13 Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking in 2023 and Experts Buyer’s Guide

Walking on a treadmill isn’t much different than walking outside – except when it comes to shoes!

The features your shoes need when walking on a treadmill are a bit different than walking on the road. For one, treadmill walking shoes don’t need to be exposed to the elements, so they don’t need to be waterproof, for instance.

However, there are several features that treadmill walking shoes do still need. Not just any shoes will do. Comfort will be paramount, as an example.

Choosing the best treadmill walking shoes can be challenging. However, it doesn’t have to be. Below, we’ve reviewed some of the best shoes for treadmill walking.

The 13 Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking

1. Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe – Best Treadmill Walking Shoes for Women

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For most women, the Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe care going to be the best option for their treadmill. These shoes are designed specifically for walking. While they are not designed specifically for treadmills, they do have all the features you need for treadmills.

They feature a rubber sole and an aesthetically-pleasing design. Plus, they are made in the USA. The insole is specifically designed to support your heel and provide an extra arch.

2. CAMVAVSR Men’s Lightweight Running Shoes – Best Treadmill Shoes for Men

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You typically don’t need anything too heavy for treadmills. Therefore, these CAMVAVSR Men’s Lightweight Running Shoes are a great option. They aren’t terribly expensive in the least, but they are suitable for walking on a treadmill.

For this reason, we consider these the best shoes for men if you plan on doing a lot of treadmills walking.

These lightweight shoes won’t slow you down while you’re running. The ventilation ensures that your feet stay cool. The elastic upper helps the shoes stay on your feet as well.

3. WHITIN Men’s Cross-Trainer – Best Minimalist Treadmill Shoes

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We highly recommend these shoes if you’re looking for a more minimalist option. These shoes have a wide toe box to prevent restraining your feet too much. Plus, it also features an anatomical shape to make it feel like you have nothing on your feet.

However, these shoes don’t provide as much arch support as other options. They may not be as comfortable as you’d imagine, depending on the shape of your foot.

For this reason, we recommend them as walking shoes for the treadmill alone, not as an all-around running shoe. You’ll need a different pair of shoes for this purpose.

4. WHITIN Men’s Minimalist Trail Runner – Best Treadmill and Running Shoe Combo

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While these are very similar to the other shoes this brand makes, they are not the same shoes in the least. These shoes are a bit more durable and designed like running shoes. Therefore, they are a bit more durable.

They also feature a wide toe box, which is more comfortable for many people. Your toes can spread and relax in these shoes. The removable insole is provided to increase the “barefoot” feeling these shoes provide, though it can also be removed if you wish.

The rubber sole is designed to provide ground feedback while also giving you a lot of protection. Therefore, these shoes are often better for those that like to run on the treadmill and outdoors.

5. Joomra Men’s Supportive Running Shoes – Best for Extra Comfort

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For those who need some extra comfort for their feet, you may want to consider these running shoes. As the name suggests, these shoes are extra-supportive, making them the best shoes for treadmill walking for those with sensitive feet.

They may also be good for those with minor feet problems, such as flat feet. They do provide some extra comfort that other treadmill workout shoes just don’t.

The upper is engineered knitted, and it features a padded collar. A special patch prevents the upper from tearing, while the density foam provides lasting durability.

6. Skechers Men’s Go Walk – Best for Walking Only

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If you only plan on walking, then you may want to look at the Go Walk shoes. As the name suggests, they are particularly designed for walking. They also happen to be designed for all-day wear, though this isn’t necessarily important for treadmill shoes. After all, you probably aren’t going to wear them for longer than your workout.

The lightweight mesh fabric is ideal if you need extra comfort. It also provides a secure fit without the use of laces. With an injection-molded compound in the midsole, these shoes are extremely comfortable to walk in.

However, they are not designed to be running shoes in the least. Therefore, if you plan on running at all, you should avoid these shoes.

7. ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite 6 – Best Walking and Running Shoes

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These shoes are best for those that like to walk on a treadmill, but also need a pair of running shoes. They are specifically designed to be used as a running shoe. However, they also make great treadmill walking shoes. In this way, they are great for those that need a dual-purpose option.

With a foam midsole, these shoes are extremely comfortable and durable. They are designed to last for a long time, so you should find yourself using them for years to come. They are a great lightweight shoe for walking on a treadmill thanks to their mesh design.

The inner sockliner is designed to handle moisture, keeping your feet dry during your workout.

8. WHITIN Women’s Barefoot & Minimalist Shoe – Best Women’s Minimalist Shoe

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For many women, these minimalist shoes are the best option out there. They are lightweight shoes with a rubber outsole that are designed for running. However, they can also be used as walking shoes for a treadmill with ease.

With a zero-drop sole, they provide the proper position for running and walking. They also feature an adjustable hook-and-loop closure system for a more secure fit.

Their wide shoe box allows you to flex your toes more and provides some extra comfort.

9. Skechers Men’s Gowalk 5 – Best Performance Walking Sneaker

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These shoes are quite similar to all of Skecher’s other shoes. Firstly, they provide a lace-up design that makes them easy to put on and helps keep them on your foot. They are also extra wide for comfort. If your foot is a bit bigger, these should still fit.

The breathable athletic mesh provides plenty of ventilation to keep your foot cool while you walk on the treadmill. They are also very lightweight, which is always a plus. Still, they are very cushioned, which some people prefer.

However, others found them to contain a little too much cushioning. If you aren’t one that likes a lot of cushioning, these may not be the shoes for you.

10. TIOSEBON Women’s Slip-On Walking Shoes – Best Slip-On Walking Shoes

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These are by far the best slip-on walking shoes on the market – for women at least. If you just want something you can quickly put your foot in to run, then these shoes are probably your best option.

They feature an engineered mesh that will keep your foot comfortable while you walk. They also feature a soft sole that doesn’t provide much protection. However, it does provide some shock absorption. The breathable upper is perfect for those with sweat-heavy feet.

These athletic shoes also feature a great deal of heel cushioning, which is helpful when you’re walking.

For the most part, these shoes are very basic. However, these shoes are perfect for those who just want some simple shoes.

11. Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Trainer – Best Professional Athletic Shoes

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Ryka is one of the more popular brands on the market. However, it also happens to be one of the more expensive options as well. They do make great walking shoes for athletic women.

The shaft measures quite short on these shoes, which may or may not work for everyone. The outsole features traction points in specific places to make changing directions easier, especially when you’re walking. The shoe protects your foot with ease while also ensuring that your feet are comfortable.

With a simple lace-up design, this versatile shoe is perfect for the treadmill, though you can wear it in many other situations, too.

12. New Balance Men’s 877 V1 Walking Shoe

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New Balance shoes are one of the more expensive options out there. However, there is a reason for this. These shoes are great for those who simply want to walk.

With more cushioning than many other shoes out there, they provide extra comfort you couldn’t get elsewhere. They also have a rubber sole that protects your feet from impacts.

The ankle support they provide is pretty top-notch, which is always a good thing. Plus, they feature an upper mesh that helps keep the breathable and ventilated.

13. Reebok Men’s Walk Ultra 7 DMX Max Walking Shoe – Best Synthetic Shoes

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Made of synthetic materials, these shoes are imported shoes are quite popular. They are specifically designed for walking, which is why they may be useful to walk on a treadmill.

These shoes have a rubber sole and a low-top arch. The soft leather uppers are comfortable and supportive. It isn’t a lightweight as other options, though.

These shoes are solely designed for walking. Therefore, they are not the best running shoes.

Buyer’s Guide To How To Choose Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking

When you’re looking for shoes to walk on a treadmill will. There are several things you need to keep in mind. Walking on a treadmill belt is much different from walking outside on pavement – something you need to keep in mind while you’re shopping. You aren’t just looking for your average shoes. Instead, you’ll need to keep the conditions of the treadmill in mind.

Below, we’ll help you do just that.

Durability

Durability is always important because it helps you save money. If your shoes last for a long time, you won’t have to purchase new ones. Therefore, at some point, these shoes will help you save money.

However, your treadmill walking shoes don’t have to be quite as durable as outdoor shoes. In many cases, you can focus more on other factors because you don’t have to worry about your shoes dealing with the elements.

Of course, because these shoes will constantly walk on the treadmill belt, you’ll need shoes with tougher bottom soles. A rubber outsole is the best decision, as these are durable enough to withstand regular use but also quite shock absorbing.

Weight

Weight matters a lot when you’re walking. If you do not take the weight of the shoes into account, you won’t go the distance. For this reason, we highly recommend choosing lighter-weight shoes.

However, there is a problem with this. Shoes can be so lightweight that they are endurable. In this case, you may be able to walk in them comfortably, but they may wear down very quickly.

It is often a balance between weight and durability.

You don’t necessarily need to keep your personal abilities in mind when choosing the weight of your shoes. Everyone does best with lightweight shoes. It doesn’t matter how long you have been working out. 

Comfort

You want your shoes comfortable. The more comfortable your shoes are, the more likely you are to wear them and enjoy working out.

At the very least, you don’t want shoes that will damage your feet. If the shoes are stiff, you may end up with blisters. However, this can also happen with shoes that are not broken in properly. You should expect the shoes to get better over time, so don’t rush to return them if they are uncomfortable at first.

The most comfortable shoes are likely those referred to as “barefoot” shoes. However, these are also expensive and not everyone likes them. They do have a rather interesting “feel” on the feet, so it isn’t odd for them to be disliked if you are not used to them. You can’t walk on a treadmill barefoot, but you can wear these shoes.

Therefore, you should choose whichever shoes are most comfortable for you. Some people like shoes that are shorter around the ankle, but others dislike them. Your own preferences should be accounted for when you are picking out shoes to wear.

You may also want to check for shock absorption, which is essential for shoes that are going to be used for exercise. Otherwise, your ankles and knees may feel the strain tomorrow.

The best shoes for treadmill walking will be those that you like – not the ones someone else likes. This is why there are not one sole “best shoes for treadmill walking” but many options that you can choose from.

With that said, there are some general guidelines to look for when choosing a pair of shoes. Firstly, you want some with good arch support. otherwise, you may end up with tired feet. (However, everyone’s arches are slightly different, so certain shoes will be more supportive than others.) You’ll also need to consider things like the toe box and engineered mesh. Both of these factors affect the comfort of the shoe.

The type of foam in the shoe also matters. Memory foam is often a great decision. However, memory foam is not well-liked by everyone. Some people love memory foam while others don’t particularly like it. As always, keep your preferences in mind.

Cost

Some shoes are more expensive than others. You can easily find $20 shoes that are advertised as being used for running, as well as shoes that are over $100. Only you know what your budget is, so only you can determine how much you may spend on treadmill walking shoes. The best shoes for you should fall within your budget.

Don’t stretch your budget just because you think that one specific pair of shoes will be better than all the rest. This isn’t typically the case.

Based on my research, the quality of the shoes isn’t necessarily tied to the cost of the walking shoe. Some will be better than others, of course, but this doesn’t seem to be directly related to cost. Some inexpensive shoes are very good, while some more expensive ones seem to only be expensive because of the brand.

Preferably, you should spend your money on shoes that are actually worth the cost – not just because of the brand logo on the side. Check our reviews for shoes that are actually worth their cost.

Furthermore, shoes that are of larger sizes tend to cost more because they have more material on them. therefore, if you wear a bigger size, you may be forced to pay more. There isn’t much you can do about this.

There does not seem to be a particular price difference between men’s shoes and women’s shoes, though.

FAQs

What are the best shoes to wear when walking on a treadmill?

There are several pairs of shoes that would be perfect for treadmill workouts. However, there is not a single pair that is perfect for everyone. Instead, you’ll need to carefully choose an option that is best for you.

Often, people make the mistake of listening to their favorite personal trainer or celebrity about which shoes to purchase. Sometimes, this leads to finding a pair of shoes that you absolutely like. However, more often than not, you’re left wondering why that person loved these shoes to begin with.

Instead of listening to what everyone else is wearing, you should take into account your personal preferences. Sometimes, you’ll match what someone else likes. But usually, you will find that you’re an individual with specific traits that will affect which shoes work for you.

We recommend considering your personal shoe preferences. You may have not thought about these particularly hard. However, take a second to think about which shoes you’ve liked the most that you’ve owned. Have they been heavily cushioned? Or have they had great arch support? All of these will affect the exact shoes that you prefer when treadmill walking.

Read our reviews and buyers guide to help you figure all of this out. Our reviews layout fifteen different shoes that are great for treadmill walking, though not every one of these shoes will work for everyone. Our buyer’s guide will help you figure out exactly which traits are most important to consider when purchasing shoes, as well as how to find shoes that you like.

Do You Need Different Shoes for the Treadmill?

If you already have a pair of shoes that you use for walking outside, you don’t necessarily need a separate pair of shoes for treadmill walking. Most people will use the exact same shoes for both, as there truly isn’t much difference. Where you walk isn’t all that important, in other words.

However, if you do choose to buy shoes solely for walking on a treadmill, you can select shoes that are lighter weight than others out there. Because they will only be used on the treadmill, you don’t have to worry about them withstanding the elements. Treadmill walking is much easier on shoes, in other words.

At the same time, the treadmill belt is also more cushioned than other options out there. Therefore, you can get away with shoes that have a smaller sole. The treadmill’s running surface is far softer than the ground outside.

Is it bad to walk barefoot on the treadmill?

Typically, you can walk on a treadmill a little bit without shoes. It won’t cause injuries, and there usually aren’t any immediate affect. Your feet will be just fine.

However, if you workout regularly on a treadmil without shoes, the repeated strain of walking on the tread without shoes. Usually, this happens to your toes, as they are repeatedly strained when you push off of the treadmill.

With that said, there are not any documented health problems from walking on a treadmill. This factor has not been significantly studied, though.

I wouldn’t personally recommend finding out if your toes will become sore after walking on a treadmill for a longtime without shoes. While there is a chance that it won’t bother your feet at all, especially if you regularly walk without shoes on, no one wants to accidentally hurt their toes.

What should you wear on a treadmill?

As a rule of thumb, you should wear whatever you find comfortable. Typically, you’ll want to wear whatever you feel is comfortable. Usually, this includes whatever you usually wear to workout – with your home’s temperature in mind.

You should wear shoes, as they protect your feet from the tread of the treadmill. While you may get away just fine without shoes, this is not recommended. You can wear your toes down and cause minor injuries, though no significant problem has been reported.

You should keep in mind that you’ll probably going to sweat, even if you are keeping the area cool. Therefore, plan on getting your clothes dirty at least a little bit.

If you only use one pair of shoes for your indoor and outdoor walking, then be sure to clean your shoes. The dirt and debris on your shoes from outside can clog up your treadmill.

What shoes can you wear on a treadmill?

Any sort of walking shoe is suitable for walking on a treadmill. You do not need special shoes. In fact, if you already have walking shoes, then you can use those easily on a treadmill – just be sure that they are cleaned properly.

You should not run barefoot or in socks. You should also not wear floppy shoes, like sandals, as these can be “eaten” by the treadmill. Put safety first and wear proper footwear.

Can I walk on a treadmill with slippers?

You should not walk on treadmills in slippers. Running barefoot or in slippers may be tempting, but it can cause injuries. To maximize the effectiveness of your workout, it is essential that you properly wear the correct footwear.

Does it matter what shoes you wear on a treadmill?

Many people don’t put much effort into their footwear choices on a treadmill. After all, the treadmill belt is softer than walking outside, so it may be tempting to walk with poor shoes or no shoes at all!

However, it does absolutely matter what shoes that you wear.

The point of shoes is to protect your feet. If you do not wear the proper shoes, your feet will be missing all the protection that shoes might provide.

Your feet will still be strained under the weight of the your continuous steps. Without arch support, your feet may end up getting sore after a few workouts. Your heels and ankles may take the brunt, in particular.

Low-quality treadmills may also hurt your knees and other leg joints without shoes, as they will not be as soft as other foods out there.

Luckily, your shoes are likely to last much longer when walking on a treadmill, as opposed to actually walking outside. The environment on the treadmill is controlled. Your shoes aren’t going to get wet when you’re walking on a treadmill, though they might if you run outside.

We highly recommend choosing a pair of shoes that is high-quality, as it can make walking much more comfortable. The more comfortable your workout is, the more likely you are to do it. Shoes can play a larger role in your workout than you might originally guess.

Can you use road running shoes on a treadmill?

When it comes to shoes, there is little difference between running on a road and running on a treadmill. Therefore, you can safely use running shoes on a treadmill.

However, if you use these running shoes outdoors, be sure that you clean them before running or walking on the treadmill with them. These shoes can transfer the dirt to the treadmill that can make it freeze up and stop working. You will need to clean your treadmill more often if you use the same pair of shoes for outdoor running, as the shoes will never be completely clean.

For this reason, many people decide to use a specific pair of shoes for the treadmill, allowing them and the treadmill to stay very clean. You can also prioritize comfort and lightweight when choosing shoes for only the treadmill since they won’t be coming into contact with the elements outside.

Can you wear hiking boots on a treadmill?

In many cases, you can wear hiking boots on a treadmill. However, it is often best not to do this if you can help it.

The treadmill is likely designed for you to wear any pair of shoes that you wish. However, hiking boots are quite heavy and may diminish your workout abilities. Instead, you may want to choose a lighter pair of shoes that you can run in easier. Hiking shoes also don’t tend to be the most comfortable shoes for brisk walking or running, as they are designed for durability above everything else.

Furthermore, if you use these hiking boots outdoors, they are probably a bit dirty. You should clean them before setting foot on a treadmill, as they can transfer this dirt to the machine. This dirt can then get stuck in the treadmill and cause it to gum up, making it require more maintenance.

Why you can wear these shoes on a treadmill, you should probably consider whether you should as well.

Conclusion

When it comes to walking on a treadmill, you can usually use whatever shoes that you would normally walk in. However, you should also consider that treadmills provide you with an opportunity to purchase a new pair of shoes just for them.

Because your treadmill is indoors and in a controlled location, you can prioritize different features in your shoes than you might otherwise. Lightweght shoes are great for the treadmill, for instance, as they don’t need to be able to withstand the outdoor elements. They arent’ going to be used outdoors!

For this reason, you can often get away with a lighter, more comfortable shoe on a treadmill, while you wouldn’t be able to outside. For this reason, many people purchase a pair of shoes to use just (or mostly) on the treadmill. 

There are many shoes out there that you may choose for your treadmill. We’ve mentioned many of them in our review section. Many of these shoes are rather similar to each other. They are all designed to be walking in, after all. However, there is a slight difference in fit and style that will work better for some people than others.

Choosing shoes is a very personal decision, as everyone has unique feet. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. Therefore, you should keep in mind what you like about a pair of shoes when shopping. Different people will look for different things, after all.

Our buyer’s guide is a great read if you’re having trouble choosing a suitable option. it will help you figure out what the important features are about a pair of shoes and what your preferences are in those areas.