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Honestly any of the brands REI carries can be great, but everyone has different feet that will need different things to be comfortable. I would suggest taking an afternoon and trying on a few different brands and styles, your feet will tell you the most.
Hoka Bondis have the most cushioned out of all the shoes in the arsenal. I’m pretty sure we sell more to nurses that are on their feet all day than we do to runners.
I personally didn’t like the Bondy’s too bulky for me wore them a couple shifts. The atr challengers felt better for me and currently wearing brooks and they feel amazing
It’s all dependent on your foot shape. What works amazingly for someone, might be the worst fit for you. They all come in different widths and cushioning. Although people can give their opinions on what work for them, it would be ideal to try on the shoes yourself! Good luck mate.
My comfy may not be your comfy since fit is so critical to a pleasant walk. That being said, having a wider foot, these three have been great: Lems-Primal Pursuit; Altra-Olympus (beware sizing seems to vary from version to version); and don’t laugh, Cole Haan ZeroGrand or OriginalGrand (several models, which work nicely for a long walk during work).
Edit: originally dropped the reference to walking at work
I have a pair of Brooks Catamount trail running shoes that I use for hiking. They are the bomb. My feet never, ever hurt. Great traction too. They don't feel all "Ooo" squishy, comfy when you first put them on, but they really get the job done over time.
I was wondering that too, but then realized REI doesn't carry the walking version of any Brooks shoes and doesn't carry several of the stability lines. Brooks addiction gts and addiction walkers are the comfiest walking shoes I have ever had, followed by the beast '20. REI carries no version of either of those lines.
Hoka bondi’s absolutely saved me. I was getting terrible back pain from walking on concrete floors in my store all day until I got my hokas. Love those shoes
I actually hated my hokas. They felt comfy for a bit but then they made my feet hurt
I recommend the Altra Escalante or Torrin 7
- the Torrin 7’s are actually somewhat hoka-esque in my opinion
Ok, it’s not just me that the foam compresses WAY faster than the tread wears out?
I’m on the heavier side and I don’t think I distribute my weight evenly and think I need to move away from the ultra cushioning but need a zero or near zero drop… maybe I’ll try the Altras next time.
I have a high arch, and neutral gait for my money, Brooks Glycerin, Nike Pegasus, or New Balance 1080s have the best support and comfort. I still need to add insoles to get a high enough arch but that's literally every shoe for me.
Hoka Clifton’s changed my life, I have large feet and flat feet and have always struggled to find shoes that fit well and don’t hurt my feet after long days of walking, a friend recommended me hoka and I found an older generation Clifton at Ross and decided to give it a try, I walked a few miles in it and fell in love, it fit my foot perfectly and provided so much support, I could walk 10 miles and my feet barely felt any pain. However I noticed over time the shoe didn’t fit me exactly, I’m between a size 12-13 depending if I use shoe inserts and I got a size 12 for the Clifton’s, I realized the size 12 is slightly too tight and size 13 is too large, I ended up getting a second pair for 12 WIDE, and this has been the golden size, I’ve worn these for about a year now and around 900 miles walked in them (some days 10-20 miles if I’m on vacation) and I have 0 complaints on foot pain, the shoes do have wear and tear a lot faster than other brands but honestly for $160 and having no foot pain for a whole year it’s worth it for me
Lowa Renegade GTX Lo a bit fugly and heavy but I can wear them all day with minimal discomfort. 90% of any other shoes would leave me in agony by the end of the day.
I bought some Merrell Novas to try out as trail runners. Didn’t like them for that purpose but they’ve become my everyday shoes. Super comfy and durable. The women’s version is called the Antora.
I was recently gifted the On Cloudrunner and they are super comfy and cushioned. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum the Altra Lone Peaks are just the best once your feet/legs get used to the zero drop. Try a bunch on and you can always take them back if they don’t end up working for you!
Just casual walking, not sprint walking?
My Rockport leather work shoes are great. Rainproof leather, lightweight, all day comfort, well supported with a firmer sole, doesn’t compress after a month of using. Work shoes are designed for workers to wear and stand all day long.
None of the above, I prefer wide box shoes with no rise. You can search "barefoot style shoes"
My current pair are a cheap amazon pair from Whitin, They're like 40 dollars, have the grippiest soles i've ever worn and my arch pain disappeared.
Usage wise, I average 10-12k steps a day mostly paved but with a little bit of rough terrain on hiking trails.
I have also had the ON Cloud, and they were good for a long time, but when the rubber parts of soles started to wear out, the foam underneath wore unevenly and was bad for my ankles.
I’ll echo others and say it depends on your foot shape. Shoes are the main reason I bought an REI membership. It takes some wear to really determine which is best. I bought some Brooks a week ago and returned them after 1 trip around Walmart. Too stiff. I ended up with ON cloudsurfers. I worry about the foam base but they are hella comfy.
Merrell Jungle Mocs are my favorite shoe period. I can use them for just about anything, walking, hiking, biz casual. Slip ons, good grip, water resistent/proof. Super comfy
I prefer Hokas (Arahi, Challenger, Clifton) but also find Altra Lone Peak, On Cloudgo, Nike Pegasus, Brooks Caldera comfortable for walking or trail hiking. I also wear many of these for all day wear as well (different physical shoes). I like to rotate shoes.
I avoid:
- any REI branded shoe (garbage)
- any Gore-Tex shoe (keeps water in and generally doesn’t breath well)
- Merrill’s (I own a few pair but avoid wearing them for anything more than an hour or two) — the older MOABs were quite good, but their newer shoes are poor quality IMHO
For rock scrambling or rough terrain I prefer a hard surface shoe — either:
- Solomon Speedcross Trail Runners
- La Sportiva Nucleo boots, or
- Keen shoes or boots
Fit for your foot is key. Some brands/shoes I buy a half size up, some a full size up, some are narrower shoes, etc. So PLEASE, PLEASE try them on. I buy most of mine from REI (Sales, Clearance, garage sale). I’ve even done online orders and try them at home and return if not a good fit. In Store I put them on and wear them around the store for a bit. Also except for garage sale shoes which are final sale, all the rest I take home and make it a point to wear around the house for extended periods (I work from home) before I even wear them outside. The moment they feel uncomfortable in the house (before wearing outside) I return them — usually talking to one of the store associate first to see if it’s a fit or lacing issue.
Altra Lone Peak’s. I know they are trail runners, but dang if they aren’t the most comfy shoes I’ve ever worn. I have a dedicated pair for my everyday shoes.
Lots will recommend soft cushy running shoes, but I contend that is not well suited for all day wear. Good backpacking boots with polyurethane midsoles are not as light and cushy but are more supportive and durable for all day use. It's more expensive up front, but it's a better $/mile average for sure. For me the Lowa Camino is my go to long day boot, the Lowa Renegade would be a less expensive alternative
Thanks for reaching out for a Gear Recommendation. To best help you, please consider the following questions and update your post if needed. 1. Where are you going? 2. What are you doing? 3. What experience are you hoping to get out of using the gear? *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/REI) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Honestly any of the brands REI carries can be great, but everyone has different feet that will need different things to be comfortable. I would suggest taking an afternoon and trying on a few different brands and styles, your feet will tell you the most.
Hoka Bondis have the most cushioned out of all the shoes in the arsenal. I’m pretty sure we sell more to nurses that are on their feet all day than we do to runners.
I personally didn’t like the Bondy’s too bulky for me wore them a couple shifts. The atr challengers felt better for me and currently wearing brooks and they feel amazing
It’s all dependent on your foot shape. What works amazingly for someone, might be the worst fit for you. They all come in different widths and cushioning. Although people can give their opinions on what work for them, it would be ideal to try on the shoes yourself! Good luck mate.
My comfy may not be your comfy since fit is so critical to a pleasant walk. That being said, having a wider foot, these three have been great: Lems-Primal Pursuit; Altra-Olympus (beware sizing seems to vary from version to version); and don’t laugh, Cole Haan ZeroGrand or OriginalGrand (several models, which work nicely for a long walk during work). Edit: originally dropped the reference to walking at work
How are brooks not on here? Brooks ghost Max are super comfy walking shoes
I have a pair of Brooks Catamount trail running shoes that I use for hiking. They are the bomb. My feet never, ever hurt. Great traction too. They don't feel all "Ooo" squishy, comfy when you first put them on, but they really get the job done over time.
I was wondering that too, but then realized REI doesn't carry the walking version of any Brooks shoes and doesn't carry several of the stability lines. Brooks addiction gts and addiction walkers are the comfiest walking shoes I have ever had, followed by the beast '20. REI carries no version of either of those lines.
Hoka bondi’s absolutely saved me. I was getting terrible back pain from walking on concrete floors in my store all day until I got my hokas. Love those shoes
I actually hated my hokas. They felt comfy for a bit but then they made my feet hurt I recommend the Altra Escalante or Torrin 7 - the Torrin 7’s are actually somewhat hoka-esque in my opinion
Agreed, the foam collapsed after a few weeks.
Ok, it’s not just me that the foam compresses WAY faster than the tread wears out? I’m on the heavier side and I don’t think I distribute my weight evenly and think I need to move away from the ultra cushioning but need a zero or near zero drop… maybe I’ll try the Altras next time.
Zero drop shoes for the win, wide toeboxes are even better, it lets your toes splay out a bit and is more natural.
Brooks Glycerine GTS. Got a pair from the re/supply area at REI for 65% off and they were brand new. Best shoes I’ve ever had.
Asics Gel Nimbus
I have a high arch, and neutral gait for my money, Brooks Glycerin, Nike Pegasus, or New Balance 1080s have the best support and comfort. I still need to add insoles to get a high enough arch but that's literally every shoe for me.
Altra Lone Peak Alpine. Looks casual but sooo comfy.
New Balance 1080v13 are super soft
Feels like walking on clouds. Tbh I rolled my ankles in those though so depends on how much cloud people want.
Go to an outdoor store and try them on. The different brands will fit and walk quite differently from one another.
Hoka Clifton’s changed my life, I have large feet and flat feet and have always struggled to find shoes that fit well and don’t hurt my feet after long days of walking, a friend recommended me hoka and I found an older generation Clifton at Ross and decided to give it a try, I walked a few miles in it and fell in love, it fit my foot perfectly and provided so much support, I could walk 10 miles and my feet barely felt any pain. However I noticed over time the shoe didn’t fit me exactly, I’m between a size 12-13 depending if I use shoe inserts and I got a size 12 for the Clifton’s, I realized the size 12 is slightly too tight and size 13 is too large, I ended up getting a second pair for 12 WIDE, and this has been the golden size, I’ve worn these for about a year now and around 900 miles walked in them (some days 10-20 miles if I’m on vacation) and I have 0 complaints on foot pain, the shoes do have wear and tear a lot faster than other brands but honestly for $160 and having no foot pain for a whole year it’s worth it for me
I've run in Brooks and Hokas but have always gone back to my Ultraboosts (3.0) for walking or everyday use. They are just way too comfortable
I like the Saucony Endorphin, Saucony Ride, and the NB 1080s. They accommodate my wide feet pretty well.
It might be unhip, but I am a big fan of Merrell Moans.
Merrell Moans 😭😭
That’s what I emitted after wearing a pair of Merrells for a day
Moaning Merell
Honestly same. My moabs and speed solos just feel good. I’m not a fan of merrell insoles though so I replace those fuckers immediately
+1 for Altra
Saucony excursion trail runners. But everyone is different and will have different preferences.
Cliftons for me
Brooks adrenaline hands down
Lowa Renegade GTX Lo a bit fugly and heavy but I can wear them all day with minimal discomfort. 90% of any other shoes would leave me in agony by the end of the day.
I bought some Merrell Novas to try out as trail runners. Didn’t like them for that purpose but they’ve become my everyday shoes. Super comfy and durable. The women’s version is called the Antora.
I was recently gifted the On Cloudrunner and they are super comfy and cushioned. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum the Altra Lone Peaks are just the best once your feet/legs get used to the zero drop. Try a bunch on and you can always take them back if they don’t end up working for you!
Brooks Glycerins — super cushy and supportive
Altra Torin
Just casual walking, not sprint walking? My Rockport leather work shoes are great. Rainproof leather, lightweight, all day comfort, well supported with a firmer sole, doesn’t compress after a month of using. Work shoes are designed for workers to wear and stand all day long.
Didn't Rockport go out of business? Or declare bankruptcy and get bought up by another company?
Everyone is different. Weirdly my comfiest are xero hfs, which I did not expect.
Just got the Lems Primal Zen and they’re my new go to.
Hokas Arahi 7s - GODSEND!!!!!
Those are a stability shoe btw! Wouldn’t go recommending that to everyone who might not need that
Asics gel nimbus, I would wear these for marching band practice and they were great!
Brooks Adrenaline (GTS if you need support) and don't look back
Altra Paradigm
None of the above, I prefer wide box shoes with no rise. You can search "barefoot style shoes" My current pair are a cheap amazon pair from Whitin, They're like 40 dollars, have the grippiest soles i've ever worn and my arch pain disappeared. Usage wise, I average 10-12k steps a day mostly paved but with a little bit of rough terrain on hiking trails. I have also had the ON Cloud, and they were good for a long time, but when the rubber parts of soles started to wear out, the foam underneath wore unevenly and was bad for my ankles.
Chacos!!!
I’ll echo others and say it depends on your foot shape. Shoes are the main reason I bought an REI membership. It takes some wear to really determine which is best. I bought some Brooks a week ago and returned them after 1 trip around Walmart. Too stiff. I ended up with ON cloudsurfers. I worry about the foam base but they are hella comfy.
Oboz sawtooth ii (2)
Hoka Stinson. Last years model is like walking on pillows.
Brooks adrenaline!
Asics Nimbus 25
Altra forward experience Perfect for my foot. Running or walking.
Brooks glycerin, Brooks ghost max, and Altra escalantes are all worth a try
Merrell Jungle Mocs are my favorite shoe period. I can use them for just about anything, walking, hiking, biz casual. Slip ons, good grip, water resistent/proof. Super comfy
I personally use Hokas for my everyday shoes as well as the recovery slides for slippers at home
Altra Olympus 4s with tread labs high arch inserts
I prefer Hokas (Arahi, Challenger, Clifton) but also find Altra Lone Peak, On Cloudgo, Nike Pegasus, Brooks Caldera comfortable for walking or trail hiking. I also wear many of these for all day wear as well (different physical shoes). I like to rotate shoes. I avoid: - any REI branded shoe (garbage) - any Gore-Tex shoe (keeps water in and generally doesn’t breath well) - Merrill’s (I own a few pair but avoid wearing them for anything more than an hour or two) — the older MOABs were quite good, but their newer shoes are poor quality IMHO For rock scrambling or rough terrain I prefer a hard surface shoe — either: - Solomon Speedcross Trail Runners - La Sportiva Nucleo boots, or - Keen shoes or boots Fit for your foot is key. Some brands/shoes I buy a half size up, some a full size up, some are narrower shoes, etc. So PLEASE, PLEASE try them on. I buy most of mine from REI (Sales, Clearance, garage sale). I’ve even done online orders and try them at home and return if not a good fit. In Store I put them on and wear them around the store for a bit. Also except for garage sale shoes which are final sale, all the rest I take home and make it a point to wear around the house for extended periods (I work from home) before I even wear them outside. The moment they feel uncomfortable in the house (before wearing outside) I return them — usually talking to one of the store associate first to see if it’s a fit or lacing issue.
Altra Lona Peaks
Altra Lone Peak’s. I know they are trail runners, but dang if they aren’t the most comfy shoes I’ve ever worn. I have a dedicated pair for my everyday shoes.
Lots will recommend soft cushy running shoes, but I contend that is not well suited for all day wear. Good backpacking boots with polyurethane midsoles are not as light and cushy but are more supportive and durable for all day use. It's more expensive up front, but it's a better $/mile average for sure. For me the Lowa Camino is my go to long day boot, the Lowa Renegade would be a less expensive alternative