45 Songs You Need On Your Walking Playlist

Have you ever accidentally forgotten your earbuds when heading into the gym or on your walk to work? It’s probably something you don’t want to ever do again! Why? Because music is essential to physical activity. This playlist features the best walking songs to help you keep a steady pace—even when you’re feeling tired.

When we listen to music while walking, it boosts our mood and makes us want to keep moving. Certain BPMs (beats per minute) in songs are optimal for walking because they synchronize with our steps and make the activity more enjoyable. So, lace up a pair of supportive sneakers, pop in your earbuds, and get moving!

1. “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift

If you’re in your walking era, look no further than Taylor Swift. This popular track will add a bounce to your stride as you try to pinpoint who Swift wrote it about. Some think the song is about her then-boyfriend Joe Alwyn, but others think it could be about a secret boyfriend the public never knew about.

BPM: 69

2. “Pink + White” by Frank Ocean

Full of imagery, “Pink + White” appears to be about life experiences that have shaped Ocean. You’ll probably have to listen to this one a few times to fully absorb it, but the upbeat feel is enough on its own to add a fun vibe to your walk.

BPM: 108

3. “Lovers Rock” by TV Girl

This song talks about how love can be like a quick-burning cigarette. It explores how relationships can feel intense but also temporary and expands on how moments of closeness and doubt can make it hard to tell if the feelings are real or just temporary comfort.

BPM: 90

4. “The Less I Know The Better” by Tame Impala

At first listen, this seems to be a song about longing and jealousy in which lead singer Kevin Parker pines for an unavailable girl, but others have different interpretations after viewing the music video. Nevertheless, the psychedelic sound makes this an enjoyable listening experience.

BPM: 116

5. “505” by Arctic Monkeys

What exactly is 505 and why does lead vocalist Alex Turner sing he’s going back “if it’s a seven-hour flight or a forty-five-minute drive”? Turner reveals it’s the hotel room number where his girlfriend was staying. Known as the first real love song by Arctic Monkeys, “505” climbed the charts upon release.

BPM: 87

6. “Everlong” by Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters are a staple of the ‘90s and “Everlong,” released in 1997, is still a favorite today. When Rolling Stone polled readers regarding the best Foo Fighters songs, “Everlong” took the #1 slot. It may just be one of the best walking songs of all time, too.

BPM: 150

7. “Don’t Blame Me” by Taylor Swift

When Swift released her “Reputation” album in fall 2017, nearly everyone took notice of her edgier sound. From country to pop, Swift dominates the charts and leaves listeners wanting more. Love this track? Check out the highly anticipated “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” dropping soon!

BPM: 92

8. “Are We Still Friends?” by Tyler, The Creator

There’s a lot going on in this song—from varying sound to background vocals to a little bit of screaming at the end. You may find it to be one of the best songs for walking on a treadmill, and you’ll definitely wonder if they are still friends.

BPM: 138

9. “I Wanna Be Yours” by Arctic Monkeys

As one of the songs on this playlist with the slowest tempos, it has a chill yet energizing vibe. At a BPM of 81, “I Wanna Be Yours” is classified as “andante” in the sheet music—translating to “at a walking pace.” So, naturally, it’s among the best songs for walking.

BPM: 81

10. “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears For Fears

Take a trip back to 1985 with this international hit about the human desire for power. Though the song was a last-minute addition to their album, music critics have ranked it as one of the best songs of the decade. As a new wave and synth-pop song, it’s one of the best songs to listen to while walking on the elliptical.

BPM: 116

11. “Rises the Moon” by Liana Flores

With a close listen to the lyrics, you’ll gather the message that bad days eventually end, so be patient—but don’t lose sight of the passing of time.

BPM: 137

12. “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado

Into speed walking? “Maneater” has to be one of the best songs for speed walking. With an allegro tempo, this song will get you moving and increase your heart rate.

BPM: 133

13. “Eventually” by Tame Impala

Kevin Parker is back with a song that captures the difficulty of letting someone go and the healing process that leads you to a healthier place—eventually.

BPM: 78

14. “I Can’t Handle Change” by Roar

The intro and outro guitar chords in this song are simply magical and filled with emotion. “I Can’t Handle Change” empathizes with feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty.

BPM: 104

15. “Daylight” by David Kushner

Kushner’s deep baritone vocals are enough to keep your attention. In “Daylight,” Kushner plays with themes of darkness and light in relation to desiring something that’s harmful to you. Give it a listen during your next walk and see what comes up for you.

BPM: 130

16. “Space Song” by Beach House

Based solely on instrumentals, this song will have you feeling like you’re floating around in space. This, combined with soothing vocals, makes for a calming listening experience.

BPM: 90

17. “August” by Taylor Swift

Did you know “August” isn’t about the month at all? In a documentary, Swift explains that “August” is instead about a fictional high schooler named Augustine who gets caught in a love triangle. This popular song deserves to be on your walking playlist.

BPM: 90

18. “Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina + The Waves

Welcome to the song on this playlist that has the fastest tempo. With its fun beat, this might be one of the best walking workout songs around—and it has the perfect title!

BPM: 164

19. “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan

If you take a walk at sunset, you may see something in the orange, too. Bryan’s song tells the story of a rocky relationship that’s hard to let go. You’ll sense the raw emotion of what seems to be unrequited love.

BPM: 110

20. “Fast Car” by Luke Combs

As Combs covered Tracy Chapman’s 1988 hit, he didn’t deviate much from the original lyrics—even those that are gendered. Combs, a fan of Chapman, wanted to honor her song, and he certainly got her stamp of approval. Combs’ version became a radio smash hit in 2023.

BPM: 98

21. “Infrunami” by Steve Lacy

This lo-fi song is a great addition to your walking playlist. Not only does lo-fi deliver a relaxing vibe but it has been associated with boosting mood, increasing brain activity, reducing anxiety, and improving concentration. We like the sound of that!

BPM: 124

22. “Walking On a Dream” by Empire of the Sun

This song was inspired by what it’s like to feel young and alive and living out your dreams. The lyrics lead us to think about how wearing the right pair of shoes is a lot like walking on a dream.

BPM: 126

23. “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer

This pop hit was playing everywhere in the ‘90s—from the radio to movies to stores in the mall. If you remember “Kiss Me” from the ‘90s, you’ll certainly feel the nostalgia. If you’ve never heard this one, there’s no better time to listen than during your next walk.

BPM: 102

24. “Dreams” by The Cranberries

Another hit from the ‘90s, “Dreams” is an interesting song in that it doesn’t have a chorus. You’ll appreciate the harmonies of frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan and her signature wails that The Cranberries are known for.

BPM: 119

25. “Out of My League” by Fitz and The Tantrums

This track certainly qualifies as one of the best songs for walking exercise. The upbeat tempo alone will get you moving and boost your mood. Getting in your daily steps doesn’t seem so hard when listening to music like this!

BPM: 112

26. “Always Forever” by Cults

Have you ever listened to a song that was edited to sound like it’s playing in another room? This is one of those. Songs like these add an extra layer of emotion and can even improve the listening experience.

BPM: 105

27. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten

Need a dose of empowerment? Platten delivers with her 2015 hit that climbed weekly charts around the world. “Fight Song” appeared in various media shortly after its release and was even selected as the official theme song of the 2016 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship.

BPM: 88

28. “Blue Hair” by TV Girl

Elevator music meets underground pop in “Blue Hair.” If you pay attention to the lyrics, you’ll likely conclude that TV Girl is singing about fitting in. If you focus solely on instrumentals, you’ll connect with the calm aura.

BPM: 88

29. “Tongue Tied” by Grouplove

A great song for the dance floor, “Tongue Tied” can also be one of your best walking songs. This synth-pop blend has repetitive electronic beats that’ll keep you moving down your walkway and beyond.

BPM: 110

30. “Sparks” by Coldplay

This acoustic track is one of Coldplay’s earliest songs. With well over 100 songs released to date, this is another Coldplay track about love and heartbreak—topics the band covers so well.

BPM: 76

31. “Yellow” by Coldplay

Two in a row from the same album! “Yellow” is Coldplay’s first breakthrough single from their debut studio album. Since its release in 2000, Coldplay has grown to international fame, and you’ll see them come up once more on this playlist of the best songs to listen to while walking.

BPM: 87

32. “Unstoppable” by Sia

Released just a year after Rachel Platten’s potent “Fight Song,” “Unstoppable” is another empowering song by an influential female artist. Pop in your earbuds and see just how unstoppable you can be on your next walk!

BPM: 116

33. “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

According to Ron Perry, chairman and CEO of Columbia Records, this song “beautifully reflects the theme of self-love, a sentiment that resonates with everyone.” And resonate it did! Not only did “Flowers” top the Billboard Hot 100 for several weeks, but it also broke Spotify’s record for the most streams in one week.

BPM: 118

34. “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” by Tame Impala

You’ve reached the longest song on the playlist. At 6:03 in length, this hypnotic track battles past and current selves. While writing the album that features this song, Kevin Parker was inspired by the Saturn return—a significant astrological event marking the completion of Saturn’s orbit around the sun that’s believed to prompt personal growth through challenges.

BPM: 97

35. “From the Start” by Laufey

On Laufey’s TikTok, she describes how she wrote “From the Start.” The whole song started with a few guitar chords inspired by bossa nova—a relaxed style of Brazilian music. Once she had her sound dialed (at the perfect tempo for walking, no less), she moved forward with sassy, upbeat lyrics.

BPM: 82

36. “Linger” by The Cranberries

The first major hit from the Irish band, “Linger” is still making waves today. In 2024 alone, over thirty years after the original release date, it has been covered countless times on TikTok.

BPM: 83

37. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison

What’s a walk without a little ‘60s influence? Get moving with the faster tempo and vintage feel of the oldest song on this playlist. As you listen, see if you feel “something special in the air” like guitarist Hugh McCracken did while recording this track.

BPM: 151

38. “Dreams - 2004 Remaster” by Fleetwood Mac

“Dreams” is Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hit and was written by Stevie Nicks in about 10 minutes! This track, released in 1977, is a favorite among listeners born decades after its release—thanks to TikTok giving the song new life.

BPM: 120

39. “Where’d All the Time Go?” by Dr. Dog

Although this song was released in 2010, it has a vintage sound to it. Feel the nostalgia as you listen to the lyrics and absorb the instrumentals. It feels right to place this one among the best songs to listen to while walking on the treadmill.

BPM: 138

40. “Back in Black” by AC/DC

“Back in Black” was released on an album of the same title and it’s one of the best-selling albums in music history. This may come as no surprise, given the extreme popularity of this track alone. Your walk needs this song!

BPM: 92

41. “Sofia” by Clairo

Clairo confirms this song to be about celebrity crushes—both of whom are named Sofia. With a blend of Eurodisco and dance-rock at a walking pace tempo, you’ll see why this song is a walking playlist essential.

BPM: 96

42. “Cardigan” by Taylor Swift

Swift released her “Folklore” album a few months into the pandemic—when fans needed it most. “Cardigan” got 7.7 million streams on Spotify which, at the time, was the most streams a song had received on release day. Revisit this favorite today.

BPM: 85

43. “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon

Let go and have fun—that’s the message of this track. As one of the best songs to listen to when walking, “Shut Up and Dance” has topped charts worldwide. Now let go and have fun on your next walk!

BPM: 128

44. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay

Coldplay recorded multiple versions of this song and struggled to choose which one to include on the album. The version you hear on this playlist was the winner—decided on by all band members.

BPM: 138

45. “Looking Out for You” by Joy Again

With an upbeat sound that aligns nicely with the band’s name, this track about a secret crush is a great way to end this playlist. If you like this song, do yourself a favor and check out the music video. Unconventionally, it was filmed by the band and their friends!

BPM: 116

Benefits of Listening to Music While Walking

Listening to music while walking offers many benefits. It transforms a routine activity into an immersive experience that enhances physical and mental well-being. One crucial aspect is selecting songs with the right beats per minute (BPM) to match the pace of your walk. The songs on this playlist have an average BPM of 133, which falls into the allegro category. Allegro is perfect for brisk walking and perfectly synchronizes with a typical walking pace of 3–4 miles per hour.

Additionally, upbeat tracks boost motivation for speed walking while calming songs promote relaxation and stress relief. Variety—mixing genres and artists—prevents monotony and keeps your walks engaging and refreshing. This playlist delivers on all of the above and will keep you connected within the vibrant walking community.

Listening to music while walking helps:

• Boost motivation and enjoyment during walks
• Maintain a steady pace and rhythm
• Enhance mood and reduce stress levels
• Provide distraction from fatigue or discomfort
• Increase endurance and extend the length of your walk
• Foster a sense of community when shared in walking groups

In conclusion, the importance of music in physical activity cannot be overstated. Forgetting your earbuds can feel like leaving behind a vital companion, as music serves as a powerful motivator and mood enhancer during workouts and walks alike.

By synchronizing with our steps and energizing us with its beats, music not only keeps us moving but also transforms our exercise routines into enjoyable experiences. Whether it's the upbeat tempo that propels us forward or the soothing melodies that calm our minds, the right playlist can make all the difference in our fitness journey.

So, as you lace up your favorite sneakers and press play on a curated selection of the best walking songs, remember the profound impact that music has on keeping us active, energized, and motivated every step of the way.

Methodology

To generate the list of the top 45 best walking songs, KURU Footwear used Playlist Miner to search for the top tracks in Spotify playlists that included the words “walk" or "walking.” Our curated list of best walking songs was based on each song’s duration, happiness score, and beats per minute (BPM).

Sourcing

• Playlist Miner
• Meaning Behind "505" Song By Arctic Monkeys. Music Grotto (December 2023)
• Readers' Poll: The 10 Best Foo Fighters Songs. Rolling Stone (February 2013)
• Beats Per Minute Explained: How to Find a Song's BPM. MasterClass (August 2021)
• The benefits of lo-fi music and how it can help you focus. Calm (November 2023)
• Behind Miley Cyrus' Smash Hit 'Flowers': 'She's Not Afraid to Go After What She Wants.' Variety (November 2023)
• "I definitely felt something special in the air that day" — the story of recording Van Morrison's Brown Eyes Girl. MusicRadar (April 2022)
• Dream — Fleetwood Mac. Last.fm
• Joy Again Premiere Totally Cute "looking Out for You" Video. The Fadar (December 2015)
• Music and exercise: 5 benefits of listening to music when you exercise. Reid Health

About Us

At KURU, we're on a mission to help you Heel Better™ with footwear technology designed to relieve foot pain, so you can live a life you love. Since launching our innovative technology in 2008, we’ve received more than 37,000 five-star reviews from thousands of customers who tell us their KURU shoes helped them get back to doing what they love.

For all media inquiries, please contact us at pr@kurufootwear.com.