- Size range: 5-12
- Colors: 14
- Width: B
- Weight: 10.8 ounces
- Heel drop: 4mm
- Price at publish: $165
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Walking is great for your health, whether you’re purposely walking to get your steps in or you’re someone who works on their feet all day. In either case, having a pair of good walking shoes is key to avoiding the aches and pains that can come with all those steps.
Yet the sheer number of shoes available these days can be a little overwhelming. That’s why I spent hours researching walking shoes for women, considering sizing, style, color, width options, and more to find the best options on the market.
If you’re someone who experiences plantar fasciitis, you’re well aware of how important a good shoe is. These have a heel drop on the lower side. And they are some of the best women’s shoes for those with plantar fasciitis since they’re soft and lightweight, yet they offer a rear crash pad to ensure a stable gait and a comfortable fit. (They also are one of the best running shoes for women.) Shopping tip: For more options to relieve this specific foot issue, take a look at the list of best shoes for plantar fasciitis.
A comfortable running (or walking) shoe with great reviews.
People with high arches will breathe a sigh of relief after trying these walking shoes from Skechers. They’re a fairly lightweight option specifically designed to offer arch support. And there’s a removable, cushioned footbed, so you can customize the support if you’d like. The shoes come in 10 colors but only one width, which may not work for someone who needs narrower or wider walking shoes. Shopping tip: Experts consider Sketchers to be one of the best running shoe brands, so it’s worth a browse if you’re in the market for a new pair.
They are lightweight and have arch support, but they only come in one width, so they may not be suitable for all runners.
Bunions can be painful, so finding the right walking shoe can help keep you comfortable, whether you’re running errands or taking a few laps around the block. These sneakers are a slip-on style that looks like a lace-up shoe and they come in medium, wide, or extra-wide widths. They’ve also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, though the heel drop isn’t listed.
This slip-on shoe comes with an APMA Seal of Acceptance, so it is likely safe for feet with bunions.
Nike fans will want to check out the Invincible 3, which has extra cushioning for a softer fit that lessens the impact when walking. Because it is a breathable and durable option, you also won’t wear them out quickly. At 9mm, the heel drop is higher, so it could be especially helpful for people with ankle pain. The shoes only come in five colors, but if you become a Nike member, you can actually design your own pair of shoes. Shopping tip: Nike is a one-stop shop for anything fitness-related, where you’ll find the best tennis shoes for men, best tennis shoes for women, best walking shoes for men, best men’s workout shirts, best hoodies, best sports bras, best leggings, and more, making the free membership worth it.
These Nike shoes are stylish but expensive; however, they are great for walking or running comfortably.
If it’s tough to find your size in a good walking shoe, you’ll want to consider the 928v3 from New Balance. They come in sizes 5-13 with an impressive five width options, so they’re great for hard-to-find sizes. These shoes only come in neutral hues and the style doesn’t feel as modern as some, but they’re a solid pick with their removable footbed, shock-absorbing cushion, and ROLLBAR stability–all designed to provide extra support for the back of your feet.
This is a walking shoe for people with wide feet who are fine with a neutral, non-trendy aesthetic and value extreme comfort.
Exercise is important to incorporate every day, even when it’s raining. These sneaker-style walking shoes are waterproof, so they’ll keep your toes dry even if you’re getting your steps in during a downpour. The leather used earned a Bronze rating from the Leather Working Group (LWG), meaning the brand met specific sustainability criteria, and the shoes are made of 20% or more recycled materials. These only come in medium width, and the color options are fun but limited.
Sorel is known for its weatherproof boots, and these waterproof walking shoes are made with the same high-quality materials.
Women with wide feet will appreciate the roomy comfort of this Under Armour sneaker. Wide widths aren’t offered in all the available colors, but the black and white is a classic choice and is offered in wide width for all sizes (5-12). These shoes have a cushioned heel for an extra comfortable stride, plus they are breathable, durable, and have a rubber outsole for better traction.
Extremely breathable walking shoes with good traction for when you want to pound the pavement (or country roads) for hours on end in comfort.
Security lines at the airport tend to feel rushed, and trying to get your shoes back on while also collecting your things can be a struggle. These have laces and look like a typical sneaker, but the collapsible heel lets you slide your foot in without having to bend down and use your hands. Wide widths are available in sizes up to 16.5 women’s, but the sizes start at 6 rather than 5, a more typical starter size. There are four colors available (all classic neutrals) and the shoes have a breathable canvas upper with a cushioned outsole. Plus, the insoles are removable and can be washed.
Great cushioned walking shoes for travel thanks to the collapsible heel for quick removal at the airport (hands-free and slip-on/off), plus insoles that can be removed and washed on the road.
These sandals offer a stylish yet practical footwear option for women who plan to do a lot of walking. The platform adds a bit of height and style, yet it contains dual density cushioning to better absorb impact when walking. The wider strap is also stylish yet it helps the shoe fit more securely on your foot, so you’ll keep your balance even while strolling a cobblestone street in Europe. Sizes only run to a women’s 11 and no wide widths are available, but the three neutral-toned color choices are easy to pair with any outfit whether at home or traveling.
These are likely (given the open-toe) warm-weather-only walking shoes (ahem, sandals) with a sturdy platform sole and wide strap so your shoe stays put, even when power walking.
Brooks is known for supportive shoes, and the Ghost 14 is an excellent pick for walking, running, or even heading to the gym for a workout session. With 36 colors available, it’s easy to find a shoe that shows off your style. The sizing tends to run small, so you’ll want to consider sizing up when buying these. Both medium and wide widths are available in sizes 5-12, so there’s a good selection for different types of feet. The 6mm heel drop is about in the middle of high or low drops.
Brooks makes shoes that can support multiple activities, including walking, but always try them on or size up - they run small.
As with any shoe, it’s critical that you pick the right size walking shoe. Shoes that are too small or too large can quickly become painful. Similarly, you’ll want to find the right shoe width as well. If you’re not sure which width you should choose, you may want to measure your feet at home or pop into a store that specializes in women’s walking shoes and can help get your feet measured.
Sure, the perfect color walking shoe won’t really help you walk more comfortably. But if you like the color and style of your shoes, you’re much more likely to wear them. So take some time to find a shoe that’s comfortable as well as appealing to you. These days, everything from classic neutrals to vibrant neons are available.
Heel drop refers to the height difference between the heel and the height of the front of the shoe. Generally, 0-6mm is considered a low heel drop and 7mm or above is a higher drop. It’s important because this height difference can actually adjust the way you walk. For instance, low heel drops tend to have you placing the middle or front of your foot on the ground first, which can add some pressure or stress to your lower legs.
High heel drops tend to make your feet hit the ground from the back of the foot first, which transfers stress to your upper leg area, including your knee and hip. So, if you have ankle pain, you may want to consider a higher heel drop. On the flip side, knee pain may mean you’ll want to buy a shoe with a lower heel drop.
To curate the list of the best walking shoes for women, I spent time considering a variety of shoes. I took a look at everything from sizing, widths, colors, and more to narrow down the options.
Walking shoes, like most shoes, come in a range of price points. I chose several options under $100 and a couple under $50. If you find walking shoes too expensive, seasonal and holiday sales are always a good time to find a bargain.
Walking shoes must be comfortable over most attributes, and the shoes here were all highly rated for comfort, including many wide-width options and cushioned insoles.
I researched many highly rated walking shoe styles to create a mix of styles, from slip-ons to sandals, while including classic running shoes that can double as quality walkers.
In general, hiking shoes are intended for use on surfaces that vary in terms of how level the ground is. They’re likely to be more rugged since hikers could be wearing them to walk on rocks, dirt, mud, or other outdoor terrain that can be challenging.
On the other hand, walking shoes are generally for ensuring your foot can function properly for walking by placing your heel down first, followed by your toes. Essentially, when you find the best walking shoe for you, it should actually provide a smoother step as you walk.
Podiatrists are all different, so you’ll find different recommendations depending on which podiatrist you see. However, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) does have a list of brands and footwear stores that have earned their seal of approval, meaning the shoes promote good foot health. They allow you to search by company (like Nike or New Balance, for instance) or by type of footwear so you can find walking shoes with their stamp of approval.
It’s best to opt for a walking shoe that isn’t too stiff if you’re on a long walk. You also may want to avoid shoes that don’t provide much cushioning. Similarly, you’ll probably be most comfortable avoiding flimsy sandals like flip flops with no arch support on longer walks.
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