakers with arch support. That’s why shopping for walking shoes for high arches or walking shoes for plantar fasciitis will help prioritize your pain minimization. Dr. Parker M Gennett says the best adidas walking shoes will have “a stiff heel counter, firm, protective sole and torsion stability,” adding that “if you can twist the shoe like a pretzel, it’s probably not a good option.” If you have flat feet, look for sneakers with stiffer elements such as insoles and orthotics, like adidas Adizero Boston 12 Running Shoes or adidas Gazelle shoes. Your best bet is to test out shoes to find which gets your foot in a neutral position and, maybe even more importantly, feels comfortable for you to wear.
- Fabrics: For more athletic types of walking or hiking, look for materials like adidas’s Primeknit, which is on its 4DFWD 2 shoes. They are flexible enough to fit comfortably still as your feet swell, which they do when you’re getting your steps in. Some of adidas’s other shoes, like adidas Superstars or adidas Stan Smith Shoes, are made with a primarily leather upper, which stretches over time but isn’t quite as forgiving step to step.
How We Chose the Best Adidas Walking Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To compile this comprehensive guide of the best adidas walking shoes, we delved into adidas’ walking shoe technology, pinpointing the most momentous developments and unique features from the brand. We enlisted insight from expert sources and compared key customer testimonials in order to curate the most satisfying shoes for a large range of needs. Footwear News editors made sure to include options to suit different terrains, foot conditions, climates, and distances, as well as trendy colorways and stylish silhouettes. We noted any downsides, too, be it blisters, durability, or sizing issues. Shoes are a highly personal choice — every foot is different — but the innovative options on our list passed with flying colors. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Dan Geller is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and advisor for Kane Footwear.
Dr. Jacquelyn Sutera is an NYC-based surgically trained doctor of podiatric medicine specializing in the prevention and treatment of foot pathology. She graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Philosophy. She later attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where she earned the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). She is a proud member and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association and the New York State Podiatric Medical Society.
Meet the Authors
Christine Flammia is a writer and editor based in NYC, focusing on fashion and lifestyle. She is currently working on her PhD at Columbia University while staying at the forefront of all consumer trends with a keen eye for the latest, greatest, and classics of what people wear, buy and love. As a huge fan of adidas and a big city walker, Flammia is always searching for the best new adidas walking shoes.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She updated this guide for the best adidas walking shoes in 2023 with the most on-trend styles and upgraded models available from the “Three Stripes.” Learn more about us here.