Best Walking Shoes For Women 2024 - Forbes Vetted

A great walking shoe should keep you on your feet pain-free, all day, whether you’re working out, traveling or just running errands. After extensive testing and analyzing features such as cushioning, arch support, traction and heel drop, I found the best walking shoes for women. My top choice overall is the Brooks Ghost 15, which has a supportive, versatile design. The Hoka Clifton 9 is the best cushioned walking shoe because it provides plush, supportive padding without excess weight, and the On Cloud 5 is the best lightweight option that also earns major style points.

I tested 12 pairs of sneakers to find the best walking shoes for women, depending on your fitness ... [+] goals and foot type.

Here are all the best walking shoes for women, with my full reviews on each further down in this piece:

When selecting shoes to test, I asked a board-certified podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon and certified trainer for their expert opinions. I focused on brands known to be leaders in the walking industry and looked at shoe models that were both athletic and lifestyle-oriented to cover a variety of footwear needs. Below, find my six top selections, as well as five additional styles that are in my rotation, even though they aren’t winners in my chosen categories.

Brooks Running

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This pair tops our list of the best walking shoes because it’s the most versatile option for different styles of walkers and those who want a supportive, multi-purpose sneaker. It’s extremely stable, with a grippy outsole, for both speed walks and less intense jaunts along smooth and uneven surfaces. The cushioned EVA foam midsole absorbs shock during the heel strike (when your heel hits the ground), should you also do higher-impact aerobic stints, such as running. Overall, there’s little activity you can’t do comfortably in the Brooks Ghost—it’s also our top running shoe on our list of the best workout shoes for women—and it’s the shoe I now wear most consistently among all the ones tested.

The Ghost is equipped with a curved insole to reduce arch stress—which is great if you suffer from sore tendons, are flat-footed or stand for long periods of time. The Ghost also has a firm heel counter (the part of the shoe that wraps around the back of your ankle) to hold the foot in place and prevent over-pronation, or rolling your ankles. Note that I tested version 14 of this shoe, but the 16 is newer and more widely available online. With a 12mm heel drop, the Ghost’s heel is a smidge higher than the standard 10mm for running sneakers. These shoes have a 4.25 cm heel stack and a 9.1 ounce weight, which was mid-range compared to other sneakers I tested: This is a moderately cushioned shoe, which is a good thing since extra padding can decrease stability.

The Brooks Ghost is moderately cushioned, which is a good thing: too much padding can decrease ... [+] stability.

The Ghost didn’t propel my foot forward on an arc like a rocker-sole shoe, which has a curved bump in the midsole. But it did add bounce to my step, thanks to the air-pocket-filled foam core. I found this feature helped me move nimbly around fallen tree branches and pivot easily without losing my balance, which has been an issue for me with rocker-sole shoes in the past since your foot is not on an even plane.

The mesh upper on the Ghost sneakers is lightweight and extremely breathable; on 90-degree days, my feet did not sweat through my socks. If you’re a dedicated walker, who also likes to run—I logged 84 miles in this pair—and tackle different activities in a day, you won’t find a better sneaker than the Brooks Ghost.

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If you’re looking for a lightweight, all-day walking shoe with a barely-there feel, the On Cloud 5 is about as perfect of a shoe you can find. It weighs just 6.9 ounces, the airiest of the ones we tested. It’s ideal for covering long and short distances, handling different terrains with stability and supporting your arches without adding bulk. For these reasons, it also tops our list of the best travel shoes for women.

On, a relatively new Swiss brand founded in 2010, has a dedicated following for its unique midsole: It’s designed with holes that allow air to pass through and help the shoe compress vertically and laterally as you land. The design aims to cushions your feet to reduce muscle strain and also enables a smoother toe-off, or launch for your foot, allowing you to move easily through your stride. I filmed slow-motion videos of my foot as I walked in this shoe versus others and noticed a subtle lift at the end of my gait cycle. Additionally, Annabelle Lemes, the Connecticut-based trainer I spoke to, cited this pair as her top pick, saying, “I’m always on my feet, and On’s are my very first choice.”

With a minimal heel drop of 2.5mm and a very firm insole, the On Cloud 5 shoes are a great choice ... [+] for people who want to move swiftly and confidently over rugged trails, cobblestone streets or changing terrain.

The Cloud has a minimal heel drop of 2.5mm and a very firm insole, making this shoe a good, stable choice for those with balance issues or anyone who wants to move fast but securely over rugged trails, cobblestone streets or changeable terrain. The heel counter scored a moderate firm rating as well. These shoes held my foot snugly in place, almost as firmly as the Brooks, with an ankle collar that didn’t extend over my bone or cause chafing. The mesh upper is breathable and outfitted with thin reflective bands, which is a nice (and stylish) safety feature if you walk at night.

The Cloud 5 also comes in a waterproof version, which I don’t recommend. It’s wrapped in an anhydrous membrane that seals out liquid but makes the shoe fit more tightly than the regular version (the company advises going up a half-size). Still, I found that even the regular Cloud 5 has a slim fit. On my insole test, my foot extended over the sides by about 0.5 inch, which wasn’t enough to cause discomfort (since I have medium to narrow feet) but could be an issue for those with wider feet.

Another potential downside to these shoes is the speed-lacing system. These On shoes come pre-laced with a thin cord that’s knotted at both ends—the idea is that you slide your feet into the shoe and pull the cord to secure your foot. I found the cord loosened up over time. The design feature is not for everyone, and On includes a set of traditional laces with every pair for this reason.

The On Cloud 5 shoes transition from athletic wear to stylish, everyday outfits.

From a fashion angle, the Cloud 5 checked the box for me. The Swiss shoe is sleek and minimal, and when paired with a skirt, the shoes looked like an intentional choice, not something I resorted to for comfort’s sake.

Hoka

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Hoka has built an entire franchise around the Clifton, releasing new versions of this best-selling sneaker. This latest iteration features a lighter design—it weighs 4 grams less than the previous model—which Hoka accomplished by removing the overlays and hotmelts (or adhesives that bond together certain parts of a shoe). It also increased the cushioning, with a higher, 3mm heel stack that nicely supports your foot.

I’ll be honest: I wasn’t fully sold on Hoka’s wildly popular rocker-style heel at first, which gently glides your foot forward with a rolling motion that can help reduce foot strain. But, after wearing the Cliftons for a while, I found them extremely comfortable and surprisingly lightweight, despite the extra cushioning and padding in the heel. I have a relatively narrow foot, and I’d say that this pair definitely felt roomy, even in the regular-width size. Given that your feet swell and expand when walking, the spacious design can be a good thing, especially if you have wide feet.

The Cliftons are not a subtle sneaker that blends in with the rest of your look. But overtly “loud” sneakers are the norm now, which is a trend that Hoka helped ignite, so these shoes don’t feel as out-of-the-box as they might have few years ago. Also, if you have a prefer a leaner-built shoe, you might find the ultra-padded style a bit cumbersome. Yet, I found that the rocking motion does help alleviate foot pain, so you might put up with a little extra bulk for the additional comfort.

Amazon

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The Sorel Kinetic Impact II is a great sneaker for both everyday wear and more rigorous activities. It has a comfortable fit, and its design is excellent for stability and traction. The outsole features the brand’s signature “scalloped” edge, which I found especially helpful for providing extra grip on slippery or uneven surfaces while also alleviating pressure from the tender under-points of my foot. If you stand on your feet a lot during the day, the Kinetic Impact II is worth considering.

In terms of its performance, the shoe has a cushioned midsole and a flexible, mesh upper that’s breathable for all-day wear. I tested the Kinetic shoes during hot weather and my feet never got sweaty, thanks to the ventilation built into the airy upper. Style-wise, the Kinetic is a bold-looking shoe. If you plan to wear your sneakers to the office and work in a very traditional setting, this pair might turn some heads (which might actually be a good thing, depending on your take).

On the downside, the Kinetic is not as light as the others I tested but that extra weight gives you added stability. The lacing system might not be everyone’s taste since they run down the side of the shoe, as well as the top. But I found that extra coverage helped the shoe fit snugly to my foot, which provided additional stability.

lululemon

This running shoe from lululemon is designed to help you achieve your smoothest, most comfortable stride—whether you’re a walker, jogger, sprinter or a mix of all three. The foam midsole provides enhanced heel-to-toe cushioning while a supportive, breathable mesh upper allows both stretch and ventilation. A high-traction outsole below is crafted with abrasion-resistant rubber, lending plenty of grip to keep you grounded on a variety of terrain. Get the shoe in nine different colorways, including neutrals like black or white and eye-catching brights like green or lilac.

Under Armour

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These ultra-comfy shoes are a great value for casual, everyday walking because they are roomy, supportive and breathable. Under Armour often puts this highly popular sneaker on sale; I saw it go as low as $45 during testing. That’s far less than $110, the average MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) of athletic sneakers in 2021, according to the most recent data from RunRepeat. Compared to the other shoes I tested, the the Sportstyle cost about $100 less.

For the great price, you get plenty of features, too. Comfort is continually called out in the reviews, and the Sportstyle lived up to the hype in my tests. The padded heel makes for a well-cushioned ride, with a 7.3mm heel drop and 4.75cm heel stack (or height), which is ideal for walkers who land heel first or have Achilles tendon issues. That extra support tips the scales a tiny bit; this shoe has a weight of 7.26 ounces, placing it in the mid-range for our testing data. Still, this shoe wasn’t noticeably clunky—mostly because the mesh upper and soft sock liner make the shoe feel airy and weightless.

The Sportstyle was also the best walking shoe for wide feet in my tests. The width of the insole was the widest among all those I wore, preventing any lateral rubbing on the sides of my foot. If you have bunions or stand for long periods—such as when traveling and sightseeing, or in my case, watching a soccer game that goes into overtime—the Sportstyle shoes are my pick. The spacious girth and wide toe box of these sneakers lets your feet comfortably expand and your toes splay out, with breathing room.

The UA Essential Sportstyle shoes had the widest insoles of any shoes I tested, making them a great ... [+] pick if you have wide feet or prefer a roomier fit.

This pick is less structured than a traditional walking shoe; on my pinch test, the heel counter scored a flexible (not firm) rating. I wouldn’t recommend it for serious walking on uneven, gravely terrain since your foot might move around in it slightly. The outsole is smooth without a ton of extra grip—again, you wouldn’t wear these on an intense walking expedition—but in my tests, the shoes handled well on paved streets and all indoor surfaces. Overall, the Sportstyle is a solid choice for a lifestyle walking shoe that cradles your feet, pain-free, all day. For less than $70, you can’t beat the value of this pair.

Zappos

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I felt a noticeable spring in my step the first time I wore the New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers, which, as the name implies, are engineered with a contoured foam midsole that truly propels your foot forward as you move through your gait. Similar to other sneakers, the Fresh Foam are part of a best-selling collection that’s continually updated and revamped each year. The 880v13 model is made with a 3% bio-based foam, derived from renewal resources, which is helpful for reducing the impact on the environment, especially since sneakers are an item that you have to frequently replace once they have worn out.

If you have arch issues, or flat feet, the 880v13 is padded to deliver support in that area, with a 10mm heel drop that alleviates pressure so your foot is on an include, and not resting in a flat position all day. The uppers are made from a breathable mesh, which ensures your feet don’t overheat in these sneakers. I found them airy, lightweight and very responsive during my longest walks.

The only negative is that collar, or opening of the shoe where your foot slides in, comes up quite high on the foot, which can cause some rubbing on me. However, wearing 880v13 with regular low ankle socks (as opposed to no-show socks) helped solve that problem.

After testing dozens of sneakers to find the top winners above, there are several options that I believe are worthy runner-ups. Here are five additional top-rated sneakers to check out if you’re looking for more options.

Brooks

Since trying out the Ghost 14 and 15 a few years ago, I’ve become a huge fan of this shoe since it’s so lightweight yet highly stable and responsive. The Ghost 16 is the latest version, just released this year. So far, it’s been very spring-y and light to wear when walking and on my runs but I have noticed that the shoe is considerably wider than the previous iterations of the Ghost. While it feels a bit bulky on my feet, it’s extremely comfortable and cushioned. It’s too soon to tell if I like this pair more than the Ghost 14, but so far I’m enjoying the plush ride. The Ghost 16 also makes a great walking-to-running transitional shoe—it’s our top pick for beginners on our list of the best running shoes for women.

Columbia

Even if you don’t plan on walking in the rain, it can definitely happen where you’re caught out in inclement weather. I tested out these newly released waterproof Konos from Columbia during rainy workouts and post-rain situations, when there’s still significant puddles and wet terrain to navigate. Overall, I was impressed: The brand’s OutDry fabric blocks moisture with a breathable, waterproof “membrane” bonded to an outer shell, which kept my feet completely dry. The shoe is also well padded, cushy and pretty lightweight. The only downside: The collar extends up on your ankle a tiny bit, which can cause rubbing (my solution: wear socks that cover this area).

Seavees

I kept spotting these sleek sneakers on stylish people, so I decided to give them a try to see if they could be comfortable for long walks and days spend on my feet. The answer: Yes. The retro-looking design is sustainable made with vegan and recycled materials, plus a memory foam footbed with cooling airflow channels built into the sole for comfort. It’s finished with a natural rubber and recycled rubber sawtooth outsole. I’ve worn my pair for weeks and appreciate how I can head out for morning walks and then go straight to work without changing my shoes.

Rothy's

I’ve been a fan of Rothy’s flats, and was curious to see if their lace-up sneaker would live up to my expectations. And it mostly did: The mesh upper is light and airy while the colorways are chic and versatile, so you can wear this shoe in both formal and casual situations (it’s especially great for travel). My complaint is that the outsole is a bit heavy, so I did experience foot strain after a few hours. But, on the flip side, the sustainable materials are soft and sponge-y, which meant no break-in time or blisters. If you need a walking shoe for short distances that you can dress up or down, I’d recommend this one.

Reebok

I tried both the Reebok Phase Court and the Reebok Club C 85, and I preferred the Phase Court. While these shoes are heavily inspired by the 1980s style-wise, they're quite modern in terms of comfort. The contrasting suede and leather paneling creates a cool, contrasted look, and the roomy design provides just enough breathing room for all-day wear. Unfortunately, they're not available in wide sizing, so those with particularly wide feet should consider sizing up.

The best walking shoes need to handle different surfaces and withstand miles of use. They should also easily transition from workouts to everyday life, so I considered the overall design and aesthetics as well. With all these details in mind, I established specific testing criteria to determine which pairs will serve you best.

I tested how the shoes felt on my feet and whether or not they created soreness on pressure points or rubbed against any areas of my feet and ankles that would cause pain or blisters. I also considered if the shoes needed an extensive break-in period or were comfortable right out of the box. I measured the thickness of the cushioning material under the midsole of the shoe in centimeters and squeeze-tested the firmness of the midsole on a scale from minimal, moderate to maximum by pressing down with my fingers. Lastly, I considered the lacing system and whether shoes were easy to put on and take off.

Depending on your foot shape, you may need different levels of arch support to prevent pain while walking. I removed the insole in each shoe and looked for cushioned padding or contoured arcs around the midfoot, which provide extra support. I also wore each shoe on a variety of roads, trails and rolling fields, during wet and dry weather, to test whether or not the shoe provided good traction in all scenarios. I compared the soles of each shoe as well to evaluate texture and grip.

To test for traction, I walked on smooth surfaces like roads as well as uneven trails in both dry ... [+] and wet weather.

Your feet should fit securely in your walking shoes—they shouldn’t have too much give, and you shouldn’t feel like you’re going to lose your balance in them. I pinched the heel counter (the back of the shoe that wraps around the heel) to test for firmness, and rated it on a scale from low, moderate to high. Additionally, I placed the shoe on a flat surface and pushed down at the toe to see if the shoe rocked forward smoothly with an easy toe-off—the point at which your foot rises from the floor during your gait (an effortless toe-off prevents tripping).

Some people might prefer a lighter shoe to feel more nimble, or a wider shoe for more wiggle room. I weighed each shoe in ounces on a digital food scale and cross-referenced this measurement against how heavy or light the shoe physically felt on my foot while taking steps. I removed the insoles and placed my bare foot over it to check if my foot extended over at the sides, to access the overall width of the shoe.

I measured the heel-to-toe drop for each shoe: This is the difference in millimeters of the amount of cushioning beneath the heels versus the balls of the feet. A larger heel drop indicates a higher heel in relation to the toe, while a low or zero drop shoe is flat and most closely mimics walking barefoot. According to New York podiatrist Nelya Lobkova, DPM, the best walking sneakers fall in the sweet spot of 4 to 8mm, which places less stress on the Achilles tendon.

I measured the heel-to-toe drop for each shoe. A higher heel will be best for preventing heel ... [+] soreness.

I started testing walking shoes in the late spring and summer of 2022, where I live in Connecticut, about 40 miles outside of New York City. I wore the sneakers for at least two hours a day on various surfaces to see how they performed. I walked on flat and steeply inclined paved and unpaved streets, hardwood floors and flights of stairs in my house and through wet, grassy parks and fields. I also ran typical errands in supermarkets and shops, and kept up with my two children for sports, activities and outdoor trips. Throughout the testing period, temperatures ranged from 55 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, so I was able to see how breathable these shoes were in different weather conditions.

When selecting the winners, I also considered style. I wore the shoes with both workout and everyday street clothing and searched to see if the shoes came in different colors to suit diverse fashion tastes. While aesthetics should never trump fit and comfort, you should take them into consideration if you plan to wear your pair all day.

Finding the right walking shoes is personal. To help you choose among the best options on the market, here’s what experts recommend you keep in mind:

The amount of cushioning you choose is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Most walkers will prefer a shoe that’s evenly cushioned, rather than one with an exaggerated heel, for all-day wear. An evenly cushioned sole also lessens the risk of tripping or catching your heel on the edge of a carpet.

The outsole (commonly just referred to as the sole) is the part of the shoe that touches the ground and dictates the shoe’s stability, says Lobkova. “You shouldn’t be able to bend the sneaker in half easily or twist it easily when holding both ends,” she says. Instead, “there needs to be adequate rigidity in the sole and cushioning in the midfoot to prevent impact on the heel and walking injuries like plantar fasciitis.”

Anne Holland Johnson, M.D., who is a foot and ankle surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, prefers a rocker-style sole. Hoka first embraced this type of sole and now other brands are following suit. However, rocker soles tend to be less stable, so look for a traditional flat sole if you need greater stability.

Every brand’s sizes are a little different. Use your normal shoes as a starting point, but be prepared to size up or down to find your ideal fit. Your feet expand when walking so it’s best to try on your shoes in the late afternoon (when your feet have swelled from the day’s use). Stretch and wiggle your toes in the shoes; they should extend out comfortably in the toe box, or the uppermost part of the shoe, but not have too much room in front. Try the classic shoe-fitter test: Aim for one-half to a full thumb’s width of space between your toes and the front end of the toe box.

Lastly, look for a snug fit around the heel counter—the part that wraps around the back of the shoe. “This minimizes abnormal stretching of the plantar fascia and diminishes pain and inflammation in the heel and arch of the foot,” says Dr. Lobkova. It also prevents your foot from sliding up and down as you strike the ground, which can cause blisters.

You can gauge the arch support of a shoe by analyzing the insole. “Most sneakers have removable insoles that you can take out and examine,” says Lobkova. “Arch support appears as a supportive bump or curve on the insole around the midfoot. It acts as a buttress for the arch of the foot.” While the Brooks Ghost 15 has this feature, not all sneakers do, says Lobkova. In that case, “you can add your own custom or prefabricated insole or orthotics for extra support.”

Particular foot conditions may dictate the type of walking shoe you pick. If you have plantar fasciitis, look for walking shoes with excellent arch support, cushioned insoles and shock-absorbing midsoles. Models that offer heel cups or extra cushioning in the heel area can also help relieve pain and discomfort. Brands like New Balance and Hoka often have good options for plantar fasciitis. Those with bunions on their feet should prioritize walking shoes with a wide and roomy toe box and soft, breathable materials that won't add unnecessary pressure. When browsing shoes for bunions, look for sneakers that come in a wide fit, such as those from New Balance and Under Armour.

I’ve been a runner for more than 30 years, and a focused walker since 2020. Over the years, I’ve covered countless miles across multiple types of terrain, and I've had my share of injuries along the way. I’ve had three different foot surgeries in the last five years and, as a result, I’m extremely picky about the fit and performance of my sneakers. I typically walk or run every day as a form of exercise—in weather that can be bitterly cold, precariously icy or swelteringly hot—and also hike when I travel. In the last year, I logged about 520 active miles. As a lifestyle writer, I have two decades of experience covering beauty and wellness; I have bylines in the New York Times, Vogue and the Wall Street Journal. For Forbes Vetted, I’ve also extensively tested and written about the most comfortable flats and the most comfortable sandals for women.

Additionally, I consulted with the following three experts to gain further insight on what to look for in the best walking shoes:

While all of the shoes on this list will be kind to your feet, in my experience, I found that Brooks is the best brand for women’s walking shoes overall. The Brooks Ghost earned high marks across the board, excelling in terms of comfort, stability and cushioning. That being said, you may find that a different brand suits your needs better. For example, if you have a foot type that benefits from added arch support, a pair of New Balance shoes—like the Fresh Foam X 880v13—may suit you better.

Johnson, the orthopedic surgeon I interviewed for this story, recommends walking shoes with a rocker sole, like the Hoka Clifton 9. “Depending on your foot type, a rocker bottom-type sole requires less flexing and bending through the ankle and foot as you walk and lets the shoe take a bit more of the force,” she says. Meanwhile, Johnson notes that “someone with a flat foot or fallen arches will likely feel most comfortable in stability type sneakers, ones that incorporate an arch support directly within the insole.” My top pick overall, the Brooks Ghost, fits this description.

Whether you’re at work, on a walking tour or visiting an amusement park, there are plenty of scenarios in which you’ll need to walk for long periods of time. For these kinds of days, look for a shoe with ample underfoot cushioning and grip, like the Sorel Kinetic Impact II. I also recommend the lightweight, airy On Cloud 5 for situations where you need to walk and stand for hours on end; they earned the top spot on our list of the best shoes for standing all day.

Yes, many Hoka styles make great walking shoes. (We rounded up our six favorites in our guide to the best Hoka shoes for walking.) In my experience, I found the Hoka Clifton 9 to be an excellent cushioned walking shoe. It’s lightweight, roomy and offers plenty of padding. The rocker-style sole may take a bit of getting used to at first, but it can really make a positive difference in reducing foot fatigue.

We updated the specs for each product and added new frequently asked questions about what to look for in the best walking shoes for women.

Sizes:Widths:Colors:Weight: Upper materials: Heel drop:Best for:Skip if: Sizes:Widths:Colors:Weight:Upper materials: Heel drop:Best for:Skip if: Sizes:Widths:Colors:Weight: Upper materials:Heel drop:Best for:Skip if:Sizes:Widths:Colors:Weight: Upper materials:Heel drop:Best for:Skip if:Sizes: Widths: Colors:Weight: Upper materials: Heel drop: Sizes: Widths:Colors:Weight:Upper materials:Heel drop:Best for:Skip if: Sizes:Widths:Colors:Weight:Upper materials: Heel drop:Best for:Skip if:How I Tested The Best Walking Shoes For WomenComfortArch Support And TractionStabilityWidth And Weight How To Pick A Walking ShoeSize And FitMy Expertise

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Best Walking Shoes For Women 2024 - Forbes Vetted