10 of the best walking shoes for women in 2024

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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.
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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.
Best range of widths: New Balance 847v4
New Balance 847v4
Best memory foam: Skechers Women’s Flex Appeal 2.0 Sneaker
Skechers Women’s Flex Appeal 2.0 Sneaker
Best range of colors: Tiosebon Women’s Sock Walking Shoes
Tiosebon Women’s Sock Walking Shoes
Best for lower budgets: Propet Washable Walker Evolution Oxford
Propet Washable Walker Evolution Oxford
Best leather option: Cobb Hill Women’s Paulette Flat
Cobb Hill Women’s Paulette Flat
Best for extra toe room: Altra Rivera 2
Altra Rivera 2
Best for recycled materials: Merrell Gridway
Merrell Gridway
Best for warmups and cool-downs: Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacer
Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacer
Best for walking on roads: Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Best for breathability: Under Armour Charged Breathe Bliss Paint Splatter Sportstyle
Under Armour Charged Breathe Bliss Paint Splatter Sportstyle
Shoes and foot health
Comfortable shoes should support a person’s skeletal structure.
Research shows that wearing footwear that does not fit can lead to foot pain and foot disorders.
foot pain and foot disorders
However, some footwear can improve the way a person walks and reduce the effect of physical issues a person may have, such as chronic ankle instability.
chronic ankle instability
North Dakota State University provides some tips to help people choose well-fitting shoes, including:
North Dakota State University
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.
overpronation
supination
What to look for
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.
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.
Reputable: MNT chooses products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices.
Materials: MNT chooses products that use safe and durable materials and fabrics that are easy to clean.
Sizing: MNT chooses products available for various body shapes and sizes.
Quality: MNT chooses companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes.
Some of the best walking shoes for women
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here
Below are 10 of the best walking shoes for women.
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
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The pros and cons below are based on customer reviews.
cushioned design
stability
width available in standard, narrow, wide, extra wide, and double extra wide
a chance that the size chart is inaccurate
possible inability to exchange products
expensive
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.
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The pros and cons below are based on customer reviews.
good fit for people with foot problems, such as bunions and hammer toes
bunions
hammer toes
accurate size guide
lightweight design
chance of receiving a defective product
chance that the cushioning causes sweaty feet
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
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The pros and cons below are based on customer reviews.
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
may cause blisters
do not offer a lot of support on uneven surfaces
do not come in sizes below U.S. women’s 5
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.
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The following are some pros and cons based on customer reviews:
can reduce foot pain
suitable for those with a narrow foot width size
good fit for people recovering from knee replacement
machine washable
stiff inner sole
limited color range
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
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The following points are some pros and cons based on customer reviews:
have a breathable design
provide support
do not cause swelling
have thin cushioning, so not enough support for some individuals
have a wide fit, even with socks
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:
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suitable for walking and running
toe room allows for natural spread
snug fit around the heels
not suitable for those with wide feet
some claim the treads wore out quickly
lack of lateral support
too slim for orthotics
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:
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lightweight
supportive for walking
suitable for rough and muddy conditions
thin insole
may lose shape after few uses
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:
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durable
easy to clean
lots of room in the toe area
some found them tight, others found them loose
can become discolored after a few uses
can cause pain
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.
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The following are some pros and cons based on customer reviews:
sturdy construction
suitable for walking
one user with tendonitis and plantar fasciitis found them helpful
not effective for wearing to work
squeak when a person walks
some users found them painful
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.
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The following points are some pros and cons based on customer reviews:
users found them comfortable when walking and running
suitable for standing up for long hours at work
some found these shoes very stylish
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
Comparison
The table below compares each of the shoes in this article.
New Balance
Skechers
Tiosebon
Propet
Cobb Hill
Altra
Merrell
Crocs
Brooks
Under Armour
When to see a doctor
Signs that it is time to see a doctor about foot pain include:
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 10% of the general population and up to 22% of runners. The most common symptom is sharp pain at the heel of the foot, usually after periods of inactivity.
Plantar fasciitis
10% of the general population and up to 22% of runners
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
Frequently asked questions about walking shoes for women
Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about walking shoes for women.
The American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society recommends walking shoes with the following characteristics:
American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society
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.
According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM), a good walking shoe:
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM)
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.
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.
AAPSM
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.
Summary
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.