Best Walking Shoes For Women
Whether you are an avid long-distance power walker, love to hit the trails or simply want the best shoe for cruising around town, its important to find the right shoe to fit your lifestyle and your foot type. Weve asked our experts to share their top picks that offer supreme comfort, extra cushioning and superior arch support to keep your feet feeling their best.
Our Women’s Best Walking Shoes
New Balance is proud to bring you a walking shoe that was mindfully crafted and carefully created to provide the ultimate walking experience. Comfort and style. Function and fashion. New Balance’s collection of Women’s Walking Shoes are designed to be the definitive, fitness-centric shoe for premium support, cushioned comfort, and an emphasis on balance.
Crafted from premium foam to cradle heels and cushion your feet, these walking shoes for women are guaranteed to wrap your foot in total comfort no matter your adventure – whether you’re walking down the street to get the mail or miles on the treadmill.
Best Lightweight: Lifestride Poolside Sandal
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Why We Love It: These ultra-light sandals have shock-absorbing footbeds that grip your arches and stretchy, breathable uppers to ensure a comfortably snug fit.
What to Consider: Since they’re backless, they may not be ideal for walking long distances.
The LifeStride Poolside Sandal is exceedingly lightweight but also plenty supportive. Theres a flexible, airy sole and a cushioned footbed that absorbs impact and evenly distributes your weight while keeping you buoyant on your feet.
These travel-ready sandals have knit uppers to enhance breathability. Though the backless design might not be ideal for walking long distances, the stretchy material provides a snug, secure fit. We also like that they come in half-sizes and multiple widths to accommodate a range of foot sizes and shapes.
Price at time of publish: $85
Sizes: 5.511 | Material: Knit textile upper, synthetic sole
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How We Selected And Tested The Women’s Walking Shoes
To select our top picks for the best women’s walking shoes, we researched and reviewed more than 55 shoes from 13 trusted shoe manufacturers. We also consulted two podiatrists for recommendations on the ideal comfort, fit, support, design, and durability of a walking shoe. We then referred to the American Podiatric Medical Associations list of shoes that received their Seal of Acceptance.
Once we narrowed down our ten top picks, we spent over 60 hours testing each pair by going on various walks in each, both outdoors and on a treadmill. Our testeran ACE-certified personal trainer and certified running coachwalked at least 15 miles in each of the ten shoes and tested them during both short and long walks and at various speeds. She did at least one walk on the treadmill in each of the shoes to evaluate performance on a softer surface. To test the shoes traction and weather protection, she did at least one walk in wet weather conditions with each pair.
At the end of our testing period, we evaluated each shoe for cushioning, fit, responsiveness, upper comfort, lateral stability and support, and blister protection, and scored each attribute on a scale of 1 to 5 . We also gave each shoe a value score, which compares the price of the shoe with its overall quality and performance.
Look For Walking Shoes With Breathability
If you do a lot of fitness walking, especially in warm weather, youll want a shoe that wont make you overheat. Find shoes with thin porous fabrics so the air can circulate. Some key features include mesh panels, air vents, cooling inserts, or leather. Detachable insoles are also a good idea to fit the shape of your feet and accommodate more airflow.
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Best Cushioned: Ugg Bren Slip
Why We Love It: They’re comfortable right out of the box and won’t cause blisters.
What to Consider: Although they’re cushioned, they are a bit stiff.
Ugg is known for producing comfortable, high-quality shoes, and these slip-on sneakers are no different. The travel-ready shoes have an ultra-cushioned footbed and a terry-cloth lining that is super soft on your feet. The cotton upper is breathable so your feet won’t overheat, and the durable sole provides excellent traction on all types of terrains. The crepe rubber outsole adds major flexibility, so these shoes will stay comfy even after hours on your feet.
And while they’re on the stiff side, our testers rave about the fact that Ugg’s Bren Slip-ons don’t rub the way other shoes do. “I didn’t get blisters, every new pair of shoes gives me blisters,” our editor noted. “I expected these Uggs to do some damage because they felt hard, but my feet didn’t experience any changes at all.”
Price at time of publish: $48-$90
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Material: Cotton, canvas, rubber
New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp Pacer
Cunha said he recommends this shoe to all his patients because of the carbon fiber plate embedded in it that absorbs the impact of a heel strike. It helps propel your foot by pushing that force back onto the ground, allowing you to run longer and faster, he said, adding that its also lightweight and durable.
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Vionic Women’s Sky Adore Leisure Shoes
- VIO MOTION SUPPORT: The Most Supportive Shoes Ever. Our Vio-Motion Support includes Three-Zone Comfort with Ultimate Arch Support for a difference you can feel.
- YOUR NEW FAVORITE SHOES: A touch of glamour and all the comfort to your activewear, engineered with a see-through and breathable mesh for ultimate flexibility.
- Vionic supports you, so you can Walk. Move. Live.
- VIONIC SHOES: Vionic brings together style and science, combining innovative biomechanics with the most coveted trends.
- Textile/Man-made Upper. Removable Textile Covered EVA Footbed. Rubber Outsole.
Learn How To Find The Best Product On The Internet
You’re looking for the best women’s arch support sneakers under $100 on the internet, but how do you find it? Most people start by searching Amazon. Once they find a website that seems like it has what they need, then they click and go to that site to see if their suspicions are confirmed.
It’s easy in theory but can be hard when so many different websites with helpful and misleading information. This blog post will teach you how to choose the best women’s arch support sneakers without wasting too much time or money!
1. Check reviews and testimonials for each product
The best thing to do when shopping for the best women’s arch support sneakers in 2021 is to check reviews and testimonials. All of the products you are interested in buying should have thoughts to help you decide which one is the best.
You want positive feedback on something, so read through what others say about each product or Quora, before deciding which one to buy.
You can find out if people had good experiences with the product or not, what they liked about it, and how much they paid for it before deciding which one suits your needs.
This way, you know exactly what you are getting ahead of time rather than being surprised by an item once it arrives at your door step-which could lead to the buyer’s regret.
If possible, get in touch with previous customers who have had experience with this particular type of item to see if they think their purchase was worth it or not.
4.1. Return policy
4.2. Warranty policy
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Best Neutral: Saucony Cohesion 14
Cons
- No option for narrow feet
For people who don’t need any special features from their shoe other than optimal support, this practical and affordable option is a solid choice without any bells and whistles. Offering both regular and wide options for the width of the shoe, the Cohesion 14s will make every step feel smooth as you go about your daysupporting not just your feet but your whole body.
Best Womens Walking Shoes For Travel
- Materials: 100% DNA LOFT cushioning for a soft, smooth ride, breathable mesh upper
- Support: High support, best for women with high arches
- Pros: Comes in medium, wide, narrow, and extra wide widths GuideRails technology adds support by keeping excess movement in check, so you stay in your natural stride, and reliable APMA seal
- Cons: The latest version has a more flexible upper which some users complain about for stability compared to the previous model
- Best for: Walking long distances
For 20 years, the Brooks Adrenaline sneaker has been known as a perfect walk shoe and, thus, has become an icon. The latest iteration, Brooks Adrenaline GTS22, is lighter, more breathable, and has an improved cushion for support. We consider this an optimal outdoor walking shoe for comfort and support, especially for walking long distances when exploring a new city. Additionally, the silhouette features seamless internal construction for a lightweight barely-there feel.
The best thing about this pair is the moderate cushion adds just enough spring to your step while supporting the bodys natural forward walking/running motion. It offers a perfectly balanced ratio of responsiveness and control and a cushion that softens impact without feeling too squishy. The combination of comfort and support makes these an excellent shoe for those with plantar fasciitis. This shoe received The American Podiatric Medical Association seal, which means its exceptional for overall foot health.
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Best Flat: Birdies Starling Loafer
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Why We Love It: Beyond the sleek design, the Starling Loafer boasts an arch-hugging footbed with breathable cushioning and a pressure-relieving heel pad.
What to Consider: The sizing is inconsistent and theres a bit of a break-in period.
Birdies makes our favorite travel-friendly flats. Inspired by traditional smoking shoes, the brands Starling Loafer features an elevated style and an effortless slip-on design youll appreciate on your next trip . It has a velvety suede upper with subtle grosgrain trim and luxuriously plush, quilted lining.
These pared-down flats hug your arches with contoured footbeds, while responsive-cushion technology and multiple layers of memory foam promise a lightweight, breathable feel. Theres also cookie padding at the heel to alleviate pressure, plus grippy soles to prevent slips. Just a heads up: Birdies run slightly small and, while the suede will break in slightly, you might want to order a half-size up.
Price at time of publish: $85
Sizes: 512 | Material: Suede upper, synthetic sole
How An Ad For Nike Shoes Inspired This 24
Be it all white, platformed and bright, or even a bit scuffed up, dressing well spans from head to toe and sneakers are a big part of kicking your fashion game up a notch.
While you most certainly need a pair of good workout shoes in your closet, as well, fashionable sneakers are a must-have and are now trendier than ever to pair with basic jeans, shorts, skirts and even formal dresses for a laid-back but styled outfit.
Your best bet is having a few pairs lined up, including basics like white and black, and then a few statement sneakers that show off your own personal style. Not only are bright and fun shoes on-trend, but when paired with a typical quarantine outfit of loungewear and a tee, they automatically elevate into a purposeful and practical athleisure look.
Scroll below for some of our picks of the best kicks for 2022, ranging from neutral to a bit chaotic but always fashion-forward.
Look and feel fresh in your new white sneakers from New Balance.
These all-white running shoes will take you places, be it the track for a good sprint or on a casual day in the city. The shoes are also conveniently slip-on, so no need to bother with loose laces or ties when gearing up to go out.
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The Best Sustainable Sneakers
No matter where you are in the globe, according to StockX, demand for sustainable sneakers began to build in 2020, when customers spent over $10M on sustainable footwear thanks to major releases like the Nike Space Hippie collection. In 2021, this trend accelerated, and trades of sustainable footwear on StockX increased more than 4x year over year, according to Jesse Einhorn, StockX senior economist.
Look For Walking Shoes With Stability And Control
Without proper support, your feet and legs have to work harder therefore, you may have less control over your movement. There are 18 muscles in the bottom of the foot, which will fatigue just like any other muscle in your body, Dr. Gennett explains. The key to finding the best walking shoes is to find a pair with the right balance between shoes with the right cushion and amount of control.
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Best Support: Saucony Womens Omni 19 Running Shoe
What Youll Love: The extra stability is good for pronation and high arches.
What You Need to Know:This version has less heel cushioning than earlier models, and a few reviewers complain that the tread wears out quickly for the price.
The super supportive construction on these running shoes make them a top pick for anyone who deals with moderate to severe pronation . They have an external support frame that keeps your foot stabilized throughout your runâand prevents the burrito-style bending that Dr. Brenner warns against. Anyone with normal, low, or flat arches will find comfort in the foam midsole on this option thanks to the brands signature Everun topsole that gives the foot continuous cushioning and shock absorption.
Rave Review:These shoes get an A for high arch support! Ive been a Saucony advocate for years because of the wide, comfortable fit for running. I havent felt anything hug my feet like this since my old Eschelon 3s!! I wore them all day around the house took them out for a short road runâand they were great! These were form fitting and nice cushioning.
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Best Walking Sandals For Women
- Materials: EVA sole
- Support: Neutral to maximum arch support
- Pros: Adjustable straps achieve a perfect fit for every foot, webbed upper includes light cushioning for added comfort
- Cons: Season-specific footwear, open style does not provide protection
- Best for: Long days on your feet, summer activities
Tevas Zymic sandals arent your typical Tevas. Although were already a huge fan of everything, the brand offers , the Zymic reigns special in an entirely new category. Your feet have never felt an open-toe cushion quite like this. Not only does the footbed provide curved arch support, but the thick foamy outsole also provides a world of energy, bounce, and comfort. You can walk around town, trek through a lake, and even take a light hike in these babies. They have the most generous MAX-COMF sole, as the brand calls it, providing a lightweight and cozy feel youll never want to take off.
Plus, they come in a variety of stylish colors. So say bye to your other sandals because these will be your go-to grab on repeat in warm and cool climates just pair them with socks!
- Pros: Easy to clean, fluid-resistant, no break-in period, wide range of sizes from 5-12.5
- Cons: Slightly creased upon first wear, run slightly small
- Best for: Nurses, bartenders, anyone on their feet all day inside on a hard surface
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Best Perforated: Ilse Jacobsen Tulip 139 Perforated Slip
Also available at Zappos
Why We Love It: The perforation allows for airflow and keeps your feet from getting sweaty.
What to Consider: They will likely have to be replaced after a few seasons of wear.
These sleek slip-ons by Ilse Jacobsen boast a fashion-forward design thanks to the scalloped perforations on the upper, which also work to wick away sweat and keep your feet cool. Speaking of the upper, it’s comfortable for all-day wear, while a flexible rubber sole offers excellent mobility in every situation.
Though they are quite stylish and packed with features, our testers are most impressed by how good the shoes feel on their feet. “They’re well cushioned and comfortable for a lot of walking, yet they are more adaptable to different outfits and occasions than tennis shoes,” one tester commented. “They’re also super lightweight, so they wouldn’t weigh down your suitcase.” She also notes that the sweat-wicking perforation feature works best when you’re on the go, since there’s more airflow.
Keep in mind the shoes do run small, so the brand suggests you order the next size up from your normal size.
Price at time of publish: $84-$94
Sizes: 6 to 12 | Material: Synthetic, leather, rubber
Vionic Women’s Walk Tabi Lesiure Shoes
- Vionic active footwear features Active Motion System technology, combining our podiatrist-designed orthotic with a flexible, cushioned outsole and a lightweight, breathable upper. Removable molded EVA midsole with built-in .5″ elevation for a smooth transition in heel-to-toe strike zone. Firm, thermoplastic heel counter for increased stability and support. Durable rubber outsole for improved traction.
- VIONIC SHOES: Vionic brings together style and science, combining innovative biomechanics with the most coveted trends.
- Received APMA Seal of Acceptance
- YOUR NEW FAVORITE SHOES: Step into support for work, play and every day with the Tabi – designed to keep you moving with maximum comfort.
- Vionic supports you, so you can Walk. Move. Live.
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Best Multifunctional: Hoka Clifton 8
- Neutral stability
If you’re looking for a pair of sneakers that you can wear standing around and while on your daily run, the Hoka Clifton 8s are going to be your ideal multifunctional choice. These sneakers are made with breathable mesh so you don’t have to worry about your feet sweating up a storm throughout the day. And with EVA foam to help you feel both supported and secure, these versatile sneakers are prepped for any adventure. Not to mention their early stage meta rocker, which will make every step feel bouncy and smooth.
