Best Walking Shoes for Women: 14 Walking Shoes for Women

2022-05-15 00:18:46 By : Ms. Macy S Lee

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So comfortable, you won't want to take them off.

Mental health breaks, meandering catch-ups with a friend, TikTok-inspired hot girl walks: No matter the reason for getting your steps in, comfortable and supportive walking shoes are a must.

Whether you're logging a few miles per day or taking short laps around the block, you deserve the best walking shoes. Running shoes can double as walking shoes if you're low on closet space. The top versions of both have minimal break-in periods and feel light on your feet. Dedicated walking shoes might have extra lateral support to stabilize your foot and ankle, plus a pillowy sole. "Since walking time tends to be more time on my feet than going out for a quick run, underfoot comfort and cushioning is mission critical," Nike Running coach Jes Woods tells BAZAAR.com. The way walking shoes look is almost as important as the way they feel, especially if you're wearing them daily. "When picking my favorites, I want a shoe that is supportive and feels easy to throw on—without sacrificing style," Carbon38 co-founder and CEO Katie Warner Johnson adds.

You can easily have both in a single walking shoe. With input from footwear designers, athletic experts, and seasoned reviewers, we've gathered the 14 best walking shoes from tried-and-tested brands including Nike, Veja, Allbirds, and more.

Start with the walking shoes that Woods calls her favorite pair. "I can wear them all day from coaching to commuting to power walking because the React foam is not only plush, aka comfortable, but durable," she tells us.

Reviewers who aren't runners have found a similar fit. "I am not a runner. I just need shoes [with] support because I walk a lot," one shopper writes. "These are cute and supportive top to bottom, front to back, inside and out."

Hana Kajimura, head of sustainability at Allbirds, considers this responsibly-made pair her favorite walking shoe. "I find that when I'm traveling, I want one pair of shoes that can work for exploring a city or working out," she says. They're water-repellent for rainy days and versatile for all weather: Kajimura wears them with hiking gear and everyday cropped denim alike.

I found these sneakers by way of Hoka's collaboration with Outdoor Voices, then bought two more pairs from the brand's core assortment. The Clifton has the lift of a platform shoe, but the soles feel lighter than air. (It's not my imagination: After a recent update, the soles are 15% lighter than previous versions.) While they're engineered for running, the cushioning and flexible knit upper are also more than suited to long, long walks. 88% of reviewers on Hoka's site would recommend the Clifton to a friend; some even go so far as to say there isn't a break-in period.

Fashion insiders are not-so-secretly proponents of the Birkenstock walking shoe. Even Manolo Blahnik wears its sandals. While Birkenstock's flashier designer collaborations are long sold-out, a solid pair of its original Arizona makes a reliable summer walking shoe. (And you wouldn't want to log dozens of miles in a delicate velvet slide, anyway.) The essentials Arizona slide is waterproof, shockproof, and won't irritate your skin—with a molded footbed your feet will appreciate. It's a beach shoe and an everywhere shoe, if you want it to be.

These Asics sneakers are a steal at less than $60, and they're one of the top-rated pairs on Amazon. After more than 39,000 ratings, they've earned an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The cushioned gel sole is a big part of the appeal: It's engineered to absorb the impact of every stride, for both walking and running.

Let satisfied reviewers explain for themselves. "I have to say these shoes have been great from the get go. I can wear them for extended periods of time and they’re still comfortable," one recent buyer says. Another says, "I'm on my feet all all day, great support and comfort throughout. Very pleased with my purchase because I was skeptical." One word of note: Some reviewers suggest going a size up, as these have a slightly narrow fit.

"For a shoe that can quickly transition from road to trail for a leisurely walk, hike, or trail run, I recommend the Nike Pegasus Trail," Woods says. "It has the same soft React foam as the Infinity coupled with more traction so you can easily transition from concrete to countryside and stay stable and comfortable on both. Walking on soft trail terrain is going to help with less impact on the joints, which means you can walk for longer (or run)."

Warner Johnson of Carbon38 says she's a big fan of Veja's Condor sneaker. For her, it's a matter of their lightweight construction and "sophisticated" color palette. "Plus, the upper is made of 100% recycled plastic and the sole is composed of bio-based materials like banana oil and sugar cane," she adds. "Sounds, and looks, like dessert for your feet!"

Reviewers on other sites add that Veja sneakers only get more comfortable with each wear. Consider going a size up if you have wide feet. Some reviewers say they run narrow.

Some exercise regimens include walking, running, and HIIT in between. The Adidas Ultraboost can handle them all, in nine color combinations. As the flex upper knit stretches and conforms to your foot, the boost sole cushions you through your workout. Reviewers who wear them in casual settings say they're great for hours of standing, giving them an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This walking shoe, available in 17 different color combinations, is another great Amazon find. Reviewers say the entire sole cushion is comfortable, with the added bonus of extra padding along the tongue. Here's a review that sums up the cloud-like feel of these sneakers best: "Have tried so many brand name (and even high end name) and these are the only shoes that have given me great comfort."

Count on Staud's ongoing collaboration with New Balance for walking shoes with a pop of color. New Balance's unassuming 574 sneaker has endured for decades thanks to its pliable soles and cushioned suede upper. With Staud's primary color flourishes, it becomes a walking shoe you'll want to wear daily.

On warmer days, grippy, supportive sandals can take the place of an athletic walking sneaker. Go for Arizona Love's line of reimagined trek sandals, combining cushioned platform soles with straps in raffia, canvas, and gauze. The Velcro straps won't budge after they're fastened and the gently curved sole molds to your foot.

Anine Bing is one of BAZAAR editors' top destinations for wardrobe basics, walking shoes included. Its sporty sneakers combine '90s influences with all the support and flexibility you need for long walks, whether in the city or on a trail.

I've said it before and I'll repeat it here: Lululemon's first sneaker is worth the hype. While its cushioned, grippy soles are intended for running, they're just as comfortable for walks long and short. More than 900 reviewers agree. "Love the fit, feel, and amazing comfort these shoes provide! I have narrow feet and they hugged my feet perfectly. Feels like walking on pillows," one says. Want to see for yourself? Lululemon is offering 30-day testing trials. If you aren't satisfied after a month, you can send them back.

Here's a walking shoe for those who prefer streamlined, minimalistic shoes to chunkier athletic styles. Koio's leather sneakers are beloved for their clean, responsibly sourced leather and subtly cushioned insoles for all-day wear. Across more than 1,300 online reviews, shoppers are impressed by this sneaker's versatility and comfort above all. "This pair from Koio is 100% worth the price—they're impeccably made, and the leather is beautiful," one reviewer writes. Another says, "Only had these two weeks and they are by far the most comfortable shoe I've purchased in years. Received tons of compliments."