Hi there, guy looking for the best men’s walking shoes under $100. Great to see you.
Let’s keep things casual today, shall we? Easy-breezy. Why? Because you’re reading this. And if you’re reading this, it means you’re not fussy. It means you’re confident. It means you put comfort first, style second, and pride third.
It’s true. Affordable walking shoes under $100 aren’t always the most head-turning, stylish kicks out there—but dammit, we’re going to do our best.
This list of budget-friendly walking shoes is, first and foremost, comfortable. Their materials are durable, and their construction is respectable, but you likely won’t be wearing them a decade from now (you don’t count yard-work shoes).
That said, they more than make for any of that with their cloudlike comfort thanks to generous, chunky soles and lightweight uppers.
You’re here for easy-on-the-wallet cozy. You’re gonna get easy-on-the-wallet cozy.
Key Takeaways
To find the best men’s walking shoes under $100, I began by researching dozens of pairs and their materials, weight, targeted support considerations, customer reviews, and photos.
The resulting six are the best of the best based on factors that include but aren’t limited to comfort, style, price, and materials used. Edging out the competition is my top overall pick of the Brooks Ghost 14. In a very specific color. But… still. Coming in a close second is Reebok’s Walk Ultra 7 DMX.
Why it’s great: Hi. Longtime Brooks-Ghost-wearer here. Pleasantries: check. Moving on: happening. A true testament to the Ghost’s comfort, durability, and breathability, it’s the only pair of shoes that I’ve repeatedly come back to after cheating on them with other brands.
But now, the experimentation phase is long past me. I’ve found my walking, running, leisuring sole mate (pun and spelling maybe-definitely intended).
The Ghost 14—and many of its predecessors—are integrated with strategically placed shock absorbers, outstanding arch support, lightweight, breathable uppers, and durable, springy soles.
And if you keep your eyes peeled and aren’t picky about the colors, you can catch them for under $100 more often than not.
Who is this for? The Brooks Ghost 14 is ideal for active guys who need plenty of comfort, cushioning, and arch support but aren’t necessarily fans of the super-chunky soles you’ll find on Hokas or similar pairs.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The more popular Ghost colors and styles are typically priced over the $100 mark. That said, you can easily find a pair in the double digits if you’re not picky about color.
Upper Material: Synthetic | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–15W | Colors Available: 25
Why it’s great: Behold one of the finest specimens of father footwear in existence. A foot sheath that somehow manages to combine comfort, durability, and a budget-friendly price tag with the sexy indifference of a chunky pair of dad shoes.
The Reebok Walk Ultra 7 DMX Max features memory foam to keep things cozy, and Reebok’s DMX cushioning is designed to increase heel-to-toe airflow with each step.
Who is this for? A true walking shoe that looks like a true walking shoe, this pair is best for the guy who puts comfort above all else. These are among the best men’s walking shoes under $100.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: See those shoes up there? Those are some pretty specific shoes. Don’t get me wrong, you could easily pull them off with a streetwear-adjacent look or by going full dad-jeans-paired-with-a-tucked-in-T-shirt.
However, it behooves you to be comfortable with those styles before going with these gems.
Upper Material: Leather/Synthetic | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 6.5–15 | Colors Available: 12
Why it’s great: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: luxury isn’t always about a price tag. Sometimes, like in the case of Allbirds’ Tree Runners, it’s all about cloud-like comfort. The uppers are made with a eucalyptus-tree-fiber knit that’s both breathable and lightweight.
The cushy midsole incorporates Brazilian sugarcane. The springy insoles are made from castor bean oil to help absorb moisture during those long walks. I could go on about these handsome, eco-friendly, machine-washable shoes, but you get it.
Who is this for? These are among the best men’s walking shoes under $100. Thanks to how lightweight and sturdy they are (not to mention machine-washable), Allbirds are great shoes to travel with. They also make sense if you’re a style- and environmentally conscious person who prioritizes both style and comfort.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: A few reviewers have complained that Allbirds isn’t a good choice for people with wide feet since it provides a limited range of size options.
Material: Polyester | Sole Material: SweetFoam midsole | Sizes Available: 7–14 | Colors Available: 8
Why it’s great: No rundown of the best walking shoes under $100 would be complete, of course, without mention of the venerable New Balance 608 V5. She’s a beauty. What with her signature chunky soles, sturdy leather uppers, targeted support in all the right places, and impeccable dad vibes.
Whether you’re walking the dog, putting on a yardwork clinic, or just sort of standing there looking around with your hands on your hips and your chest puffed out for absolutely no reason, these iconic specimens will serve you well.
Who is this for? Anyone who needs a bunch of stability, arch support, and 5-star recommendations from nearly 60,000 Amazon reviewers.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The New Balance 608 V5s are iconic for a reason. Lots of reasons, actually. But yes, they do have a reputation. If you’re bothered by the countless suburban-dad memes out there, skip this pair. If not, proceed with great abandon.
Material: Leather | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 6.5–18XXWide | Colors Available: 11
Why it’s great: There’s no denying the lightweight, springy, breathable, tough-as-nails construction of Sketchers’ Go Walk Evolution Ultra-Impeccable Sneaker. There’s also no denying that whoever named it should probably go back to naming-things school.
Nomenclature aside, though, Sketchers has made every effort here to produce the ideal walking-shoe experience for its intrepid wearers.
Who is this for? The Go Walk’s slip-on design is a helpful feature for older men or those with limited mobility.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These aren’t dress shoes. Not even casual ones. These aren’t versatile shoes that you can wear everywhere. So what are they? Everyday walking shoes. Nothing more and nothing less. Hope you’re good with that.
Upper Material: Synthetic | Sole Material: Synthetic | Sizes Available: 7–16 | Colors Available: 22
Why it’s great: As a man with obnoxiously high arches, I may be a bit jaded when it comes to this category—but that’s a good thing for you, especially if you too have high arches. Because the countless trial-and-error woes I’ve experienced may be able to save you time in terms of what works and what doesn’t.
I’ve historically shelled out for expensive niche insoles that did the trick but left me feeling like I’d overpaid. The Arch Fit Oxford features a removable insole designed to cradle and support your feet. These are among the best men’s walking shoes under $100.
Who is this for? Do you have high arches? Do you enjoy not overpaying for things? If so (which… so), this is for you.
Flaws but not deal breakers: Sketchers’ Arch Fit Oxford isn’t as stylish as some other shoes on my list—Allbirds’ Tree Runners, for example—but it does the job and does it on a budget.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Polyester | Sizes Available: 5.5–14.5XWide | Colors Available: 3
Buying Considerations For The Best Men’s Walking Shoes Under $100
Comfort
The best walking shoes under $100 should be—you guessed it—comfortable. But as simple as the concept may be, no two feet are created equal. Some are flat. Some need extra arch support. You get it.
Before picking up a pair, try on several to make sure they conform to the contours of your feet and have the weight and feel you’re looking for. Prioritize lightweight, durable shoes that are wide enough for your feet and offer cushioning in all the right places.
Materials
The right budget-friendly walking-shoe materials for you depend on your lifestyle and what you plan on doing in them. Since you’re on a budget (at least when it comes to your walking shoes), leather uppers, Vibram soles, and other costlier materials may not be accessible.
Even so, you still have plenty of options in terms of soft, cushy soles and lightweight, breathable uppers.
Style
Sure, you’re typically working with some chunky soles and uninspired athleisure vibes when it comes to inexpensive walking shoes. Now more than ever, though, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to cozy, stylish sneakers that won’t break the bank.
Consider your lifestyle and style-style before choosing a pair. Don’t stress, though—it’s the golden age of dad shoes.
How We Chose
As a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, I compare, test, and research the products that make a gentleman a gentleman. If it can be worn, carried, or used in a way that elevates your look and feel, I’m into it.
For this review, I pored over trusted sources, customer reviews, materials, construction specifications, and my own experience to understand what makes the best men’s walking shoes under $100. After researching and comparing dozens of pairs, the resulting six are what I’m calling the best of the best.
Some of my key considerations include:
Comfort: Obvious, right? But not all of the best men’s walking shoes under $100 are created equal. If you’re on your feet all day, for instance, you’ll need a cushy, chunky sole. If you’re a heavier guy, you’ll need support, stability, and more support.
For the purposes of this list, I made every effort to prioritize versatile shoes with universal functionality second only to overall comfort.
Customer Reviews: I pored over multiple product reviews in search of both positive and negative throughlines to help inform my picks for the best men’s walking shoes under $100.
Price: Yes, you need your shoes to be comfortable, but you also need the expense to be commensurate with your current financial situation. We’re all spoiled for choice, so there’s no need to overpay for anything.
Some of the shoes on this list creep closer to the $100 mark. Others are on the cheaper end of the spectrum. I kept these considerations top of mind while compiling my top picks for affordable walking shoes under $100.
Why Trust Us?
With decades of trial and error under his belt, FashionBeans writer Kelly has relied heavily on his own experience to find the best men’s walking shoes under $100.
He’s also written prolifically on the topic, covering the most comfortable men’s walking shoes (regardless of price), the best dad shoes, cowboy boot brands, comfortable dress shoes, and Allbirds and Doc Marten alternatives, to name a few.
To substantiate that experience, he researched dozens of shoes, poring over materials, construction, customer reviews, and his own closet to pick the best of the best. For anything shoes, Kelly is the man to trust.
Final Verdict
Derbys. Boots. Dress shoes. There’s a time and place for all of them. But now is not that time, and here is not that place.
Now is the time to unearth the best men’s walking shoes under $100 based on the quality of materials used, how lightweight they are, and where and how targeted support is offered, to name a few characteristics. My top overall pick based on those factors and more is the Ghost 14 from Brooks.
FAQ
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If the overall best and most comfortable pair of shoes for walking is an apple, the best walking shoes under $100 is an orange. The quality, construction, and materials just aren’t on the same level. But since we’re focusing strictly on the latter, it doesn’t get much more durable and comfortable than the Brooks Ghost 14.
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You can use any shoes for walking, including sneakers, as long as they provide the comfort and support you need. Using walking shoes for running, however, is typically not recommended. Nor is using walking shoes as dress shoes, but here’s hoping that’s implied.
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