Whether you’re a brisk walker or prefer a slower pace on the treadmill when doing a workout, not having the best shoes for treadmill walking can really make or break your session.
It’s important to wear shoes that offer the correct amount of shock absorption, support, and stability. A treadmill has a high-impact surface, so you must wear something that’ll prevent injuries and reduce the impact of walking on it.
To help you find the correct pair, we’ve taken a look at some of the best shoe options around. From flat feet to wide fitting, there’s something for everyone!
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider When Choosing Your Shoes
There are various factors to consider when selecting your shoe.
Material type is very important. You’ll want a breathable shoe that’ll keep your feet dry and cool, which is essential if you sweat a lot when working out. Knit, mesh, and synthetic blends remain popular, but mesh is the most common as it’s lightweight and allows air to circulate through the upper.
Additionally, consider the fit and flexibility of a shoe, especially if you like to do incline walks. The fit must be secure enough to hold your foot well, but there should also be enough room in the toe box to prevent rubbing.
Lastly, make sure that the shoe has enough grip and flexibility to support your movements when walking.
What Are the Best Shoes to Wear on a Treadmill?
It’s best to wear a walking or running shoe when on the treadmill. This is because treadmills are high-impact machines, meaning you’ll want a shoe that has good impact absorption and cushioning to protect your joints.
Running shoes are perfectly designed for this, and best of all, there’s something available for every budget.
Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking
- Best Overall Shoes for Treadmill Walking:
- Best Women’s Shoes: ASICS Women’s Gel-Cumulus 25
- Best Men’s Shoes: Brooks Men’s Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe
- Best Walking Shoes: HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 8 Men’s | Women’s
- Best Comfort: Skechers Go Walk Hyper Burst – Moon Walking Shoe
- Best Stability: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Men’s | Women’s
- Best Shoes for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Men’s | Women’s
- Best Shoes for Flat Feet: ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 Men’s | Women’s
- Best Value: ALEADER Energycloud Lightweight Slip-Ons Men’s | Women’s
Best Overall Shoes for Treadmill Walking
1. Saucony Kinvara 14 Sneaker
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One of the best overall shoes for treadmill walking is the Saucony Kinvara 14 sneaker, which is available for men and women. Both options are super lightweight and have a medium amount of cushioning that lets you still feel the treadmill belt underneath.
This latest version of the Kinvara comes with a new rocker shape outsole that allows for an agile and smooth run.
For treadmill walking, Saucony’s specialized EVA PWRRUN foam cushioning helps to absorb the impact of each step. If you decide to pick up the pace, the EVA foam will firm up in response. For a snug fit, the fully breathable mesh upper wraps around the foot nicely.
Pros
- Designed to resist wear and tear damage
- Extremely lightweight
- Cushioned PWRRUN foam midsole and sockliner
- Has a rocker shape for faster and smoother steps
Cons
- Upper material is quite thin
What People Are Saying
A recent customer said that the rocker shape of the Saucony sneakers is “ideal for joggers with a treadmill or an indoor track.”
Another runner who bought the shoes said they’re “great for street, indoor tracks, and treadmills.”
2. New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12 Running Shoe
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Although being on a treadmill is different to the outdoors, it’s still vital to wear a shoe that offers good stability. Wearing a sneaker that feels unstable can cause discomfort and pain, which is why the 860v12 Fresh Foam model is one of the best New Balance shoes to prevent this issue when walking on a treadmill .
New Balance’s Fresh Foam midsole provides energy-rich, soft cushioning. Meanwhile, in the midfoot area, a compound with higher density foam helps to correct any overpronation.
For additional comfort, the shoe’s molded heel counter fits nicely to your foot and also boosts the overall stability level.
Pros
- Fresh Foam X cushioned midsole
- Rubber outsole offers durable grip and good rebound
- Breathable Air Mesh upper
Cons
- Not as lightweight as other shoes featured here
What People Are Saying
One reviewer stated that the shoes are “good for strength training, and so comfortable for walking on the treadmill.”
Another customer found that the cushioning is very “sufficient for running on the treadmill.”
Best Women’s Shoes: ASICS Women’s Gel-Cumulus 25
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The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25 shoes have been designed specifically for women’s feet, with certain features only available in the women’s option.
For example, ASICS uses hexagonal pillar technology, known as SpaceConstruction, in their midsoles. The men’s shoes use this system only in the heel area, but it’s featured in both the heel and forefoot of the women’s shoes to allow for softer landings and to protect the joints from impact absorption. Women have lower bone density than men, and so are more prone to injury.
Excellent ankle support is also provided thanks to the padded ankle collar and heel area, keeping your foot snug in the shoe. The thick outsole is also very durable & will last many miles for walking on the treadmill.
For more women’s running shoes, check out our full article here.
Pros
- Thick and durable outsole
- Lightweight cushioning for impact absorption
- Excellent ankle support
- Flex grooves on outsole for perfect grip
- Breathable mesh upper
Cons
- If you prefer to feel the treadmill underfoot, the cushioning may be too thick for you
What People Are Saying
One seasoned treadmill walker stated that their heels felt “supported by the soft cushioning, and that the shoes are very stable around my ankles.”
Another satisfied reviewer found that the ASICS are “extremely lightweight and comfy.”
Best Men’s Shoes: Brooks Men’s Ghost 15 Neutral Running
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A shoe that offers excellent comfort and performance is the Ghost 15 from Brooks. It remains one of the best men’s shoes for treadmill walking thanks to its special design features.
For example, the outsole uses a mix of two thick rubber types to boost durability: a harder rubber in the heel area and a soft-blown rubber at the forefoot. The soft-blown rubber allows for better grip on the treadmill belt, while the durable, harder rubber is ideal if you’re a heel striker when walking.
The high-energizing cushioning inside the shoe is very cozy and will help to support your feet with each step. The heel, ankle collar, and tongue are also padded well for extra comfort and foothold.
For more great running shoes for men, check out our full article here!
Pros
- Flex grooves in forefoot area for flexibility
- Spacious toe box
- Mesh upper
- Reinforcement in the toe and heel area
- Excellent midsole cushioning
Cons
- Some users find the lace length to be a bit short
What People Are Saying
A recent buyer said that they “run each day on the treadmill and my feet never ever hurt!”
A gym-goer who bought a pair for gym workouts stated that the shoes “are lightweight and fit really great, I use them at the gym for running on the treadmill.”
Best Walking Shoes: HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 8 Shoe
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A good walking shoe should offer great stability, breathability, and cushioning. The Hoka Clifton 8 offers all this thanks to its range of design features which allow you to make the most of your workout.
For full breathability, the upper is made from performance mesh, allowing air to flow freely around the shoe. The lining is also made from a breathable textile to keep feet sweat-free and prevent blisters from forming.
The Hoka’s iconic Meta-Rocker outsole shape helps to add an extra spring to each stride you take, while the removable, padded insole offers plenty of cushioning. The full-length EVA midsole boosts stability and helps to absorb shock as well.
Pros
- Removable cushioned insole
- Shock-absorbent EVA midsole
- Breathable lining and upper
- Durable rubber sole
- Meta-Rocker profile
Cons
- In the higher-price range
What People Are Saying
A recent buyer said, “I regularly walk 10-15k steps a day and found that the shoes are incredibly comfy.”
Another customer stated that the sneakers are “perfect for long treadmill walks and have a comfortable, breathable canvas.”
Best Comfort: Skechers Women’s Go Walk Hyper Burst – Moon Walking
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Skechers are known for their comfortable sneakers, making them an ideal choice of walking shoes, whether out on the streets or on the treadmill.
This model features the brand’s ultra-lightweight Hyper Burst cushioning technology, which is durable and very responsive to your natural foot movement. An Ortholite foam insole adds further comfort and helps with sweat-wicking for breathability.
Although the outsole profile is slightly chunky, it remains perfectly responsive and bouncy when worn. The circular tread pattern of the outsole is designed to also help with energy return and provide good grip on all surfaces. A small counter pull tab lets you slip in and out of the shoes easily.
Pros
- Features the Skecher Hyper Burst cushioning
- Ortholite insole
- Machine washable
- Stretch-fit upper
- Breathable insole and upper
Cons
- No padding in the tongue area
What People Are Saying
One reviewer said that they found the shoes “light weight, super comfortable, and easy to clean.”
Another buyer mentioned that “the shoes are very stable for walking, and I have no pain after being on my feet all day.”
Best Stability: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
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If you have flat feet, you need a shoe that offers great stability without forfeiting cushioning. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 does just that! It’s a good choice to consider if you want stability on the treadmill while reducing your risk of injury.
Although they offer great stability, the shoes don’t have any heaviness to them when worn. Instead, the light mesh upper wraps around your foot securely to provide good hold while remaining fully breathable.
The rubber outsole has great traction, and the whole shoe is shock-absorbing, making it ideal for fast-paced treadmill walking.
Pros
- Secure upper fit
- Excellent support & stability
- Inbuilt GuideRails technology to protect joints
- Balanced cushioning
- Designed for smooth strides
Cons
- May take some time to break in
What People Are Saying
One recent buyer really liked that the shoes “offer amazing stability while being comfortable.”
Another gym-goer stated, “These shoes are made for treadmill running.”
Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
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One of the best shoes for treadmill walking for wide feet is New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 1080. It provides a good, wide fit that gives your feet plenty of room. The toe area especially has ample wiggle room to prevent issues such as bunions and blisters.
The ankle area offers a snug fit to secure the foot in the shoe, and the upper uses a lightweight Hypoknit textile for targeted support. The upper is also fully breathable to prevent moisture pooling.
For comfort, the Fresh Foam X midsole gives you plenty of support underfoot to keep you going forward with a smooth transition.
Pros
- Great for wide feet
- Roomy toe box
- Lightweight Hypoknit upper
- Ankle support
- Cushioned midsole for underfoot support
Cons
- Laces are prone to untying
What People Are Saying
One customer with wide feet and high arches said that “these fit like a glove and took away my chronic foot pain.”
Another buyer simply said, “I appreciate the wide fit for my broader feet.”
Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking for Flat Feet: ASICS Gel-Kayano 28
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The Gel-Kayano 28 Tokyo from ASICS are the best shoes for treadmill walking for flat feet. If you find that you pronate for longer than normal when walking, this shoe provides midfoot support and steadiness.
To boost the midsole support, ASICS have increased the thickness by 3mm to give a little bit more protection. There’s also gender-specific SpaceConstruction cushioning technology applied to the shoe to stabilize gait differences between female and male walkers.
The midsole uses the highest level of cushioning to support flat arches, and the gel technology in the rear foot area helps to prevent muscle soreness after long workouts.
And if you’re looking for more shoe options for flat feet, our full article is here!
Pros
- Excellent support for flat feet
- Multi-directional mesh upper
- Great midsole thickness
- Maximum level of cushioning
- Responsive Gel technology in the rear foot
Cons
- Not ideal for people who need a lot of arch support
What People Are Saying
A regular treadmill walker found that the shoes “are like walking on clouds.”
One customer with flat feet said “if you also have flat arches, I would definitely recommend these ASICS.”
Best Value: ALEADER Energycloud Lightweight Slip On
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The footwear range from ALEADER is great if you have a limited budget, but need a reliable walking shoe. Available for both men and women, the shoe comes with the brand’s Energycloud outsole and midsole to bolster each step you take.
The midsole is highly cushioned to provide great step-in comfort. An additional cushioned insole reduces pressure on your feet, and is designed to prevent odors.
The shoes can be worn with or without socks too, so if you prefer to go for a treadmill stroll without socks, these could be a good option for you.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- EnergyCloud midsole and outsole for cushioning and bounce
- Extremely lightweight
- Fully vegan footwear range
- Breathable and odor-resistant insole
Cons
- Not ideal for people who need a lot of arch support
What People Are Saying
One customer said, “I walk on the treadmill a lot, this is a very comfortable shoe.”
Another satisfied customer said, “I needed a pair of treadmill shoes that were supportive and comfortable, glad I bought the right pair!”
What To Know About Shoes for Treadmill Walking
How can using a treadmill affect your shoes?
Unlike running outdoors, using a treadmill is definitely gentler on your shoes. Because the treadmill surface is less coarse, your shoe’s outsole and tread pattern will last longer. The surface is also smoother, so you can choose a shoe with a flatter outsole.
However, because a treadmill requires more repetitive steps in certain areas, any wear damage to your shoe will be focussed on particular areas.
Can walking shoes be worn on a treadmill?
Yes, you can wear walking shoes on a treadmill, but make sure you choose a model that offers sufficient cushioning and support to reduce stress to your joints.
The question can you wear gym shoes for running on a treadmill also often comes up too. You can also wear gym shoes, but it’s ideal for only short treadmill rather than longer runs as they don’t have the same energy return abilities as running shoes.
Is it better to walk on a treadmill barefoot or with shoes?
It’s always better to wear shoes rather than go barefoot on a treadmill in order to prevent accidents and joint injuries. So if you’re asking yourself, “Do I absolutely have to wear shoes while using a treadmill?” The answer is yes!
Barefoot running can cause a number of health issues including foot pain and joint injuries, so look after yourself and wear shoes.
Do treadmill shoes provide the correct amount of arch support?
Most treadmill shoes will offer decent arch support, but to make sure you buy the correct pair, you need to consider your arch. There are three arch types: high, normal and low (also known as flat arch).
If you have a normal arch, many treadmill shoes will work for you if they offer general stability and arch support. If you have a low or high arch, you’ll need to find shoes that have the correct amount of support designed for your arch shape.
How long will my shoes last on a treadmill?
On average, a pair of running shoes used on a treadmill should last between 300 and 500 miles before needing to be replaced. Of course, some factors such as your weight or running style can affect this factor slightly. Keep an eye out though for physical signs of damage for when your shoes need replacing.
Conclusion
When deciding which are the best shoes to buy for treadmill walking, consider what would suit your walking style before making a purchase. You don’t want to buy the wrong model, especially if you have a condition such as flat feet or high arches.
That’s why we recommend checking out our list before making that decision. Every shoe listed here highlights the best features of each model and how it can benefit your walking style. Remember to find the right option for your needs, try it on, and get ready to push your workout further!
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