The Ultimate Guide to the 10 Best Walking Shoes for San Francisco

Exploring San Francisco on foot is one of the best ways to take in its charm, from the steep hills and iconic cable cars to the bustling waterfront and cozy neighborhoods. To make the most of your walking experience, having the right footwear is essential. That’s why choosing the best walking shoes for San Francisco can mean the difference between a memorable journey and a painful one.

San Francisco’s hilly terrain, mixed weather, and often slippery sidewalks demand shoes with strong grip, good cushioning, and all-day comfort. Whether you’re sightseeing along Fisherman’s Wharf or hiking up to Twin Peaks, you need footwear that can support your feet through every incline and curve. This guide features the top walking shoes specifically suited for exploring San Francisco with ease and confidence.

Best Walking Shoes for San Francisco

1. HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 8

The HOKA Bondi 8 is known for its ultra-cushioned ride, making it a standout choice for long days walking San Francisco’s hills. The shoe features a full-length EVA midsole that absorbs shock on hard surfaces like concrete and pavement. Its plush feel keeps feet comfortable whether you’re walking down Market Street or climbing Lombard Street.

This model has a breathable mesh upper that keeps your feet cool, even when walking in warmer parts of the city. It also features a beveled heel that helps with smooth transitions during each stride. The wide base offers extra stability which is helpful for uneven or inclined sidewalks.

HOKA’s signature Meta-Rocker geometry helps propel your steps forward, reducing foot fatigue. If you’re planning a day packed with sightseeing, this shoe can help your legs and feet last longer. The Bondi 8’s generous padding makes it a great fit for people with joint sensitivity or plantar fasciitis.

Despite its bulky look, the shoe is surprisingly lightweight, ensuring agility without sacrificing support. It’s a perfect match for both casual city walkers and serious urban explorers.

2. Brooks Ghost 15

The Brooks Ghost 15 is a reliable walking shoe that combines comfort, cushioning, and durability ideal for navigating the city’s diverse terrains. With its soft DNA LOFT v2 midsole, the shoe provides a smooth and supportive feel underfoot, which is crucial when moving from steep streets to flat parks.

Its engineered mesh upper enhances fit and ventilation, keeping your feet cool during long days outdoors. The padded heel and tongue prevent rubbing, even if you’re wearing them for hours. It adapts well to a variety of foot shapes, providing consistent support across different activities.

This shoe features a Segmented Crash Pad that absorbs impact from the heel to the toe. That means less stress on your joints when you’re walking downhill or making sharp turns. The grip is dependable on both dry and mildly wet surfaces, which is handy when navigating misty mornings or ocean breezes.

Perfect for travelers and locals alike, the Ghost 15 offers enough cushioning for prolonged walking without feeling too soft or unstable. It balances lightweight performance with comfort, making it a go-to for city adventures.

3. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v13

New Balance’s Fresh Foam 1080v13 is a premium walking shoe built for maximum comfort. With its signature Fresh Foam X midsole, it offers a soft, responsive ride that reduces fatigue during city explorations. Whether you’re strolling through Golden Gate Park or navigating Embarcadero crowds, this shoe handles it all.

The Hypoknit upper hugs your foot securely while allowing natural movement. Its modern construction adapts well to different foot shapes and keeps your feet stable on uneven sidewalks. A wide toe box helps avoid discomfort during prolonged wear, especially helpful on long walking tours.

The shoe’s outsole includes flex grooves and laser-cut tread patterns for traction and flexibility. It ensures you have reliable footing on damp pavements or steep walkways. Lightweight yet durable, this shoe holds up well even after full days of use.

Designed with urban walkers in mind, the 1080v13 excels in balancing support and softness. It’s especially beneficial for people who need extra shock absorption without sacrificing stability. This is a top-tier pick for anyone planning full-day walking in San Francisco.

4. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 delivers plush comfort and superior support for long-distance walking. It features a generous dose of FF BLAST+ cushioning and PureGEL technology, giving your steps a soft yet springy feel. It’s especially helpful when going up and down San Francisco’s notoriously steep hills.

The engineered knit upper provides a snug, breathable fit that keeps your feet cool and secure. The heel fit is enhanced by a soft collar that minimizes irritation during extended wear. Whether walking across town or standing in lines, comfort is constant.

The shoe’s sole includes deep grooves and a rubber outsole that delivers solid grip on various surfaces. That makes it a trustworthy companion for hilly routes and slippery sidewalks after morning fog. The Gel-Nimbus 25 is also a great option for people with pronation issues due to its neutral stability and excellent arch support.

If you’re after a premium walking experience and long-lasting comfort, this shoe stands out. It’s engineered for people who take walking seriously and want every step to feel supported and stress-free.

5. Merrell Moab 3

The Merrell Moab 3 is designed for those who like to mix city walking with light trail exploration. It features a Vibram TC5+ outsole known for its rugged grip, which is ideal for walking on both paved paths and San Francisco’s park trails. The deep lugs and durable rubber keep you steady, even on gravel or wet stairs.

This shoe comes with a supportive insole and EVA foam midsole, offering both comfort and shock absorption. The heel cushioning pod provides added support for heel strikers, and the reinforced toe cap protects against bumps and debris. It’s built to last, even under daily urban wear and tear.

The mesh and leather upper balances breathability with durability. It’s a solid pick for walking through varied conditions like coastal wind, urban grime, or park moisture. Whether you’re visiting Lands End Trail or Mission Dolores Park, the Moab 3 performs well in mixed environments.

If you want one pair of shoes that can go from the city to nature seamlessly, this is your go-to. It combines hiking-inspired performance with casual day-walking comfort.

6. Saucony Triumph 21

The Saucony Triumph 21 is designed for maximum comfort and responsiveness, making it ideal for walking long distances across the city. Featuring PWRRUN+ cushioning throughout the midsole, it delivers a soft, plush feel without compromising on rebound. Whether you’re navigating San Francisco’s steep streets or exploring flatter areas, this shoe adapts well to various surfaces.

The FORMFIT design hugs the foot securely while still allowing natural movement. This ensures stability while walking downhill or on uneven sidewalks. The engineered mesh upper allows for excellent airflow, reducing sweat buildup during warm days.

Its outsole pattern offers reliable grip and durability. The flex grooves in the forefoot allow for smoother transitions, helping you move more naturally through each step. The shoe’s overall build quality ensures longevity, even with daily use in a busy urban environment.

Overall, the Triumph 21 is a standout choice for walkers who want a balance between cushioning, support, and bounce. It’s well-suited for both tourists and locals who walk the city daily.

7. Adidas Ultraboost Light

The Adidas Ultraboost Light blends sporty style with practical walking comfort. Its BOOST midsole technology offers outstanding energy return and long-lasting cushioning, which is beneficial for city walks on hard pavement. Every step feels springy and protected, even when walking across San Francisco’s iconic hills.

The shoe’s PRIMEKNIT upper wraps the foot like a sock, giving a personalized fit. It adjusts well with foot motion and ensures breathability. This makes it suitable for all-day wear, especially in mixed weather conditions typical of the Bay Area.

The Continental™ Rubber outsole provides reliable grip, even on damp sidewalks or trolley tracks. It’s a key advantage when walking in foggy conditions or after light rain. The sleek, minimalist design also makes it versatile for casual city outings.

Ideal for those who want a stylish shoe that also performs well on extended walks, the Ultraboost Light balances fashion and function effortlessly.

8. On Cloud 5

The On Cloud 5 is known for its lightweight design and unique CloudTec cushioning. Perfect for short to medium city walks, it offers a blend of responsiveness and support. Each “cloud pod” in the sole compresses individually to absorb shock and then springs back for push-off, helping reduce foot fatigue.

It features a breathable upper made from recycled materials, contributing to sustainability while keeping your feet cool. The slip-on speed lacing system adds convenience great for travelers who don’t want to fuss with knots.

While it doesn’t offer as much arch support as others on this list, it’s incredibly agile and comfortable for flatter city paths or moderate inclines. Its lightweight structure is ideal for those who prefer a minimal feel while walking.

For minimalist walkers or casual explorers, the Cloud 5 delivers comfort, convenience, and a modern look perfect for San Francisco’s street fashion.

9. Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles

Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles are tailored for damp or chilly San Francisco days. Made with water-repellent ZQ Merino wool, these shoes keep your feet warm and dry during foggy mornings or light rain. The eco-friendly materials add sustainability points while still feeling luxurious.

The natural wool upper conforms to your foot, offering comfort without rubbing. A soft, cushioned midsole made from sugarcane-based SweetFoam™ provides moderate shock absorption, ideal for everyday walking across neighborhoods like Noe Valley or Hayes Valley.

The outsole features a grippy rubber tread for city traction, though it’s not suited for intense inclines. Still, for casual urban exploration, the Mizzles provide a cozy feel that’s hard to beat.

Stylish and low-key, these are perfect for eco-conscious city dwellers or tourists visiting during San Francisco’s cooler, mistier months.

10. Skechers GOwalk 6

The Skechers GOwalk 6 offers a budget-friendly, ultra-comfy option for casual walkers. Built with ULTRA GO cushioning and high-rebound Hyper Pillars, this shoe provides soft impact protection and support, especially helpful on long, flat walks around the Embarcadero or Fisherman’s Wharf.

The mesh upper ensures breathability, and the padded collar adds ankle comfort. The slip-on design with dual-side elastic panels makes it easy to wear and remove, especially useful for those who are always on the go or packing light.

Its outsole includes flexible segments that promote a natural gait, enhancing walking efficiency. While it’s not built for hiking or steep hills, it excels in everyday urban walking. Lightweight and cozy, it’s a practical option for laid-back tourists or locals doing casual errands.

If you need affordable comfort for flat city terrain, the GOwalk 6 delivers without overcomplicating the design.

Best Walking Shoes for San Francisco Buying Guide

Choose Cushioning That Suits Your Terrain

San Francisco’s hilly streets and hard pavements demand shoes with serious shock absorption. Look for foam-based midsoles like Fresh Foam, BOOST, or PWRRUN+ if you plan to walk for hours. Cushioning not only reduces joint stress but also enhances energy return on inclines and declines.

Prioritize Traction and Stability

With frequent elevation changes, slippery sidewalks, and morning fog, traction is critical. Shoes with grippy rubber outsoles—especially those with Vibram soles or deep treads—offer better security on wet or uneven surfaces. If you’re exploring neighborhoods like Nob Hill or Pacific Heights, you’ll need that extra grip.

Breathability for Climate Comfort

San Francisco’s weather can shift from foggy mornings to sunny afternoons. Mesh or knit uppers help your feet stay cool and dry across the city’s microclimates. Breathable materials also prevent odor and sweating during longer treks.

Lightweight Builds for Daily Exploration

Bulky shoes may offer cushion but can tire your feet faster. Look for lightweight construction that doesn’t sacrifice support. Models like the On Cloud 5 or Skechers GOwalk 6 are great examples for those who prefer a minimal feel with solid comfort.

Fit and Accessibility Features

Fit matters more than looks. Shoes with flexible uppers, padded collars, and slip-on designs can enhance all-day wear. If you plan to walk frequently or struggle with foot fatigue, make sure your shoes have a wide toe box and responsive arch support.

FAQ

Are walking shoes different from running shoes?

Yes, walking shoes are built for forward motion with even impact, while running shoes are designed for higher impact and varied strike zones. Walking shoes often focus more on long-term comfort and stability, which is perfect for exploring cities like San Francisco on foot.

Can I wear walking shoes for hiking in San Francisco?

For casual trails like Lands End or Golden Gate Park, many walking shoes with good grip will work fine. However, for rugged or steep trails, shoes like the Merrell Moab 3 are better suited due to their hiking-grade traction and protection.

How do I know if a walking shoe has enough support?

Supportive walking shoes will offer arch reinforcement, a firm heel counter, and midsole cushioning. If you feel stable during long walks and don’t experience pain in your arches or heels, your shoe likely provides adequate support for your needs.

What type of shoe is best for San Francisco’s hills?

Shoes with deep treads and strong heel support are ideal for hills. Look for pairs with a rocker sole or added grip in the outsole like HOKA Bondi 8 or ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25, which help with both ascending and descending steep streets.

Are knit or mesh uppers better for walking?

Both knit and mesh offer breathability, but knit uppers provide more stretch and conform better to your foot. Mesh is often more structured and holds up better under extended wear. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize flexibility or durability.

Is water resistance important in San Francisco?

Yes, especially in the colder months when fog and drizzle are common. Water-repellent shoes like the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles can keep your feet dry while maintaining comfort. However, in drier seasons, breathability may take priority over water protection.

Verdict

Choosing the right walking shoes for San Francisco means considering hills, fog, pavement, and comfort. Whether you’re walking to work, sightseeing all day, or casually exploring the city’s neighborhoods, the ideal shoe should offer cushioning, traction, and breathability. From highly cushioned options like the HOKA Bondi 8 to versatile picks like the Merrell Moab 3, there’s something for every walker’s need. Invest in a pair that fits your lifestyle and the terrain, and every step through San Francisco will feel easier and more enjoyable.