Walking is one of the easiest and healthiest forms of exercise — just lace up your sneakers and walk right out the door. However, wearing the wrong sneakers can put you at risk of foot pain and injury. With so many factors to consider, footwear experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute partnered with medical experts to find the best walking shoes for women.
1
Best Overall Walking Shoes for Women
Brooks Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe
Pros
- High comfort scores from testers with chronic foot pain
- Excellent traction
- Offers great stability and control, according to testers
Cons
- Heel drop is likely too high for runners who land on the middle or front of the foot.
Help prevent foot pain with a shoe that prioritizes stability and control. Brooks is a popular running shoe brand, but walkers love this style for its ample cushioning and comfortable heel. The Ghost 15 has a massive following for being a supportive, versatile sneaker that can easily transition from walking to running. We found this pair to be comfortable to wear during gym workouts too. This pair features a larger heel drop, measuring 12 millimeters, which is likely too high for runners who land on the middle or front of the foot.
| Size range | 5-13 with narrow, wide and extra wide sizing |
|---|---|
| Weight per shoe | 9.1oz |
| Heel drop | 12 milimeters |
| Colors | 45 |
2
Best Value Walking Shoes for Women
Tiosebon Slip-On Walking Shoe
Pros
- Stretchy upper material
- Popular on Amazon
- Super-lightweight feel
Cons
- Not all testers liked their appearance
Not only are these Tiosebon sneakers by far the most affordable shoes in our roundup, at around $40, but they also have more than 32,000 Amazon reviews. Podiatrists like how lightweight they are (less than 150 grams per shoe) but are wary of the thicker heel cushioning because it could “make it harder when you go from wearing the shoes to barefoot.” Compared with other pairs, this style doesn’t offer as much support and stability, both of which can help promote foot strength. Available in 35 different colors, the mesh upper is highly breathable with a sock-like fit.
| Size range | 5–13, medium and wide |
|---|---|
| Weight per shoe | Less than 150 grams |
| Heel drop | Not listed |
| Colors | 35 |
3
Best Lightweight Walking Shoes for Women
New Balance FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker
Pros
- Favorite among podiatrists for freedom of movement
- Mesh offers flexibility to cover bunions
- Testers loved how versatile they were
Cons
- Less cushioning than other styles
Weighing around 150 grams per shoe, these New Balance sneakers are among the lightest we tested, and they were popular with our testers and podiatrists. Podiatrists liked that these allow lots of freedom of movement thanks to the mesh in the front of the shoe. The slip-on design features a tongue that stays put for easy on/off, making this a great commuter shoe too. We found that this shoe has a thinner midsole compared with other picks, which allows for quicker movement but offers less cushioning. With an impressive 70,000 Amazon reviews, these shoes are an excellent value for a top-tested sneaker.
| Size range | 5–12, medium and wide |
|---|---|
| Weight | 150 grams |
| Heel drop | Not listed |
| Colors | 17 |
4
Best Walking Shoes for Women Who Stand All Day
Rykä Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe
Pros
- Received perfect scores for cushioning and support from testers
- Trend-forward design details
- Created specifically for a woman’s foot shape
Cons
- Made with less durable materials
Rykä is a popular brand for women’s sneakers since the brand designs shoes specifically for the shape of women’s feet. Podiatrists liked that the shoe offered good mobility with soft cushioning — great for walking and fitness classes alike. We liked the segmented outsole for traction on all types of walks but noted that the foam didn’t appear as durable as other styles.
| Size range | 5–11, medium and wide |
|---|---|
| Weight per shoe | 247 grams |
| Heel drop | 11 millimeters |
| Colors | 13 |
5
Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Wide Feet
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V13 Running Shoe
Pros
- Roomy toebox for wider feet
- Springy foam
- Versatile shoe, ideal for everyday wear and runs too
Cons
- Some testers found the thick cushioning a little bulky
An overly cramped toebox can cause intense foot pain when you have wide feet. These New Balance sneakers are available in both wide and extra-wide sizing to ensure a proper fit without any crowding. With a flexible knit upper, these shoes can comfortably accommodate bunions as well. Dr. Metzl appreciated New Balance’s shoes’ excellent construction and thought they would be a good fit for people of all ages and with different fitness routines.
| Size range | 5–13 with wide, extra-wide and narrow |
|---|---|
| Weight per shoe | 262 grams |
| Heel drop | 6 milimeters |
| Colors | 17 |
6
Best Cushioned Walking Shoes for Women
Hoka Bondi 8
Pros
- Ample cushioning
- Ideal to wear when recovering from an injury
- They put a spring in your step, according to testers
Cons
- Heavier shoe
The thick cushioning on this pair from Hoka can seem intimidating at first, but it’s a game changer if you’re walking long distances or recovering from an injury. The mesh upper is breathable, and we like that it’s available in a variety of stylish colorways. With medium and wide sizing, the shoes offer neutral stability with plush cushioning. Because of the thick cushioning, though, these shoes are heavier and a bit bulkier than some other styles.
| Size range | 5–12, medium and wide |
|---|---|
| Weight per shoe | 252 grams |
| Heel drop | 4 milimeters |
| Colors | 16 |
7
Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Arch Support
Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 21 Running Shoe
Pros
- “Cloud-like” cushioning
- Excellent arch support, according to testers
- Foam helps propel you forward
Cons
- Inconsistent pricing on Amazon
Keeping your arches properly supported is key for a comfortable walking shoe, especially if you have high arches. This pair from Adidas is a favorite of many GH analysts who have been wearing them regularly for the past three years. This pair is designed with the Brand’s lightweight BOOST foam, full of tiny pockets of air that return energy to your foot and propel you forward. Dr. Metzl likes the amount of cushioning in the midsole and recommends these shoes for those “complaining of joint aches.” On Amazon, there are substantial differences in price for different colors.
| Size range | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Weight per shoe | 309 grams |
| Heel drop | 10 millimeters |
| Colors | 42 |
8
Best Walk to Run Shoes for Women
Nike Zoom Pegasus 39 Running Shoes
Pros
- Excellent arch support
- Medium cushioning, ideal for walking and running
- Testers praised how comfortable they feel right out of the box
Cons
- Narrow toe box, according to some online reviews
Famous for good reason, the Nike Pegasus line has been a household name in the running world since 1983. Combining walking and running in a workout is an effective way to meet your fitness goals without putting too much strain on your joints. With neutral support and medium cushioning, this reliable pair of running shoes is ideal for a walk-to-run workout. These shoes feature ample arch support and a springy feel that helps return energy to your feet when picking up speed.
| Size range | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Weight per shoe | 242 grams |
| Heel drop | 10 millimeters |
| Colors | 33 |
