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The 14 Best Walking Shoes for Women According to Podiatrists

Medically reviewed by Adam Hotchkiss, DPM — By Emilia Benton — Updated on September 28, 2022Share on PinterestWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A quick look at the best walking shoes for women

Best overall walking shoe: Saucony Triumph 19Best sandal for walking: PowerStep Archwear Women s SandalsBest slip-on walking shoe: OOFOS Women s Ooahh Luxe Recovery SandalBest lightweight walking shoe: Brooks Women s Adrenaline GTS 22Best value walking shoe: Ryka Women s Devotion Plus 4Best cushioned walking shoe: New Balance Women s 928 V3Best walking shoe for travel: OOFOS OOmg Low ShoeBest walking shoe for hiking: HOKA Women s Speedgoat 5Best walking shoe for high arches: ASICS Women s Gel-Nimbus 24Best walking shoe with cushioning technology: On CloudmonsterBest walking shoe for overpronators: ASICS GT-1000 11Best walking shoe for wide feet: Brooks Ariel 20Most comfortable walking shoe: Skechers GO WALK Massage FitMost trendy walking shoe: New Balance 990v5 When it comes to buying walking shoes, many people prioritize style over fit. However, according to Kenneth Cornell, DPM, a podiatrist at Austin Regional Clinic in Texas, it’s important for women to have good quality shoes — not just for maximum comfort but also to prevent future injuries, especially when walking for longer periods of time. “Women tend to wear a wide variety of shoe types that are often not very supportive. High- or medium-height heels, many flats like ballet slippers, flip-flops with thin soles, pointy shoes, and very flexible shoes can lead to foot, leg, and back pain,” Cornell explained.

How we chose

To help you find the best pair of walking shoes to meet your needs, we considered the following criteria: Expert recommendations: We asked podiatrists for their recommendations on what makes for a great walking shoe, as well as any specific brands and models they often recommend to their clients. Comfort and durability: All of the shoes listed below have mostly positive customer reviews for being comfortable and durable. Intended use: We included walking shoes to fit a variety of needs, from hiking shoes to sandals. Price: All of the shoes on our list offer good value for the price. One of the shoes featured was even tried, in person. (But more on that later.) Here are the 14 best walking shoes for women, according to podiatrists.

A note on price

General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost. Note that shoe prices on Amazon vary significantly depending on your preferred color and size. Generally, prices range from $63–$150, though this may vary depending on where you shop, and the colorway you choose. On Amazon, the color and even size of the shoes can impact what you’ll pay. Pricing guide$ = under $75$$ = $75–$145$$$ = above $145

Healthline s picks of the best walking shoes for women

Best overall walking shoe

Saucony Triumph 19

Price: $$$ The Saucony Triumph 19 comes in a wide range of color combinations, including solid black and simple gray, as well as bright orange, dark blue and green, and more. The shoe’s bouncy, cushioned midsole, geometry, and blown-rubber outsole also provide flexibility, durability, and springiness in a lighter foam that makes for a comfortable walk or run. According to Cornell, the Saucony Triumph 19 is a good choice because it’s a supportive running-style shoe that provides cushioning to the forefoot and support and stability to the whole foot. Size range: 5–12, wide sizes available Available colors: various neutral shades and colorways, as well as bright colors such as pink, orange and red Prosgood traction and durabilityprovides a custom-like fit Consnot as cushioned as others on this listlimited arch support Shop now at Amazon

Best sandal for walking

PowerStep Archwear Women s Sandals

Price: $ When it comes to sandals, Cornell recommends selecting a pair with adequate arch support and cushioning for the forefoot, both of which this shoe offers. Unlike many sandals, which can be thin and flimsy, this PowerStep sandal has built-in arch support and plenty of cushioning in the midsole to absorb impact. Its treaded, lightweight outsole also provides better traction, while its comfortable straps won’t dig into the tops of your feet. Size range: 5–11 Available colors: black, plum, brown, khaki, and teal Prosbuilt-in arch support for increased supportdeep heel cup for added stabilitycushioned midsole absorbs shock and impactlightweight outsole with nonslip tread for better tractioncomfortable straps with soft lining Consfit runs smallbetter for short walkssome reviewers complain of heel pain after prolonged use Shop now at Amazon

Best slip-on walking shoe

OOFOS Women s Ooahh Luxe Recovery Sandal

Price: $ OOFOS have a reputation for feeling like you’re walking on clouds, which is why they’re the recovery shoe of choice for runners to switch into after a long marathon-training run, myself included. These rubber sandals are also a great house shoe for those who may be prone to plantar fasciitis — an injury identified by sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of your foot and heel. Thanks to its cushioned arch support, this recovery sandal offers a comfortable way to avoid making your plantar fasciitis any worse. Size range: 5–11 Available colors: black and latte Prossuper comfortable and cushionedneutral colors go with almost any outfit Consome complain the shoe wears out quickly with frequent useexpensive Shop now at Amazon

Best lightweight walking shoe

Brooks Women s Adrenaline GTS 22

Price: $$ The Brooks Women s Adrenaline GTS 22 is a versatile shoe that can be used for walking and running. It’s also great for cross-training and comes in a wide range of colorways, including solid black, gray, white and purple, and fun combinations like orange and teal or blue and green. The shoe is lightweight and features a DNA LOFT Crash Pad to cushion your feet with every step and stride. It also offers a GuideRails holistic support system that’s designed to help you move comfortably and works to reduce excess shin and heel rotation. It likewise promotes natural knee motion to reduce or prevent pain. Offering support and cushioning to promote stability and decrease pronation, it’s no surprise these shoes have many favorable reviews. Size range: 5–13, with narrow, wide, and extra-wide sizes available Available colors: 28 colorways, including various shades and combinations of black, red, white, pink, almond, purple, blue, gray, and coral Proslightweightgood for high archeslots of colors to choose from Consfit runs small Shop now at Amazon

Best value walking shoe

Ryka Women s Devotion Plus 4

Price: $$ Featuring a lightweight, molded, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam midsole and platform that’s specially designed to absorb shock and impact, the Ryka Women s Devotion Plus 4 is a relatively affordable walking shoe that will keep your foot comfortable, even over long distances. What’s more, the shoe is designed specifically for the unique foot shape, muscle movement, and build of women’s feet. Reviewers note that the shoe fits true to size and remains comfortable, even after all-day wear. Size range: 5–11, with wide sizes available Available colors: dark blue, navy blue, gray, and black Prosdesigned specifically for women more stylish than many other athletic-style walking shoes Conshighly padded, which some reviewers dislike fewer color options than the previous model Shop now at Ryka

Best cushioned walking shoe

New Balance Women s 928 V3

Price: $$ If you’re looking for a shoe with lots of cushioning that’s available in a range of sizes, New Balance Women s 928 V3 is a great option. In addition to offering sizes from 6–13, this shoe comes in narrow, standard, wide, extra-wide, and XX-wide, making it easy to find your best fit. The shoe features a ROLLBAR stability post system, which works to control rearfoot movement for enhanced support, and it’s designed with Walking Strike Path outsole technology to guide your foot through its walking gait cycle with motion control and stability. Plus, the shoe includes a cushioned midsole that absorbs impact and offers compression resistance, and the removable polyurethane foam footbed is designed for extra durability and comfort. While it isn’t the most stylish of shoes, your feet will be thanking you for prioritizing a good fit. Size range: 6–13, with narrow, wide, extra-wide, and XX-wide sizes available Available colors: black, gray, and white with blue Proswell cushionedavailable in narrow to XX-wide sizes Consnot super stylishminimal color options Shop now at Amazon

Best walking shoe for travel

OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe

Price: $$ Choosing comfortable shoes for traveling can be challenging. On one hand, you want to make sure that your shoes are comfortable enough for all-day wear, but on the other hand, you don’t want a bulky shoe that takes up precious suitcase space. OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe is a great solution, as it’s easy to slip on and off (good for airport security), goes with a variety of outfits, and is extra cushioned to keep your feet comfortable. The brand’s OOfoam technology also absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam, reducing stress on your feet, joints, and back. Plus, the footbed provides ample arch support, which helps reduce energy exertion in the ankles and makes all-day wear easier and more enjoyable. Size range: 5–12 Available colors: neutral solids and colorways with black, white, gray, and navy Prosneutral color options go with most clothing optionseasy to slip on and off Consruns smallsome complain the shoe wears out quicklynot designed for moderate or vigorous exercise Shop now at Amazon

Best walking shoe for hiking

HOKA Women s Speedgoat 5

Price: $$$ HOKA shoes have a reputation for being ultra-cushioned and are arguably the gold standard for trail runners. It’s no surprise then that the HOKA Women s Speedgoat 5 is a popular option for hiking, whether you’re walking on flat gravel trails or hilly, technical terrain. With a softer sole and stronger grip than hiking boots, you might even forget about your feet, as you’ll instead be able to take in the scenery as you log some serious mileage. As a bonus, the Speedgoat 5 comes in eye-catching colorways, including solid purple and a bright green and teal combination. Size range: 5–11, wide sizes available Available colors: vibrant shades of pink, orange, blue, and green Proscomfortable softer solestrong gripfun color optionsbreathable upper Conssofter sole wears out faster than more rigid hiking bootsfewer color options than previous model Shop now at HOKA ONE

Best walking shoes for high arches

ASICS Women s Gel-Nimbus 24

Price: $$$ If you have high arches, you’ll want to choose a shoe that offers arch support, as well as plenty of cushioning and stability — all of which are found in the ASICS Women s Gel-Nimbus 24. Specifically, the shoe features ASICS’ GEL technology cushioning for top-notch shock absorption, while the FlyteFoam Propel Technology offers extra bounce due to the unique elastomer compound it contains. The Gel-Nimbus 24 also offers a roomy toe box and is available in a variety of fun colors. Size range: 5–13 Available colors: 14 colorways, including combinations of corals, pinks, bronze, bright yellow and silver Prosdesigned for added stabilitywide range of color optionsgreat for high arches Consfit runs smallsome dislike the amount of padding Shop now at Amazon

Best walking shoe with cushioning technology

On Cloudmonster

Price: $$$ Asim Sayed, DPM, a podiatrist in Overland Park, Kansas, recommends these shows for long walks or jogs, thanks to shock-absorbing CloudTec technology, which provides ample cushioning. The company claims the design reacts to your individual running motion, with a flexible sole that provides cushioning to your forefoot as you run or walk. I recently tried these myself after visiting On’s headquarters in Portland, Oregon, and found that they were super comfortable. However, the fit is on the narrow side, and these aren’t available in a wide option, which I usually need. As a result, my feet got pretty blistered following an hour-long run back home in Houston’s high summer humidity. They also don’t come in as many color options as some of the other shoes on this list, but I was a fan of the vibrant blue and dark purple colorway I received.
Size range: 5–11 Available colors: black/gray, white/green, and blue/purple Prossuper comfortable cushioned Consfew color optionsmore expensive than othersfits very narrow Shop now at On

Best walking shoe for overpronators

ASICS GT-1000 11

Price: $$ In addition to being a comfortable walking shoe, this neutral everyday trainer is also versatile enough for various running distances. The shoe’s FLYTEFOAM cushioning and rearfoot GEL technology provide lightweight impact absorption. “These combine a great cushioned sole and support, which is important for overpronators [or people with flat feet],” Sayed said. They come in various color selection options, though the majority are some variation of black, in addition to white and dark pink/red. Size range: 5–12 Available colors: 12 mostly solid color options Prosmany color optionshas wide sizing option Consmost colors are some variation of black Shop now at Amazon

Best walking shoe for wide feet

Brooks Ariel 20

Price: $$$ “Brooks [shoes] are known for superior stability by employing their patented GuideRail tech, which aims to put your rearfoot in optimal position during long walks,” Sayed said. These are also a good option for jogging, as they offer a stable, soft, and cushioned feel — providing optimal support and minimal impact. The shoes come in four primarily neutral color combinations, with one featuring a turquoise blue stripe on the side. Size range: 6–13 Available colors: black, white, and gray colorways Proshas wide and extra-wide sizing optionssolid option for runners who need optimal support as well Consfew neutral color optionsmore expensive than others on our list Shop now at Amazon

Most comfortable walking shoe

Skechers GO WALK Massage Fit

Price: $$ While they’re still an underdog in the running world, Skechers has a solid long-held reputation for their walking shoes. The Massage Fit wave midsole is designed to gently massage your feet with every step, while the HYPER BURST midsole offers optimal cushion. “These have a great stable insole with superb arch support, [in addition to the] promise to massage your feet,” Sayed says. At just over $100, they’re not the most expensive option on our list, either. Size range: 5–11 Available colors: black/turquoise, gray/pink Prosdesigned to massage feetinsole offers optimal arch support Consfew color optionsonly medium width offered Shop now at Skechers

Most trendy walking shoe

New Balance 990v5

Price: $$$ Who would have thought dad shoes would have a second wind but, thanks to TikTok, shoes like this are, er, popping off these days. Sayed is a fan of the variety of width options offered by New Balance. While what’s fashionable is different for everyone, this shoe offers solid support and is nice enough to pair with athleisure or a dressed-up outfit for daily walks. “These provide a firm, rigid sole for added stability on uneven surfaces,” he added. Other features include dual-density collar foam that offers support and comfort for ankles and ENCAP midsole provides cushioning for long-lasting support. Size range: 5-13 Available colors: three neutral black and gray options Prosfashionable and easy to dress up or down durable foam and midsole cushioning offer support and comfort variety of width options Conson the pricey side not many color optionsonly medium width offered Shop now at Amazon

How the best walking shoes for women compare

ProductPriceStyleFeatures and highlightsSaucony Triumph 19$$$lace-up– cushioned forefoot and support and stability to the whole foot, with lighter foam for added comfortPowerStep Archwear Women s Sandals$flip-flop– built-in arch support
– designed with a cushioned midsole to absorb impactOOFOS Women s Ooahh Luxe Recovery Sandal$slip-on– cushioned arch support may be helpful for those prone to plantar fasciitisBrooks Women s Adrenaline GTS 22$$lace-up– DNA LOFT Crash Pad that’s made to cushion your feet with every stepRyka Women s Devotion Plus 4$$lace-up– designed specifically for the unique foot shape, muscle movement, and build of women’s feetNew Balance Women s 928 V3$$lace-up– designed to control rear-foot movement for enhanced support
– made to guide the foot through walking with motion control and stabilityOOFOS Oomg Low Shoe$$slip-on– more stylish than many other walking shoe options
– pairs well with a variety of outfits
– easy to slip onHOKA Women s Speedgoat 5$$$lace-up– softer sole for comfort
– good traction or gripASICS Women s Gel-Nimbus 24$$$lace-up– gel technology cushioning for shock absorption
– foam technology designed to lend extra bounceOn Cloudmonster$$$lace-up– shock-absorbing CloudTec technology provides top-notch cushioning ASICS GT-1000 11$$lace-up– the foam cushioning and rearfoot gel technology provide lightweight impact absorptionBrooks Ariel 20$$$lace-up– GuideRails technology supports feet, knees, and hips by keeping excess movement in checkSkechers GO WALK Massage Fit$$lace-up– shoe uses two different midsole components to message and cushion your feet New Balance 990v5$$$lace-updual-density collar foam that offers support and comfort for ankles, ENCAP midsole cushioning for long-lasting support

How to choose the best walking shoes for women

Curious about what to look for in a walking shoe? We asked Cornell and Derek Anders, DPM, a podiatrist at the Permanente Medical Group in Antioch, California, about their top tips for choosing the right pair.

Go shopping at the end of the day

When it comes to shopping for walking shoes, Anders recommended trying on shoes at the end of the day, as feet tend to be their biggest or may be swollen at that time.

Pay more attention to the fit than the listed size

“[Pay less attention to] the stated size of a shoe and be open to the fact your feet change and your foot size changes,” said Anders. He also recommends trying on different brands, as sizing will also differ between brands and lines of shoes. “There should be some space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe — about a finger width,” he said. “It’s also common for one foot to be slightly bigger or longer than the other, so size your shoes to your bigger foot.”

Consider your intended use and foot and ankle structure

According to Cornell, the best choice for a walking shoe will vary by individual. “Some may need extra cushioning because they walk long distances, and others might need motion control because they overpronate,” he explained. “Universally, shoes should be flexible and properly fitted.” If you’re unsure about how to identify a good fit, Cornell recommends visiting a local athletic or running store, as their employees are likely to understand foot sizing and can make sure you leave with the right shoe for your foot.

Ask a professional about orthotics

If you have chronic foot pain issues you can’t seem to figure out, it may be worth talking to a podiatrist about considering orthotics. Anders recommends wearing orthotics for 1 month to give them a chance to make a difference. It’s also important to avoid walking barefoot and limiting slipper and sandal use during that time. Follow up with a physician or podiatrist on any changes in your comfort level in the meantime.

Frequently asked questions

What walking shoes do podiatrists recommend

Podiatrists often recommend athletic shoes with arch support and cushioning technology for walking. There are also a lot of solid sandal and slip-on options out there that are equipped with similar technology to promote optimal foot health. Shoe shopping is tricky, and it really depends on your foot’s individual shape and your preferences. That said, look for shoes that you can try on in store or return if the fit isn’t exactly what you wanted.

Is it OK to wear running shoes for walking

Yes, many of the shoes podiatrists recommend for walking happen to be running shoes. If a pair of shoes provides optimal comfort on the run, they can often be solid walking shoes.

Which shoes should you avoid wearing for long walks

Avoid wearing any shoe that doesn’t offer support — including flat flip-flops or ballet flats — for long walks. This also includes high heels and boots.

The bottom line

Walking has numerous benefits for your health, but finding the right pair of walking shoes can be tricky. When shopping for your next pair, be sure to consider your intended use and foot shape to narrow your selection. By doing your research ahead of time and trying on shoes toward the end of the day, we’re confident that you’ll walk away with the perfect pair. Last medically reviewed on September 28, 2022

How we vetted this article

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Anders D. (2021). Personal interview.
Cornell K. (2021). Personal interview.
Sayed A. (2022). Personal interview.
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 29, 2022 By Emilia Benton Edited By Lindsey Vickers Medically Reviewed By Adam Hotchkiss, DPM Copy Edited By Christina Guzik, BA, MBA Dec 6, 2021 By Emilia Benton Edited By Kelli McGrane, MS, RD Medically Reviewed By Jake Tipane, CPT Copy Edited By Christina Guzik, BA, MBA Share this articleMedically reviewed by Adam Hotchkiss, DPM — By Emilia Benton — Updated on September 28, 2022

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