Physical activity can be instrumental in improving brain health, managing weight and reducing disease risk, according to the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention. If you’re not a fan of running, find strength training intimidating or don’t want to invest in a gym membership, you may want to consider going on regular walks. It’s often overlooked as a workout, but walking is one of the best types of exercise you can do. And all you need is a reliable pair of walking shoes.
I consulted podiatrists about what to look for when shopping for the best women’s walking shoes. I also rounded up a handful of expert picks and NBC Select staff recommendations.
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While shopping for women’s walking shoes, experts recommend keeping the following in mind:
To recommend the best women’s walking shoes, I asked podiatrists to share their favorite options and rounded up NBC Select staff picks. Below, I note which sneakers have the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance — shoes earn this stamp of approval after they’re reviewed by a group of APMA podiatrists who find them to promote good foot health. All of the sneakers on this list are available in half and whole sizes.
Many of the shoes I recommend are available in a variety styles, so if you’re looking for something specific, like a certain color or pattern, browse the full selections online. Also, remember that you’ll need to break in any shoes you buy before wearing them across long distances or for long periods of time, says Wynes. He recommends breaking in your shoes by wearing them for a couple hours a day for about a week.
“These are the most comfortable walking shoes I’ve tried and they make me feel like I’m walking on clouds,” says Rebecca Rodriguez, NBC Select editorial projects manager.
The plush support allows Bianca Alvarez, NBC Select associate reporter, to walk for an extended period of time without experiencing foot pain, and even after hours of wear, she says the sneakers don’t feel tight. The shoes are made with thick foam cushioning, and they’re bouncy — Nikki Brown, NBC Select SEO editor, compared the feel to mini trampolines or bed springs. Nike’s Motiva shoes also have a wavy-patterned outsole that helps them absorb the impact of your steps and grip the ground, according to the brand. Plus, their rocker shape propels you forward while walking.
Material: not specified | Weight: 8.95 oz. | Heel drop: 12 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: standard
What we like
Something to note
Cunha recommends Hoka’s Bondi sneaker for its maximum cushioning and breathability. The midsole is made from an even layer of soft, lightweight foam, which helps diffuse impact across the feet while walking and gives the shoe its minimal heel drop. The sneaker also has an internal heel counter, a piece of supportive material in the back that stabilizes the heel and reduces your risk of getting blisters, experts say. Beyond walking, Shvets recommends highly cushioned Hoka sneakers like these for anyone whose job requires them to stand for long periods of time, like nurses and teachers.
Material: mesh and polyester | Weight: 9.30 oz. | Heel drop: 5 mm. | Sizes: 4 to 12 | Widths: standard, wide, extra wide
What we like
Something to note
It’s rare that I find a sneaker I like walking in just as much as I like running in. But this pair from New Balance is cushioned and comfortable enough to support me across both types of exercise. They feel soft under my feet, are slightly springy and have plush foam that protects my joints, as well as absorbs impact. The shoes’ curved outsole also lets me easily roll through strides, especially when I’m speed walking or jogging. Anyone can wear these sneakers, but Shvets specifically recommends them to her elderly clients because they have a rounded toe and grippy rubber bottom that helps prevent falls. She also likes that the insole is removable, so you can add custom orthotics if needed.
Material: synthetic | Weight: 8.4 oz. | Heel drop: 6 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: standard, narrow, wide, extra wide
What we like
I’ve been a fan of Brooks’ Glycerin sneakers for years and can rely on them whether I’m walking three or 10 miles. Their bouncy, nitrogen-infused foam keeps my feet comfortable for hours, and while the cushioning is on the softer side, I never feel like I’m sinking into it. There’s noticeably more cushioning in the shoe’s heel rather than its forefoot and toe, which is why it has a higher heel drop of 10 mm — I don’t mind the feeling this creates, and I appreciate that there’s more shock absorption in the heel since that’s where your foot hits the ground first while walking. Even when my feet swell in the heat or across long distances, the shoe’s upper never makes them feel squeezed or restricted due to the breathable material it’s made with. I also like the stabilizing broad base of the Glycerin 22s.
Material: mesh | Weight: 9.1 oz. | Heel drop: 10 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: standard, wide, extra wide
What we like
Something to note
“I always recommend these shoes because they deliver a soft heel strike and take some stress off the feet,” says Cunha. They have high sidewalls and a broad platform, which stabilizes your feet and encourages them to roll through each stride, thus reducing fatigue and preventing injury, according to the brand. The sneakers are made with soft, lightweight cushioning throughout, giving you rebound with each step. They also have a padded heel collar to help secure your feet in place while walking.
Material: leather and mesh | Weight: 8.6 oz. | Heel drop: 6 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: standard, wide, extra wide
What we like
Something to note
Ryka’s lace-up sneakers are one of the lower priced options on this list, and they don’t compromise on quality. “I’ve never had dedicated walking shoes before, and this pair showed me just how much of a difference they can make,” says Select social media editor Sadhana Daruvuri, who wears them while walking her dog, in the park or around New York City to run errands. “Even when I’m in them for hours, my feet still feel cushioned and comfortable.” The shoes are specifically designed around the shape of women’s feet, so Ryka gave them a narrower heel, a roomy toe box and soft cushioning in the midsole. They also have a grippy rubber outsole, arch support built into the insole and extra cushioning in the forefoot and heel. Ashley Morris, NBC Select associate SEO reporter, says they soften her landings, too. “These sneakers absorb the shock from my steps really well, which is important to me since I deal with shin splints that can be irritated from too much pressure,” she says.
Material: mesh | Weight: 8.70 oz. | Heel drop: 10 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: standard, wide
What we like
Cunha recommends these walking shoes for women who tend to overpronate, meaning their ankles or arches roll inward. A supportive stability shoe like this one helps counteract some of that pronation, and it’s extra padded, which adds shock control, he says. The shoe has a light, springy feel, according to the brand, a cushioned insole and a rubber outsole.
Material: synthetic leather | Weight: 10.30 oz. | Heel drop: 8 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: standard, narrow, wide, extra wide
What we like
Something to note
On’s Cloudeasy walking shoes have become a staple in my closet ever since the brand sent me them. They’re so lightweight that I practically forget I’m wearing them, and while they don’t have a thick layer of cushioning, their foam midsole keeps my feet comfortable while I’m walking four or five miles at a time. The shoes have laces but they’re easy to slip on and off my feet thanks to the sock-like upper and built-in tabs on the back of the shoe.
Material: recycled polyester knit | Weight: 7.58 oz. | Heel drop: 8 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Widths: standard
What we like
On’s Cloud 5 walking shoes are a favorite of Cunha’s for their ability to absorb impact and cushion landings. This makes them a great shoe for high-performance walkers and those who alternate with a run once in a while. The sneakers come in two styles: one with a waterproof exterior and one without. The waterproof model is ideal for walkers who live in wet climates or tend to walk on trails that may have puddles or streams. The On Cloud 5s also have a molded heel cup that stabilizes feet, and they come with elastic laces so there’s no need to tie them.
Material: polyester with waterproof covering | Weight: 8.01 oz. | Heel drop: 8 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Widths: standard
What we like
Something to note
NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider has worn Asics for over five years and out of all the styles she’s tried, the brand’s Gel-Saiun model is her favorite. “As someone with a wide foot, space is really important to me. These have enough room in the toe box and lace area where my feet never feel constricted or like they don’t have enough room to swell or expand in the heat or while I’m working out,” she says “I’ve probably walked 200,000 steps in these shoes and they still feel great.” The sneakers are best for those with neutral and high arches, according to the brand.
Material: mesh | Weight: not specified | Heel drop: not specified | Sizes: 5 to 13 | Widths: standard
What we like
Not all walking shoes are particularly stylish, but the UA Apparition Shoes check the fashion and function boxes. “These get the job done in terms of cushioning and support. I recently wore them on a day where I ended up walking upward of 15,000 steps and felt comfortable,” says Schneider. “I specifically love the on-trend silhouette and color scheme — you can wear them with leggings or a baggy jean and still feel good about your outfit.” The sneakers have a soft sock liner, responsive cushioning and grippy, durable rubber outsole.
Material: mesh and leather | Weight: 13 oz. | Heel drop: 7 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 14.5 | Widths: standard
What we like
“When I worked at Orangetheory, I noticed that all my coworkers, trainers and members were wearing these shoes.
Finally, after getting my own pair, I understood the hype,” says Alvarez. “I love using them to walk on the treadmill or outside, and I also use them for HIIT classes, running and lifting. They’re cushioned enough to get me through cardio, but keep me stable while training.” The sneakers have a rubber outsole and a form-fitting, sock-like upper, making them easy to slip on your feet thanks to the built-in heel loop. There’s lightweight, soft, dense cushioning in the shoe’s midsole, and you can remove its insole.
Material: knit | Weight: 10.6 oz. | Heel drop: 10 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Widths: standard
What we like
Something to note
Alvarez bought Adidas’ Ultraboost sneakers during her freshman year of college when she had to walk from one side of Pennsylvania State University to the other almost daily, which took her over 20 minutes. “These sneakers saved my life during college, and five years later they continue to do just that,” she says. “They’re still a constant in my shoe rotation, have remained intact and are just as comfortable as they were when I first got them. They’re definitely worth the high price point.” The sneakers have a molded heel counter, a rubber outsole and a plush feel.
Material: knit | Weight: not specified | Heel drop: not specified | Sizes: 4.5 to 12 | Widths: standard
What we like
The Transport is one of our favorite Hoka walking shoes, and rather than wearing a pair to exercise, Rodriguez says they’re best for commuting, running errands or walking around her neighborhood. “These sneakers are so convenient to pull on and go since they have a toggle lace closure rather than traditional laces that you tie,” she says. “They offer so much comfort and support, so I can walk in them all day without my feet feeling tired or sore.” The shoes have a firmer feel and a thick, durable rubber outsole with pronounced treads, giving you extra traction in slippery weather conditions or on uneven terrain like trails. There’s reflective details on the Transport’s upper, which is coated in a water-repellent coating.
Material: nylon and polyester | Weight: 9.10 oz. | Heel drop: 5 mm. | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Widths: standard, wide
Your arch determines the direction and severity of the way your foot rolls or pronates. “You can identify your [foot type] by paying attention to which part of your foot hits the ground first,” says Shvets. She recommends looking at the soles of a well-worn pair of sneakers to see where they’re worn out, as this will indicate where you’re making most of your impact and tell you whether your foot type is a pronator, supinator or neutral. Below is a more detailed description of the three types of feet.
Pronating is a natural, normal movement of the feet, and it occurs when your ankles or arches roll or tip slightly inward. But if your feet roll too far inward, you’re overpronating. This gait can cause flat feet, which is when there’s little to no arch in the feet. Some people are born with flat feet, but other times it’s a result of an injury to the ligaments or tendons, causing the arch to collapse. Those who are pronators and have flat feet will see worn tread in the middle of the heel and toward the inner edge of the heel, experts told us. A shoe with a supportive sole and a firm but cushioned insole is best for overpronators, says Cunha.
When your weight rolls to the outer edges of your feet, you are supinating. Supinators will see a worn tread on the outer edge of the heel and should look for added cushioning at the heels, experts say.
If your foot lands on your heel and rolls forward during your stride, evenly distributing impact across the forefoot, you have a neutral gait. Those with a neutral gait will see the most wear at the heel, as well as below the first and second toe.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I’m a reporter at NBC Select who covers fitness, including stories on running shoes, training shoes, yoga accessories and pilates equipment. For this article, I interviewed three experts about women’s walking shoes and rounded up expert picks and NBC Select staff recommendations.
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