Physical activity can be instrumental in improving brain health, managing weight and reducing disease risk, according to the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention. And walking is one of the best types of physical activity you can do. It doesn’t require a gym membership, equipment or special training — all you need is a reliable pair of walking shoes that fit properly and keep your feet comfortable. If they don’t, you could develop a host of uncomfortable side effects, like pain in the feet, hips and lower back or bunions, blisters and plantar fasciitis.
We consulted podiatrists about what to look for when shopping for the best women’s walking shoes. We also rounded up a handful of expert picks and NBC Select staff recommendations.
SKIP AHEAD The best women’s walking shoes to shop | How do I determine my foot type?
Selected.Our top picks
Related
select
selectTraining shoes v.s. running shoes: What’s the difference?
While shopping for women’s walking shoes, experts recommend keeping the following in mind:
- Material: Different materials are best for different situations. To narrow in on one that’s right for you, think about where you typically walk — like pavement, a treadmill or trails — and the weather conditions you typically walk in. For example, if you tend to walk long distances in hot climates, a breathable material like mesh is a great choice. But if you walk on trails with rocky terrain, leather might be your best bet since it’s durable.
- Traction: To help you avoid injury, walking shoes should provide stability and a good grip. Look for options with rubber outsoles, which perform especially well on trails and uneven terrain, as well as on pavement and asphalt tracks, says Dr. Olga Shvets, a podiatrist at Central Park Podiatry in Yonkers, New York and Bay Ridge Family Podiatry in Brooklyn, New York. A shock-absorbent rubber outsole also helps alleviate the impact of each step, says Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City.
- Cushioning: A shoe’s overall comfort level is largely determined by the amount of padding in its midsole, which is the area between the insole and the outsole. That padding is often made from materials like memory foam, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or gel, and it minimizes the impact of each step every time your foot hits the ground, says Shvets.
- Support: In order to feel comfortable while walking, you’ll need a shoe that supports the shape of your foot, so make sure you purchase a sneaker that’s designed for your arch type (high, neutral or flat), says Cunha. Also make sure that the shoe’s flex point, the point at which it bends and creases while you’re walking, matches your foot’s bending point, which is the area between the toes and the ball of your foot. If the shoe’s arch support and flex point are incompatible with your feet, it can cause problems like arch pain or plantar fasciitis, experts told us.
- Insole: Look for a memory foam footbed or an EVA anti-compression insole for added comfort to support your arches, says Cunha. And if you wear custom orthotics or think you may need to invest in a pair of shoe inserts, buy sneakers that have removable insoles, says Dr. Jacob Wynes, a podiatric surgeon and an associate professor of foot and ankle surgery for the University of Maryland Medical System.
- Heel drop: Heel drop, also called offset, refers to the difference in height between the heel and toe of a shoe. It indicates the evenness of a shoe’s cushioning and is measured in millimeters — zero drop means the shoe has totally even cushioning. A uniform level of cushioning rather than a larger heel cushion is often more comfortable for walkers who strike the ground with their heel first and roll through their step, experts told us. And the lower the heel drop, the less stress the shoe places on the Achilles tendon. Ideally, walking shoes should have a heel drop of no more than 8 millimeters — some of the shoes on our list are slightly higher because they’re made for high-performance walking and you can also wear them to run. Runners need a higher heel drop than walkers because they strike the ground first with their midfoot, the ball of their foot or forward on their heel, experts told us.
- Weight: Shoe weight is more important to consider if you’re buying running sneakers, but if you speed walk, walk long distances or walk for extended periods of time, prioritize lightweight options that are 8 ounces or less. “Walking shoes usually run on average between 6.5 ounces and 13 ounces,” says Cunha. “Women’s shoes are on the lower range and men’s shoes are on the upper range, but anything less than 8 ounces is considered lightweight.”
- Return policy and trial period: You won’t know how your feet feel in a pair of walking shoes until you use them, so familiarize yourself with a brand or retailer’s return policy and trial period. That way you know how long you have to try shoes before deciding if you’re keeping, returning or exchanging them.
To recommend the best women’s walking shoes, we asked podiatrists to share their favorite options and rounded up NBC Select staff picks. Below, we note which sneakers have the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance — shoes earn this stamp of approval after they’re reviewed by a group of APMA podiatrists who find them to promote good foot health.
Note that many of the shoes we recommend are available in a variety styles, so if you’re looking for something specific, like a certain color or pattern, browse the full selections online. And remember that you’ll need to break in any shoes you buy before wearing them across long distances or for long periods of time, says Wynes. He recommends breaking in your shoes by wearing them for a couple hours a day for about a week.
Best overall women’s walking shoes: Nike Motiva
What we like
- Wide toe box
- Arch support
- Absorbs shock
Something to note
- Requires breaking in
“These are the most comfortable walking shoes I’ve tried and they make me feel like I’m walking on clouds,” says Rebecca Rodriguez, NBC Select editorial projects manager. The plush support allows Bianca Alvarez, NBC Select associate reporter, to walk for an extended period of time without experiencing foot pain, and even after hours of wear, she says the sneakers don’t feel tight. The shoes are made with thick foam cushioning, and they’re bouncy — Nikki Brown, NBC Select SEO editor, compared the feel to mini trampolines or bed springs. Nike’s Motiva shoes also have a wavy-patterned outsole that helps them absorb the impact of your steps and grip the ground, according to the brand. Plus, their rocker shape propels you forward while walking.
Material: Not specified | Weight: 8.95 oz. | Heel drop: 12 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12, including half sizes
Best walking shoe for shin splints: Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoe
What we like
- APMA approved
- Wide option available
- Absorb shock well
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
“These sneakers absorb the shock from my steps really well, which is important to me since I deal with shin splints that can be irritated from too much pressure,” says Ashley Morris, NBC Select associate SEO reporter. The lace-up sneakers are specifically designed around the shape of women’s feet, so the brand gave them a narrower heel, a roomy toe box and soft cushioning in the midsole. They also have a grippy rubber outsole, arch support built into the insole and extra cushioning in the forefoot and heel. “I’ve never had dedicated walking shoes before, and this pair from Ryka showed me just how much of a difference they can make,” says Sadhana Daruvuri, Select social media editor, who wears them while walking her dog, in the park or around New York City to run errands. “Even when I’m in them for hours, my feet still feel cushioned and comfortable.”
Material: Mesh | Weight: 8.70 oz. | Heel drop: 10 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12, including half sizes
Best walking shoe for overpronators: Saucony Integrity Walker 3
What we like
- APMA approved
- Wide and extra wide available
- Narrow option available
Something to note
- Stiffer feel
Cunha recommends these walking shoes for women who have neutral or low arches, which often causes them to overpronate, meaning their ankles or arches roll inward. A supportive stability shoe like this one helps counteract some of that pronation, and it’s extra padded, which adds shock control, he says. The shoe has a light, springy feel, according to the brand, a cushioned insole and a rubber outsole.
Material: Synthetic leather | Weight: 10.30 oz. | Heel drop: 8 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12, including half sizes
Best affordable walking shoe: Skechers Go Walk Joy Vela
What we like
- Wide option available
- Machine-washable
- Go up to a size 13
Something to note
- May stretch out over time
- Weight not specified
- Heel drop not specified
Skechers’ slip-on walking sneakers are one of the more affordable options on our list at under $80. They’re made with 100% vegan materials, according to the brand, as well as lightweight cushioning. The sneakers have flexible, grippy outsoles and memory foam insoles.
Material: Mesh | Weight: Not specified | Heel drop: Not specified, 1 ¼-inch heel height | Sizes: 5 to 13, including half sizes
Best slip-on walking shoe: Brooks StealthFit Levitate 6
What we like
- Slip-on style with tie
Something to note
- May feel narrow to some
- Firmer cushioning
Rodriguez says this sneaker — a NBC Select 2023 Wellness Awards winner — keeps her feet comfortable and supported while she walks about 9,000 steps a day. It has a springy, lightweight feel, and offers maximum cushioning with a neutral level of support, according to the brand. Instead of a moveable tongue, the sneaker is designed with stretch uppers, making them similar to slip-on sneakers, but with laces. There’s also padding around the ankle for added comfort.
Material: Mesh | Weight: 9.10 oz. | Heel drop: 8 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12, including half sizes
Best breathable walking shoe: Brooks Revel 6
What we like
- Keeps feet cool
- Great for warm climates
- Lightweight
Something to note
- Lower amount of cushioning
Brooks’ Revel 6 sneakers — which earned a NBC Select 2023 Wellness Award — are designed with perforated uppers so air can circulate throughout them and help keep feet cool. This is especially important on long walks or walks in hot climates. The shoes offer neutral support and have a cushioned heel, giving them a bouncy yet lightweight feel, in my experience. However, the shoes are not extra padded, allowing me to feel the ground beneath me and remain stabilized while walking.
Material: Mesh | Weight: 8.10 oz. | Heel drop: 10 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12, including half sizes
Walking shoe with best trial period: Lululemon Blissfeel 2
What we like
- 30-day trial
- Lightweight
Something to note
- Order ½ size up for wider feet
Lululemon analyzed one million scans of women’s feet to tailor this shoe’s fit and cushioning profile accordingly. The sneaker’s 3D-molded midfoot hugs my feet and keeps them stable while I’m walking, and its grippy outsoles add traction. I find these shoes — which earned a NBC Select 2023 Wellness Award — to be cushioned enough to keep my feet comfortable for long periods of time, but not too cushioned that they feel heavy.
Material: Mesh | Weight: 9.70 oz. | Heel drop: 9.5 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12, including half sizes
Best cushioned walking shoe: Hoka Bondi 8
What we like
- APMA approved
- Wide option available
- Removable insole
Something to note
- May be too cushioned for some
Cunha recommends this shoe for its maximum cushioning and breathability. Soft, lightweight foam is evenly distributed across its midsole, which helps diffuse impact across the foot as you walk and gives the shoe its minimal heel drop. The sneaker also has an internal heel counter, a piece of supportive material in the back of the shoe that stabilizes the heel and reduces your risk of getting blisters, experts told us. You can remove the shoe’s cushioned insole if you want to add orthotics. Beyond walking, Shvets often recommends highly cushioned Hoka sneakers like these for anyone whose job requires them to stand for long periods of time, like nurses.
Material: Mesh | Weight: 8.90 oz. | Heel drop: 4 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12, including half sizes
Best short distance walking shoe: On Cloudeasy
What we like
- Lightweight
- Sock-like upper
Something to note
- Consider sizing up 1/2 size
- Only goes up to size 11
On’s Cloudeasy walking shoes have become a staple in my closet ever since the brand sent me them last year. They’re so lightweight that I practically forget I’m wearing them, and while they don’t have a thick layer of cushioning, their foam midsole keeps my feet comfortable while I’m walking four or five miles at a time. The shoes have laces but they’re easy to slip on and off my feet thanks to the sock-like upper and built-in tabs on the top and back of the shoe.
Material: Recycled polyester knit | Weight: 7.58 oz. | Heel drop: 8 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 11, including half sizes
Best long distance walking shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
What we like
- APMA approved
- Narrow option available
- Wide and extra wide available
Something to note
- Short laces
“I walked from the top to the bottom of Manhattan in these sneakers, which was 46,000 steps, and my feet didn’t hurt at the end,” says Kelsey Fredricks, NBC Select production coordinator. The shoes are built with a heel counter that stabilizes feet, making them ideal for pronators, meaning people whose ankles or arches tend to roll inward, says Shvets. There’s soft cushioning throughout the sneakers, which gives them a smooth, plush feel, according to the brand.
Material: Mesh | Weight: 9.10 oz. | Heel drop: 12 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 13, including half sizes
Best waterproof walking shoes: On Cloud 5 Waterproof
What we like
- Waterproof exterior
- Reflective details
- Slip-on with elastic laces
Something to note
- Only goes up to size 11
On’s Cloud 5 walking shoes are a favorite of Cunha’s for their ability to absorb impact and provide a cushioned landing. This makes them a great shoe for high-performance walkers and those who alternate with a run once in a while. The sneakers come in two styles: one with a waterproof exterior and one without. The waterproof model is ideal for walkers who live in wet climates or tend to walk on trails that may have puddles or streams. The On Cloud 5s also have a molded heel cup that stabilizes feet, and they come with elastic laces so there’s no need to tie them.
Material: Polyester with waterproof covering | Weight: 8.01 oz. | Heel drop: 8 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 11, including half sizes
Best walking shoes for orthotics: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13
What we like
- Removable insole
- Goes up to size 13
- Five width options available
Something to note
- Weight not specified
Shvets says these sneakers can accommodate orthotics since their insoles are removable, and recommends them for the elderly population. The shoes are made with plush cushioning that helps protect the joints and absorbs impact as you walk, as well as durable, grippy rubber outsoles.
Material: Mesh | Weight: Not specified | Heel drop: 10 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 13, including half sizes
Best stabilizing walking shoes: Saucony Guide 17
What we like
- Wide option available
- Vegan and recycled materials
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
“I always recommend these shoes because they deliver a soft heel strike and take some stress off the feet,” says Cunha. They have high sidewalls and a broad platform, which stabilizes your feet and encourages them to roll through each stride, thus reducing fatigue and preventing injury, according to the brand. The sneakers are also made with soft, lightweight cushioning throughout, giving you more rebound with each step.
Material: Mesh | Weight: 8.10 oz. | Heel drop: 6 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12, including half sizes
Best wide toe box walking shoe: Brooks Glycerin 21
What we like
- Wide option available
- Bunion and hammertoe friendly
- Soft yet firm feel
Something to note
- May feel roomy for narrow feet
Brooks Glycerin 21 sneakers are ideal for people with bunions or hammertoes because they have a wider toe box, says Cunha. I’m also a fan of these shoes for their roomy fit. I walk and run long distances, and even when my feet start to swell a few miles in, the shoes don’t get tight and they give my feet room to breathe. The shoes also have a soft feel but are firm enough that I don’t sink into their cushioning.
Material: Mesh | Weight: 8.80 oz. | Heel drop: 10 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12, including half sizes
Best walking shoe for wide feet: Asics Gel-Saiun 2
What we like
- Goes up to size 13
- Great for wide feet
- Roomy toe box
Something to note
- Weight not specified
- Heel drop not specified
Lindsay Schneider, NBC Select editor, has worn Asics for over five years and out of all the styles she’s tried, the brand’s Gel-Saiun model is her favorite. She wears the original version of the sneaker, but the Gel-Saiun 2 is the newest one. “As someone with a wide foot, space is really important to me. These have enough room in the toe box and lace area where my feet never feel constricted or like they don’t have enough room to swell or expand in the heat or while I’m working out,” she says “I’ve probably walked 200,000 steps in these shoes and they still feel great.”
Material: Mesh | Weight: Not specified | Heel drop: Not specified | Sizes: 5 to 13, including half sizes
Best walking and lifestyle shoe: Under Armour UA Apparition Shoes
What we like
- Unisex
- Fashion forward design
- Goes up to size 16.5
Something to note
- Weight not specified
- Heel drop not specified
Not all walking shoes are particularly stylish, but the UA Apparition Shoes check the fashion and function boxes. “These get the job done in terms of cushioning and support. I recently wore them on a day where I ended up walking upward of 15,000 steps and felt comfortable,” says Schneider. “I specifically love the on-trend silhouette and color scheme — you can wear them with leggings or a baggy jean and still feel good about your outfit.” The sneakers have a soft sock liner, responsive cushioning and grippy, durable rubber outsole.
Material: Mesh and leather | Weight: Not specified | Heel drop: Not specified | Sizes: 5 to 16.5, including half sizes
Most versatile walking shoe: Nobull Aspire
What we like
- Great for various workouts
- 1-year warranty included
- Removable insole
Something to note
- Only goes to size 11
- Tight around ankles
“When I worked at Orangetheory, I noticed that all my coworkers, trainers and members were wearing these shoes. Finally, after getting my own pair, I understood the hype,” says Alvarez. “I love using them to walk on the treadmill or outside, and I also use them for HIIT classes, running and lifting. They’re cushioned enough to get me through cardio, but keep me stable while training.” The sneakers have a rubber outsole and a form-fitting, sock-like upper, making them easy to slip on your feet thanks to the built-in heel loop. There’s lightweight, soft, dense cushioning in the shoe’s midsole, and you can remove its insole.
Material: Knit | Weight: 10.6 oz. | Heel drop: 10 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 11, including half sizes
Best walking shoe to splurge on: Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 DNA Sneaker
What we like
- Comfortable for long walks
- Goes down to a size 4.5
Something to note
- Weight not specified
- Heel drop not specified
Alvarez bought Adidas’ Ultraboost sneakers during her freshman year of college when she had to walk from one side of Pennsylvania State University to the other almost daily, which took her over 20 minutes. “These sneakers saved my life during college, and five years later they continue to do just that,” she says. “They’re still a constant in my shoe rotation, have remained intact and are just as comfortable as they were when I first got them. They’re definitely worth the high price point.” The sneakers have a molded heel counter, a rubber outsole and a plush feel.
Material: Knit | Weight: Not specified | Heel drop: Not specified | Sizes: 4.5 to 12, including half sizes
Related
select
selectWe tried the Brooks Ghost Max for three weeks and have never run better
Your arch determines the direction and severity of the way your foot rolls or pronates. “You can identify your [foot type] by paying attention to which part of your foot hits the ground first,” says Shvets. She recommends looking at the soles of a well-worn pair of sneakers to see where they’re worn out, as this will indicate where you’re making most of your impact and thus tell you whether your foot type is a pronator, supinator or neutral. Below is a more detailed description of the three types of feet.
PronatorPronating is a natural, normal movement of the feet, and it occurs when your ankles or arches roll or tip slightly inward. But if your feet roll too far inward, you’re overpronating. This gait can cause flat feet, which is when there’s little to no arch in the feet. Some people are born with flat feet, but other times it’s a result of an injury to the ligaments or tendons, causing the arch to collapse. Those who are pronators and have flat feet will see worn tread in the middle of the heel and toward the inner edge of the heel, experts told us. A shoe with a supportive sole and a firm but cushioned insole is best for overpronators, according to Cunha.
SupinatorWhen your weight rolls to the outer edges of your feet, you are supinating. Supinators will see a worn tread on the outer edge of the heel and should look for added cushioning at the heels, experts say.
NeutralIf your foot lands on your heel and rolls forward during your stride (so that the impact is distributed evenly across the forefoot), you have a neutral gait. Those with a neutral gait will see the most wear at the heel, as well as below the first and second toe.
Frequently asked questions
Experts recommend replacing your walking shoes every 300 to 500 miles. If you walk briskly for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, that means you’ll need a new pair every six to 12 months.
There is a difference between shoes specifically designed for walking and shoes specifically designed for running, says Wynes. Walking is a lower impact activity and puts less stress on the bones, joints and muscles, while running is a high impact activity that puts more stress on the body. Because of this, running shoes usually have more shock absorbance, cushioning and rotation resistance compared to walking shoes. Running shoes are also often more lightweight compared to walking shoes so runners can quickly put one foot in front of the other, says Wynes.
The wear pattern on walking and running shoes also differ. While running, you spend more time on your tiptoes and the balls of your feet, and less time on your heels. But when you’re walking, your feet tend to smoothly move through a heel-to-toe movement, says Wynes. Sneaker manufacturers use these wear patterns to decide what supportive elements and stability features their sneakers should have.
So overall, you can walk in any running shoe, but you won’t want to run in shoes specifically designed for walking, experts told us. Most walking shoes don’t have enough cushioning to protect the body while running, and they can feel too heavy.
Arch support refers to padding built into shoes’ insoles that’s strategically positioned under your feets’ arches to keep them in an ideal neutral position instead of rolling inward or outward. There are three types of arches — neutral, flat and high — and it’s important to know what type of arch you have before shopping. Buying shoes with arch support that’s incompatible with your feet can cause pain, especially if you’re standing, walking or running for extended periods of time, experts told us.
Below is information about the three arch types and how that impacts what features you should look for in shoes.
- Neutral (medium) arches: If you have neutral arches, you’ll see a little bit of space between the ground and the top of your arches. Those with neutral arches can typically wear any shoe that they find comfortable.
- Flat (low) arches: If you have low arches, your arches completely touch the ground. Those with flat arches should look for shoes with firm insoles and deep heel cups, says Wynes.
- High arches: If you have high arches, you’ll see a lot of space between the ground and the top of your arches. Those with high arches should look for shoes with soft insoles that essentially bring the group up to hug the arches, says Wynes.
Yes, if possible, you should get fitted in-person before buying sneakers online, says Cunha. The staff at specialty footwear stores are knowledgeable about shoe choices, and they’ll spend time with you individually to recommend sneakers that align with your needs. The length and width of women’s feet can also change over time due to falling arches or hormonal changes. Because of this, getting professionally fitted before buying sneakers ensures you know what your current size is and what feels comfortable to you right now.
The best way to tell that your shoes fit is to make sure there’s one thumb’s width of space ahead of your longest toe, says Wynes. Cunha also recommends getting fit for walking shoes in the evening since that’s when your feet are the most swollen. “If the shoe feels comfortable at the end of the day, it will most likely feel comfortable throughout the day,” he says.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Olga Shvets is a podiatrist at Central Park Podiatry in Yonkers, New York and Bay Ridge Family Podiatry in Brooklyn, New York.
- Dr. Miguel Cunha is a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City.
- Dr. Jacob Wynes is a podiatric surgeon and an associate professor of foot and ankle surgery for the University of Maryland Medical System.
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at NBC Select who covers fitness, including stories on running shoes, training shoes, yoga accessories and pilates equipment. For this article, she interviewed three experts about women’s walking shoes and rounded up expert picks and NBC Select staff recommendations.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
