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The best walking shoes for women who walk regularly or spend long hours standing are lightweight and offer breathability, arch support, and stability.
We use “men’s” and “women’s” in this article to align with how companies market their products, but there is no need to stick to one or the other. A person should choose the product with the fit, style, and features that work best for them.
This article explores walking shoes in further detail, including some walking shoes available for purchase online.
A quick look at the best walking shoes for women
- Best range of widths: New Balance 847v4
- Best memory foam: Skechers Women’s Flex Appeal 2.0 Sneaker
- Best range of colors: Tiosebon Women’s Sock Walking Shoes
- Best for lower budgets: Propet Washable Walker Evolution Oxford
- Best leather option: Cobb Hill Women’s Paulette Flat
- Best for extra toe room: Altra Rivera 2
- Best for recycled materials: Merrell Gridway
- Best for warmups and cool-downs: Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacer
- Best for walking on roads: Brooks Addiction Walker 2
- Best for breathability: Under Armour Charged Breathe Bliss Paint Splatter Sportstyle
Comfortable shoes should support a person’s skeletal structure.
Research shows that wearing footwear that does not fit can lead to
However, some footwear can improve the way a person walks and reduce the effect of physical issues a person may have, such as
North Dakota State University provides some tips to help people choose well-fitting shoes, including:
- trying on different pairs
- wearing shoes with the same types of socks that one wears for walking
- ensuring that the forefoot area is not too tight
- checking that the heel does not slip up or down
The institution also recommends that people stop wearing their shoes if they notice less cushioning or start to experience foot or joint pain.
Each person has unique biometrics, so they will need shoes that support their needs.
For example, everyone has individual pronation, which is how the foot rolls to distribute impact while walking or running. Some people need shoes that help with overpronation, whereas others may need shoes for supination. Others may need neutral shoes.
Below are some features that a person can look for when choosing walking shoes:
- Stability: Walking shoes should be supportive, and a person should not be able to bend or twist them easily in their hands.
- Fit: People should follow the manufacturer’s sizing guide to ensure that they choose the right fit.
- Comfort: The shoes should have padding close to the feet and provide a snug fit at the heel and midfoot. They should also come with adequate room in the forefoot area.
- Achilles tendon protector: This reduces pressure on the Achilles tendon and provides a secure fit around the heel.
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Below are 10 of the best walking shoes for women.
Best range of widths: New Balance 847v4
- Price: $149.99
- Width: narrow, standard, wide, X wide, 2X wide
These walking shoes come in 15 sizes.
Features include:
- two color options
- full rubber outsole
- a mesh upper for a lightweight feel and more breathability
- synthetic leather construction
- thermoplastic polyurethane heel inserts for support increased balance and stability
The pros and cons below are based on customer reviews.
Pros
- cushioned design
- stability
- width available in standard, narrow, wide, extra wide, and double extra wide
Cons
- a chance that the size chart is inaccurate
- possible inability to exchange products
- expensive
Best memory foam: Skechers Women’s Flex Appeal 2.0 Sneaker
- Price: around $45–153
- Width: 4 inches
These walking shoes are flexible and suitable for most foot shapes and sizes. Features include:
- 13 color options
- air-cooled memory foam that provides pressure relief, comfort, and breathability
- 100% knit fabric
- rubber sole
- flexible design
- a weight of 12 ounces (oz)
Prices can vary by color on Amazon.
The pros and cons below are based on customer reviews.
Pros
- good fit for people with foot problems, such as bunions and hammer toes
- accurate size guide
- lightweight design
Cons
- chance of receiving a defective product
- chance that the cushioning causes sweaty feet
Best range of colors: Tiosebon Women’s Sock Walking Shoes
- Price: around $34
- Width: only one width is available
These Tiosebon walking shoes are available in eight sizes. The company has designed these shoes to fit like a sock, so the upper material is stretchy, breathable, and conforms exactly to a person’s foot shape.
There is also an air cushion in the heel to provide shock absorption.
Features include:
- nine color options
- a breathable knit mesh upper
- a moisture-wicking insole
- arch support
- shockproof and nonslip outsole
The pros and cons below are based on customer reviews.
Pros
- can provide arch support
- come with anti-skid and grip ability
- are ideal for walking, driving, and long periods of standing
- upper material adapts to a person’s foot shape
Cons
- may cause blisters
- do not offer a lot of support on uneven surfaces
- do not come in sizes below U.S. women’s 5
Best for lower budgets: Propet Washable Walker Evolution Oxford
- Price: around $31–75
- Width: 4.2 inches
These walking shoes are machine washable, and the insole can accommodate orthotics. A person can remove the inner cushioning, and each pair of shoes has two sets of laces.
Features include:
- three color options
- rubber sole
- removable footbed
- outsole that provides high grip and traction
They are an affordable option for people working with smaller budgets.
The following are some pros and cons based on customer reviews:
Pros
- can reduce foot pain
- suitable for those with a narrow foot width size
- good fit for people recovering from knee replacement
- machine washable
Cons
- stiff inner sole
- limited color range
Best leather option: Cobb Hill Women’s Paulette Flat
- Price: $115
- Width: M, N, W, XW
These shoes are suitable for people who want less athletic-looking walking shoes.
They come in various sizes and four widths, from narrow, wide, to extra wide. Some other features include:
- four color options
- leather upper for natural comfort and durability
- accent and sidewalk stitching
- lightweight outsole
- metal button
The following points are some pros and cons based on customer reviews:
Pros
- have a breathable design
- provide support
- do not cause swelling
Cons
- have thin cushioning, so not enough support for some individuals
- have a wide fit, even with socks
Best for extra toe room: Altra Rivera 2
- Price: $130
- Width: slim
These shoes are suitable for people with narrow feet. The company states this design allows a person’s toes to spread naturally.
Features include:
- available in six colors
- Balanced Cushioning platform, which provides better alignment and form
- Altra EGO foam for a responsive and comfortable feel
- midsoles with grid-like grooves for flexibility and movement
The following are some pros and cons based on customer reviews:
Pros
- suitable for walking and running
- toe room allows for natural spread
- snug fit around the heels
Cons
- not suitable for those with wide feet
- some claim the treads wore out quickly
- lack of lateral support
- too slim for orthotics
Best for recycled materials: Merrell Gridway
- Price: around $40–125
- Width: 4 inches
These shoes weigh 15 oz and use recycled yarn. The company also states the midsole is made from sustainable ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
They come in three colors: brindle, glacier gray, and gold.
The main features of these walking shoes include:
- made from a recycled yarn-knit upper
- removable EVA footbed
- traditional lace closure system
- recycled webbing
The price varies depending on the color a person chooses.
The following are some pros and cons based on customer reviews:
Pros
- lightweight
- supportive for walking
- suitable for rough and muddy conditions
Cons
- thin insole
- may lose shape after few uses
Best for warmups and cool-downs: Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacer
- Price: $64.99
- Width: standard
These LiteRide Pacer shoes from Crocs provide cushioning and support and a breathable upper.
Other features include:
- available in two colors
- Durable Croslite foam outsoles for all-day support and comfort
- soft and lightweight foam insoles
- breathable uppers
- suitable for warmup and cool-down sessions
The following are some pros and cons based on customer reviews:
Pros
- durable
- easy to clean
- lots of room in the toe area
Cons
- some found them tight, others found them loose
- can become discolored after a few uses
- can cause pain
Best for walking on roads: Brooks Addiction Walker 2
- Price: $130
- Width: medium, wide, narrow, and 2E
The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 aims to provide maximum support and soft cushioning for a slip resistant walk. They weigh 12.9 oz and are made for walking on roads.
This shoe features:
- two color options
- a progressive diagonal rollbar to help maintain a natural stride
- BioMoGo DNA cushioning designed to respond to a person’s weight, stride, and speed
- leather upper
They are unsuitable for those following a vegan lifestyle due to the leather upper.
The following are some pros and cons based on customer reviews:
Pros
- sturdy construction
- suitable for walking
- one user with tendonitis and plantar fasciitis found them helpful
Cons
- not effective for wearing to work
- squeak when a person walks
- some users found them painful
Best for breathability: Under Armour Charged Breathe Bliss Paint Splatter Sportstyle Shoes
- Price: $85
- Width: regular
The manufacturer’s website states this durable and stylish shoe provides cushioning, support, and traction. Its mesh upper makes it lightweight and breathable.
It includes the following features:
- asymmetrical lacing
- flexible gore forefoot strap
- proprietary cushioning
- full rubber outsole
It comes in two colors: white tile blue or brilliance white. It is only available in a standard width.
The following points are some pros and cons based on customer reviews:
Pros
- users found them comfortable when walking and running
- suitable for standing up for long hours at work
- some found these shoes very stylish
Cons
- fit may be better with a half-size up from a person’s usual size
- sometimes causes painful rubbing at the heel
- may be unsuitable for people with wide feet
The table below compares each of the shoes in this article.
| Price | Width | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance | $149.99 | narrow, standard, wide, X wide, 2X wide | range of widths |
| Skechers | around $45–153 | 4 inches | memory foam |
| Tiosebon | around $34 | only one width available | range of colors |
| Propet | around $31–75 | 4.2 inches | lower budgets |
| Cobb Hill | $115 | M, N, W, XW | leather option |
| Altra | $130 | slim | extra toe room |
| Merrell | around $40–125 | 4 inches | recycled materials |
| Crocs | $64.99 | standard | best for warmups and cool-downs |
| Brooks | $130 | medium, wide, narrow, and 2E | walking on roads |
| Under Armour | $85 | regular | best for breathability |
Signs that it is time to see a doctor about foot pain include:
- feelings of numbness or tingling in the feet
- swelling that lasts for several days
- discomfort or pain that lasts for several weeks
Plantar fasciitis is a common source of foot pain, affecting about
Movement may improve the symptoms, but doctors typically recommend that a person with the condition take time off from weight-bearing activities. If a person thinks they may have plantar fasciitis, they should speak with a doctor.
A person should see a doctor as soon as possible if:
- they cannot put weight on their foot
- the foot appears to be infected
- swelling is severe
Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about walking shoes for women.
What are the best women’s shoes for walking?
The American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society recommends walking shoes with the following characteristics:
- good shock absorption, especially in the ball of the foot and the heel
- lightweight
- comfortable upper
- smooth tread
- slightly rounded sole
Additionally, if a person has specific concerns, such as a tendency to overpronate, they should look for shoes with features that will address them.
What walking shoes do podiatrists recommend?
According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM), a good walking shoe:
- provides stability, especially side-to-side
- is well-cushioned
- supports a steady gait
Additionally, a good walking shoe should be a good fit for the person who wears it. People should look for shoes that provide enough length and room for the toes. They should hold the foot and heel snugly, but not too tightly.
Depending on where they do most of their walking, a person might prefer a walking shoe that is water resistant or more suitable for rough terrain.
Is it OK to wear running shoes for walking?
A person can wear running shoes for walking, as long as the running shoes provide enough cushioning and stability, and supports their ability to walk, according to the AAPSM.
What are the best walking shoes with arch support?
Brooks, Asics, and New Balance shoes are popular with people looking for walking shoes with arch support.
A person should choose the shoes that fit them best and suit the walking they do, regardless of the brand.
Walking shoes have several features to support an individual’s foot, such as stability, anti-slip soles, and cushioning.
A variety of walking shoes are available to buy online. Many companies also provide a sizing guide to help individuals make the right purchase.
However, a person should stop wearing their shoes if they develop pain or the shoes start wearing out. They should also see a doctor if their pain does not improve.