Difference between Hoka, Asics and New Balance Athletic shoes

Hoka vs Brooks vs New Balance vs ASICS: What Are the Best Walking Shoes for Comfort and Support?
Your guide to choosing the right pair for all-day walking comfort — including styles for plantar fasciitis and wide feet.

When it comes to finding the best walking shoes, four brands consistently rise to the top: Hoka, Brooks, New Balance, and ASICS. Whether you walk for exercise, deal with foot pain like plantar fasciitis, or spend hours on your feet each day, the right footwear can make a huge difference in comfort, support, and long-term health.

Below, we break down how each of these brands performs for walking—and help you find the best fit for your feet.

1. Hoka: Plush Cushioning with a Smooth Ride

Why walkers love it:
Hoka shoes are known for their ultra-soft cushioning and mild rocker-bottom sole design, which helps reduce fatigue and pressure on joints. They’re especially popular with walkers who deal with heel pain or plantar fasciitis thanks to their shock-absorbing midsoles.

• Great for: All-day wear, recovery walks, joint support
• Top Picks: Hoka Bondi, Hoka Gaviota, Hoka Arahi, Hoka Clifton
• Bonus: Many Hoka styles are available in wide widths

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2. Brooks: Everyday Stability and All-Day Comfort

Why walkers love it:
Brooks offers reliable cushioning, excellent arch support, and outsoles built to handle daily walking. The Brooks Ariel for Women and Brooks Beast for Men are standout walking-specific shoes, offering a comfortable, cushioned footbed and motion control for overpronators.

• Great for: Flat feet, low arches, walking at work or outdoors
• Top Picks: Brooks Adrenaline, Brooks Ghost, Brooks Glycerin
• Bonus: Brooks offers wide and extra wide options in many styles

3. New Balance: Perfect Fit with Premium Support

Why walkers love it:
New Balance is a favorite for people who need a true custom fit—offering one of the widest size and width selections in the industry. Heavily recommended by podiatrists, New Balance walking shoes feature firm heel counters, arch support, and premium cushioning like Fresh Foam.

• Great for: Walkers with narrow or wide feet, plantar fasciitis, or flat arches
• Top Picks: New Balance 990, New Balance 860, New Balance 1080, New Balance 1540
• Bonus: Extensive wide and extra wide size availability

4. ASICS: Supportive and Durable Walking Shoes

Why walkers love it:
ASICS brings structured support to every step. Their GEL cushioning system reduces impact forces during heel strike, and their designs help guide your foot into proper alignment. Ideal for those with pronation issues or chronic foot pain.

• Great for: Stability, long walks, support for overpronation
• Top Picks: ASICS Gel-Kayano, ASCIS GT-4000, ASICS Gel-Nimbus
• Bonus: Select models available in wide widths

Wide Width Walking Shoes Available Across All Four Brands

If you struggle to find shoes that fit comfortably, you're not alone. All four of these brands—Hoka, Brooks, New Balance, and ASICS—offer walking shoes in wide and extra wide sizes. Whether you need more room in the toe box or a shoe that accommodates orthotics, there are excellent options in every category.

Which Brand Has the Best Walking Shoes for You?

Brand	Best For	Top Features
Hoka	Plush cushioning & joint relief	Mild rocker-bottom outsole, max cushion, wide widths
Brooks	Arch support & everyday wear	Cushioned footbeds, Guide-Rail™ stability, wide sizes available
New Balance	Custom fit & foot pain relief	Wide/narrow sizes, motion control, orthotic-friendly, plush Fresh Foam™ cushioning
ASICS	Structured support & durability	GEL cushioning, pronation support, wide options

Final Thoughts: Comfort Starts with the Right Shoe

Whether you’re walking for fitness, commuting, or managing foot pain like plantar fasciitis, choosing the right shoe matters. Brands like Hoka, Brooks, New Balance, and ASICS have engineered footwear that supports, cushions, and protects your feet every step of the way. And with wide width walking shoes available across all four, you don’t have to compromise on fit.

Shop the Best Walking Shoes at FootwearEtc.com
At FootwearEtc.com, we carry a full range of walking shoes from Hoka, Brooks, New Balance, and ASICS—including styles for wide feet, plantar fasciitis, and everyday comfort. Whether you're walking the neighborhood or spending long shifts on your feet, we have your perfect pair.