Physical activity can be instrumental in improving brain health, managing weight and reducing disease risk, according to the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention. If you’re not a fan of running, find strength training intimidating or just don’t want to invest in a gym membership, you may want to consider going on regular walks. Although often overlooked as a workout, regular walks in a reliable pair of shoes is one of the best types of exercise you can do. And all you need is a reliable pair of walking shoes. Poor fitting shoes can lead to a host of painful side effects, including bunions, blisters, plantar fasciitis and even pain in the feet, hips and lower back.
I consulted podiatrists about what to look for when shopping for the best women’s walking shoes. I 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 you determine your foot type? | Why trust NBC Select?
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How I picked the best women’s walking shoes
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.
The best women’s walking shoes of 2024
To recommend the best women’s walking shoes, I asked podiatrists to share their favorite options and rounded up NBC Select staff picks. Below, I 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.
Many of the shoes I 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: Nike Motiva
- Wide toe box
- Arch support
- Absorbs shock
- 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 for shin splints: Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoe
- Stable for walking
- Great cushioning
- Made for women's foot shape
- 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 breathable: Brooks Revel 6
- Keeps feet cool
- Great for warm climates
- Lightweight
- 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
Best for orthotics: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13
- Removable insole
- Goes up to size 13
- Five width options available
- Weight not specified
Shvets says these sneakers can accommodate orthotics since their insoles are removable. She also recommends them for the elderly population because their rounded grippy rubber bottom can help prevent falls. The shoes are made with plush cushioning that protects the joints and absorbs impact as you walk.
Material: Mesh | Weight: Not specified | Heel drop: 10 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 13, including half sizes
Best for overpronators: Saucony Integrity Walker 3
- APMA approved
- Wide and extra wide available
- Narrow option available
- 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 for long distances: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
- APMA approved
- Narrow option available
- Wide and extra wide available
- 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 affordable: Skechers Go Walk Joy Vela
- Wide option available
- Machine-washable
- Go up to a size 13
- 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: Brooks StealthFit Levitate 6
- Slip-on style with tie
- 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 trial period: Lululemon Blissfeel 2
- 30-day trial
- Lightweight
- 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: Hoka Bondi 8
- APMA approved
- Wide option available
- Removable insole
- 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 for short distances: On Cloudeasy
- Lightweight
- Sock-like upper
- 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 back of the shoe.
Material: Recycled polyester knit | Weight: 7.58 oz. | Heel drop: 8 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 11, including half sizes
Best waterproof: On Cloud 5 Waterproof
- Waterproof exterior
- Reflective details
- Slip-on with elastic laces
- 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 stabilizing: Saucony Guide 17
- Wide option available
- Vegan and recycled materials
- 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: Brooks Glycerin 21
- Wide option available
- Bunion and hammertoe friendly
- Soft yet firm feel
- 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 for wide feet: Asics Gel-Saiun 2
- Goes up to size 13
- Great for wide feet
- Roomy toe box
- 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
- Unisex
- Fashion forward design
- Goes up to size 16.5
- Nothing to note at this time
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: 13 oz. | Heel drop: 7 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 16.5, including half sizes
Best versatile option: Nobull Aspire
- Great for various workouts
- 1-year warranty included
- Removable insole
- 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 to splurge on: Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 DNA Sneaker
- Comfortable for long walks
- Goes down to a size 4.5
- 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
How do you determine your foot type?
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.
Pronator
Pronating 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.
Supinator
When 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.
Neutral
If 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.
Meet our experts
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.
Why trust NBC Select?
I'm 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, I interviewed three experts about women’s walking shoes and rounded up expert picks and NBC Select staff recommendations.
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