If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
Best Sneakers for Treadmill Walking 2026
Believe it or not, treadmill walking is one of the best things you can get up to in the gym: helping maintain your cardiovascular health, assisting with weight loss, boosting bone density, and improving overall mobility.
Unfortunately, most treadmill walkers are wearing the wrong footwear while engaging in this exercise — resorting to cross-training shoes with rigid soles, trail shoes with deep lugs, or even lifestyle sneakers not originally intended for active pursuits.
That’s why our editors are coming in hot with a shortlist of the top shoes for treadmill walking, separating themselves from the sneaker crowd thanks to superior (yet never-too-soft) cushioning; underfoot grip that will spare you from disaster, or at least embarassment; breathability for your sweatiest sessions; and stabilizing mechanisms that can serve as prevention measures for rolled ankles or an improper gait.
From On’s top-rated Cloudswift 4 shoe to Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 25 that will bless every heel striker among us, these are the styles to score before you set foot on a treadmill — or at-home walking pad — next.
best overall
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Shoe
Released last year, Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 25 model is, strictly speaking, a running shoe, but with that nitrogen-infused cushioning, GuideRails technology to keep the feet centered and prevent overpronation or supination, and breathable-slash-stretchy upper, it will also do you good on a treadmill — as you’re racking up miles while staying protected from the elements.
A 10-millimeter midsole drop naturally supports a heel-striking gait, just as the sneaker’s textured outsole ensures stability and grippiness on the walking belt. No matter how challenging the workout ends up being, your feet won’t feel a thing, courtesy of Brooks’ dedication to comfort and wearability.
What reviewers say: “I’m really happy with my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25! I recently wore them all day while walking around NYC, averaging about seven miles, and my feet felt great by the end of the day. That says a lot for me because I’ve always had issues with my feet, including plantar fasciitis.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $155
best walking-running hybrid
On Cloudswift 4 Shoe
A trainer that you can take from the morning jog to the treadmill recovery walk? You’re looking right at it, in the form of the On Cloudswift 4: an everyday pick that transitions between running and walking with ease while prioritizing midfoot lockdown, responsiveness, perforation-based thermoregulation in the upper, and energized take-offs as you’re ramping up the speed on that machine.
Clocking in at less than 300 grams, the lightweight shoe also boasts a no-tie lacing system that will get you out the door faster, an enhanced traction pattern, and a plethora of versatile colorways for all your post-exercise city adventures.
What reviewers say: “Very happy with these shoes. They give me the support I need for lifting weights and look really nice, so I can wear them with my casual outfits. Love them!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $170
most energy return
Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 Shoe
Japanese footwear giant Asics is a no-brainer choice in the universe of treadmill-walking sneakers that deliver a cloud-like sensation as you’re scaling imaginary hills and descending down fake valleys. Sold across women’s and men’s sizes in a wide assortment of on-trend hues, Asics’ Gel-Cumulus 28 shoe is a relatively new launch that’s already managed to win over thousands of gymgoers.
What to expect? An EVA-and-rubber outsole that will remain in tip-top shape even after many months and years of wear; a moisture-managing sockliner; and “one of [the brand’s] most energetic midsole foams” to date, per Asics, creating the kind of energy return that will mimic flying.
Your future workouts deserve an upgrade. Make it the Gel-Cumulus 28.
What reviewers say: “These are the most comfortable shoes I own. I bought them for walking, and I’d recommend them to anyone who has foot pain.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $145
best for wide feet
New Balance 1080v15 Shoe
The New Balance 1080v15 went live on the market this January: priding itself on what the company calls “long-lasting performance,” which essentially means you won’t have to deal with wear and tear or loss of quality over time. The American Podiatric Medical Association–endorsed sneaker’s level of support is neutral, and you can grab the 1080v15 in width options from Narrow to X-Wide (making it the most accommodating shoe on this list as far as fit is concerned).
Built for a “high-mileage routine” — whether you’re a runner, jogger, or “12-3-30” TikTok workout devotee — the foot-contouring and supremely comfy stepper has received a recent aesthetic overhaul worthy of your coolest activewear.
What reviewers say: “I absolutely recommend these shoes as a heavy-set person with wide feet. The 1080s have been the most well-cushioned sneakers I’ve ever owned.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $169.99
most flexible
Altra Escalante 5 Shoe
Altra, an athletic shoe destination founded in 2009, is the industry’s sleeper hit, but its roster of offerings (known for wider-than-average toe boxes and intentionally low or nonexistent heel-to-toe drops) is guaranteed to take your interval walks up many notches.
Your feet can look forward to more freedom of movement with Altra’s Escalante 5 kick, whose aforementioned roominess in the toes and midfoot alike completely does away with pinching, squeezing, or other roadblocks that can stand in the way of your wellness goals. Flexibility, indeed, is the name of the game for this shoe, as its midsole is also equipped with grid-like grooves that adapt to your motions while maintaining control on the moving surface in question.
Another AMPA Seal of Acceptance recipient, the Escalante 5 was made with your full-body well-being in mind, and that zero-millimeter drop — which mimics barefoot standing, reduces strain on the knees, and improves posture — is case in point.
Your treadmill exercises might be low-impact, but the Altra Escalante 5 is nothing if not high-achieving.
What reviewers say: “I’ve been wearing zero-drop shoes for a few years now. I tried on the Escalante recently, and it was the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever put on. I was amazed.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
What to Look for in the Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking
Cushioning: Walking on a treadmill, by nature, isn’t a high-impact activity, since one foot stays on the belt the whole time (as opposed to jumping rope or doing jumping jacks). Despite the workout being more joint-friendly than, say, running on the same treadmill, you’d still be wise to invest in a shoe whose cushioning can absorb its repetitive albeit low-level impact and shock. The key is finding a midsole with moderate firmness that keeps you connected to the machine while being forgiving. Heel striker? Look for a style with more foam-based support in that region, usually reflected in a high stack height.
Outsole durability: Perhaps the most important component in a sneaker for treadmill walking, the outsole can make or break your routine — either doling out enough traction to keep you grounded, literally, or feeling slippery and posing a real safety risk. We recommend one crafted out of a durable rubber compound, with a specialized tread pattern and flex grooves that help the shoe bend in agreement with the foot.
Breathability: Walking outside is one thing, but walking on a treadmill for extended periods of time (especially on an incline) is sure to turn you into a sweaty mess without a breathable outfit involved. In the footwear realm, this translates to a sneaker with perforated mesh uppers that effectively eliminate hot spots, foot sweat, and subsequent chafing. To really go the extra mile, seek out a shoe that flaunts moisture- and odor-banishing tech.
Stability: To control for overpronation or supination when walking and keep the whole body in alignment, a sneaker must have trusty stability, which typically manifests in features like lateral foam bumpers that limit side-to-side movement; firmer midsole materials placed at the inner edge of the foot; and rigid heel cups that anchor the area as you’re chipping away at your weekly step target.
Sign up for WWD Shop‘s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Why Trust Footwear News
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.
Why Trust WWD
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail, and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on the best footwear to shop for specific exercise needs.
