The 17 Best Walking Shoes for Women You'll Never Want to Take Off
They're functional and fashionable.
New Balance/Allbirds
In the ideal pair of walking shoes, you probably won’t be thinking about your feet at all. But it’s only when you’ve been on your feet covering a lot of terrain that you know if you've chosen the wrong pair — because all you can think about is the pain, not just in your feet, but sometimes radiating throughout your entire body. Don’t get caught in a pair of shoes that makes you suffer when you should be getting exercise, sightseeing, socializing on the go, traveling, or generally enjoying active time outdoors. (And your shoes definitely shouldn't make you suffer if you're on your feet all day or night at work.) Instead, choose a pair of the best walking shoes for women based on criteria and recommendations put forth by podiatry professionals and outdoor lifestyle experts.
Walking shoes for women should provide plenty of shock absorption, arch support, and cushioning, says Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). And Dr. Nelya Lobkova, DPM, board certified surgical podiatrist and founder of Step Up Footcare in New York City, says that choosing a good pair really matters. "Walking shoes should really be the shoe of choice for women when planning on commuting, hiking, or packing for a trip. Even when walking to the grocery store, a walking shoe should be worn to offer adequate grip and avoid injuries," she says. "Walking shoes offer enough stability and support for various walking surfaces, prevent multiple lower extremity injuries, and typically don’t wear out as fast as other shoes from heavy use."
Our top picks:
What to look for when shopping for the best walking shoes:
When shopping for walking shoes, Dr. Lobkova says it’s important to take into account the walking surface, average walking distance, and the climate. For instance, walking on concrete versus soil or sand requires different biomechanical support, Dr. Lobkova says. And in a warm climate, the optimal walking shoe will have a mesh or breathable upper, whereas a wet and cold climate needs a leather or Gore-Tex weather-proof upper.
"I see many women who work on their feet for many hours, for instance doctors, nurses, chefs, and painters. They have different requirements for shoes depending on work-related hazards," she says. But no matter their role, Dr. Lobkova says, they all benefit from a walking shoe that has these factors:
- A slightly elevated heel, so that there is reduced tension on the Achilles tendon
- A cushioned ball of the foot (instead of flat)
- Made of a material that is easily cleaned, so that the shoe won’t harbor bacteria and fungus
- Easily removable in case of emergencies
And while women’s walking shoes should be functional, there’s no reason they have to be unfashionable. Our roundup of the most comfortable walking shoes for women — with detailed recommendations from the pros — has attractive pairs you’ll really want to wear for every real-world scenario.
