The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes for Women

The best walking shoes for women are supportive, comfortable, easy to wear, easy to clean and maintain and give you a head start in your active lifestyle. Only the market for such sneakers has lots of brands promising to deliver the best performance. How do you decide which walking shoes are ideal for your feet?

Well, in this buyer’s guide, we review some of the top walking shoes for women from renowned brands. Most of the brands featured here present shoes that come with an ergonomic design that cushions your pressure points when you stand or walk for extended periods. Also, these shoes use mesh uppers comprising synthetic, leather, textile, or even organic fibres, guaranteed to keep you feeling comfortable and free from bunions or hammertoes. Next, the sneakers have ample cushion in the midsole area. They use traction outsoles that remain slip-resistant on a rainy day. Additionally, they have varying heel-to-toe drop lengths to suit low, regular, or high arch support.

Let’s kick off our guide with our top recommendations.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

BEST OVERALL

The New Balance Women’s FuelCore Spark V1 Cross Trainer is our best overall walking shoe for women. These are sleek-looking sneakers ideal for indoor and outdoor use. They use a convenient slip-on design that is lightweight and comfortable. 

MOST COMFORTABLE

When comfort is a priority, consider the Women’s Tree Dashers from Allbirds. These sneakers use 100% renewable materials that include Merino wool lining to give you a plush feel around your feet. 

BEST FOR WALKING ALL DAY

Walking all day may result in pain at your pressure points or bunions and hammertoes from poorly fitting shoes. Hence, we suggest getting the medically proven Coral Stretch Knit – Gray. They will guard your feet against injury and relieve pain due to a pre-existing condition. 

BEST FOR STANDING ALL DAY

When you need walking shoes that can withstand your weight, consider the Vionic Women’s Drift Tokyo Leisure Sneakers. They retail in medium to wide widths for comfort and keep your forefoot flexible and stable. Hence, they are ideal for standing all day. 

BEST FOR WOMEN WITH HIGH ARCHES

The New Balance 847v4 are our best walking shoes for women with high arches. They use convenient heel inserts and ROLLBAR technology that delivers optimal rear-foot stability. 

BEST FOR OLDER WOMEN

The best walking shoes for older women should have neutral arch support and deliver a custom fit while retaining traditional aspects like the convenient lace-up closure system. For this, we recommend the Altra Footwear Paradigm 5. 

1. Hoka One One Bondi 7

If you enjoy walking, consider the Hoka One One Bondi 7 as your ultimate shoe. As the successor to the Bondi 6, this model has strategic attributes: a breathable mesh upper, supportive and well-fitting internal heel counter, a well-cushioned full-length EVA midsole, odour-resistant moulded Ortholite® footbed and an early stage Meta-Rocker for propulsion. The shoes keep you feeling comfortable, supported, and blister-free. They are excellent during the summer’s high temperatures. And, its traction rubber outsoles will keep you stable when it rains.

2. New Balance Women’s FuelCore Spark V1 Cross Trainer

This is a modern-looking walking shoe with a street-worthy appeal. New Balance Women’s FuelCore Spark V1 Cross Trainer is your ultimate gym companion, built to handle cross-functional workouts. It features the REVlite midsole with an enhanced sidewall profile. This midsole, coupled with a sole memory insert, assures you flexibility and comfort all day long. Underneath it is the traction rubber outsole, guaranteeing stability on most surfaces. Yet, it uses slip-on styled uppers with a flattering collar opening to blend in with any street fashion.

3. Kuru Footwear – ATOM

Are you prone to getting heel pain when standing for hours or walking for long? If so, the Kuru Footwear ATOM may have a solution for you. These are patented athletic sneakers with a medium width and ample arch support. The women’s walking shoes use the patented KURUSOLE to support your bounce on any terrain. It is the ideal ergonomic design that guards against plantar fasciitis and heel pain. ATOM uses mesh uppers for that airy, light feeling. Additionally, the KURU CLOUD EVA midsole is quite thick, cushioning your pressure points.

4. Brooks Addiction Walker 2

It is rare to get running or walking shoes with leather uppers. Yet, if you love the timeless and sturdy nature of this organic material, then consider getting the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 walking shoes. Retailing in either black or white shades, these sneakers have an ergonomic design that guards against overpronation. Think of its supple leather that contours to your feet. Or, its extra volume at the forefoot maintains a roomier fit. These are your best walking shoes for women with flat feet. They are excellent when going for long or casual walks.

5. New Balance – 847v4

The New Balance brand makes fitness-centric footwear ideal for hiking, commuting, and walking. Their range of sneakers offers enhanced arch support, cushioning you from injury regardless of your movements. More so, it is one of the few athletic brands that make sneakers with multiple width options. That’s why, when it comes to the best walking shoes for women with high arches, we recommend the 847v4. These are responsive, stable, and comfortable sneakers, ideal for the outdoors. They use lightweight and breathable uppers, comprising of mesh and synthetic blend. Inside the sneakers is a responsive midsole for optimum cushioning. And a TPU heel insert supports your high arches.

6. ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 4 Women’s Running Shoe

If your feet have normal-sized arches, add some bounce to your steps using the ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 4 Women’s Running Shoe. It is a contemporary-styled sports-inspired sneaker, using boldly patterned uppers to adapt to any social lifestyle. Expect a seamless design that prevents friction-induced blistering. A lightweight midsole enhances its durability and cushioning. And a ComforDry underfoot lining wicks away moisture and allows optimal air circulation around your feet. As the best shoes for walking all day, you get a shock-absorbing external heel counter for a customized fit.

7. Coral Stretch Knit – Gray

Do you want medically proven walking shoes for women managing neuropathy, chronic swollen feet, diabetes, arthritis, bunions, and hammertoes, the Coral Stretch Knit is your best pick. These are ergonomic walking shoes, comprising stretchable knit fabric uppers, a protective interior, and an ergonomic sole. Here, Orthofeet uses its signature Ortho-Cushion system at the sole and heel areas to present you anatomical arch support appropriate for pain relief. Further, its moisture-wicking insole is guards against odours.

8. Allbirds Women’s Tree Dashers

Are you an athlete who prefers using your running shoes for walking? If so, check out the Women’s Tree Dashers from Allbirds. These are rigorously-tested running shoes comprising all-renewable materials. Here, you get lightweight and breathable uppers cut from FSC® Certified eucalyptus trees. It is a seamless top that is flexible, conforming to all your moves. Inside the shoes is a dual-density sugarcane midsole that cushions, responds, and stabilizes your steps. ZQ merino wool lining at the heel counter keeps your feet firm despite your strides. And a flared natural rubber outsole enhances your stability while guarding against pronation.

9. Vionic Women’s Drift Tokyo Leisure Sneakers

The Vionic Women’s Drift Tokyo Leisure Sneakers are some of the most comfortable walking shoes available today. They have lightweight, flexible construction for uninterrupted movement. Here, a breathable mesh upper, coupled with a removable EVA orthotic insert, supports your pressure points when standing for long hours at work, leading an active lifestyle outdoors, or working out at the gym.

10. New Balance Women’s 411 V1 Walking Shoe

The New Balance Women’s 411 V1 Walking Shoe is certified as diabetic sneakers. They feature a plush upper consisting of leather and synthetic blend. Inside are a plush tongue and collar, a removable foam insole, soft fabric lining, and a responsive midsole. Then, there is a traction rubber outsole reinforced with the Walking Strike Path technology. This overall economic design delivers a durable walking shoe with a cozy in-shoe feel.

11. TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes

TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes Casual Mesh-Comfortable Work Sneakers are comfortable textile walking shoes ideal for the office. They use fast-drying mesh textile uppers, giving you the perfect shoes for your daily commute to work, especially on rainy days. Their sleek look and versatile colour options mean you can always get the right sneaker for your type of office wear. And, they remain breathable, comfortable, long-lasting while retailing at a reasonable price.

12. Brooks Launch GTS 8 Women’s Supportive Running Shoe

Are you an athlete prone to knee injuries? Brooks presents you with Launch GTS 8B, lightweight, adaptive women’s walking shoes for all-day comfort. These sneakers rely on integrated GuideRails for a holistic medium to high arch support system. Here, it cushions you every step hence giving you a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Besides, its midsection has extra cushioning to suit most athletes.

13. Whitney – White

Whitney-White are orthotic sneakers with an ergonomic, protective design. These most comfortable walking shoes for women use seam-free polyester lining underneath its breathable soft leather uppers. It is a top blend that guards your feet against arthritis and friction-induced blistering. Further, there is a moisture-wicking insole and a supportive EVA foam midsole for extra comfort.

14. Saucony Women’s Echelon 8

If you are a recreational runner, a pair of neutral sneakers will give you ample cushioning and comfort for your occasional walks or jogs. For this, Saucony gives you the Echelon 8 flexible sneakers with an orthotic sock liner. These walking shoes have a plush interior, use a durable engineered mesh upper, and protect your toes using a responsive TRI-FLEX outsole toe box. For your heel section, there is a sturdy 3D support frame to stabilize your steps.

15. Altra Rivera Running Shoe – Women’s

The Altra Rivera Running Shoe-Women’s are your not-so-regular walking shoes for neutral support. They feature a synthetic mesh upper that lasts many washes. Traditional lace-up closure is easy to use and blends in with most fashion styles. There is a responsive Altra EGO midsole that protects your pressure points from sharp impact underneath the feet. And, its foot shape design contours to your feet, ensuring a natural, custom fit. Use these walking shoes for daily errands at home or as your go-to sneakers for light jogging at the park.

16. Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe

Here are some great walking shoes for women with a convenient slip-on design. Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe uses a stylish upper to contour your feet shape, and build. Here, you can bend or shift your feet as you please, knowing you are well protected all around. Next, there is a responsive synthetic insole for extra arch and heel support. Another layer of cushioning at the heel area absorbs sudden shock for a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Retailing in seven versatile colours, these walking shoes will fit your modern lifestyle all year round.

17. Brooks Ghost 13

The Brooks Ghost 13 is an upgrade of the Ghost 12 series, retailing with enhanced transition features for comfortable, protective, and sleek wear. Here, there is a form-fitting interior comprising of a BioMoGo DNA cushioning system at the midsole. This midsole is soft and responsive, giving you the kick you need for fast strides. Next is DNA LOFT Technology, assuring you a smooth heel-to-toe transition and landing on any terrain. A plush tongue and collar give you a comfortable in-shoe feel. And strategic flex grooves enhance natural forefoot movement.

18. Altra Footwear Paradigm 5

When shopping for the best walking shoes for older women, settling for sneakers that are easy to wear, deliver a neutral to under pronation support, and ample padding at the tongue and collar for all-day comfort is a must. Then, consider getting the Altra Footwear Paradigm 5 walking shoes. The shoes use the STABILIPOD™ technology to stabilize your steps and prevent pronation. They rely on a breathable mesh lining for a cozy all-day feel. And, a FootShape™ toe box has ample space for you to wriggle your toes naturally as you move or stand.

19. Merrell Women’s RANGE AC+

These shoes from Merrel use an air cushioning system to retain a lightweight feel that keeps your feet flexible and fatigue-free. The RANGE AC+ is a super-lightweight sneaker with a snug heel-to-toe fit. These shoes use the M Select GRIP outsole for an optimum grip on slippery surfaces. They have a 3D knit upper with a 360-degree sock-like easy fit. All components are of recycled materials, helping you reduce your carbon footprint.

20. Hoka One One Clifton 7

When searching for lightweight walking shoes for optimum shock absorption, think of the Hoka One One Clifton 7. This model feels soft and smooth, with an ergonomic weight to cushion balance. It is an upgrade of the Clifton 6, guaranteeing a solid foot strike and keeping your feet fatigue-free over long trails.

21. GOWALK JOY SLIP-ON Sneaker – Women’s

The Gowalk Joy Slip-On Sneaker is a lightweight, mesh slip-on sneaker with a highly responsive sole. It uses the plush Goga Max® cushioned footbed for optimum rebound and comfort. It is the kind of flexibility you want in your ideal walking shoes. Second, there is a fabric lining guarding your pressure points against friction-induced blistering. And, its round toe is great on women walking shoes. The toe box protects your feet against neuromas, hammertoes, and bunions. Besides protection, the sneakers use an innovative 5GEN® midsole for added comfort. These walking shoes are convenient to clean and maintain, easy to wear and last longer.

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