NBC Select names Brooks Ghost Max 3 its top men’s walking shoe for 2026
The shopping site’s 2026 guide favors cushioned running shoes for walking, with picks from Brooks, Allbirds, Saucony, Hoka and New Balance.
By Priya Raghavan · Science Reporter
3 min read
NBC Select has released its 2026 men’s walking shoe recommendations, naming the Brooks Ghost Max 3 as its editor’s pick after staff testing and expert input. The guide matters for commuters, fitness walkers and workers on their feet because NBC Select’s experts said many running shoes can work well for walking, while walking shoes are not generally built for running.
NBC Select said its recommendations came from a mix of staff experience and advice from podiatrists. The site described walking shoes as footwear with flexible soles that support the motion of walking, and said support is especially relevant for people who walk for exercise, commute on foot or work physically demanding jobs.
Top picks in the 2026 guide
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 led the list as the editor’s choice. NBC Select said the shoe has substantial cushioning, a roomy toe box, a mild rocker shape and a textured rubber outsole that felt stable on flat surfaces during testing. The model comes in men’s sizes 7 to 15, with medium, wide and extra-wide widths, according to NBC Select.
Dr. Miguel Cunha, a board-certified foot surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare, recommended the Allbirds Tree Runners, according to NBC Select. The guide said the shoe is lightweight, machine washable and suitable with or without socks, though its smoother outsole makes it better for paved ground or treadmill walking than rougher surfaces.
For a lower-priced option, NBC Select cited Cunha’s recommendation of the Saucony Cohesion 18. The guide said the shoe offers cushioning and neutral support for everyday use, and listed it at about $70, the lowest price among the highlighted picks.
NBC Select named the Brooks Ghost 17 its long-distance walking choice, citing Cunha’s recommendation for durability, arch cushioning and shock absorption.
The Hoka Clifton 10 was selected for wide feet and bunions, with NBC Select saying Cunha pointed to its roomy toe box and multiple width options.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 was listed as a max-cushion option, with NBC Select staff citing its cushioned footbed, grippy outsole and breathable mesh upper.
The Hoka Ora Recovery 3 Slides were recommended for recovery and casual wear rather than long walks, according to NBC Select.
Running shoes dominate the list
NBC Select said most of its recommended walking shoes are also running shoes. Its experts said running shoes are usually a strong choice for most walking needs, but the reverse does not generally apply because walking shoes are not designed for running’s higher-impact motion.
The Brooks Ghost 17 and New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 were among the most size-inclusive options in the guide. NBC Select listed both in narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide widths, while the Hoka Clifton 10 was listed in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
The guide also separated daily walking shoes from recovery footwear. NBC Select said the Hoka Ora Recovery 3 Slides are breathable and easy to slip on, but described them as a post-walk or casual option rather than footwear for covering miles around town.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.