Ever find yourself wondering why some walking shoes feel like you’ve got clouds strapped to your feet, while others barely survive a trip to the grocery store? Believe me, I’ve been there—struggling through long walks and errands with sore arches and tired feet, thinking there’s gotta be a better way. That’s exactly why I dove deep into the latest Brooks walking shoes that are turning heads and winning sneaker awards for their mix of plush comfort, sleek design, and surprisingly stable cushioning. Whether you’re clocking miles in the city or hiking trails, these picks promise to keep your feet happy (and stylish) without that dreaded ‘wobbly’ feeling. Ready to step up your shoe game and say goodbye to foot fatigue once and for all? Let’s explore the best choices for your next stride. LEARN MORE
If plush comfort is your priority, the Brooks Ghost 17 delivers. With its upgraded nitrogen-fused cushioning, this WH sneaker award winner packs in even more padding than the Ghost 16 for more comfort. Impressively, the higher stack height at the heel doesn’t feel too squishy or wobbly. I’ve worn these for long walks with my pup, all-day errands, a Costco shopping spree (IYKYK), and a full day on my feet at a music festival—and my arches stayed happy through it all. The soft midsole offers that just-right level of give that absorbs impact without feeling too soft or marshmallowy. It’s the kind of shoe you forget you’re wearing (in the best way possible).
Read More: 2025 Women’s Health Sneaker Awards
If you’re after a walking shoe that’s super grippy, the Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 22 is it. I’ve tested these on slick city sidewalks to gravel park paths to winding trails in a nature reserve. The outsole’s traction has a complex, winding tread pattern that kept me from slipping on every surface. But traction isn’t the only win here. The StealthFit’s knit upper gives this shoe a super sleek, sock-like feel that hugs your foot without squeezing. It’s smooth, stretchy, and breathable, making it one of the most streamlined and stylish shoes I’ve worn on long walks.
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The Brooks Ghost Max L offers a super plush, easygoing stride. The high-stacked cushioning is next-level—soft but stable, like walking on a marshmallow. It has an outsole with a curved bottom, like a rocking chair, to help propel you forward so each step takes a bit less energy. I didn’t expect to notice the rocker bottom that much, but I totally get the hype: it’s noticeable how easy and fluid my walks feel in this shoe. And looks-wise, I’m team Ghost Max L all the way. Some might say the stacked foam looks orthopedic, but I think they strike that perfect balance of chunky and cool.
This version of the Ghost Max features a stylish suede upper with the same high-stacked cushioning, plush midsole, and curved bottom as the Ghost Max L. It’s also slightly lighter for a barely-there feel that makes every step feel effortless—whether you’re running errands, road-running, or styling them for a casual lunch with friends.
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The Brooks Ariel GTS 24 reminds me a lot of my favorite Adrenaline GTS 24 (which, is, sadly, unavailable—but you can now snag the new Adrenaline GTS 25!). That’s probably because both shoes feature the same GuideRails tech, which uses firm foam on either side of the heel to keep feet locked in. The Ariel is slightly more supportive, which I find great for running, and has a broader base, which helps with stability.
The Caldera 8 is a trail-running shoe with plush cushioning and an adaptable ride. The breathable performance upper is made from 53 percent recycled materials, and the shoe’s balanced feel will keep you comfortable all day on the trails.
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Shannen Zitz is the Associate Style & Reviews Editor at Women’s Health, where she covers all-things sneakers and activewear. Previously, she was an assistant editor at Prevention. Shannen graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor’s degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.
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