Top Sneaker Brands Perfect for Walking Adventures

Walking is a popular form of exercise and daily activity, creating a significant demand for comfortable and reliable sneakers. Choosing the right pair can significantly enhance your walking experience, providing the necessary support and cushioning for your feet. Top brands have designed sneakers that cater specifically to walking needs, ensuring durability and comfort with every step you take. To help you find the perfect fit, explore our curated list of the best sneaker brands for walking below.

Illustration of sneakers for walking

Best brands of sneakers for walking in 2025

Nike

Nike is one of the leading producers of sneakers for walking, dominating the market with a 38.5% share in the sneaker segment and a 30% share in athletic footwear as of 2023. The company's strong presence is evident from its 67.6% increase in athletic footwear market share since 2011, and it holds an impressive 86% of the performance basketball shoe market. In 2022, Nike generated $29.2 billion in footwear revenue, accounting for 62.5% of its global revenues. The brand produces over 800 million pairs of shoes annually, with half of its production coming from Vietnam. Nike's footwear segment has consistently been a significant contributor, comprising 64.5% of its total company revenue from 2017 to 2022. For more detailed insights, check out these Nike shoes statistics.

New Balance

New Balance is a prominent player in the sneaker market, particularly for walking shoes, with a brand awareness of 88% among sneaker owners in the United States. As of 2022, New Balance held a 7.3% share of the global sneaker market, generating $5.3 billion in revenue. In the US, 27% of sneaker owners possess New Balance shoes, and around 22% of these owners are likely to purchase the brand again, indicating strong loyalty. Known for its quality and comfort, New Balance has become a favorite among walkers. The brand's popularity is further highlighted by its 40% likeability rate among US sneaker owners.

Brooks

Brooks is renowned as one of the best producers of sneakers for walking, boasting a strong market presence with a 22% market share in the US adult performance running footwear category for the 11th consecutive quarter as of 2024. The brand achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $1 billion in global revenue year-to-date through September 2024, driven by a 10% year-over-year increase in North America and a 16% growth in e-commerce sales. Their shoes, such as the Ghost 16, Glycerin 21, and Beast GTS 24, are praised for their comfort, versatility, and durability, with advanced technologies like DNA Loft v3 cushioning and GuideRails support. Brooks also saw over 30% revenue growth in the Asia Pacific/Latin America region and a 10% increase in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. The brand's strong performance is further validated by its top ranking in the 2024 Running USA Global Runner Survey. For insights on selecting the best Brooks walking and running shoes, visit this guide.

Skechers

Skechers is a leading producer of sneakers for walking, known for its comfort, style, and affordability. In 2022, the company shipped nearly 267 million pairs of shoes worldwide, with a significant market share in the Americas, accounting for 52% of its revenue, or approximately $3.8 billion. Skechers' direct-to-consumer retail market grew to 38% in 2022, contributing $2.8 billion in revenue. The brand is particularly popular among women, who make up 60.2% of its consumer base in 2023. With a projected revenue of $10 billion by 2025, Skechers continues to grow and innovate in the footwear industry. For more detailed Skechers shoes statistics, please visit the provided link.

ASICS

ASICS is a prominent brand in the athletic footwear industry, particularly renowned for its high-performance sneakers ideal for walking and running. In 2022, ASICS held a 0.79% global market share in the shoe industry, although it is noted for its strong presence in specific categories, such as performance running footwear, where it maintains a significant market share. The brand's average shoe retail price is around $114, and it generated $3 billion in footwear revenue in 2022, with performance running shoes contributing $1,766 million to this total. ASICS also has a notable market share in the United States, accounting for approximately 6.5% of the U.S. athletic footwear market as of 2021. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation is reflected in its popular models like the Gel-Kayano series.

Hoka One One

Hoka One One has emerged as a leading producer of sneakers for walking and running, driven by its innovative maximalist cushioning and high-quality materials. The brand, acquired by Deckers in 2012, has seen extraordinary growth, with sales increasing by 34% in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024 and a full-year growth of 27.9%, reaching $1.8 billion in annual sales. Hoka's focus on full-price selling and expanding its direct-to-consumer channel has contributed to its success, with predictions of a 20% sales increase in the current fiscal year. The brand's popularity extends beyond hardcore runners to casual sneaker wearers, with top-selling models like the Clifton and Arahi franchises. Hoka's commitment to innovation, such as the Cielo X1 with a carbon fiber plate, further solidifies its position in the market. To explore more about Hoka's growth and innovative strides, check the detailed report.

Merrell

Merrell, established in 1981, is a leading brand in the outdoor footwear industry, renowned for its high-performance hiking shoes that combine comfort, support, and durability. The Merrell Moab 3 GTX, for example, stands out for its exceptional comfort, waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, and a cushioned midsole with a 36 HA durometer measurement, ensuring protection and comfort during hikes. Merrell's products have garnered high praise, with the Moab 3 rating higher than competitors like Salomon, based on aggregate metrics and customer reviews. Despite recent challenges, including a 16% decline in revenue due to inventory issues, Merrell has been gaining market share in the hiking category for 10 consecutive months. The brand's commitment to quality and performance has made it a trusted name among hikers.

Saucony

Saucony is a renowned brand in the athletic footwear industry, particularly esteemed for its high-quality sneakers designed for walking and running. With over 125 years of experience, Saucony has established a strong reputation for comfort and performance, utilizing advanced technologies such as ISOFIT and EVERUN cushioning. In the United States, 5% of sneaker owners use Saucony, and among those who know the brand, 12% own Saucony shoes. Despite a 1.9% sales decline in the previous year, Saucony is expected to see sequential improvement each quarter in 2024. The brand's loyalty stands strong, with 60% of its owners likely to purchase Saucony again. For more detailed insights, you can visit the Saucony sneakers brand profile on Statista.

Adidas

Adidas is a leading producer of sneakers for walking, boasting a 15.4% global market share in athletic footwear as of 2022. The brand experienced a 3.1% growth in footwear revenue in 2022, reaching $13.2 billion, and its net sales from footwear increased by 9.6% to $11.4 billion. Adidas is particularly popular among men, with 73% of its market dedicated to male consumers. The company produced approximately 420 million pairs of shoes in 2022, with a significant presence in North America and Greater China. Adidas's strong resale market, holding 29% of the secondary sneaker market in 2019, further underscores its appeal. For more detailed information about Adidas shoes, visit Adidas Shoes Statistics.

Reebok

Reebok, once the leading athletics brand in the mid-1980s with sales surpassing Nike's, has maintained its reputation for producing high-quality sneakers, particularly for walking. Despite its current market share of just 1.1% in the sports footwear space, Reebok continues to innovate, as seen in its partnership with the American Heart Association to promote heart health through its walking shoe line, donating $1 for every pair sold. Reebok's walking shoes, such as the DMX Comfort +, are designed for comfort and support, aligning with the brand's mission to encourage healthier lifestyles. With a rich history dating back to 1895, Reebok remains a significant player in the sneaker industry, operating in 80 countries and maintaining approximately 400 freestanding stores worldwide. Its commitment to health and innovation keeps Reebok relevant in the competitive sneaker market.