A solid pair of walking shoes can do more than just protect your toes. They support your whole body and can even protect against joint aches and pains. Whether you’re running errands, chasing after your kids or hitting your daily step goal, the right footwear can make a world of difference. 

That said, there are a lot of options to choose from. And who has time to sift through them all? To make things easy, we asked four podiatrists to share their favorite walking shoes to ease joint pain. And they all picked the same one—the Hoka Bondi. “Its combination of maximal cushioning, anatomical design and stability features makes it ideal for individuals with arthritis, plantar fasciitis or general joint discomfort,” says podiatrist Suzanne Fuchs, D.P.M.

Read on to learn why podiatrists love the Hoka Bondi, plus their top strategies for choosing the perfect walking shoes.

Why Podiatrists Love the Hoka Bondi

It Has Ultra-Plush Cushioning

Want to feel like you’re walking on clouds? The Hoka Bondi is known for its ultra-plush cushioning, which gives you a soft, pillow-like feel with every step. Podiatrist Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., says the Bondi has been one of the most consistent performers in reducing pain among his patients with foot or joint issues. “You’ll notice it as soon as you step into them,” he says. “That thick midsole absorbs a ton of impact, which can make walking much more comfortable for people with arthritis or joint sensitivity. Some patients tell me they feel the difference right away and have less pain in their knees or hips after just a few days.”

Fuchs agrees, adding the Bondi uses a thick, resilient midsole foam that absorbs up to 60% more impact than traditional foam. She explains that this extra cushioning helps reduce stress on knees, hips and the lower back when your heel hits the ground and also when your toes propel you forward. 

It Boasts Meta-Rocker Technology 

“The Hoka Bondi is equipped with Hoka’s Meta-Rocker technology, which is built into the mid- and outsoles,” says podiatrist Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M. “This helps the foot and ankle to roll forward and reduce the force of impact on joints.” 

If you examine the shoe, you’ll notice it has a slightly curved shape on the bottom, like a rocking chair. This naturally encourages a gentle rocking motion, helping your foot roll smoothly either backward or forward as you walk. “The rocker bottom in the Bondi 8 isn’t just hype. It actually encourages a smoother step, which can help reduce the stress on not only joints of the feet but also the ankles, knees, hips, even the lower back,” adds Cunha. 

It Provides Enhanced Stability 

The Bondi’s firm sole helps control stress and strain for people with different foot types, whether you have high arches, flat feet or overpronation, says podiatrist Mitzi Williams, D.P.M., FACFAS. If you’ve never heard of overpronation before, it means your foot rolls inward when you walk. Conversely, underpronation means your foot rolls outward. 

This shoe provides stability without being too heavy, which is beneficial for supporting proximal joints, says Williams. Plus, it pairs well with orthotics to provide additional support and stability to those who need it. 

It Bears the APMA Seal of Acceptance

The Hoka Bondi is so popular among podiatrists that its cushioning and good arch support have earned it the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. This stamp of approval is awarded to footwear that promotes good foot health. Products are reviewed by a panel of podiatrists, who assess factors such as safety, quality control and composition. 

Other Strategies to Select Good Walking Shoes

Know Your Foot and Arch Type: Podiatrists emphasize the importance of knowing your foot type, whether you overpronate, underpronate or your foot is neutral. It’s also essential to know your arch type, as flat feet and high arches require different levels of stability and support. 

“I’ve seen patients develop chronic knee pain just because their shoes didn’t support their arches properly,” says Cunha. “It’s not always about the brand, it’s about how the shoe works with your foot.” A visit with a podiatrist can help you identify your specific foot and arch type, which can be difficult to determine on your own. “This is crucial to identify so you purchase the right shoe for your foot type,” explains Parthasarathy. 

Get Professionally Fitted: “One size does not fit all in the shoe world!” says Parthasarathy. “The right shoe for your foot type is key in finding [one] that will reduce your foot pain.” When shoe shopping, try Fuchs’ pro tip: “Feet swell throughout the day—always get fitted in the late afternoon or evening. A thumb’s-width of space between the longest toe and shoe end ensures comfort as feet expand.” 

Replace Your Shoes Regularly: “People tend to wait too long to get new shoes,” says Cunha. “Even if they look OK on the outside, the inner support usually breaks down after 300 to 400 miles. That’s about six months for regular walkers.” Once that cushioning is gone, you’re putting more stress on your joints, and that’s when the pain starts creeping in, he says. He also recommends bringing your old pair of walking shoes with you to your doctor to assess the wear and tear on the inside of the shoe and evaluate its impact on your gait. 

Our Expert Take

Podiatrists agree the best walking shoe to help reduce joint pain is the Hoka Bondi. Podiatrists love it for its ultra-plush cushioning and meta-rocker technology that promotes a smooth step. They’re also big fans of its enhanced stability that suits a variety of different foot types. It’s such a winner that it’s earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. No matter which shoe you choose for your walking routine, podiatrists recommend visiting a podiatrist to learn your foot and arch type, getting professionally fitted and replacing your walking shoes regularly.