The 18 best running shoes for men in 2025, according to podiatrists and runners
Running shoes quick picks
For flat-footed athletes: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
Everyday trainers that'll last: Nike Pegasus 41
Plush shoes for runners with arthritis: Hoka Bondi 9
Trail runners with a cult following: Altra Lone Peak 9 When it comes to men's running shoes, there's no such thing as one-size-fits-all. The same gear a trail runner uses to race up a mountain won't do much for a new runner sprinting on a treadmill. Throw in different body types, running gaits, training goals and budgets, and it's clear: Finding the right pair of running shoes takes more than just a flashy design.
To give you an idea of which shoes are best suited for your specific needs, I turned to four seasoned running experts to help build a standout lineup. Whether you're lacing up for your first lope or chasing a new personal best, there's something here for everyone. The experts also shared practical, no-nonsense tips on how to choose the right shoes. Here's what they recommend.
Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 24
Using Brooks' cushy DNA Loft v3 foam and GuideRails technology (like training wheels on a bike), the Adrenaline GTS 24 offers extra stability on the road. They're a prime recommendation of Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and the founder of Gotham Footcare, for overpronators and patients with flat feet.Mount to Coast Men's P1
Though Mount to Coast doesn't have mainstream brand recognition, Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, podiatric surgeon and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, reaches for the brand's P1 stability shoes, which she said are superb for pronators who run long distances. Like many of the shoes on this list, they also come stamped with the American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.Brooks Men's Addiction GTS 15
Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, a multiboard-certified podiatrist and running shop owner, recommends this responsive, extra-supportive model for overpronators with knee, hip or other lower extremity problems. They're so good that you shouldn't need insoles or orthotics, he said. Plus, they come in four widths, from narrow to extra wide.Mizuno Men's Wave Inspire 21
For 2025, Mizuno updated the Wave Inspire with a wider forefoot and extra cushioning, and Mendeszoon likes them because they are a solid buy for responsive stability. But what makes the Wave Inspire really stand apart is their 12-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which he said offers 'tremendous heel shock absorption,' to mitigate aggressive heel striking.
Hoka Men's Arahi 7
The beefy midsoles on the Hoka Arahi 7 will keep excess pronation in check, Mendeszoon said. Combine that with the stellar shock absorption, outstanding breathability and roomy toe boxes, and you can see why these are another of his favorites.
Brooks Men's Beast GTS 24
Whether you've got severely flat feet, have had surgery or suffer from other foot problems, try Brooks' Beast model, Mendeszoon said. They offer some of the most support and cushioning out of Brooks' line and also make excellent walking shoes. The newest model features softer, more breathable uppers without sacrificing their roomy fit.
Nike Men's Pegasus 41
The versatile, durable Nike Pegasus 41, one of Cunha's favorites, epitomize what everyday trainers should aspire to. Upgrades in 2025 include an increase in the shoe's cushioning, more breathable uppers and an improved lacing system for a dialed fit.
Saucony Men's Ride 18
Like the Pegasus 41, the Saucony Ride 18 are like the Swiss Army knife of the road running world, offering something for long-distance runners, casual joggers and men who just want a comfy pair of walking shoes. Cunha added that they also accommodate most foot types and running styles.Brooks Men's Glycerin 22
If you're the kind of guy who likes to wear running shoes to the office and the gym, then the Glycerin 22 are the do-it-all model you're looking for. Parthasarathy said they're one of her top picks for everyday wear and running, thanks to the well-cushioned midsoles and wide toe boxes. You can also snag the Glycerin GTS 22, which offer more support for pronators.Hoka Men's Bondi 9
With their 'bouncy, cushioned feel,' Parthasarathy said she points patients to the Bondi 9 if they have fat pad atrophy or arthritis. The newest version has a higher stack height for an ultra-plush experience on the road.
Asics Men's Gel-Nimbus 27
'The Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 remains one of my top choices for neutral runners looking for extra cushioning and long-distance comfort,' Cunha said. For this year's model, expect an even higher, squishier midsole.
Hoka Men's Clifton 10
'For patients seeking all-around performance, the Hoka Clifton 10s offer superior cushioning and a smooth ride — ideal for heel strikers and long-distance runners,' Cunha said. The newest iteration also comes with more cushioning, a roomier forefoot and toe boxes.New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 1080v14
Men with wide feet should test drive New Balance's 1080v14, Cunha said. The brand has equipped the cushioned, everyday running shoes with new, more breathable uppers and extra rubber for more durability.
Brooks Men's Ghost 17
Despite being hot off the assembly line, Parthasarathy is already recommending Ghost's newest model for its 'very responsive' design that will suit neutral or supinated gaits. At time of publication, they're available for preorder at Brooks.
Altra Men's Lone Peak 9
Contributing writer Cassandra Brooklyn called the Altra Lone Peak some of the best hiking shoes you can buy. They have a cult-like following among trail runners too, and received plaudits from Cunha for their wide toe boxes and zero-drop platforms, 'which promote natural foot movement.'Read our review
La Sportiva Men's Bushido 3
After runners on staff logged more than 100 miles in 13 popular trail running shoes, the Bushido 3 emerged as our favorite, impressing testers with their sticky rubber, cooling ventilation and aggressive lugs. Keep in mind, however, that these are truly specialist shoes that won't work well on the road or for casual exercise in the gym.Read our review
Brooks Men's Cascadia 18
Whereas the Bushido 3 would be overkill for road running, our testers found the Cascadia versatile enough to take on- and off-road. (We tested the 17, which are very similar.) They've got rock plates and overlays to protect you when the terrain is tough, and just enough cushioning for long walks, hikes and road runs.Read our review
Hoka Men's Speedgoat 6
Though our trail running experts at CNN Underscored haven't tried the newest model of the Speedgoat, an earlier iteration is our pick for long-distance trail runs and ultramarathons. Highlights include flexible uppers that expand as your feet swell and comfy cushioning.
Read our review 'The right running shoes can make a big difference in preventing injuries, improving comfort and keeping the entire body in better alignment while running,' Cunha said.
Know your gait pattern
Cunha believes your gait, the way you move when you run, is a key factor when choosing the best pair of running shoes, and he noted three gait or stride patterns:
Pronation: When your feet roll inward.
Supination: When your feet roll outward.
Neutral: When your feet distribute weight evenly.
And though this may sound technical, figuring out your own gait doesn't have to be. 'Going to your local run shop and getting an in-person gait analysis is absolutely the best way to have veteran eyes tell you what shoe is best for you,' Sackett said. Or, if you're willing to do a little DIY investigation, Cunha suggests looking at the wear patterns on your old shoes to get a better idea of how your feet hit the ground when you run.
Find shoes that fit
Once you know your gait pattern and terrain, the last thing to consider is the right fit. 'A proper fit helps prevent pain, blisters and injuries like plantar fasciitis or toenail trauma,' Cunha said. 'If it feels off in the store, it'll feel worse on a run.'
Look for running shoes that fit snug but not tight, with about a thumb's-width of space between your big toes and the ends of the shoes. 'The toe box should be wide enough to wiggle your toes, and the shoe should bend at the ball of the foot, not through the arch,' he added.
Another pro tip? Make sure you try on your shoes at the right time of day. Parthasarathy recommends shopping toward the end of the day, after a run, when your feet are most swollen. 'If they feel good then, they'll likely feel good during a run,' Cunha added.
Still not sure what to buy? Lean on a podiatrist or a trusted staffer at a specialty running store for guidance. 'Running shoes are the best they've ever been, and nowadays you can really find something for every running style,' Sackett said.
The following FAQs have been answered by podiatrists Dr. Miguel Cunha and Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, and product line manager at Brooks, Lee Sacket.
What are the best running shoes for beginners?
What are the best running shoes for beginners?
'For someone just getting into running, I always recommend starting with a balanced, 'perfect blend' type of shoe,' Sackett said, 'so you can start to unpack the features and feelings that you like and dislike on the run while still staying protected and comfortable.'
In technical terms, he said to find a pair with a medium stack height (28 millimeters to 36 millimeters), a soft, responsive midsole, an upper that fits comfortably with the contours of your feet and enough stretch for your toes to spread out.
How long do running shoes last?
How long do running shoes last?
Parthasarathy and Cunha said that it's important to replace shoes every 300 to 500 miles. 'Worn-out shoes can lead to heel pain, shin splints, knee pain or even back issues,' Cunha said. You can also try bending shoes to check wear, Parthasarathy said. If they bend in half, it's time for a new pair.
Are there differences between men's and women's running shoes?
Are there differences between men's and women's running shoes?
'At Gotham Footcare, I often explain to my patients that women's running shoes are typically designed with a narrower heel, softer cushioning and a different arch design to accommodate anatomical differences,' Cunha said. 'Men's shoes tend to be wider and built with slightly firmer midsoles to support greater body weight and wider foot structure.'
That said, 'fit and function' matter most, regardless of gender, according to Cunha. If you're a guy who prefers a pair of women's running shoes, wear those instead.
To ensure this guide features high-quality advice and recommendations, I spoke to four experts, including three podiatrists and a product line manager at Brooks.
Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and the founder of Gotham Footcare
Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, multiboard-certified podiatrist at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties and owner of Achilles Running Shop, a specialty shop dedicated to runners, walkers and athletes
Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, podiatric surgeon and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association
Lee Sackett, product line manager at Brooks Running
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Here, associate writer Maxwell Shukuya interviewed running and health care experts. Whenever possible, Shukuya also included products we've tested and loved in other health and fitness guides.
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Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business Insider
The 19 best shoes for plantar fasciitis
Best walking shoes: Asics Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 This high-cushion shoe has a rather rigid footbed, offering a great blend of arch support, shock absorption, and stability for the tendons of your foot. The upper is well-ventilated and roomy for hours of comfortable walking, and the sockliner very soft around the ankle. Check price at Asics A good walking shoe to support plantar fasciitis has all the same components as a good running shoe: Solid arch support, enough cushioning to absorb the shock of walking, a rigid foundation to maintain structure, and a supportive heel cup. But a good walking shoe should also have a wide toe box so your toes can spread out naturally and a breathable upper. Asics is one of the most highly-recommended brands to help relieve plantar fasciitis pain, including from Dr. Fuchs. Like Brooks, it does an excellent job of providing cushioned support, but the structured sole and heel counters work well to reduce strain on the tendon. Asics also uniquely have a firm midsole, which helps to limit movement — key in relieving pain, Dr. Fuchs says. Asics also has adaptive stability technology to provide the amount of support your foot needs without overcorrecting, which gives you plenty of room to add your own orthotic for more arch support. The Asics Gel-Kayano 31 performed great on long walks, maintaining its rigid but soft support. As someone with high arches who walks 10,000+ steps a day and prefers a higher-cushion walking shoe, I found Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 to be incredibly comfortable and supportive underfoot, even on long days out. Honorable Mention: Hoka On one hand, both our podiatrists agree that having a well-cushioned shoe is crucial for treating plantar fasciitis, because this helps your shoe absorb the impact of walking rather than your tendons. That said, one of the most common mistakes Dr. Daughtry says she sees in people trying to heal their PF is opting for a shoe with an excessively cushioned or thick sole but not enough support underneath. Hoka, a brand known for excessive cushioning, can be troublesome if the foundation isn't supportive enough underneath, but part of that is personal biomechanics. I know multiple people with PF who only found relief wearing Hokas, but many others say Hokas made their PF worse. Dr. Fuchs does recommend Hokas for certain people with plantar fasciitis, and, considering Hoka makes some of the best women's walking shoes we've tested, it's worth considering if you haven't found the other walking and running shoe brands on our list to work for you. In general, Hokas are likely a better fit for someone who overpronates and needs a stability shoe. That's because these are built with more arch support, and you don't want to add in a rigid arch support orthotic overtop a squishy sole. Best running shoes: Brooks If you're trying to keep plantar fasciitis flare-ups down as you get back onto the track, it's definitely smart to replace your running shoes. Wearing worn-down shoes makes PF much worse because they've lost all the elements of a PF-supportive shoe, Dr. Daugherty says — namely, the ability to support your arches and absorb the shock of running so your plantar fascia doesn't have to strain to work overtime. Brooks running shoes hit the perfect balance of what podiatrists recommend in a shoe: A supportive, shock-absorbing amount of cushion alongside a rigid sole and a supportive heel cup. Dr. Fuchs recommends the brand, and as I've been running in Brooks for years, I can attest that, even after 300 miles, they hold their structure well and feel supportive on long miles. Dr. Daugherty notes that many people with plantar fasciitis find that a small heel lift can help take the strain off the tendon; most Brooks models have a 12mm drop from the heel to the ball of the foot. Also, while supporting your natural gait is crucial when picking a running shoe, Dr. Daugherty recommends people opt for a neutral shoe that can be customized by adding personal arch support. One reason Brooks is the best running brand for people with plantar fasciitis is that many of its neutral models use a unique adaptable guide rail system ("GTS") to correct your gait as much as is needed without cranking the physical support up. This allows you to add the amount of arch support your foot personally needs while still scoring the motion control individual to your gait. Best for around the house: Oofos One thing people with plantar fasciitis often overlook is that they should be wearing shoes at all times, including around the house. "I personally suffer with plantar fasciitis, and if I do not wear some type of supportive sandal or sneakers with arch support around home, my pain will flare up," Dr. Daugthry says. For an around-the-house shoe, in addition to the basics of arch support, well-cushioned, and a stiff sole, you want a shoe that's easy to slip on and off and comfortable to move around in. Recovery footwear brand Oofos makes shoes that are incredibly lightweight but absorb way more impact than traditional foam footwear. During testing, I appreciated not only how fatigue-fighting their shoes are — the support feels incredibly rejuvenating on tired feet — but also that all of their styles, from slides to sneakers, are really easy to slip on and off. Best sandals: Fitflop Fitflop LULU Resin-Buckle Leather Back-Strap Sandals This elevated, all-around summer sandal is crafted with a triple-density cushioning that's extra firm at the heel and toes, provides natural arch support, and a slight heel-to-toe drop for plantar fascia relief. This double-strap, buckled sandal will also work keep your feet secure in the shoe. Check price at Fitflop Like our podiatrists mentioned earlier, if you have plantar fasciitis, you should wear shoes anytime your feet touch the ground. Sandals with adequate arch support are crucial for warm-weather activities when you just want to slide your feet into something breezy and go. Fitflop is a stylish ergonomic brand that uses smart, impact-absorbing cushioning and a rigid footbed in its shoes. Their bread-and-butter are sandals (hence the name) and offer everything from casual pool-side flip flops to wedge sandals you could wear to a wedding. Moreover, the majority of their sandals have a 1-2 inch heel drop, which both our podiatrists say can be very helpful in reducing strain on the plantar fascia (though any higher of a heel and it'll cause more strain). I found their RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals to be incredibly comfortable to wear all day and found myself slipping them on whenever I needed to run out of the house but still feel supported. Their sandals, across the board, provide very solid arch support for my high arches, but you could easily add an orthic for more. Mostly, I was very impressed with their range of supportive sandals and quality of style; there's truly a style for everyone, which is great to nix the excuse that you have to wear unsupportive shoes for a certain occasion. Best shoes for women: Dansko There's a reason the classic Dansko clog has a chokehold on nurses and restaurant workers: The brand's backbone is a contoured footbed that provides stiff but well-placed support, alongside a rocker shape that allows for a more natural motion of the foot — both things Dr. Daugthry says she recommends to help treat plantar fasciitis. Though best known for its classic clog, Dansko makes a wide range of shoe styles for women, from summer sandals to Chelsea boots to ballet flats to loafers. Pretty much any kind of women's shoe you need, Dansko likely makes one — and a supportive one at that. In the models I tested, the footbed was soft but very stiff with a sturdy heel cup. The only downside: I found the heels run narrow on some models. Best shoes for men: Kuru Rachael Schultz/Business Insider Kuru specializes in shoes crafted to alleviate pain — heel pain, back pain, flat feet, and, yes, plantar fasciitis. Its support lies in its unique construction: a lightweight EVA foam outsole; a supportive and elevated heel cup; and a dual-density foam insole for solid arch support. The brand makes a range of shoes for both men and women, from slip-ons to boots to sandals, but we love its range of supportive sneakers. During testing, Kuru's sneakers were incredibly comfortable — stiff but cushioned underfoot with the perfect amount of support to minimize pressure across the knees, ankles, and foot. Best dress shoes for men: Amberjack Amberjack Loafer Easy to slide on, sleek enough to wear to the office, and as comfortable as sneakers, these classy loafers have insoles that mold the arch support with your body heat, an anti-slip athletic outsole, and a supportive heel cup. They come in 11 colors, either full-grain leather or water-repellent suede. Check price at Amberjack If you have plantar fasciitis and need men's dress shoes, there's really no need to look anywhere else: Amberjack was built for this exact target. With styles ranging from traditional, lace-up dress shoes to sleek Chelsea boots and clean-looking loafers, all of Amberjack's shoes have built-in medium-height arch support, extra thick (removable) insoles that mold to the shape of your foot as you wear them, a custom TPU outsole that's stiff but comfortable like a hiking boot, and a firm heel counter. Most of its shoes also have a 2.5-inch average heel height for less strain on your plantar fascia. Ergonomic footbeds aside, their shoes are incredibly sleek and professional-looking. The leather is A-grade and full-grain, sourced from top-rated tanneries in Portugal and Italy, while the suede is Italian and water-repellent. No one will ever guess you bought them for comfort. How to shop for Plantar Fasciitis shoes The right footwear is crucial for helping treat plantar fasciitis and reduce the pain. Here's what makes for a good shoe for plantar fasciitis, according to Dr. Daugthry and Dr. Fuchs: Arch support: The plantar fascia is what supports the arch of your foot. When you wear shoes without arch support, this tendon has to work overtime, causing strain, inflammation, and pain. Great arch support can help relieve the plantar fascia from its duty, allowing it to calm down. Shock absorption and cushioning: Another major function of the PF tendon is helping with shock absorption. Solid cushioning in your shoe helps absorb the impact from walking or running so your tendon doesn't have to work as hard. Stiff soles: A firm sole or a shoe with a stiff bottom can help your foot move forward more easily and keep it from bending or moving too much. This takes pressure off your plantar fascia (the band of tissue on the bottom of your foot). Look for shoes with a solid, supportive base and some cushioning on top for comfort. A good rule of thumb: You shouldn't be able to bend the shoe like a taco. Heel stability: A firm heel cup will help prevent excessive movement, keeping your foot aligned and supported. Possibly 1-2 inches of heel: While you want to steer clear of high heels, which alter your foot mechanics and put pressure on the forefoot, many people with PR find a slight heel on their shoe — 1 to 2 inches — helps alleviate the strain on their plantar fascia tendon. Stability vs Neutral: Many people's foot naturally rolls inward or outward when they walk rather than staying neutral. Running and walking shoes are built to help offset this and keep your foot in a neutral position. If you overpronate (meaning you roll inward as you step), look for a stability shoe, which will have extra arch support. If you supinate — your foot rolls outward as you step — look for a neutral shoe. How I tested As a longtime health and fitness product journalist, I have tested countless types of shoes, including the best walking shoes for women, winter boots, and the best shoes for standing all day. To test for this guide, I first spoke with two board-certified podiatrists: Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist with Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic Suzanne C. Fuchs, DPM, podiatric foot and ankle surgeon and founder of LuxePodiatry in Jupiter, Florida Dr. Daughtry and Dr. Fuchs set the foundation of what features the best shoes for plantar fasciitis should have, such as arch support, a stiff but cushioned footbed, and a rigid heel cup. From there, I researched brands and individual shoes people with plantar fasciitis like the most, including sourcing from many people I know who suffer from the condition. I tested every shoe on this list (my husband tested the mens), wearing each pair to run errands, go on long walks, and work at my standing desk. As someone with high arches, I adequately tested for which shoes had significant arch support, in addition to being able to asses the stiffness and cushioning of each shoe's foundation. FAQs iStock; Gilbert Espinoza/Insider What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis? The pain of Plantar Fasciitis comes from the ligament that runs from your toes to your heel, the plantar fascia, becoming tight and inflamed. Every step causes the ligament to tear more, and wearing shoes that don't have proper support will make it worse. Dr. Fuchs says people with plantar fasciitis should avoid flip-flops that lack enough cushioning or arch support, high heels that increase pressure on the forefoot and heel, and ballet flats that often lack arch support and cushioning. Instead, our experts advise looking for shoes with arch support you can feel, cushioning in the heel, and a 1-2 inch heel. What kind of shoes should I wear for plantar fasciitis at home? Wearing shoes any time you're walking around — even just from the bed to the kitchen — is crucial to help alleviate the strain on your plantar fascia, both our docs agree. Look for house slippers, slides, or even house sneakers that have arch support and heel cushion. Chances are your regular slippers won't cut it. We love Hoka's Ora Recovery Slide, which is easy to slip on and off and feels like clouds underfoot. They have layers of dense EVA foam to provide both support and keep the shoe lightweight with every step, and Hoka's signature rocker design helps work with your foot's natural movement. What aggravates plantar fasciitis? The number one thing that aggravates plantar fasciitis is not giving your feet enough support. This can mean wearing shoes without enough cushion or arch support or standing on hard surfaces, like concrete, for hours without rest. A supportive pair of shoes, like all those included in this guide, can go a long way to avoiding a plantar fasciitis flare-up.
Yahoo
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In the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, about 17% of Kentucky children were chronically absent, the Lantern previously reported, meaning they missed more than 10% of their enrolled time at school. During the 2022-23 school year, nearly 30% of Kentucky's students were chronically absent. During the 2023-4 year, it was down to 28%. Meanwhile, the Kentucky General Assembly is too focused on 'every hot button social issue there is,' Brooks said. They need to spend more time thinking about deep policy work that can improve education marks, he said. 'It's easy to criticize schools, but it takes some imagination to improve schools,' Brooks said. A retired educator and longtime advocate for children, Brooks said the poor education outcomes Kentucky is seeing now come from multiple factors, including children's poor mental health and an inadequate teaching workforce. 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- Travel + Leisure
We Asked Disney Cast Members for the Best Walking Shoes—and These Are the 11 Comfy Styles They Swear By
If anyone knows the importance of a good pair of walking shoes, it's Disney cast members. These pros easily clock tens of thousands of steps a day, whether they're working long shifts around Cinderella's Castle or spending a well-earned day off park-hopping with friends. So when it comes to finding the best shoes for walking all day at Disney, they know which styles actually hold up under pressure (and humidity). We asked current and former Disney employees to share the walking shoes they rely on most, both on and off the clock. From ultra-cushioned Hoka shoes that feel like "walking on marshmallows" to the supportive Asics pairs that can handle 35,000-step shifts, these are the shoes that Disney cast members actually wear. Whether you're planning a trip to Magic Kingdom or just need a pair of sneakers that won't quit halfway through your errands, these are some of the best walking shoes for Disney World and beyond. There's a reason Hokas are the go-to shoes at Disney parks, including for cast members. One current employee called the Hoka Clifton 9 Shoes 'a game changer,' adding that 'they're like walking on marshmallows from rope drop to fireworks.' They're lightweight, ultra-cushioned, and surprisingly supportive for long days on your feet. The Bondi 9 shoes are the second most popular Hoka pick among Disney employees. Fans say this version feels lighter than previous Hoka Bondi styles while still delivering plush support and a bit of extra lift, perfect for all-day wear, whether you're working a shift or hitting every park in one day. If you want a high cushion without bulk, the Hoka Rincon 4 is a standout, according to Disney employees. Designed with soft, springy foam and a snug fit, this ultra-light trainer is ideal for long walking days. Bonus: The breathable upper and sleek silhouette make it a stylish choice beyond the parks, too. With built-in stability and cushioned support, the Hoka Arahi 7 is a favorite among cast members who log serious steps. One park regular noted they hit 17,000 steps in these and still felt great. Amazon carries them in six color options—so whether you want to go neutral or bold, there's a pair for you. You might not think of Nike Air Force 1s as theme park shoes, but they're a quiet favorite among cast members. The classic style features Nike's signature lightweight air cushioning and a streamlined look that works just as well with Minnie Mouse ears as it will with jeans and a tee back home. While Asics might fly under the radar, plenty of Disney insiders swear by them, particularly the Gel-Nimbus 26s. One former cast member said, 'I averaged 25,000 to 35,000 steps per shift. These lasted longer than my Skechers and were lighter than most other options I tried.' The Gel-Nimbus 26 delivers soft cushioning and stability without extra weight. The Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 is a great option if you want a well-cushioned shoe without the premium price tag. One Amazon reviewer said they rival $200 shoes in comfort. With a smooth ride and breathable build, these sneakers are ideal for long walks and everyday wear alike. The latest version of Brooks' popular Adrenaline GTS 24 stability shoe is also this year's pick for the brand's DisneyRun collection. With nitrogen-infused foam and a GuideRails support system, these are built for comfort, stability, and high mileage—perfect for marathon park days. The Pegasus 41 is one of Nike's most beloved shoes for good reason. This latest version features a breathable upper and new ReactX foam for a more energy-returning, springy ride. Dual Air Zoom units add even more bounce, making them a great option for full days of walking (and snapping Disney pics for your Instagram). The New Balance 327 offers a great blend of comfort and style, especially if you're not used to being on your feet all day. A lightweight upper and grippy outsole make these breathable and great for hikes, too. One reviewer even wore them to an all-day golf tournament and said they felt amazing. Spotting On Cloud shoes at Disney parks has become common, and the Cloud 6 style is one of the most-worn styles. The newest version features a roomier step-in, a better heel fit, and the same signature cloud-like cushioning. They're comfy, supportive, and easy to wear straight from the teacups to a fireworks show, and dinner after. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
