Walking shoes for women
Walking is a wonderful way to stay connected with your friends — while you stay fit. So instead of sitting at a coffee shop, pull on your walking shoes and talk while you walk. But before you go, get the best walking shoes for women, right here.
Many women’s walking shoes have a stylish touch in addition to a solid, anatomical design. But in this category, you have to be careful… the most “stylish” they are, the less capable they may be for serious walking.
For instance, Sketchers has several models of casual, slip-on walking shoes that probably won’t work for serious fitness walking. While Keen and Oboz are better suited for a day hike than a night on the town.
The Nike Air Max 1 SE sneaker gets great reviews for its style and practicality
If you fit into a standard, medium-width shoe, Rockport has the stylish, truWALK zero Morteza Sneaker in a lace-up or a single, velcro strap version.
For cute, athletic-looking walking shoe, try Ryka. These have been praised by many women because of their narrow fit in the heel – they don’t slip. This is a favorite for many women who often find that walking shoes have too much room in the heel.
If you have a wide foot, you’ll probably want to try the New Balance 847 or any models from New Balance, as they’re built on a wider last than most.
Why Buy Shoes Online?
I hate shoe shopping. And I don’t think I’m the only person who feels that way.
For me, shopping for walking shoes is especially painful, thanks to my odd-shaped feet and a small selection of choices in my home town.
Good Pair Of Shoes.com makes shopping easier with an extensive collection of walking shoes for men and easy checkout through Amazon.
If you’re tired of driving all over town trying on shoes, this is the solution. Just order several pairs through our Amazon links, and return the ones that don’t fit. If you’re one of the 100 million Amazon Prime members in this country, you’ll even get free shipping both directions.
No rush. No pressure. No sales clerks. No driving around. You can take as much time as you need to determine the perfect fit. (Just make sure you don’t wear them outdoors)
If you have wide feet, like mine, there’s a post on the best walking shoes for wide feet. We also have shoes for people who have foot issues, such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet.
We’ve categorized men’s and women’s walking shoes into the following 5 groups:
1. Sandals for Walking
Hot summer days and vacation travel sometimes demand sandals that you can also walk in. Technically, these are not walking shoes, but the sandals we’ve chosen are widely regarded as the best for walking.
2. Sneakers For Walking
These are the lightest and least supportive of all the shoes we’ve researched. Generally speaking, we don’t recommend plain old sneakers for walking, but we also know the realities of the marketplace… Many people just make do with sneakers, so we include some of the better ones in our walking shoe buyer’s guide.
3. Trail Running Shoes For Walking
If you shop at most chains or discount shoe stores you won’t find walking shoes. Instead, the salespeople will push you into a running shoe, saying that they’re essentially the same.
Ha! Don’t fall for it. Running and walking demand completely different things from a shoe, so the only running shoes that we normally recommend for walking can be found in the trail running category. Trail Running Shoes are substantially sturdier and more rigid than most lightweight running shoes. Therefore, they can work well as walking shoes for some people. If you try walking in lightweight running shoes, you’re just asking for foot problems.
4. Supportive, Orthopedic Shoes For Walking
There are a few brands, such as Vivonic, Kuru, Brooks, Birkenstock and Aetrex that are anatomically designed to provide extra support for problem feet. You won’t find these brands on the shelf at a standard, run-of-the-mill shoe store. So if you have heel spurs, plantar fasciitis or diabetes-related foot issues, this is the category for you.
5. Light Hiking Shoes For Walking
These are the most durable, most substantial shoes of the bunch. We don’t review hiking boots but some of these models would work perfectly well for short backpacking trips or long day hikes. I’ve actually worn my Keens to the top of a couple mountains over 11,000 feet. Take a look at Oboz, Solomon, Keen and Merrell.
Important Links: Best walking shoes for wide feet • Best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis Best walking shoes for flat feet • Best walking shoes for diabetics
Browse through the best selection of walking shoes for women.
Here’s our list of the best walking shoes for women. We’re always on the lookout for new products and new information, so keep coming back for the latest updates on walking shoe brands and new models.
Adidas Neo Walking Shoes
Category: Sneakers for Walking.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Noteworthy: Good for plantar fasciitis.
Adidas Cloudfoam is a newly developed EVA compound and is getting good reviews for its softness underfoot. Thanks to this new cushioning material, this is consistently rated as one of the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis.
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Altra Lone Peak 3 Walking shoes for women
Category: Trail Running Shoe for Walking
Rating: 3 Stars out of 5
Noteworthy: Super-thick padding underfoot and extra width in the toe box.
Altra’s “foot shape” toe box makes this line a great choice for people like me who need extra width in the forefoot. The wide toe box allows your toes to relax and spread out naturally and the big toe stays in a straight position for more speed and stability The cushioning, even in their more minimalist models, is amazing. These shoes feature “Zero Drop” which means your heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground. Altra claims this encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your stride. Unique outsole and midsole pattern maps the bones and tendons of your foot to let it flex where it naturally wants to.
• Walking shoes for Women. • Insoles & Orthotics. • Walking with Poles. • Best shoes for wide feet. • Podiatrist advice.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Quickwalk 3 Walking Shoe
Category: Sneakers for Walking
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: This brand is a good option for diabetic feet
ASICS combines their legendary Gel cushioning system with great support features like medial posts to provide maximum shock absorption while helping to guard against over-pronation and over-supination. Lots of Fit Options in many styles and building their shoes on different lasts (the form that shoes are constructed over), ASICS offers shoes that will provide a great fit for every foot type. They offer specialized walking shoes with the whole purpose of helping people with Diabetes.
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS
Category: Trail Running Shoes for Walking
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: This brand is a good option for diabetic feet
Brooks is a popular brand for people with wide feet. It’s also a company that’s praised for its innovation and consistently ranks among the best brands in the running shoe category. (Which translates to great walking shoes, as well.) This particular shoe provides extra stability and excellent cushioning for the moderate overpronator. Lightweight, breathable, moisture-managing Element mesh and synthetic uppers protect your feet from the elements. Adjustable mid-foot saddle creates a more secure, customizable fit.
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Clarks Women’s Wave Trek Sneakers
Category: Sneakers for Walking
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: This exceptionally supportive shoe belongs in a class above.
This shoe actually qualifies as a “Supportive orthopedic shoe for walking” but it doesn’t look like one. Clark’s has been making exceptional shoes for more than 100 years. They’re well known for their combination of comfort and orthopedic quality. This waterproof women’s sneaker in classic black leather boasts Clarks wavewalk™ walking technology, comfort, and good looks. The innovative curved rocker sole conserves energy, absorbs shock, and cushions the joints to enhance the walking experience. Crafted of rich, weather-ready full-grain leather with removable ortholite® footbed for comfort on treks on city sidewalks or country lanes, rain or shine. These run narrow, so they’re not for people with wide feet.
Important Links: Best walking shoes for wide feet • Best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis Best walking shoes for flat feet • Best walking shoes for diabetics
Drew Shoe Women’s walking
Category: Supportive Orthopedic Shoes for Walking
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: This exceptionally supportive shoe is highly recommended by podiatrists.
Drew specializes in orthopedic shoes for people with foot problems of all sorts. If you have flat feet, plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, bunions, hammertoes or ankle problems, you shouldn’t settle for anything less. Drew has 130 years of research behind them… They are one of the few sneakers that can accommodate a custom-made orthotic, and they are not easy to find in stores. Order several pairs from Amazon, and return the ones that don’t fit precisely.
Ecco Aspina Hiking Shoe
Category: Light Hiking Shoes for Walking
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: The leading brand when it comes to walking-specific footwear
Ecco is one of the first brands to design, engineer and craft shoes specifically for walking. Built for resilience on and off-road and finished with subtle feminine detailing, these leather shoes are perfect for sport and nature lovers with a sense of style. Waterproof, weight-reducing fabrics, plush yak nubuck leather, and foam-injected soles combine to create practical shoes with a softer edge.
Fila Women’s Day Hiker
Category: Sneakers for Walking
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: Inexpensive
Don’t let the name fool you… These really aren’t hiking shoes, but they are a good value for basic walking sneakers. The reviews of Fila Day Hikers are mixed… many women say they’re quite comfortable with some extra room in the toes, but some complaint about the quality of construction and the materials. One thing’s for sure, you get what you pay for in walking shoes.
Hoka One One Stinson 3 walking shoes
Category: Trail Running shoes for Walking
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: That’s some thick stuff underfoot!
Hoka One One is a relatively new brand you’ve probably not seen, but you’ll remember them when you do see them. The innovation here is in the meta-rocker sole and the One-One cushioning and support.
You can see how thick the sole is… almost twice as thick as other walking shoes. Technically, this is a running shoe, but they’re very cushy and the unique meta-rocker shape seems to propel you forward. Some say the design is also beneficial for people with plantar faciitis.
Keen Women’s Mercer Lace hiking shoes
Category: Light Hiking Shoes for Walking
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: The shape of Keens allows your toes to relax naturally.
Disclaimer: I am a huge Keen fan! First of all, they are exceptionally well made… I’ve had two pairs of Keen hiking shoes for more than 5 years. Not only that, but Keen’s iconic wide toe box also fit my peasant feet perfectly. Don’t make the same mistake I’ve made numerous times… if your feet are wide up in the toes, don’t try jamming them into other brands. Just buy Keens. These are some of the best walking shoes for women who need wide shoes or high volume shoes.
Merrell Women’s Siren Edge Hiker – walking shoes for women
Category: Light Hiking Shoes for Walking
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: The lightest of the outstanding Merrell line.
As with all Merrells, the Siren Edge provides firm support thanks to a molded nylon arch shank and an exceptional sole. They might look like sneakers, but they perform like a true hiking shoe.The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool in the summer. 90% of all the reviews on this shoe are positive, with a lot of praise for comfort and fit.
These are substantial shoes! The structure and support of Merrell walking shoes has helped many people with knee and low back pain. Merrell has one of the top 3 footbeds that you can find in a shoe, however, it may be a little more firm than what some people find comfortable.
From what I’ve discovered, this brand has a devoted following. Mesh and 3-D print mesh uppers have bellows tongues to keep out debris. Breathable mesh linings promote cool comfort while active. They have great contoured footbeds with organic odor control, backed with molded nylon shanks, for added underfoot support. Merrell Air Cushions in the heels absorb shock and add stability.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 3 Women’s walking shoe
Category: Sneakers for Walking
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: One of the few Nikes we’d recommend for serious walking.
This is a gorgeous shoe… one of the best looking that we’ve found. But it’s not just a fashion statement, it’s also a great performer for serious walking. The heel for this Nike shoe was designed to complement your natural movements while the outsole does an amazing job at shock absorption. And the breathability of the air mesh is unmatched.
Oboz Mystic women’s walking shoes
Category: Light Hiking Shoes for Walking
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: One of our favorite brands… anyone who walks a lot should try a pair of Oboz.
If you have a women’s narrow-ish heel and a duck-foot, ie spreading metatarsal area, and if your foot is otherwise relatively low volume — you should try this shoe. Obos offers one of the best footbeds of any shoe brand… you won’t need to buy aftermarket insoles with these. Women’s specific fit, waterproof/breathable BDry membrane, cushy midsole, and high traction outsole equip you for the miles ahead. Best Deluxe Insole – A supremely supportive insole, engineered specifically for Oboz shoes. The Best Deluxe Insole stabilizes arches, protects high-impact zones and costs nothing extra. Bdry Membrane – Keep dry when the trail isn’t. Oboz proprietary Bdry membrane blocks water from wet trails while wicking sweat away.
Puma Women’s Fashin Alt-w Walking Shoe
Category: Sneakers for Walking
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: ultra-lightweight.
This is a sporty little slip-on that might be okay for mall walking or casual neighborhood strolls. But I wouldn’t rely on this for fitness walking or hiking. The minimalist upper is made up of a lightweight mesh and highlighted with the iconic form stripe and cat logo branding. The compression foam footbed provides optimal step-in comfort while the flexible cushioning midsole offers shock absorption and additional support. These shoes run small, so buy a size larger than you normally wear. And always remember… Amazon makes it super easy to return things, so you can always order two, just to be safe.
Ryka Women’s Dominion Walking Shoe
Category: Sneakers for Walking
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: Jacquard knitted upper and anatomical footbed design
Ryka is a woman-only brand and offers the most extensive line of women’s walking shoes on the market. All of which are engineered for support and long-term foot health.
Ryka knows that a woman’s foot shape, muscle movement, and skeletal structure are all inherently different from a man’s. The “Q-angle”(quadricep angle) – the anatomical relationship between the hip and knee – measures 5–7 degrees greater for women than men. As a result, women tend to shift more weight to the outside of their feet which leads to over-pronation, instability at foot strike and a higher risk of injury. All Ryka sneakers, including Ryka walking shoes, are designed and developed taking into account a woman’s unique fit needs.
Rockport Women’s Walk360 Washable Lace up
Category: Sneakers for Walking
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: Proven, Rockport ruggedness in a light little sneaker.
Rockport changed the shoe industry forever by merging the comfort of sneakers with the smart look of a dress shoe. It’s also of the first companies to devote significant resources specifically to the development and design of walking shoes. This lightweight, the washable walking shoe is super comfy and perfect for neighborhood walks or laps around the mall.
Salewa Ultra Train Goretex walking shoes for women
Category: Light hiking shoes for walking
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: Exceptional construction and easy lacing system.
Salewa is an Italian mountaineering brand that dates back to the 1930s. The company invented some of the most widely used technical climbing equipment in the world, and worked with Reinhold Messner and many other renowned mountaineers.
If you’re looking for a walking shoe that can handle rough, technical terrain as well as a simple walk in the park, this is a great shoe.
Saucony Women’s Echelon LE2 walking shoe
Category: Sneakers for Walking
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: Sturdy, all-leather construction.
Saucony (pronounced sock-uh-knee) is a well-known brand in the running community. This Boston-based company dates back to 1898 and has a long history of success in track and field. These walking shoes are designed for neutral pronation. The cushioning ranks 7 on a scale of 10. Although they have a breathable fabric liner, some walkers report that the all-leather construction makes them too hot for summer walking.
Sketchers Women’s Go Walk 2 – Walking Shoes for women
Category: Sneakers for Walking
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: Comfy, slipper-like fit
According to Market Realist, Skechers grabbed the number two spot in the footwear market in the United States last year. The company’s shoes were ranked number one in the walking and work footwear categories. The Go Walk 2 is a comfortable, lightweight slip-on for the mall, the treadmill, or the neighborhood.
Salomon Ellipse Aero Hiking shoe
Category: Lite Hiking Shoes for Walking
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: Famous French bootmaker makes exceptional walking shoes.
Salomon was founded in 1947 in the heart of the French Alps. Driven by a passion for skiing and design innovation, Francois Salomon and his son George designed and perfected much of the first modern ski equipment. During the following 60 years, Salomon’s innovative designs and passion for mountain sports created a vast range of revolutionary new concepts in ski boots, skis, apparel, and footwear.
Teva Women’s Tirra Sandal
Teva is an authentic icon in the outdoor industry. Founded in the early 1980s by a Colorado River guide, Teva pioneered the sport-sandal category. For more than 20 years on rivers, in canyons, and across the trails of the great outdoors, athletes and enthusiasts have traveled the globe comfortably and confidently in Teva footwear. The Tirra sandal has a substantial, contoured EVA footbed and a rugged rubber sole that makes it quite functional for anything but the longest hike.
Under Armour Verge Low Hiking shoe
Category: Sneakers for Walking
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: Comfy, slipper-like fit
I was pleasantly surprised when I tried on the men’s version of this shoe for the first time. They accommodate the width of my feet, up in the toe box, without being too high in volume overall. As with almost all athletic shoe brands, the insoles are worthless… I would recommend you pull em out immediately and replace them with some aftermarket insoles that have some arch support.
Vionic Women’s Walking Shoes
Category: Supportive, orthopedic shoes for walking.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Noteworthy: The solution to all sorts of foot problems.
Vionic is one of only three or four brands that offer a good insole for arch support, right off the shelf. In most of the other brands, you have to upgrade to an aftermarket footbed in order to get any sort of arch support. So if you have plantar fasciitis or any other foot issues, Vionic is a great brand to try.