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There’s something soul-filling about a good old-fashioned walk, putting your feet to the pavement — or maybe dirt, grass, or sand (dreamy). But it’s far from purely a pleasure activity: Research has shown that walking reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, eases joint pain, increases immune function, and may even extend lifespans. More perks? Walks may be accompanied by bursts of creativity, mood boosts, and cute dog sightings. 

That said, sometimes a walking routine can feel less like self-care and more like a chore, especially when to-dos are piling up and the days don’t feel long enough to get anywhere near 10,000 steps. 

We rounded up a list of essentials to help make walking comfortable and enjoyable, so the daily ritual is something you look forward to (think: cozy cardio, walking edition). While a new water bottle and baseball cap may seem small, we’ve found they can work wonders to shake up your stroll.

Tried-and-True Footwear 

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

If you want a lightweight shoe that’s supportive and cushiony, Hoka’s Clifton 9 Sneakers fit the bill. Earning The American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which is granted to products that promote good foot health, they have a shock-absorbing cushioned midsole and breathable upper. Plus, they come in a range of colorful styles. Assistant Editor Rebekah Brandes has them in Vanilla Astral — and chose them after painstakingly reading every “best sneakers for running” roundup she could find. Hoka also offers a much-loved line of men’s sneakers.  

Teva Universal Sandals

Whether you’re going for a casual stroll or river walking in the woods, Teva remains a solid choice. The sandals are easy to strap on, they adjust to fit your foot, and this style features a durable outsole and extra arch support. They’re also treated with a peppermint-based anti-odor treatment, and the quick-dry webbing is made from recycled plastic. Check out the brand’s men’s styles too. 

Bombas x Cotopaxi Merino Wool Blend Socks 

It’s hard to enjoy even the loveliest of walks when you’re dealing with blisters. These merino wool blend socks are ideal for keeping your feet pain-free, from step 10 to 10,000. They’re cushioned in all the right places and sustainably made with leftover deadstock yarns, so every pair is unique, which makes them all the more special in our books. On top of all that, Bombas stands out for its one-for-one model, donating an item with every purchase.

Dr. Scholl’s All-Day Comfort Insoles

Insoles are the secret ingredient to a comfier walk, especially if you frequently deal with foot pain or plantar fasciitis. This pair slips effortlessly into your shoes and will help extend the lifespan of your footwear. Win-win!

Cozy Clothes

Parks Project Reversible Vest 

This reversible vest from Parks Project is a practical layer that makes it easy to add or shed pieces depending on whether you get toasty or chilly mid-walk — or how funky you feel like dressing that day. It’s got three pockets to stash your phone, keys, and a small snack or two, and the company has donated over $2.5 million to help fund vital projects in America’s national parks. Learn more about its mission here. 

Vuori Half-Zip Hoodie

There’s no shortage of awesome activewear brands, but this writer is partial to the super soft apparel from Vuori, especially this cute half-zip hoodie, which would pair nicely with these leggings. For the guys, check out Vuori’s stretchy half-zip hoodie that goes well with these joggers.

Life Is Good Tree Cap 

A hat is key to staying comfortable: protecting your skin from the sun and keeping hair out of your face. It’s also a fun way to add personality to your look. Nature enthusiasts, might we suggest the above tree cap? Dog lovers, this one has your name on it. 

Handy Essentials 

Baggu Recycled Nylon Fanny Pack 

Fanny packs are back in a big way — and we’re fans of this recycled nylon number from Baggu. There’s ample storage for your walking essentials (plus a little extra), so you can bop around hands-free. Other perks: It’s machine washable, available in a ton of different designs and colors, and arrives in 100% recycled paper stock packaging. 

Hydro Flask Water Bottle 

A hydrated walk is a good walk! This writer has owned a Hydro Flask in the Trillium Pink color for over four years, and it’s survived hundreds of dog walks and more accidental drops than she’d like to admit. It keeps water cool all day and the handle makes it easy to tote around everywhere.

Anthropologie Tonal Hair Tie Set 

When it comes to walking essentials, a good hair tie is up there with good shoes and sun protection. These ones are made with snag-free fabric, so they won’t damage your locks, and they come in pretty colors — so they look pretty in a ponytail, bun, or when worn on your wrist. Get the 10-piece set in shades of red, cream, or blue. 

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mix Packets

Need a pick-me-up after a particularly sweaty speed walking sesh? Allow Liquid I.V.’s electrolyte packets to do the trick. You simply add the powder to water, then sip and soak up the hydration-boosting benefits (as well as five different vitamins). The single-serving packets are small enough to tuck into your pocket for when you’re on-the-go, and they come in a ton of flavors, including Lemon Lime, Strawberry Lemonade, and Passion Fruit. 

Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm

If you experience inner thigh chafing (same), this balm works wonders. Especially during humid weather, the smooth yet non-greasy formula provides relief to wherever you need it, and the deodorant-style stick makes it easy to apply in a pinch. Made with plant-derived ingredients and rich in vitamins, it’s also a game changer for blister-prone feet.

She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm 

Have you heard of this personal safety alarm? It’s one of those tools you’ll hopefully never need on your walks, but it provides a little peace of mind regardless. Here’s how it works: The pocket-sized device activates a strobe light and siren when the top pin is pulled, and it turns off when reconnected. The idea is to deter a dangerous situation from happening by attracting attention, fast.  

Gadgets for Extra Oomph 

Fitbit Inspire 3 

The Fitbit Inspire is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Assistant Editor Rebekah has one, and it’s helped her to make lasting health and lifestyle changes. Much more than just a step counter and heart rate monitor, the device tracks sleep and stress, includes 20-plus exercise modes for accurate workout breakdowns, displays call and text notifications, and more. Nab it in lilac, orange, or black. 

Apple AirPods 4 

Airpods make it much easier to do what you love while you walk, whether you squeeze in phone calls, listen to podcasts, or turn on your favorite soundtrack. No cords to untangle or shoulder needed to balance your cell on. Now’s a great time to upgrade or invest in your first pair, as Apple just launched the latest version, which comes with noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and other awesome features.

Urban Poling Activator Poles 

These high-quality and lightweight walking sticks are adjustable and feature an ergonomically-designed grip to help engage your core as you move. Designed to lessen the impact on your joints and improve posture and balance, they may be a great fit for anyone who has sensitive knees or is looking for extra protection on sidewalks, trails, you name it.  

Bala Bangles Wrist and Ankle Weights 

Bala Bangles level up your walk by adding “constant but comfortable” resistance to every step. Made of steel wrapped in soft silicone, the weights-meet-bracelets come with an adjustable band, ensuring a comfy fit as you take your workout up a notch. They’re available in 1-3 pounds and a variety of colors. 

Bonus! Walking Books to Inspire You

Epic Hikes of the World

Want to extend your bucket list? This book features incredible hikes across the world, including day-long jaunts and month-long hikes that’ll undoubtedly inspire you to lace up your walking shoes and explore. 

Afoot and Lighthearted: A Journal for Mindful Walking 

Bonnie Smith Whitehouse’s guided journal aims to help walkers cultivate more mindfulness on their strolls. Through writing prompts, inspirational quotes, charming illustrations, and science-backed research on the intersection of walking and well-being, it’s a wonderful companion that will help you see everyday walks with a fresh perspective. 

1001 Walks You Must Take Before You Die

So many walks, so little time. This book is jam-packed with scenic strolls (1,001 to be exact), covering a wide range of routes — we’re talking hiking trails, art walks, converted railway lines, and picturesque paths. Every entry features a start and finish point, distance, difficulty, and estimated duration, so you can plan ahead or simply daydream in detail. 

Flâneuse 

Lauren Elkin, an author who moved to Paris in 1999, invented the term flâneuse: the feminine form of flâneur, which means a stroller who idles or wanders. In her aptly titled book Flâneuse, Elkin covers the fascinating history of women walking and the “liberating possibilities” that come from putting one foot in front of the other — while taking readers on a journey through New York, Paris, Tokyo, London, and Venice.

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