It's a running shoe, but great all around, the Asics Kayano. I just ordered a new pair right before coming upon this thread. I loved the Zoom Vomero too.

Asics Gel Kayano for me too. I can wear them straight out of the box with no break in period. And they last. I used to put a lot of mileage on mine when I was running 10k’s and half marathons and I loved them then and still do although I don't run as much now.

Merrells and Keenes seem to suit my feet and walking pattern best.

My favorite shoe in general is a Clark Cloudstepper. What kind of walking are you talking about? going for a stroll? walking around on errands? or ”let’s do the next .15 miles of the Appalachian Trail this week”?

I've worn nothing but Nikes since 1975. I get a new pair every year and for the past three or four years, I've gotten Nike Air. I love them and won't wear anything else.

I love my worn out Asics gel Kayano 20’s but bave tried on newer models over the years, but the toe boxes wer too tight or too short, or both. Going up half a size didnt help because the arch doesnt hit in the right spot. Those who love the Kayano, how do the 27’s and 28’s run (fit)?

Cat mom, yes, they went through a redesign that wasnt well-received several years back. I can‘t remember which model it was, maybe 22 or 23, but it was exactly as you describe, and was too narrow in the toe box. They listened and fixed it. Go try again with one of the new models.

My favorite Lem walkers are as close to barefoot as I could get and still have something on my feet. They have a wide toe box which is what I need. And they have zero heel. The soles are so flexible they can be folded in half.

https://www.lemsshoes.com/collections/womens-products-all/products/womens-primal-2?variant=32230154993722

These are not to be confused with hiking shoes though as they don't have a good grippy tread on them.

New Balance is my favorite, partly because they have Velcro closures instead of laces, and so they are easier to put on. They are also very comfortable. However, the men's shoes do not come in my size, and so I have to shop in the women's department, but the shoes look the same. The women's shoes are cheaper than the men's, and that is a plus for me.

My back only likes Merrell shoes. (Not a runner.)

I just ordered half a dozen shoes from Amazon and returned them. I need a lot of cushioning due to a thinning heel pad. My favorite was the Asics Gel-Quantum 360. The 360s have a full gel sole from heel to toe and were very supportive. Their 180 shoes only have gel to the mid-sole. Unfortunately, they felt a little too narrow, which seems to have been a problem with the older Kayanos.

Check Amazon. You can get excellent prices when they have only select sizes and colors left. Returns are easy--you can drop them off at Kohls or Whole Foods. I see that they also have Gel-Kayano in a 360.

https://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Womens-Gel-Kayano-Running-Shoes/dp/B07V81XC4Y/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=asics%2B360&qid=1641397468&sr=8-12&th=1&psc=1

I wear Sketchers. Probably not the best but I walk 8 hours a day at work and so far they've worked for me for over 20 years.

I've got all sorts of different brands but a pair of Adidas Ultra Boosts are probably my favorites:  lots of arch support and good padding.

I was following this thread closely because I needed new shoes as well. From the comments above I was leaning toward the Asic Kayano and was going to order online when I wasn't exactly sure of the size. I looked around online and found a store that carries Asic, less than 5 miles from my home. So I ran down there and so glad I did. I got a very knowledgeable salesperson who not only measured my feet but talked to me about the different Asic shoes and their different strengths and weaknesses. She had me walk without shoes to see if I rolled in or out. The end result was I got the Asic Nimbus gel 24 as the Kayano wasn't appropriate for me. They are comfortable from the first minute and I know I will be very happy with them. I have ordered shoes online just from a picture and been unhappy with them a few times. I do appreciate hearing everyone's personal experiences. It's very helpful. But, for me, going to a live person got me exactly what I needed.

Murraysmom, that is how I got the Kayano, a great running store. They put my husband in a totally different, non Asics shoe.

Exactly, Zalco. My DH wears New Balance and is always happy in them, but they blister my heels every time I have tried them. My heels are narrow and I have a high instep with a neutral gait. I have successfully worn a few Brooks (Ghost comes to mind). You really just have to consider your own foot shape, width, etc etc, and what works and feels best. A specialty/running footwear store is the best place to start.

OutsidePlaying, thanks!

I had tried various, somewhat more recent #'s/versions, but they weren't a good fit. Other Asics models/styles aren't good for me. I have narrow heels as well, and despite having high arches/insteps, I tend to pronate somewhat because I am knock-kneed (so shoes that push feet inward for example, are a no-go).

I ordered a pair of GT-1000's from DSW to try on ($10 in perk $ plus a $10 off coupon, and easily returnable, so why not give them a try).

A sporting goods store not far from us supposedly has the Kayano 28's in stock in my size in some color options I might like, so I will try to get over there to try those on as well.

My go to shoe is Sketchers, it about the only ones I can wear.