Laces, stretch laces or hands-free: how do you want to put them on?

The quickest way to choose men's walking shoes is by how they close, because that decides how fast you get out of the door.

• Classic laces: the lace-up Go Walk Now in grey and the adidas Cloudfoam Flex Laces let you tighten the fit around your foot.
• Stretch laces: the Go Walk Flex in navy or teal, the Go Walk Max Midshore and the Cloudfoam Comfy have elastic laces, so you slip them on without tying.
• Hands-free: Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins, such as the Go Walk Flex Anza and Go Walk Now Sauntered, use a Heel Pillow to hold your heel. The adidas Rapidfit shoes have a step-in heel too. See all slip-on shoes.
• Sock fit: the Cloudfoam Go Sock, Cloudfoam Flex Sock and Go Walk 8 have a laceless upper that fits like a sock.

How much cushioning do you need?

For errands, Skechers pitches the light Go Walk Now at everyday walking and casual wear. If you walk for a long time every day, look for more foam. The Go Walk Max Cushioning Hyper Burst pairs a HYPER BURST midsole with an Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole. The Nike Promina has a tall foam stack and a grooved rocker outsole, which Nike says gives high cushioning for all-day comfort. Nike says a rocker sole helps propel you forward.

adidas Cloudfoam models, such as the Cloudfoam Cuxxion Lounge, use a soft Cloudfoam midsole with an Adiwear rubber outsole for grip. Compare them with all walking shoes.

Do you need arch support?

The Go Walk Arch Fit N-Joy Talen has Skechers' Arch Fit insole, which Skechers describes as podiatrist-certified arch support. From adidas, the Cloudfoam Flex Laces has integrated arch support, and the Cloudfoam Cuxxion Rapidfit has a high stacked Cloudfoam midsole with arch support.

If cushioning comes first for you, start with the Go Walk Max Cushioning Hyper Burst or the Nike Promina. More styles are in men's footwear.