The 6 Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking, According to a Physical Therapist

For treadmill walking, the Nike Pegasus is a great overall choice, according to Garcia.

"The Pegasus offers lots of responsive cushioning throughout the heel," she says. "For walking on a treadmill, they offer the user a good return on energy as they rock through each step." In other words, the rocker design helps make your treadmill workouts feel a little easier.

Garcia also loves these sneakers for their lightweight feel and breathable mesh fabric. They're even built with a foam tongue, which eliminates unwanted pressure or friction on the top of your foot.

Whether you're walking, jogging or running, the Brooks Ghost is a versatile shoe you can wear from the treadmill to the grocery store.

The Ghost is made with Brooks' DNA LOFT technology, which makes the shoe feel plush when your foot first strikes the ground, according to Garcia. This cushion system is a responsive foam, providing softness without compromising durability and stability.

"These are my personal favorites. With medium to high arch support, they are stable and comfortable shoes," Garcia says. "Looking at the shoe, I notice more cushioning through the heel due to the higher heel toe drop. These are good shoes for someone who may strike hard through their heels."

After taking just one look at a Hoka shoe, you can probably guess that it's one of the most cushioned shoes on the market. And with their rocker-style design, the Clifton makes each step feel stronger and more comfortable, Garcia says.

"On a treadmill, especially since you are only walking in one direction without obstacles, these are very comfortable," she says. "One downside is that the arch support is less than some other shoes, so if you tend to have overly flat or overly high arches, this may not be as comfortable in the long term."

Despite their appearance, the materials used to make these shoes are incredibly light. So they won't feel bulky during your walk. The open mesh fabric also lets your feet breathe.

For anyone who prefers a more structured, stable shoe, Garcia recommends the Asics Gel-Kayano. The Kayano is a great choice if your feet tend to roll in while you walk or if you like more ankle support while walking.

While it's a little more stiff than some of the other best walking shoes, the Kayano is still comfortable and well-cushioned. This version is built with flexible forefoot grooves that give you a smooth and natural transition from heel to toe as you take each step.

"It also features an external heel counter, giving your heel more support and a better fit," Garcia says. Like to hop on for a 12-3-30 workout? That heel support is clutch for inclines.

The last thing you want on a long walk is heavy feet. Garcia loves the Kinvara's featherweight design.

"These shoes are super lightweight, making them very comfortable for fast, more brisk walkers," she says.

But you don't need to be a speedster to enjoy the flexible design of Saucony's shoes. Although they're less cushioned than some of the other best treadmill walking shoes, these are perfect for anyone who wants to really feel the treadmill belt under their feet.

New Balance has been a walking shoe fan favorite for ages. And this pair is perfect if you prefer to walk indoors.

"This shoe is super soft, but in a good way," Garcia says. "The upper material in the shoe is breathable, making it a great competitor for treadmill walking shoes."

The outsole of the shoe is made with a blown rubber, which increases durability. Plus, the back of the shoe keeps your heel in place while still feeling roomy.