If you’ve logged even a couple of miles, you know that the wrong footwear can make each step uncomfortable, or worse, downright painful. (We’re talking blisters, achy arches, plantar fasciitis, and more.) The right walking shoes, on the other hand, can make you walk further, feel happier, and gush to friends about your sneakers. And, they can help you enjoy every step and even prevent injury or overpronation, says podiatrist Chanel Perkins, DPM.
What to consider when buying a walking shoe
Support and stability
Walking shoes should be more stable than running shoes. Ideally, it will assist with the pattern of your walk rather than the impact. Your shoe should also have limited flexibility—the more it bends, the less stability.
To test the flexibility, hold the shoe at the toe box and heel counter and try to fold the shoe in half by pushing on its ends to see how sturdy it is. If it folds in half or twists with ease, it’s too flexible, says podiatrist Elizabeth Daughtry, MD.
Material
The material of your shoes should be decided based on where you live or where you tend to walk most often. Still, breathability is essential. If you’re in a cold or wet environment, try opting for something that’s leather or has a weatherproof upper.
“Overall, look for a shoe that has a more rocker bottom or rigid midsole with a firm heel counter to assist with control of excessive turning inwards or outwards while heel striking,” says Daughtry.
Flexible uppers
In general, a flexible shoe is a no-no. For uppers, however, having that flexibility can help avoid irritation to the top of the foot and allow for any swelling that may occur during activities, says Daughtry. The flex point should also match the bending point of the foot.
How we selected
Women’s Health editors, including executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos and commerce editors Jasmine Gomez and Lily Wohlner, researched the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated walking shoes for women. They’ve collectively logged more than 500 thousand (!!!) steps, and consulted with podiatrists and certified trainers on their favorite picks. We prioritized sneaks that kept our feet pain-free even after walking for miles in them. Another very important feature: style. After all, we want chic-looking kicks that play well with our activewear fits.
See below for a curated list of editor-tested and expert-recommended walking shoes that perform and keep your feet comfortable for miles on end. We spell out exactly what we love (and don’t!) about each pair and exactly who they’re best for.
“/>
“I have a hard time finding walking shoes that are both cushioned and supportive enough for my high arches and sensitive balls of the feet, but that are also narrow enough,” Andriakos says. “These are absolutely perfect if you deal with any foot pain issues and/or struggle with sneakers being a bit too wide. I have walked over 100 miles in these at this point and have never even had a sore or tender spot from rubbing or chafing. They also required zero break-in period.” (FWIW, they are also available in a wide fit if you need them.)
She also loves the slightly chunky dad-sneaker look. “I have both the all-white pair and the sea salt and grey-violet color option, and both go with everything and feel very on trend right now. The laces are super secure and do not come untied no matter how many miles I walk.”
The only downside Andriakos has noticed? “When I’ve worn them on wet days, I notice my feet will feel damp and they take a bit to dry out. I usually put them in the dryer, which hasn’t damaged the silhouette.”
| Sizes | 5-13 (including narrow and wide) |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 15 options |
| Materials | Mesh |
| Weight | 0.48 lbs |
| Lacing System | Laces |
| Heel Drop | 6 mm |
| Support and stability | Medium |
| Flexible uppers? | Yes |
If cushioning is your first priority, look no further than Hoka’s cult-favorite Bondi 8 sneaker. The lightweight foam and extended heel on this shoe cradles your foot and supports it from every angle.
As a trainer and coach in New York City, Colette Nguyen, CPT, of Soho Strength Lab, clocks anywhere from five to 12 hours a day on her feet training clients and commuting around the city. She says the Bondi 8 perfectly fits her narrow and flat feet. In fact, Nguyen says it’s not narrow or too snug, and is very comfortable to stand around in.
After spending an entire workday in the Bondi 8s, Nguyen wore them through her personal workout session and then proceeded with her post-workout outdoor walk. “My usual walking route can take me about 48 to 55 minutes to complete and covers roughly 2.6 miles. And I was very pleased with how supportive and secure I felt,” she says, adding that she’s suffered many ankle sprains from dance and is especially cautious when walking on cobblestone streets. “But the support from the Hokas gave me a huge confidence boost—I had no trouble walking on cobblestones and was even able to take my eyes off of the ground when walking.”
One negative Nguyen noticed: The Hoka Bondi 8 is not slip-resistant like trail running shoes. “It had lightly rained earlier in the day, so the city ground was damp for my outdoor walk. Smooth sidewalks and pavements were surprisingly slippery with the Bondis on,” she says. (If you’re looking for extra-grippy sneaks, check out our best trail running shoes guide).
Lastly, they do have a chunkier aesthetic; if you are looking for a low-key, low-profile walking shoe, these aren’t it. “Maximalist walking shoe for the maximalist walker!” Nguyen says.
Read more: Best Hoka Walking Shoes
| Sizes | 5-12 (including wide) |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 25 options |
| Materials | Mesh and recycled content |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs |
| Lacing System | Laces |
| Heel Drop | 4.00 mm |
| Support and stability | High |
| Flexible uppers? | Yes |
Pros
- Breathable and lightweight
- Allows for a smooth walking cadence
- Option to design your own colorway
Cons
- Not ideal for colder weather
Lined with mesh to make this an ultra-breathable sneaker, the Pegasus is a winner because it has a slim, low heel that Perkins says is awesome for maintaining a smooth walking cadence. (The newest version available is the Pegasus 40, but WH editors have worn multiple models over the years and stand by the shoe’s consistency and reliability even with small engineering improvements and changes.)
Andriakos has worn countless versions of the Nike Pegasus for both running and walking. “I have logged hundreds of miles in these shoes and they never disappoint,” she says. “I find the sole a bit on the firmer side, and the mesh upper really hugs and forms to your individual foot shape. The shoe feels perfectly snug and secure as you step, without being too constricting.”
If you’re someone who prefers a slightly more cushioned or flexible fit, Andriakos recommends the Pegasus 36 (which is one of Perkins’ favorites) or Pegasus 38.
She also flags that the tongue sometimes gets folded up and tucked under the laces in a slightly uncomfortable way. “I fix this by just being really diligent when I put the shoes on, making sure to pull the tongue taut and make sure it’s laying flat before tying my shoes.”
Overall, this is a “go-to walking shoe recommendation” that Andriakos gives friends and family when they ask—and so far she’s only heard happy feedback from loved ones who have purchased a Pegasus shoe.
Read more: Best Nike Running Shoes For Women
| Sizes | 5-12 (extra wide fit available) |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 10 |
| Materials | Mesh |
| Weight | 0.53 lbs |
| Lacing System | Laces |
| Heel Drop | 10 mm |
| Support and stability | Medium |
| Flexible uppers? | Yes |
Pros
- Easy to slip on
- Lightweight and easy to pack and commute with
Cons
- Not as stylish as some lifestyle walking shoes
“When I laced up, the shoes were instantly comfortable,” says WH lifestyle director Lindsay Geller. “I didn’t have to break in these sneakers at all, which is a huge plus in my book. I also like the curved ankle hook at the back of the shoe because it makes them easy to slip on and off, as well as not rub against my ankles even with low socks.”
Geller also appreciated how the sole of the sneaker is more stacked at the heel. It’s just over one inch, which is standard for walking shoes. “I like a fair amount of cushioning with my running shoes, but since these are mainly for walking, the amount feels balanced—not too much and not too little.”
She adds they are feather light at seven ounces, which makes them her go-to travel shoe since they add minimal weight to a suitcase or carry-on. As far as style goes, Geller probably wouldn’t wear them as a full replacement for more casual, lifestyle walking shoes because they are less style-forward to go with non-sporty outfits.
| Sizes | 5-12 (wide fit available) |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 9+ options |
| Materials | synthetic/mesh |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs |
| Lacing System | Laces |
| Heel drop | 6 mm |
| Support and stability | Medium |
| Flexible uppers? | Yes |
Podiatrists Diana Rogers, DPM, and Casey Pidich, MD, both recommend Hoka’s Clifton 8 sneakers to patients, so you know it’s a good one.
Pidich loves that the design encourages great form: the sole ensures that your feet rock off the ground rather than push off your toes, and Rogers specifically recommends the shoe for her plantar fasciitis patients for this exact reason. “The lightweight feel on this shoe propels feet forward rather than making them do extra work,” she says.
Living in New York, WH news and features editor Currie Engel walks an average of five or six miles a day. “When I tried the Hoka Cliftons last spring, they were an immediate no-brainer for my long weekend days and errand runs,” she says.
They’ve got tons of cushioning and are so lightweight that Engel forgets she is wearing them. “They literally just felt like an extension of my own foot—plus they almost never come untied!”
Engel has a very high natural arch, which sometimes calls for insoles, but the Clifton arch support makes it much easier to walk for hours (and miles) at a time without getting a single blister, squished toe, or achy arch. “I’ve never had a more comfortable pair of shoes, and I’ve put over 200 miles of just walking in them,” she says. “They’ve served me well in rainy spring weather, winter snow, and sweaty summers. I also always make sure to bring this pair of shoes with me on vacation because they’re so all-purpose.”
**In our original evaluation, we tested the Clifton 8, but are now recommending the Clifton 9 as it’s designed with many of the same great qualities we loved in the 8.
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 5 |
| Materials | Mesh and rubber |
| Weight | 7.2 oz |
| Lacing System | Laces |
| Heel drop | 5 mm |
| Support and stability | Medium |
| Flexible uppers? | Yes |
Most Affordable Walking Shoe For Women
Skechers Go Joy Walking Shoe
Now 18% Off
For those who appreciate a good slip-on shoe, the Skechers Go Joy’s lightweight, breathable mesh is great for sweaty feet. The ultra-cushioned midsole offers great arch support, too.
“I consider these a no-frills walking shoe—perfect for errands, quick trips outside when you need to slip a shoe on fast, or for walking your dog if you’re a pet owner,” Andriakos says. “They are very convenient to keep next to your front door to slip on and go.”
Andriakos was skeptical about whether they would be supportive and secure enough without laces on top, but the breathable, stretchy mesh had a surprisingly effective amount of compression around her feet. “They hold my feet in place and shockingly don’t rub even without socks on,” she notes. “I also never notice any plantar fasciitis flare-ups when I wear these” (her longest walk in the Go Joys was 4.3 miles).
However, she is critical of the style. “I don’t find them to be the most fashion-forward walking shoe,” she admits. “But, the white pair looks pretty cute with jeans and dresses.”
Finally, Andriakos would be careful about wearing these without high socks in colder temps. “The low ankle profile makes it a better fit for warm weather, for sure.”
| Sizes | 5-13 (including narrow and wide) |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 27 options |
| Materials | Synthetic and rubber |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs |
| Lacing System | None |
| Heel Drop | N/A |
| Support and stability | Medium |
| Flexible uppers? | Yes |
What Else To Consider When Buying A Walking Shoe
Outsole: Look for walking shoes that have an outsole with more rigidness in the midsole for stability.
Insoles and arch support: Different feet have different needs, so it’s important to have insoles that can be removed in case you use orthotics. “Most shoes don’t offer adequate support alone,” says Dr. Daughtry. “You should supplement most shoes with a more custom-molded orthotic, which your local podiatrist can make for you as this gives most shoes adequate support but also helps with shock absorption and the ability for additional cushioning that the shoe may lack.”
More About How We Selected The Best Walking Shoes
Expert recommendations: WH asked podiatrists which specific shoes, as well as top brands, they’d recommend to their own patients with a wide array of conditions, from overpronation to ankle injuries, wide feet, and more. The sneakers reflected in this story align with the walking shoe recommendations and guidelines provided by the podiatrist sources.
Detailed editor reviews: Each of the podiatrist-approved shoes is paired with an honest review from a happy WH advisor or editor who wore them extensively and would recommend them to a loved one.
Style: Don’t worry—the internet is filled with options, so you’ll never have to skimp on style while prioritizing your comfort. All of the shoes fit a wide range of sensibilities.
Cushioning: Perkins notes that cushioning is the most important feature to look for in a good pair of walking shoes. The pairs above max out when it comes to cushioning—say goodbye to those blisters.
Flexibility: Flexibility takes second place in walking shoe priorities, says podiatric surgery specialist James Stavosky, DPM. Who has the time to break in shoes? Luckily, all of the selections have been confirmed to be comfortable from day one.
Meet The Experts
- Colette Nguyen, CPT, is a personal trainer and strength coach at SoHo Strength Lab in New York City.
- James Stavosky, DPM, is a podiatric surgery specialist in Daly City, California with over 40 years of experience.
- Chanel Perkins, DPM, is an assistant professor of foot and ankle podiatry in the department of orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation at the University of Texas Medical Branch.
- Elizabeth Daughtry, MD is a podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist with Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic.
- Diana Rogers, DPM, is a podiatric foot and ankle surgery specialist in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
- Casey Pidich, MD, specializes in podiatry and foot and ankle surgery and is based in the Bronx, New York.
- Dr. Shital Sharma, DPM, is a podiatrist at Pinewood Family Care Co. in New Jersey.
Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she’s not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.
Jacqueline Andriakos is the Executive Health & Fitness Director at Women’s Health, where she oversees all health and fitness content across WomensHealthMag.com and the print magazine. She has more than a decade of experience writing and editing in the wellness space and has contributed to national publications including Time, Self.com, Health, Real Simple, and People, among others. Jacqueline is also certified in personal training by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below