- Best overall walking shoe: Saucony Triumph 18
- Best sandal for walking: Powerstep Archwear Women’s Sandals
- Best slip-on walking shoe: OOFOS Women’s Ooahh Luxe Recovery Sandal
- Best lightweight walking shoe: Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 21
- Best value walking shoe: Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3
- Best cushioned walking shoe: New Balance Women’s 928 V3
- Best walking shoe for travel: OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe
- Best walking shoe for hiking: HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Speedgoat 4
- Best walking shoe for high arches: ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 23
When it comes to buying walking shoes, many people prioritize style over fit.
However, as Kenneth Cornell, DPM, a podiatrist at Austin Regional Clinic, shared that it’s important for women to have good quality shoes — not just for maximum comfort but also to prevent future injuries, especially when walking for longer periods of time.
“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,” Dr. Cornell explained.
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 a great walking shoe, as well as any specific brands and models they often recommend to their clients.
- Comfort and durability. All of the shoes listed below have mostly positive customer reviews for being comfortable and durable.
- Intended use. We included walking shoes to fit a variety of needs, from hiking shoes to sandals.
- Price. All of the shoes on our list offer good value for the price.
Here are the 9 best walking shoes for women, according to podiatrists.
Curious about what to look for in a walking shoe? We asked Dr. Cornell and Derek Anders, DPM, a podiatrist at the Permanente Medical Group in Antioch, California, their top tips for choosing the right pair.
Go shopping at the end of the day
When it comes to shopping for walking shoes, Dr. Anders recommended trying on shoes at the end of the day, as feet tend to be 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,” said Dr. Anders.
He also recommends trying on different brands, as sizing will also differ between 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 Dr. Cornell, the best choice for a walking shoe will vary by individual.
“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, Dr. Cornell recommends visiting a local athletic or running store, as their 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 to a podiatrist about considering orthotics.
If given the green light, Dr. Anders says you should wear orthotics for 1 month to give them a chance to make a difference, while also avoiding walking barefoot and limiting slipper and sandal use during that time.
Follow up with a physician or podiatrist on any changes in your comfort level in the meantime.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $63–$150, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $75
- $$ = $75–$145
- $$$ = above $145
Best overall walking shoe
Saucony Triumph 18
Price: $$$
The Saucony Triumph 18 comes in a wide range of color patterns, from solid black and grey to combinations of orange and bright yellow, purple and lime green, pink and black, and more.
The shoe’s bouncy, cushioned midsole, geometry, and blown-rubber outsole also provide flexibility, durability, and springiness in a lighter foam that makes for a comfortable walk or run.
According to Dr. Cornell, the Saucony Triumph 18 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.
Saucony Triumph 18 at a glance
Size range: 5–12, wide sizes available
Available colors: charcoal/sky, future neon, moonrock/coral, dusk, lilac/copper, khaki/orange, future pink, jackalope, red mutant, black/gum
Pros
- good traction and durability
- provides a custom-like fit
Cons
- not as cushioned as others on this list
- limited arch support
Best sandal for walking
Powerstep Archwear Women’s Sandals
Price: $
When it comes to sandals, Dr. Cornell recommended selecting a pair with adequate arch support and cushioning for the forefoot, both of which this shoe offers.
Unlike many sandals, which can be thin and flimsy, the Powerstep Fusion Orthotic Sandal has built-in arch support and plenty of cushioning in the midsole to absorb impact.
Its treaded, lightweight outsole also provides better traction, while its comfortable straps won’t dig into the tops of your feet.
Powerstep Archwear Women’s Sandals at a glance
Size range: 5–11
Available colors: black, plum, brown, khaki, teal
Pros
- built-in arch support for increased support
- deep heel cup for added stability
- cushioned midsole absorbs shock and impact
- lightweight outsole with nonslip tread for better traction
- comfortable straps with soft lining
Cons
- fit runs small
- better for short walks
- some reviewers complain of heel pain after prolonged use
Best slip-on walking shoes
OOFOS Women’s Ooahh Luxe Recovery Sandal
Price: $
OOFOS have a reputation for feeling like you’re walking on clouds, which is why they’re the recovery shoe of choice for runners to switch into after a long marathon-training run, myself included.
These rubber sandals are also a great house shoe for those who may be prone to plantar fasciitis — an injury identified by 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 Women’s Ooahh Luxe Recovery Sandal
Size range: 5–11
Available colors: black, latte, white
Pros
- super comfortable and cushioned
- neutral colors go with almost any outfit
Con
- some complain the shoe wears out quickly with frequent use
- expensive
Best lightweight walking shoe
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 21
Price: $$
The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 21 is a versatile shoe that can be used for everything from walking to running.
It’s also great for cross-training and comes in a wide range of colorways, including solid black, grey, white and purple, and fun combinations like red and teal or turquoise and lime green.
The shoe is lightweight and features a DNA LOFT Crash Pad to cushion your feet with every step and stride.
It also offers a GuideRails holistic support system that’s designed to help you move comfortably and works to reduce excess shin and heel rotation. It likewise promotes natural knee motion to reduce or prevent pain.
Offering support and cushioning to promote stability and decrease pronation, it’s no surprise that these have an abundance of favorable reviews.
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 21 at a glance
Size range: 5–13, with narrow, wide, and extra-wide sizes available
Available colors: 28 colorways, including various shades and combinations of black, red, white, pink, almond, purple, blue, grey, and coral
Pros
- lightweight
- good for high arches
- lots of colors to choose from
Cons
- fit runs small
Best value walking shoe
Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3
Price: $$
Featuring a lightweight, molded, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam midsole and specially designed platform to absorb shock and impact, the Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 is a relatively inexpensive walking shoe that will keep your foot comfortable, even over long distances.
What’s more, the shoe is designed specifically for the unique foot shape, muscle movement, and build of women’s feet.
Reviewers note that the shoe fits true to size and remains comfortable, even after all-day wear.
Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 at a glance
Size range: 5–11, with wide sizes available
Available colors: black multi, metallic gold, brilliant white, tornado grey, navy blazer, navy, black, and quiet grey
Pros
- designed specifically for women
- stylish than many other athletic-style walking shoes
- variety of color options
Cons
- highly padded, which some reviewers dislike
Best cushioned
New Balance Women’s 928 V3
Price: $$
If you’re looking for a shoe with lots of cushioning that’s available in a range of sizes, New Balance Women’s 928 V3 is a great option.
In addition to offering sizes from 6–13, this shoe comes in narrow, standard, wide, extra-wide, and XX-wide, making it easy to find your perfect fit.
The shoe features a ROLLBAR stability post system, which works to control rear-foot movement for enhanced support, and it’s designed with Walking Strike Path outsole technology to guide your foot through its walking gait cycle with motion control and stability.
Plus, the shoe includes a cushioned midsole that absorbs impact and offers compression resistance, and the removable polyurethane foam footbed is designed for extra durability and comfort.
While it isn’t the most stylish of shoes, your feet will be thanking you for prioritizing a good fit.
New Balance Women’s 928 V3 at a glance
Size range: 6–13, with narrow, wide, extra-wide, and XX-wide sizes available
Available colors: black, grey, and white with blue
Pros
- well cushioned
- available in narrow to XX-wide sizes
Cons
- not super stylish
- minimal color options
Best for travel
OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe
Price: $$
Choosing comfortable shoes for traveling can be challenging.
On one hand, you want to make sure that your shoes are comfortable enough for all-day wear, but on the other hand, you don’t want a bulky shoe that takes up precious suitcase space.
OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe is the perfect solution, as it’s easy to slip on and off (ideal for airport security), goes with a variety of outfits, and is extra cushioned to keep your feet comfortable.
The brand’s OOfoam technology also absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam, reducing stress on your feet, joints, and back.
Plus, the footbed provides ample arch support, which helps reduce energy exertion in the ankles and makes all-day wear easier and more enjoyable.
OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe
Size range: 5–12
Available colors: black, white, black & white, white & grey, white & navy
Pros
- neutral color options go with most clothing options
- easy to slip on and off
Cons
- runs small
- some complain the shoe wears out quickly
- not designed for moderate or vigorous exercise
Best for hiking
HOKA Women’s Speedgoat 4
Price: 145
HOKA shoes have a reputation for being ultra-cushioned and are arguably the gold standard for trail runners.
It’s no surprise then that the HOKA Women’s Speedgoat 4 is a popular option for hiking, whether you’re walking on flat gravel trails or hilly, technical terrain.
With a softer sole and stronger grip than hiking boots, you’ll likely forget about your feet as you’ll instead be able to take in the scenery as log some serious mileage.
As a bonus, the Speedgoat 4 comes in eye-catching colors, including Dazzling Blue Phlox Pink and Provincial Blue Luminary Green.
HOKA Women’s Speedgoat 4 at a glance
Size range: 5–11, wide sizes available
Available colors: dazzling blue phlox pink, castlerock paradise pink, aquarelle cantaloupe, majolica blue heather, provincial blue luminary green
Pros
- comfortable softer sole
- strong grip
- fun color options
- breathable upper
Cons
- softer sole wears out faster than more rigid hiking boots
Shop now at HOKA ONE
Best walking shoes for high arches
ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 23
Price: $$$
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 are found in the ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 23.
Specifically, the shoe features ASICS’ GEL technology cushioning for top-notch shock absorption, while the FlyteFoam Propel Technology offers extra bounce due to the unique elastomer compound it contains.
The Gel-Nimbus 23 also offers a roomy toe box and is available in a variety of fun colors.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 23
Size range: 5–13
Available colors: 14 colorways, including mist/blazing coral, smoky rose/pure bronze, illuminate yellow/pure silver, and pink salt/pure silver
Pros
- designed for added stability
- wide range of color options
- great for high arches
Cons
- fit runs small
- some dislike the amount of padding
Walking has numerous benefits for your health, but finding the right pair of walking shoes can be tricky.
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, we’re confident that you’ll walk away with the perfect pair.
FAQs
Best Walking Shoes for Women, According to Podiatrists? ›
- Powerstep Archwear Women's Sandals.
- OOFOS Women's Ooahh Luxe Recovery Sandal.
- Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 21.
- Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 3.
- New Balance Women's 928 V3.
- OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe.
- HOKA Women's Speedgoat 4.
- ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 23.
Do podiatrists recommend Vionic shoes? ›
Why podiatrists recommend Vionic footwear is because they have been designed by podiatrists. Vionics have been ergonomically designed to incorporate functional and supportive orthotic insoles without compromising on comfort. They are a prescriptive shoe with no need for a prescription with bags of style.
What orthopedic shoes do podiatrists recommend? ›
- Brooks.
- Asics.
- New Balance.
- Rockport.
- Merrell.
- Ascent.
- Mizuno.
What do podiatrists think of Skechers? ›
As a podiatrist I am not totally against the Skecher type shoe as they can be very comfortable for painful arthritic type feet and individuals with no particular foot or lower limb problem, but they should be restricted to light casual wear only or even better as a comfort slipper replacement.
Related content
The 9 Best Shoes for Walking, According to Podiatrists ›
But you don't want to log miles in unsupportive shoes or shoes that aren't right for your feet—and don't even think about walking in flip-flops.. A general rule of thumb when searching for the best women's walking shoes: The correct walking shoe should provide cushion or shock absorption (for both the ball of the foot and the heel), stability and the right amount of arch support for your individual foot type (flatfoot, neutral or high arch), says Suzanne Fuchs, a board-certified podiatrist specializing in sports medicine and foot and ankle surgery at Luxe Podiatry in Jupiter, Florida.. Walking shoes can be a little bit blander compared to training shoes, which are flashier and come in more colors—but above all, opt for comfort, stability and quality over anything else when it comes to the best walking shoes for women.. "New Balance is known for wide widths, so if you have a wide foot or experience foot swelling, this shoe is a good choice," says Yakel.. With an impressive 19 color combinations to choose from, "this is a fairly lightweight shoe for a neutral to high-arch foot type [that] provides plenty of cushion, shock absorption and stability," says Fuchs.. This is an excellent supportive, stable shoe for women who have trouble with bunions or tailor's bunions, thanks to their wide forefront—yet the heel still fits snugly, which can be a tough combination to find in a walking shoe.
Best Walking Shoes for Women, According to Podiatrists (2022) ›
Best overall walking shoe: Saucony Triumph 18 Best sandal for walking: Powerstep Archwear Women’s Sandals Best slip-on walking shoe: OOFOS Women’s Ooahh Luxe Recovery Sandal Best lightweight walking shoe: Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 21 Best value walking shoe: Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Best cushioned walking shoe: New Balance Women’s 928 V3 Best walking shoe for travel: OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe Best walking shoe for hiking: HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Speedgoat 4 Best walking shoe for high arches: ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 23. We included walking shoes to fit a variety of needs, from hiking shoes to sandals.. Here are the 9 best walking shoes for women, according to podiatrists.. Thanks to its cushioned arch support, this recovery sandal offers a comfortable way to avoid making your plantar fasciitis any worse.. Available colors: 28 colorways, including various shades and combinations of black, red, white, pink, almond, purple, blue, grey, and coral. (Video) Podiatrist Recommended Walking Shoes for Foot Problems. 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 are found in the ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 23.. Top 5 Best Walking Shoes For Women Review in 2022. Top 5 Best Shoes for Heel Pain Reviews in 2022 | According to Podiatrists
The 9 Best House Shoes, According to Podiatrists ›
"Walking around in socks or barefooted on hardwood floors can cause a variety of foot issues due to lack of support, cushion and shock absorption," says Ashley Lee, D.P.M., FACFAS , a foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists near Chicago.. "Women were surprised that they went to work for years in heels and other dress shoes," she says, "but now that they are home barefoot, they started to have so many foot problems.". If you have pain after shuffling around indoors all day, without proper padding to support your foot, you may be experiencing problems such as metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot), plantar fasciitis (arch and/or heel pain), neuromas , stress fractures, tendinitis (including Achilles tendinitis) and ankle instability or pain.. Walking barefoot can cause pain and inflammation over time due to lack of support and the slow atrophy of the fat pads on the bottom of your feet that function as shock absorbers, says Jackie Sutera, D.P.M., FAFCAS , a board-certified doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery in New York.. It doesn't have to be the same pairs you wear out and about, though; and in fact, there's a yuck factor with wearing outdoor shoes inside your house, says Sutera.. Wearing slippers or sneakers at home (that you only wear inside) is an easy way to cushion your feet and protect those precious fat pads while also helping to keep your toes warm during the colder months.. Look for house shoes with arch support, proper cushioning and shock absorption, and replace them if they show signs of wear—or after about a year of use.. Orthotic insoles provide anatomical arch support that helps to relieve foot pain and plantar fasciitis, while the faux-fur interior (in black or brown) is extra warm against cold floors.. If you're looking for an athletic-style house shoe, this slip-on pair will do the trick.. Lee recommends these faux shearling slippers in a classic silhouette for a more structured alternative to slip-on shoes.
Best Walking Shoes for Women, According to Podiatrists - Hualienrainbow ›
“Women tend to wear a wide variety of shoe types that are often not very supportive.. We included walking shoes to fit a variety of needs, from hiking shoes to sandals.. All of the shoes on our list offer good value for the price.. Here are the 9 best walking shoes for women, according to podiatrists.. 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,” said Dr. Anders.. If you’re unsure about how to identify a good fit, Dr. Cornell recommends visiting a local athletic or running store, as their employees are likely to understand foot sizing and can make sure you leave with the right shoe for your foot.. According to Dr. Cornell, the Saucony Triumph 18 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.. When it comes to sandals, Dr. Cornell recommended selecting a pair with adequate arch support and cushioning for the forefoot, both of which this shoe offers.. Unlike many sandals, which can be thin and flimsy, the Powerstep Fusion Orthotic Sandal has built-in arch support and plenty of cushioning in the midsole to absorb impact.. Thanks to its cushioned arch support, this recovery sandal offers a comfortable way to avoid making your plantar fasciitis any worse.. In addition to offering sizes from 6–13, this shoe comes in narrow, standard, wide, extra-wide, and XX-wide, making it easy to find your perfect fit.. The shoe features a ROLLBAR stability post system, which works to control rear-foot movement for enhanced support, and it’s designed with Walking Strike Path outsole technology to guide your foot through its walking gait cycle with motion control and stability.. Plus, the shoe includes a cushioned midsole that absorbs impact and offers compression resistance, and the removable polyurethane foam footbed is designed for extra durability and comfort.. 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 are found in the ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 23.
The Best Walking Shoes For Flat Feet & Overpronation, According To A Podiatrist ›
According to Dr. Daughtry, the best walking shoes for flat feet and overpronation feature supportive heels and wide, lightweight soles, along with the right amount of arch support for your foot.. To decrease pain and increase support while walking, Dr. Daughtry recommends looking for shoes with “wide soles to accommodate for the entire foot structure, [...] lightweight soles designed to soften steps and alleviate stress on the joints, a firm midsole with arch support, and the ability to add an orthotic to the shoe.” She also recommends shoes with a cushioned, ergonomic sole to soften your steps, absorb impact, and ease foot motion while walking.. Daughtry recommends taking care with footwear marketed as “stability” shoes, “which can be too much arch support for an overpronator,” and recommends staying away from “any shoes that have an “hourglass” sole.. Finally, you don’t have to sacrifice style when shopping for the best walking shoes for flat feet and overpronation because there are plenty of fun colors and styles to choose from.. The shoes on this list feature roomy toe boxes, cushiony insoles, supportive midsoles, and some arch support so you can walk all day in comfort — scroll on to find your favorite.. They feature a waffle-textured footbed to prevent sliding, a (non-removable) insole designed to fit the shape of your foot, and arch support to reduce foot pressure.. While the insoles are not removable for custom orthotics, one reviewer wrote of the arch support: “I have low arches and it's enough for my feet.”. One reviewer wrote: “I have flat, wide feet and a narrow heel which makes shoe shopping difficult.. You can expect some light arch support in this shoe, as one reviewer wrote: “The insoles inside have some arch support in them but not to the extreme.” A few other reviewers mentioned that while the insole is not removable, the shoes still accommodated their custom orthotics.. They feature two large adjustable straps with cute metal buckles for the perfect fit, a shock-absorbing cork midsole and insole, and a 100% leather footbed complete with toe grip, arch support padding, and a heel cup design.. For a shoe that’s built for comfort, consider these walking shoes with orthotic insoles, arch support, and multiple layers of cushioning.
Best Women's Walking Shoes ›
After thorough research by our experts, we have compiled and reviewed some of the most comfortable women’s walking shoes on the market.. When it comes to the most comfortable walking shoes for women, either for exercise or everyday use, you can’t go wrong with Adidas Ultraboost 21.. Its flexible forefoot and stretchy upper offers easy strides when walking, and the upper air mesh keeps your feet cool.. However, your focus should be on the best value for money as price is not the sole determinant of quality.. Fortunately, our list of the most comfortable women’s walking shoes provides the best value for money.. Shoes made from breathable materials are the best to ensure your shoes don’t overheat, and your feet stay cool.. Our curated catalog of the most comfortable walking shoes for women ticks all the boxes that make a shoe comfortable.
Meilleures chaussures de marche pour femmes, selon les podologues ›
La chaussure est dotée d'un système de poteau de stabilité ROLLBAR, qui contrôle le mouvement de l'arrière du pied pour une meilleure soutien, et il est conçu avec la technologie de semelle extérieure Walking Strike Path pour guider votre pied à travers son marche démarche cycle avec contrôle de mouvement et stabilité.. De plus, la semelle intérieure offre un bon soutien de la voûte plantaire, ce qui aide à réduire l'effort énergétique dans les chevilles et rend le port toute la journée plus facile et plus agréable.. Meilleure chaussure de marche globale : Saucony Triomphe 18 Meilleure sandale pour marcher: Sandales Powerstep Archwear pour femmes Meilleure chaussure de marche à enfiler : OOFOS Ooahh Luxe Recovery Sandale pour femmes Meilleure chaussure de marche légère : Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 pour femmes Chaussure de marche au meilleur rapport qualité-prix : Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 3 Meilleure chaussure de marche coussinée : New Balance Femme 928 V3 Meilleure chaussure de marche pour voyager: Chaussure basse OOFOS OOmg Meilleure chaussure de marche pour la randonnée : HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 pour femmes Meilleure chaussure de marche pour les arches hautes: Gel-Nimbus 23 pour femmes ASICS. Nous avons demandé aux podologues leurs recommandations sur ce qui fait une excellente chaussure de marche, ainsi que les marques et modèles spécifiques qu'ils recommandent souvent à leurs clients.. Faire du shopping en fin de journée Lorsqu'il s'agit d'acheter des chaussures de marche, le Dr Anders a recommandé d'essayer des chaussures à la fin de la journée, car les pieds ont tendance à être les plus gros ou peuvent être enflés à ce moment-là.. Si vous ne savez pas comment identifier un bon ajustement, le Dr Cornell recommande de visiter un magasin local de sport ou de course, car leurs employés sont susceptibles de comprendre la taille des pieds et peuvent s'assurer que vous partez avec la bonne chaussure pour votre pied.