If your sneakers have seen better days or you need a pair of walking sandals that won’t hurt your feet this summer, Memorial Day is a great time to do some shopping. The holiday weekend, though famous for being a great time to buy things like clothing our big-ticket appliance purchases, is secretly our editors’ favorite times to shop for deals on top-tested sneakers. Need a guide to all the best shoe sales happening now? We’ve got you covered with 10 styles tested by our pros.
These walking shoes have all been vetted by the analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, who test all sorts of sneakers, sandals, and boots for quality and support. Below, you’ll find the absolute best deals on brands like Brooks, New Balance, Birkenstock, and Teva—all of which have received high marks from our team of experts, editors, and testers who’ve logged some serious miles in them.
No matter if your walking takes you on a trail hike, around the neighborhood, or to the boardwalk, we’ve got the right style for you, up to 35% off.
Walking sneakers on sale
Brooks just released the Ghost 18 earlier this month, so now is a great time to get the Ghost 17 on sale. This earlier model is a great all-around sneaker for walking, running, and everyday activities, thanks to the ample midsole cushioning and bouncy foam construction.
This versatile shoe is good for walking and fitness classes because they have a soft midsole and good traction on the outsoles to keep you from slipping. The brand claims to tailor its shape for women’s feet. One tester said the shoes made her feel like she was “walking on clouds.”
For people looking for something that’s comfortable for walking all day, without sacrificing style, the Puma Speedcat is a trendy pick. They can be worn with sneakers or skirts, though they do run a bit on the narrow side, so they aren’t ideal for people with a wider foot.
If you need a shoe with a bit more structure, I personally like the Adrenaline GTS 24. It has enhanced arch support to help alleviate pressure and correct your stride if you tend to over-pronate. Our pros named it the most supportive walking shoe for its structured midsole, soft cushioning, and breathable upper.
These lightweight sneakers are great for summer, and they can be worn for walks or workouts. They have a mesh front, which allows a lot of movement. What’s more, the slip-on design makes these easy to get on and off.
Walking sandals on sale
This shoe is a classic for a reason, as it has a molded footbed for support and adjustable straps to keep your feet secure. “They are very versatile for vacation and felt supportive for a sandal,” one of our testers shared.
The Birkenstock Arizona has legions of fans who love the leather straps and the multiple colors available. The cork footbed is famous for molding to your foot shape over time, and the adjustable straps allow extra room for bunions.
This thong-style sandal looks great with a maxi dress or shorts, and the soft material of the straps doesn’t dig into your feet like some sandals. “I was immediately impressed with the comfy cushioning that supported my joints like my favorite exercise mat,” says Emma Seymour, Associate Director at the GH Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab.
These easy summer slides have a platform made from cork that gives you height, while not skimping on comfort. They aren’t adjustable, and they have a bit less ankle support than others on our list, but these effortless slides are great for travel.
What should I look for in a good walking shoe?
Support and cushioning come first, says Matthew Neuhaus, D.P.M., a podiatrist and surgeon at Neuhaus Foot and Ankle in Tennessee. “Support controls mechanics and helps prevent abnormal motion in the foot, cushioning absorbs impact and controls comfort but won’t fix bad movement,” he explains. “You need both to have a great walking shoe.” He adds that too little of either can lead to injury and joint pain.
Also, if you’ve had your shoes a while, you might want to consider replacing them. “A quick tip is to limit the mileage on your shoes to 300–500 miles, depending on the shoe,” says Neuhaus. “Shoes really are not meant to last longer than that. Don’t keep your shoes longer than a year if you do a lot of walking.”
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute extensively test women's sneakers in the Textiles Lab, and they work with consumer testers who log hundreds of hours in different styles. We also ask podiatrists for their opinions and consider them when reviewing the shoes.
Angel Madison is a Commerce Editor at Good Housekeeping who has tried sneakers and footwear for the last several years. She’s an avid walker who often goes on trail hikes and logs up to 5 miles a day around New York City.
