Brands including OOFOS, Hoka, New Balance, and Asics offer women style, stability, and function for walking, hiking, and more — plus support for concerns like pronation and plantar fasciitis.
A quick look at the best walking shoes for women
- Best overall women’s walking shoe: Saucony Triumph 19 | Skip to review
- Best sandal for walking: PowerStep Archwear Women’s Sandals | Skip to review
- Best slip-on walking shoe: OOFOS Women’s OOahh Luxe Recovery Sandal | Skip to review
- Best lightweight walking shoe: Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 | Skip to review
- Best value walking shoe: Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 4 | Skip to review
- Best cushioned walking shoe: New Balance Women’s 928 V3 | Skip to review
- Best walking shoe for travel: OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe | Skip to review
- Best walking shoe for hiking: HOKA Women’s Speedgoat 5 | Skip to review
- Best walking shoe for high arches: ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 24 | Skip to review
- Best walking shoe with cushioning technology: On Cloudmonster | Skip to review
- Best walking shoe for overpronators: ASICS GT-1000 11 | Skip to review
- Best walking shoe for wide feet: Brooks Ariel 20 | Skip to review
- Most comfortable walking shoe: Skechers GO WALK Massage Fit | Skip to review
- Most trendy walking shoe: New Balance 990 V5 | Skip to review
When it comes to buying walking shoes, many people prioritize style over fit.
However, according to Dr. Kenneth Cornell, a podiatrist at Austin Regional Clinic in Texas, it’s important for women to have good quality shoes — not just for maximum comfort but also to prevent injuries, especially when walking for longer periods.
“Women tend to wear a wide variety of shoe types that are often not very supportive. High or medium-height heels, many flats like ballet slippers, flip-flops with thin soles, pointy shoes, and very flexible shoes can lead to foot, leg, and back pain,” Cornell explains.
That makes it all the more important to have a reliable walking shoe in the mix.
While this can vary depending on the brand, he explains that shoes for men are typically constructed with much more stability and longitudinal arch support and tend to have more cushioning across the forefoot.
Meanwhile, walking shoes designed for women are often more narrow and sleek, with less motion control and less padding across the forefoot.
With that in mind, we asked Cornell and other podiatrists to weigh in on the best walking shoes for women to help you make the best choice.
How we chose
To help you find the best pair of walking shoes to meet your needs, we considered the following criteria:
- Expert recommendations: We asked podiatrists for their recommendations on what makes for an ideal walking shoe, as well as any specific brands and models they often recommend to their clients.
- Comfort and durability: All the shoes listed below have mostly positive customer reviews for comfort and durability.
- Intended use: We included walking shoes to fit various needs, from hiking shoes to recovery sandals.
- Price: All the shoes on our list offer good value for the price.
We even tried one of the shoes in real life (more on that later).
Here are the 14 best walking shoes for women, according to podiatrists.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Note that shoe prices on Amazon vary significantly depending on your preferred color and size. Generally, prices range from $63 to $150, though this may vary depending on where you shop and the color you choose. On Amazon, the color and even the size of the shoes can affect what you’ll pay.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $75
- $$ = $75–$145
- $$$ = over $145
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Healthline picks of the best walking shoes for women
Best overall women’s walking shoe
Saucony Women’s Triumph 19
4.5 (1K+) FROM AMAZON
- Size range: 5–12, wide sizes available
Healthline’s review
Colors: Solid black and simple gray, various neutral shades and colorways, as well as bright colors such as pink, orange, bright orange, dark blue, green, and red.
The shoe makes for a comfortable walk or run thanks to a bouncy, cushioned midsole and a blown-rubber foam outsole that provides flexibility, durability, and springiness.
According to Cornell, the Saucony Triumph 19 is a good choice because it’s a supportive running-style shoe that provides cushioning to the forefoot and support and stability to the whole foot.
Best sandal for walking
PowerStep Archwear Women’s Sandals
4.3 (1.5K+) FROM AMAZON
- Size range: 6–11
Healthline’s review
Colors: black, plum, brown, khaki, and teal
When it comes to sandals, Cornell recommends selecting a pair with adequate arch support and cushioning for the forefoot, both of which this shoe offers.
Unlike many other sandals, which can be thin and flimsy, this PowerStep sandal has built-in arch support and plenty of cushioning in the midsole to absorb impact.
Its lightweight treaded outsole provides better traction than many other sandals, and its comfortable straps won’t dig into the tops of your feet.
Best slip-on walking shoe
OOFOS Women’s OOahh Luxe Recovery Sandal
4.2 (707+) FROM OOFOS
- Size range: 5–11
Healthline’s review
Colors: black and latte
OOFOS have a reputation for feeling like walking on clouds, which is why they’re the recovery shoe of choice for runners to switch into after a long marathon-training run.
These rubber sandals are also a reliable house shoe for those who may be prone to plantar fasciitis, an injury that causes sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of your foot and heel.
Thanks to its cushioned arch support, this recovery sandal offers a comfortable way to avoid making your plantar fasciitis any worse.
“OOFOS shoes are made with a special foam that is designed to absorb shock and reduce impact on the joints, making them a great choice for those looking to reduce foot and leg fatigue while walking,” says Dr. Daniel Pledger, a podiatrist and the founder of ePodiatrists.
Best lightweight walking shoe
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22
4.5 (8.6K+) FROM AMAZON
- Size range: 5–13, narrow and wide sizes available
Healthline’s review
Colors: 28 colorways, including various shades and combinations of black, red, white, pink, almond, purple, blue, gray, coral, teal, blue, and green
The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 is a versatile shoe that can be used for walking and running.
The shoe is lightweight and features a DNA Loft Crash Pad to cushion your feet with every step and stride.
It offers the brand’s GuideRails holistic support system, which is designed to help you move comfortably and to reduce excess shin and heel rotation. It also promotes natural knee motion to reduce or prevent pain.
Basically, this technology provides additional support by keeping excess movement in check, allowing you to maintain your natural stride even when you start to feel fatigued and supporting your feet, knees, and hips.
“This shoe promotes adequate motion control of the foot,” Cornell says. “The heel counter of the shoe tends to be more rigid to provide stability and motion control to the arch during walking and running.”
Best value walking shoe
Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 4
4.2 (50+) FROM RYKA
- Size range: 5–11, wide sizes available
Healthline’s review
Colors: dark blue, navy blue, gray, and black
Size range: 5–11, with wide sizes available
Featuring a lightweight molded ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam midsole and a platform specially designed to absorb shock and impact, the Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 4 is a relatively affordable walking shoe that can keep your foot comfortable, even over long distances.
What’s more, the shoe is designed specifically for women’s feet, which differ from men’s feet in the following ways:
- shape
- build
- muscle movement
“Ryka is a brand that specializes in shoes for women, so they are definitely worth considering if you are a woman looking for a good walking shoe,” says Pledger. “The brand’s shoes tend to be very supportive and comfortable, with features such as padded collars and insoles to help cushion the foot.”
Reviewers note that the shoe fits true to size and remains comfortable even after all-day wear.
Best cushioned walking shoe
New Balance Women’s 928 V3
4.5 (3.1K+) FROM AMAZON
- Size range: 5–13, narrow and wide sizes available
Healthline’s review
Colors: black, gray, and white with blue
If you’re looking for a shoe that has lots of cushioning and comes in a range of sizes, the New Balance Women’s 928 V3 is a top option.
This shoe comes in sizes 6–13 and makes it easy to find your best fit, as it offers several width options:
- narrow
- standard
- wide
- extra-wide
- XX-wide
The shoe features a ROLLBAR stability post system, which works to control rearfoot movement for enhanced support. It’s also designed with Walking Strike Path outsole technology to guide your foot through its walking gait cycle with motion control and stability.
According to Cornell, this shoe is an ideal option for optimal motion control and features a rigid heel counter to provide stability and support to your foot’s arch while you run and walk.
Plus, the shoe’s cushioned midsole absorbs impact and offers compression resistance, and the removable polyurethane foam footbed is designed for extra durability and comfort.
While this isn’t the most stylish shoe, your feet might thank you for prioritizing a good fit.
Best walking shoe for travel
OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe
4.3 (2.9K+) FROM AMAZON
- Size range: 5–12
Healthline’s review
Colors: neutral solids and colorways with black, white, gray, and navy
Choosing comfortable shoes for traveling can be challenging.
You need to make sure your shoes are comfortable enough for all-day wear, but you may not want a bulky shoe that takes up precious suitcase space.
The OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe is a standout solution, as it’s easy to slip on and off (good for airport security), goes with a variety of outfits, and is extra cushioned to keep your feet comfortable.
The brand claims that its OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam, reducing stress on your feet, joints, and back. (According to the brand’s website, this is based on a 2018 study by the University of Virginia School of Medicine Speed Clinic — but the study itself does not seem to be available to the public.)
Plus, the footbed provides ample arch support, which helps reduce energy exertion in your ankles and makes all-day wear easier and more enjoyable.
These shoes are an ideal choice for comfort and recovery because they contain that special foam to absorb shock and reduce impact on your joints, according to Pledger.
Best walking shoe for hiking
HOKA Women’s Speedgoat 5
4.5 (355+) FROM HOKA
- Size range: 5–12, wide sizes available
Healthline’s review
Colors: vibrant shades of pink, orange, blue, and green
HOKA shoes have a reputation for being ultra-cushioned and are arguably the gold standard for trail runners.
“These shoes have a thick midsole, which offers better support and padding to the forefoot to address pain to the ball of the foot,” Cornell says. “In addition, HOKAs tend to have more of a rocker bottom shape to the shoe, which can help address ball-of-foot pain.”
It’s no surprise, then, that the HOKA Women’s Speedgoat 5 is a popular option for hiking, whether you’re walking on flat gravel trails or hilly, technical terrain.
This shoe has a softer sole and a stronger grip than hiking boots. You might even forget about your feet and instead be able to take in the scenery as you log some serious mileage.
As a bonus, the Speedgoat 5 comes in eye-catching colorways, including solid purple and a bright green and teal combination.
Best walking shoes for high arches
ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 24
4.5 (1.8K+) FROM AMAZON
- Size range: 5–13
Healthline’s review
Colors: 14 colorways, including combinations of corals, pinks, bronze, bright yellow, and silver
If you have high arches, you’ll want to choose a shoe that offers arch support as well as plenty of cushioning and stability — all of which you can find in the ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 24.
Specifically, the shoe features ASICS Gel technology cushioning for top-notch shock absorption. Plus, the FlyteFoam Propel Technology offers extra bounce thanks to the unique elastomer compound it contains.
According to Cornell, these shoes provide optimal motion control and stability, as well as a rigid heel counter and good arch support.
The Gel-Nimbus 24 has a roomy toe box and is available in a variety of colors.
Best walking shoe with cushioning technology
On Cloudmonster
- Size range: 5–11
Healthline’s review
Colors: black/gray, white/green, and blue/purple
Dr. Asim Sayed, a podiatrist in Overland Park, Kansas, recommends these shoes for long walks or jogs, thanks to their shock-absorbing CloudTec technology, which provides ample cushioning.
The company claims that the design reacts to your individual running motion, with a flexible sole that cushions your forefoot as you run or walk.
What our tester says
Best walking shoe for overpronators
ASICS GT-1000 11
4.5 (212+) FROM AMAZON
- Size range: 5–12
Healthline’s review
Colors: 12 mostly solid color options
In addition to being a comfortable walking shoe, this neutral everyday trainer is versatile enough for various running distances.
The shoe’s FlyteFoam cushioning and rearfoot Gel technology provide lightweight impact absorption.
“These combine a great cushioned sole and support, which is important for overpronators [or people with flat feet],” Sayed says.
They come in several color options, including white and dark pink/red, though most are some variation of black. If you prefer bright and bold, you may find a better selection with other brands.
Best walking shoe for wide feet
Brooks Ariel 20
4.6 (1.6K+) FROM AMAZON
- Size range: 6–13, wide sizes available
Healthline’s review
Colors: black, white, and gray colorways
“Brooks [shoes] are known for superior stability by employing their patented GuideRail tech, which aims to put your rearfoot in optimal position during long walks,” Sayed says.
These are also a good option for jogging, as they offer a stable, soft, and cushioned feel, providing optimal support and minimal impact.
The shoes come in four primarily neutral color combinations, with one featuring a turquoise stripe on the side.
Most comfortable walking shoe
Skechers GO WALK Massage Fit
4.5 (104+) FROM SKECHERS
- Size range: 5–10
Healthline’s review
Colors: black/turquoise, gray/pink
While it’s still an underdog in the running world, Skechers has a solid, long-held reputation for its walking shoes.
This shoe features a Massage Fit wave design to gently massage your feet with every step, and the Hyper Burst midsole offers optimal cushioning.
“These have a great stable insole with superb arch support, [in addition to the] promise to massage your feet,” Sayed says.
At just over $100, it’s not the most expensive option on our list, either.
Most trendy walking shoe
New Balance 990 V5
4.6 (2.1K+) FROM AMAZON
- Size range: 5–12, wide sizes available
Healthline’s review
Colors: three neutral black and gray options
Who would have thought dad shoes would get a second wind? Thanks to TikTok, shoes like this one are, er, popping off these days.
Sayed is a fan of the variety of width options that New Balance offers. While not everyone may consider it fashionable, this shoe offers solid support and is nice enough to pair with athleisure or a dressed-up outfit for daily walks.
“These provide a firm, rigid sole for added stability on uneven surfaces,” Sayed says.
Other features include dual-density collar foam that offers support and comfort for your ankles and an ENCAP midsole to provide cushioning for long lasting support.
How the best walking shoes for women compare
| Style | Features and highlights | |
|---|---|---|
| Saucony Triumph 19 $$$ | lace-up | • cushioned forefoot to provide support and stability to the whole foot • lighter foam for added comfort |
| PowerStep Archwear Women’s Sandals $ | flip-flop | • built-in arch support • cushioned midsole to absorb impact |
| OOFOS Women’s OOahh Luxe Recovery Sandal $ | slip-on | • cushioned arch support • may be helpful for those prone to plantar fasciitis |
| Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 $$ | lace-up | • DNA Loft Crash Pad designed to cushion your feet with every step |
| Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 4 $$ | lace-up | • designed specifically for the unique shape, muscle movement, and build of women’s feet |
| New Balance Women’s 928 V3 $$$ | lace-up | • designed to control rear-foot movement for enhanced support • made to guide your foot through the walking gait cycle with motion control and stability |
| OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe $$ | slip-on | • more stylish than many other walking shoe options • pairs well with a variety of outfits • easy to slip on |
| HOKA Women’s Speedgoat 5 $$$ | lace-up | • softer sole for comfort • good traction |
| ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 24 $$ | lace-up | • Gel technology cushioning for shock absorption • foam technology designed to provide extra bounce |
| On Cloudmonster $$$ | lace-up | • shock-absorbing CloudTec technology for top-notch cushioning |
| ASICS GT-1000 11 $$ | lace-up | • designed with foam cushioning and rearfoot Gel technology to provide lightweight impact absorption |
| Brooks Ariel 20 $$$ | lace-up | • features GuideRails technology to support feet, knees, and hips by keeping excess movement in check |
| Skechers GO WALK Massage Fit $$ | lace-up | • uses two different midsole components to massage and cushion your feet |
| New Balance 990 V5 $$$ | lace-up | • dual-density collar foam that offers support and comfort for your ankles • ENCAP midsole cushioning for long lasting support |
How to choose the best walking shoes for women
Curious about what to look for in a walking shoe? We asked Cornell and Dr. Derek Anders, a podiatrist at Permanente Medical Group in Antioch, California, for their top tips for choosing the right pair.
Go shopping at the end of the day
When it comes to shopping for walking shoes, Anders recommends trying on shoes at the end of the day, as feet tend to be at their biggest or may be swollen at that time.
Pay more attention to the fit than the listed size
“[Pay less attention to] the stated size of a shoe and be open to the fact your feet change and your foot size changes,” says Anders.
He also recommends trying on different brands, as sizing differs among brands and lines of shoes.
“There should be some space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe — about a finger width,” he says. “It’s also common for one foot to be slightly bigger or longer than the other, so size your shoes to your bigger foot.”
Consider your intended use and foot and ankle structure
According to Cornell, the best choice for a walking shoe varies for each person.
“Some may need extra cushioning because they walk long distances, and others might need motion control because they overpronate,” he explains. “Universally, shoes should be flexible and properly fitted.”
If you’re unsure about how to identify a good fit, Cornell recommends visiting a local athletic or running store, as the employees are likely to understand foot sizing and can make sure you leave with the right shoe for your foot.
Ask a professional about orthotics
If you have chronic foot pain issues you can’t seem to figure out, it may be worth talking with a podiatrist about considering orthotics.
Anders recommends wearing orthotics for a month to give them a chance to make a difference. It’s also important to avoid walking barefoot and to limit slipper and sandal use during that time.
You can follow up with a physician or podiatrist about any changes in your comfort level in the meantime.
Frequently asked questions
What walking shoes do podiatrists recommend?
Podiatrists typically recommend athletic shoes with arch support and cushioning technology for walking, often from popular running shoe brands such as:
- Brooks
- ASICS
- HOKA
There are also a lot of solid sandal and slip-on options out there, such as those from OOFOS and PowerStep, that are equipped with similar technology to promote optimal foot health.
Shoe shopping is nuanced, and it really depends on your foot’s individual shape and your preferences. You can look for shoes that you can try on in-store or return if the fit isn’t exactly what you wanted.
Is it OK to wear running shoes for walking?
Yes — many of the shoes podiatrists recommend for walking happen to be running shoes. If a pair of shoes provides optimal comfort on the run, they can often be solid walking shoes.
“A good running shoe will offer the foot more stability and motion control, so the structure of the shoe should be rigid in nature (as opposed to a thin, flexible shoe),” Cornell says.
Which shoes should you avoid wearing for long walks?
For long walks, Cornell says, you should avoid wearing any shoe that doesn’t offer arch support to control the collapse of the longitudinal arch of the foot, as well as support across the fall of the foot in the form of adequate padding and cushioning.
This includes flat flip-flops and ballet flats as well as high heels and boots.
The bottom line
Walking has numerous benefits for your health, but finding the right pair of walking shoes can be overwhelming.
When shopping for your next pair, be sure to consider your intended use and foot shape to narrow your selection.
By doing your research ahead of time and trying on shoes toward the end of the day, you can walk away with the best pair for you.
Medically reviewed by Adam Hotchkiss, DPM — By Emilia Benton — healthline.com
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