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Stop wearing these shoes ASAP.

It’s walking season (as I like to call it), since we’re all motivated to get outside and go for a stroll. Before you do, consider what shoes you chuck on. Not all pairs are made equal, and as it turns out, some of us might even be wearing the wrong ones. I chatted with three orthopedic doctors to ask what they recommend for walking shoesand they all agreed that most patients need far less cushion than you’d think.

“Oftentimes, we are putting people in shoes that are overly padded and cushioned, so people are not able to feel their toes push off, which alters their walking mechanics. We need to be able to feel our feet on the ground,” says Orthopedic Doctor of Physical Therapy Ashley Katzenback, PT, DPT, CMTPTof Cape Concierge Physical Therapy. Orthopedic Surgeon Brandon HaghverdianMD of Hoag Orthopedic Institute, called out very similar preferences, saying folks should “opt for flat or low-heeled shoes with good cushioning and a slight rocker sole, which can help distribute pressure evenly across the foot. Brands like Hoka, Brooks, and New Balance make great supportive options that allow your feet to recover comfortably.” Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best options that fit these experts’ preferences, including recommendations from Physical Therapist Milica McDowell, PT, MSPT, DPTco-author of “Walk,” a book that explores the benefits of walking and optimal foot health.

Best Overall Orthopedist-Recommended Walking Shoes

• Hoka Mach 7 Shoes, $145 at hoka.com
• Altra Loan Peak Alpine Shoes, $160 at altrarunning.com
• Brooks Ghost 17 Shoes, $120 (was $150) at zappos.com
• Altra Voyager Road Running Shoe, $149 at amazon.com

Hoka Mach 7 Shoes

$145 at Hoka.com

The Hoka Mach shoes are a podiatrist favorite because of their balanced design. I’ve also been wearing them since launch, and can confidently say that they uphold the qualities each doctor mentioned. “A favorite walking shoe for me has three qualities: a wide toe box, less cushion, and a lower heel-to-toe drop. I know this is surprising to most people, but a shoe that has these three qualities is going to help improve your foot and ankle mobility and help to strengthen the muscles in your foot as well as your calf,” says McDowell. I find that these are one of the few pairs in my collection that feel cushioned enough while still having a flatter sole and a smaller drop.

Altra Loan Peak Alpine Shoes

$160 at Altrarunning.com

McDowell specifically mentioned these Altra shoes, a brand that came up in both her and Katzenback’s responses. “This shoe has a street style, but the heart of a running and walking shoe,” McDowell says. They’re great for wearing with jeans during errands, but they also provide comfort on outdoor walks.

Hoka Rincon 4 Shoes

$120 $100 at Hoka.com

Another Hoka option, the Rincon 4, is available in standard and wide widths to accommodate narrow, standard or wider feet. The brand hones in on these shoes’ lightweight design and cushion—adding some plushness does not result in a heavier shoe here. While there is some nice padding, it doesn’t go overboard, so as not to cause too much of a heel-to-toe drop.

Brooks Ghost 17 Shoes

$150 $120 at Zappos

The Brooks Ghost line is coveted by doctors because it features exactly what you need—no more and no less. The cushion is neutral, and the sole is relatively flat (there’s no dramatic rocker shape), so you’re able to balance the weight of your body easily, as Haghverdian says.

Hoka Arashi 8 Shoes

$150 at Hoka.com

Hoka’s Arahi 8 shoes have a bit more built-in structure, so they are a good option for folks who need a little extra care in correcting their gait. They have a slight rocker shape with a balanced cushion level, so there’s just enough going on to absorb impact while keeping your steps in line.

Altra Voyager Road Running Shoe

$149 at Amazon

“This pair has a little more cushion, but it is not excessive,” says McDowell. They have a wider toe box, which Katzenback mentioned is one of her favorite parts of the Altra shoe brand. Allowing for natural foot splay helps maintain stability as you move.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 Shoes

$165 $130 at Zappos

New Balance’s Fresh Foam line is known for its responsive, lightweight feel. These are highly recommended by experts for that reason, along with their good arch support, seamless toe-to-heel transition and wide size options.

Brooks Trace 4 Shoes

$100 at Zappos

For a pair that doesn’t break the bank, the Brooks Trace 4 shoes are simple in style but deliver in design. They’re flat, provide a comfortable cushion and come wider if you’d like some more breathing room.

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