Oszea Tasman Essentials waterproof sneaker in black

Best Walking Shoes in NZ and Australia (2026): All-Day Comfort Picks

Short answer: For most people who walk a lot, a well-cushioned, neutral everyday trainer such as the Brooks Ghost, HOKA Clifton 10 or ASICS Gel-Nimbus is the safest starting point, all sold through NZ and/or Australian retailers. If you want an easy slip-on for shorter walks, look at Skechers GO WALK 7. If your daily walk often means wet footpaths, a waterproof lifestyle sneaker can make more sense than a mesh trainer. Whichever you choose, fit matters more than the brand.

6am, wet grass: a dog walk in Oszea Tasman Essentials.

How we chose (and what we didn't do)

We make Oszea shoes, so read this with that in mind. We did not wear-test the other brands' shoes for this guide. Instead we went through independent reviews, including a podiatrist-written guide and GearLab's tested walking-shoe roundup, and then checked NZ and Australian retailer pages to confirm each shoe is actually sold locally. If we couldn't find a source for a shoe, we left it out. We haven't included prices because they change often. All of this was checked in October 2026.

Why it's worth the effort: the podiatry service at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust says "many people underestimate the part that footwear can play in causing foot problems". The Australian health fund HBF lists blisters, shin splints, Achilles tendon pain, corns, bunions and back pain among the problems poorly fitting shoes can cause.

Comparison at a glance

Shoe Best for Key comfort feature Source
Brooks Ghost Neutral everyday walking DNA Loft v3 foam; 12 mm drop; wide options Podiatrist guide; Frontrunner Queenstown (NZ)
HOKA Clifton 10 All-day cushioning Rocker geometry; 5 mm drop Podiatrist guide; GearLab; Rebel; THE ICONIC
ASICS Gel-Nimbus Long, high-step days Gel heel cushioning; roomy forefoot Podiatrist guide; GearLab; THE ICONIC
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Longer walks and travel Plush foam; generous toe box Podiatrist guide; GearLab; New Balance AU
Oszea Tasman / Urban Essentials Everyday city walking in wet weather Waterproof 4-layer knit; lightweight Our own product details
Skechers GO WALK 7 Short walks, easy on/off ULTRA GO cushioning; slip-on knit Podiatrist guide; Myer; Greens Footwear

The picks

1. Brooks Ghost: the dependable all-rounder

In his 2026 guide, board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr Tom Biernacki rates the Brooks Ghost 16 for neutral to mildly pronating walkers covering roughly 5–10 km a day. He notes its DNA Loft v3 foam, a segmented crash pad and a 12 mm heel-to-toe drop, plus wide options in men's and women's sizes. The current model at NZ retailers is the Ghost 18. Frontrunner Queenstown lists it with a nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole and an OrthoLite sockliner. Check stock before you visit, because the sizes we looked at were sold out.

2. HOKA Clifton 10: the most cushioned feel

The same podiatrist guide recommends the Clifton 10 for maximum cushioning. It has a 5 mm drop and "meta-rocker" geometry that helps the foot roll forward, but he notes it runs slightly narrow. GearLab named it their pick for all-day comfort after logging at least 10,000 steps per shoe (April 2026 update). They flagged a short adjustment period and a thin upper. It's available from Rebel and THE ICONIC, and THE ICONIC delivers to both Australia and New Zealand.

3. ASICS Gel-Nimbus: plush for big step counts

Dr Biernacki recommends the Gel-Nimbus 26 for premium daily walking and high-mileage days. He points to its gel heel cushioning, roomy forefoot and 8 mm drop, with an extra-wide (4E) option for men. GearLab found the newer Gel-Nimbus 28 had an accommodating toe box but raised concerns about traction. THE ICONIC stocks the Gel-Nimbus 28 Platinum in men's and women's versions.

4. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080: for long walks and travel days

The podiatrist guide suggests the 1080 for walks over about 8 km, for travel and for fitness walkers. It has an 8 mm drop, a generous toe box and some of the widest size options of any shoe here. One caveat: GearLab called the women's 1080v14 plush but better suited to running than walking. New Balance Australia currently sells the 1080v15.

5. Oszea Tasman and Urban Essentials: for wet-weather city walking

We make Oszea, so take this entry as our honest description rather than an independent review. Tasman Essentials and Urban Essentials are lightweight waterproof lifestyle sneakers. Their 4-layer ZEA-TEX build combines a breathable knit outer, a waterproof membrane, a flexible elastomer layer and a soft lining. They're designed for rain, puddles and wet grass on commutes and city days, not for full submersion. Be clear on the limits too. They aren't running, trail or hiking shoes, and we make no arch-support or podiatry claims. If you need structured support or cover big distances, one of the trainers above is the better choice. They fit true to size, so go up a size if you have wider feet. For more context, see our honest shortlist of waterproof sneakers in NZ and whether waterproof shoes are breathable.

6. Skechers GO WALK 7: easy slip-on for shorter walks

Dr Biernacki lists the GO WALK 7 as a budget, easy on/off option for light walking of under about 5 km. It has roughly a 6 mm drop and ULTRA GO cushioning, but he says it isn't built for high mileage. Australian retailer Greens Footwear sells a Wide version with a Stretch Fit knit upper and an Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole, and Myer also stocks it. Keep in mind that the NHS podiatry advice favours an adjustable lace or strap fastening for everyday wear, so a slip-on suits shorter outings best.

How to choose walking shoes

  • Fit first. HBF suggests leaving about a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Fit to your larger foot, check the heel stays snug without slipping, and shop later in the day when your feet are at their largest.
  • Cushioning. HBF recommends a lightweight shoe with extra shock absorption in the heel and under the ball of the foot. It also notes that studies show there is no single "best shoe" for each foot type, so let comfort guide you.
  • Drop. Heel-to-toe drop in this list ranges from about 5 mm (Clifton 10) to 12 mm (Ghost). If you're used to a higher drop, ease into a lower one gradually.
  • Width. If your toes feel squeezed, look for 2E or 4E fittings. The Ghost, Nimbus and 1080 all come in wider options according to the podiatrist guide.
  • Break-in. The NHS suggests wearing new shoes for an hour or two at first and building up over a couple of weeks.
  • When to replace. HBF's rough guide is every 650–950 km. Replace them sooner if the midsole shows through the outsole, the heel looks compressed or they no longer feel comfortable.

On your feet at work all day? Our guide to shoes for nurses on 12-hour shifts covers shoes for long shifts standing.

FAQ

Are running shoes good for walking?

Often, yes. Most of the shoes in this guide are built as running shoes and are recommended by a podiatrist for walking. Harvard Health suggests a specialty running store that also sells walking shoes as a good place to get fitted.

How often should I replace walking shoes?

HBF suggests roughly every 650–950 km, or sooner if the cushioning looks compressed or comfort drops off.

Can I walk all day in waterproof sneakers?

For everyday city walking in wet weather, yes. That's what lifestyle waterproof sneakers such as Oszea are designed for. For long distances, or if you need specific arch support, a cushioned walking or running shoe fitted in store is the better choice.

Are slip-on shoes OK for walking?

They're fine for short outings. NHS podiatry advice favours shoes held on by a firm, adjustable lace or strap for most of the day.

Sources

Information checked October 2026. Models and stock change, so check with the retailer before you buy. This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you have foot pain, see a podiatrist.

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