After testing hundreds of walking shoes, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 has officially taken over as my go-to for daily stomp sessions—and it even earned the title of Best Overall Walking Shoe in this year’s Women’s Health Fitness Awards. It builds on everything I loved about the 24, with even softer cushioning under the arch, that same deep heel cup, and a high heel-to-toe drop that checks every box for a plantar fasciitis-friendly shoe. I’ve logged about 40 miles in these so far, pain-free.
What’s new here is the updated nitrogen-infused cushioning, which feels noticeably smoother and a bit more forgiving without losing that stable, grounded feel. With each stride, my midfoot feels supported but not overly plush, and the foam still compresses and subtly molds to my arches for a near-custom fit. My feet feel less inflamed after long walks.
The stability system is still the star. Brooks’ GuideRails technology (firm foam along the inner and outer heel) helps keep my stride aligned and prevents my feet from rolling. Whether you have flat feet or just need extra structure, it makes a difference—especially paired with that deep heel cup, which helps absorb impact if you’re a heel striker like me.
The heel-to-toe drop remains high at 10 mm, shifting more load to your forefoot and taking pressure off your heel. I usually prefer a slightly lower drop (around five to seven millimeters), especially with a history of knee issues, but these have held up without causing any problems. If you do deal with knee or hip pain, you may still want to consider a lower-drop option like the Hoka Bondi 9—but for pure support, this is tough to beat.
Read more: Best Brooks Walking Shoes
CushioningMaximumArch supportHighDrop10 mm
Asics remains our go-to for flat feet and overpronation—and the Gel-Kayano 33 doubles down on that reputation. While it still delivers the stability the line is known for, the newest version feels a bit smoother than previous models, helping guide your foot through each step without feeling like it’s completely locked in. The biggest difference here is in the cushioning: the midsole feels softer and more responsive underfoot while still providing plenty of support. However, the Gel-Kayano retains its signature deep heel cup that helps cradle your foot on impact.
The updated foam setup is surprisingly lightweight while doing a great job absorbing shock. Combined with extra cushioning in the heel, the ride feels smooth and protective. For plantar fasciitis, that combination of firmness and impact protection is key. As someone who walks fast (and logs most of my miles on pavement), it still feels like I’m landing on nothing. It’s not as cushioned as the Bondi 9, but it’s definitely plush—just at moderate levels.
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As someone with cursed feet, I always need to snag shoes that offer wide sizing. My bunions can tolerate the standard wide fit, but the Hoka Bondi 9 is available in extra wide sizing for those who need it.
Despite its maximum cushioning, the midsole feels firm yet responsive, relieving impact while delivering a dose of hefty spring in my step. Out of all the shoes in this guide, the midsole hugs my high arches the most, which feels impeccable when recovering post-run. Compared to the last iteration, these feel less bulky, lighter, and firmer after 30 miles of wear, making them decent at keeping feet secure, especially at the heels. Plus, I find these much easier on the eyes (sorry, not sorry).
While these keep my feet stable, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is better for aligning your walking gait if you have flat feet. The Bondi has high arch support, but it isn’t built with extra frills to help assist with overpronation (ankles rolling inward) and is highly cushioned, which may cause instability.
Interestingly, the heel-to-toe drop is only five millimeters, but I still feel the load is taken off of my arches—most likely given the high cushioning. If your plantar pain is severe, you should opt for a drop of at least 10 millimeters to entirely take the load off your arches. Ultimately, it depends on how you feel and if you have pain in other areas.
Read more: Best Hoka Walking Shoes
CushioningMaximumArch SupportHighHeel-To-Toe Drop5 mm
Foot pain doesn’t have to mean wearing ugly shoes—the New Balance 574 Core has good looks and support to alleviate achy arches. I wear the slick wine color to brunch and bars, and to run errands in style. I’ve worn these for about 20 miles and even had someone compliment me on the street, #fitcheck.
These are specifically designed with a firm wedge of foam in the heel cup on top of plush cushioning to help tame pain in the arch. The slight stiffness and softness make my feet feel locked in and stabilized without sacrificing comfort, which I appreciate as someone who demands pillow-soft landings. They feel squishy, but not to the point where my arch is sinking into the midsole. My feet feel rejuvenated, not burnt out, by the end of a long walking day. The heel-to-toe drop is high at 13 millimeters, like Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25, but the added lift alleviates pressure from my heels. Plus, I feel taller as a 5’2” woman (*sigh*).
There’s one problem, though—they run a half-size small and narrow. Aside from not running true to size, it’s my fault I didn’t order the wide version. My toes feel cramped, which is not ideal for long-distance walking or all-day wear. But, again, I’m sure this problem would be relieved with the proper size, especially since I’ve had success with New Balance shoes in the past.
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The previous iteration of the Clifton was excessively stiff in the midsole, but now, it's the complete opposite. The bounce is impeccable while still maintaining a stable environment for my feet. It still has adequate firmness, but now it's perfectly balanced with plushness that hugs my arches.
It has an eight millimeter heel-to-toe drop to take the load off the
plantar fascia. It previously had a five millimeter heel-to-toe drop, although I can't say I feel a massive difference in that respect. But knowing that's a spec can provide peace of mind if you have severe arch pain.
It shares the same plush EVA foam found in the beloved Bondi 9, although it's much less visually prominent. It also weighs slightly less at 8.8 ounces. These are designed with neutral arches in mind, but coming from someone with high arches, these mold to my feet perfectly. But if you need stability features and are prone to overpronation, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 would be a better option.
Nicolette Accardi is the Fitness Commerce Editor at Women’s Health with a specialty in running content and athleisure. She likes to chase her next best time by testing out shoes and other running gear, and styling her workout clothes as streetwear. She’s also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Nicolette studied journalism and health sociology at Rutgers University. She has written for NJ.com, VICE, Rolling Stone, NBC News Select, and U.S. News & World Report.