It can be a challenge for women who are on the move to find the best walking shoes for their own feet, budgets, and comfort preferences. Women today are living a variety of lifestyles; we know you want to look good as well as feel good while out walking. Whether you are working on your feet all day, taking a leisurely stroll, or looking to be comfortable while running errands, you want to find the best walking shoe for your personal needs. While it’s helpful to know what walking shoes are best overall, women have unique needs that deserve to be met.
Comfort is crucial, there are still a lot of things that women cannot control, but with the help of the ACTIVE Reviews Team, you can control the women’s walking shoes you wear and make sure that you have a match made in heaven so you can stay happy while on the move.
Not every woman has the same foot shape or activity patterns, and the ACTIVE Reviews Team wants to make sure that everyone from the flat-footed runner to the wide-footed mom on the go has exactly what they need.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE.com’s Reviews Team is made up of fitness and wellness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a health enthusiast. Wellness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Walking Shoes for Women - Our Top Picks
By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
- Best Overall Walking Shoes for Women: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
- Best Walking Shoes for Women Walking All Day: Lululemon Chargefeel Shoes
- Best Everyday Walking Shoes for Women: adidas Supernova+
- Best Slip-on Walking Shoes for Women: Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 Slip-ins
- Best Walking Shoes for Women With Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Atom
- Best Walking Shoes for Women With Narrow Feet: Salomon Spectur
- Best Walking Shoes for Women for Travel: Triumph 19
- Best Walking Shoes for Women With Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam Roav
- Best Walking Shoes for Women with High Arches: Reebok Walkawhile Women's Shoes
- Best Budget Walking Shoes for Women: Women's UA Surge 3 Running Shoes
Best Overall Walking Shoes for Women - Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
SPECS
- Weight: 8.28 oz.
- Cushioning: Bouncy React foam
- Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: Rubber outsole, engineered mesh upper
- Available width: Regular
- Closure: Lace
Some women love what they know, and most women know Nike. If you have been a Nike fan all your life and want to stick with this iconic brand when choosing the best walking shoe for your needs, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 will surely suit your fancy. So why are the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Shoes the best overall? They have listened to the reviewer's concerns and added a bit of extra space to the toe box so that your feet remain pain-free as the miles add up. Although there is more wiggle room in the toe box, a cage of webbing around the midfoot has also been added to make sure your feet feel secure.
Nike has really outdone itself with this shoe, providing women everywhere with a versatile ride that makes walking more comfortable while not slacking on appearance. These shoes come in a variety of colors, from bright and out there to sleek and neutral. Whether you are a woman who wants to stick out or blend in, you will find the perfect color combination in this low-profile shoe.
What We Like
- Slightly wider toe box
- Many colors
- Premium cushioning
- Durable
What We Don't Like
- May need to go up a half size
- Laces come untied
- Lack of arch support
Best Walking Shoes for Women Walking All Day - Lululemon Chargefeel Workout Shoes
SPECS
- Weight: 9.4 oz. (size 7)
- Cushioning: Dual-density
- Heel-to-toe drop: 9mm
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: Mesh upper, rubber sole
- Available width: Regular
- Closure: Lace
Lululemon is a very popular women’s fitness brand; you will often hear women raving about their leggings. They make women’s comfort and appearance a priority and that is apparent with the design of their Chargefeel shoe. With a midfoot frame that provides a level of support that’s appropriate for walking, this shoe offers a pressure-mapped outsole that gives you quality traction and flexibility. The midsole is springy enough for running but also super effective for the everyday walking needs of a woman.
One of the best qualities of this shoe is the stretch, it will keep your foot in place but doesn’t make you feel constricted. The stretchy material also allows your foot to breathe. This shoe is specifically designed for the female foot shape. Comfort should be a nonissue with the Lululemon Chargefee—it’s meant to move with you. The nine-millimeter heel-to-toe transition makes this shoe very neutral and a great match for most foot types.
What We Like
- Flexible
- Bouncy cushioning
- Multi-functional
- Free 30-day trial when purchased from Lululemon
What We Don't Like
- Not available in wide sizes
- Mesh-like upper makes the shoe less durable
- Higher-end price
BUY: Lululemon Chargefeel Shoes
Best Everyday Walking Shoes for Women - adidas Supernova+
SPECS
- Weight: 9.8 oz. (size 7.5)
- Cushioning: Bounce
- Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: Rubber outsole, mesh upper
- Available width: Regular
- Closure: Lace
When you are spending time on your feet every day, it’s important to look and feel good. It can be hard to find a shoe that delivers both style and comfort, but the adidas Supernova+ for women really has it all. This shoe is stylish with a generally neutral color scheme that has just the right amount of color trickled in. These shoes will carry you through a busy day without making you think about wanting to kick your shoes off. They are made from recycled materials and constructed in a way that gives your foot a little bounce, so you have more energy return and all the comfort.
The upper part of this shoe is made of a mesh material that will keep your foot in place without putting unnecessary pressure on it. You will feel extra productive when you are walking around checking things off your to-do list in these efficient sneakers. The adidas Supernova+ has a heel-to-toe drop that is suitable for someone who wants to use the shoe specifically for everyday walking.
What We Like
- BOOST heel and forefoot
- Bouncy cushioning
- Eco-friendly! Made from 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester
- Neutral color option
What We Don't Like
- Limited color options
- Available color easily stainable
BUY: adidas Supernova+
Best Slip-On Walking Shoes for Women - Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 Slip-ins
SPECS
- Weight: Not available
- Cushioning: Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam®
- Heel-to-toe drop: Not available
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: Stretch Fit® engineered knit upper
- Available width: Medium and wide
- Closure: Lace
If you have ever struggled with bending over to get your shoes on, the Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 Slip-ins are a great shoe for you. Women come in a variety of abled bodies; a task as seemingly simple as putting on shoes can be challenging for women of all ages for many reasons. This shoe allows you to slip in and out easily without causing any physical struggle so that you can get moving and stay moving.
Skechers created a hands-free shoe with extra heel comfort and an air-cooled insole so that women everywhere and of all needs and abilities can have the kind of comfort that suits their souls. Women who have reviewed these shoes rave about their desire for owning multiple pairs of them. They love the simple style and easy in-and-out feature. Some women are pleased to admit they even feel comfortable going sockless in this shoe due to the Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam® technology.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Machine washable
- Hands-free
- Stretch fit
- Vegan
What We Don't Like
- 1.25" heel may not be suitable for all people
- Limited details about weight and heel-to-toe drop
- Not slip-resistant
BUY: Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 Slip-ins
Best Walking Shoes for Women with Plantar Fasciitis - Kuru Atom
SPECS
- Weight: 10.6 oz. (size 8)
- Cushioning: KURUSOLE
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm for better pressure distribution from heel to forefoot
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: Synthetic upper, synthetic linings, KURUCLOUD EVA midsole, non-marking rubber outsole
- Available width: Medium and wide
- Closure: Lace
Kuru footwear is not one of the mainstream walking or running shoe brands, but that does not make their shoes any less awesome. Kuru developed the ATOM women’s athletic sneaker to suit women who want to walk with ease and then jump into a workout if they feel so inclined. This sneaker is made up of the KURUSOLE heel-hugging comfort as well as the thickest KURUCLOUD midsole around. If you walk with too much spring in your step, you just may end up feeling like you’re flying.
The extra comfort measures and structure of this shoe make it a great option for women with plantar fasciitis. If you make this your walking shoe, you will not have to worry about it degrading over time. The shoe does have a slimmer forefoot but has generous room compared to other models. Exceptional arch support will be helpful in keeping your plantar fasciitis flare-ups at bay.
What We Like
- Many colors
- Pain-free for people with plantar fasciitis and other foot issues
- Improved alignment and posture
- Slip-on and go
- Airy and light mesh
What We Don't Like
- Slick laces that may come untied
- High price point
BUY: Kuru Atom
Best Walking Shoes for Women with Narrow Feet - Salomon Spectur
SPECS
- Weight: 9.1 oz.
- Cushioning: EVA and Olefin
- Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: Rubber outsole, engineered mesh upper
- Available width: Regular
- Closure: Lace
Women with narrow feet may struggle to find a shoe that feels comfortable and secure. It is important to feel that your foot can breathe within your shoe but also that it is going to stay put if you step wrong. While women most often complain about wide feet, women who have narrow feet need great fitting shoes as well and may struggle to find them.
Look no further, narrow footed friends! Salomon has created this super lightweight shoe with a slim fit just for you. Still, while the shoe is slim fitting and has a decent amount of cushioning, its minimal design is not ideal for logging many miles. Enjoy these sleek stylish shoes intermittently rather than wearing them for daily long walks or airport travel treks.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Resilient and soft foam
- Delivers smooth foot strike
- Unique color combinations
- Molded sock liner
What We Don't Like
- Bulky look
- Not meant for everyday wear
BUY: Salomon Spectur
Best Walking Shoes for Women for Travel - Triumph 19
SPECS
- Weight: 9.1 oz.
- Cushioning: PWRRUN+
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: Durable XT-900 outsole, mono-mesh upper
- Available width: Regular and wide
- Closure: Lace
The Saucony Triumph 19 was made for women on the go! If you are hustling through the airport to make your next flight or traveling by foot around a new city, trying new foods and seeing new sights, this shoe has your back. Saucony created the Triumph 19 using an ultra-plush bed of PWRRUN+ cushioning so that you will feel like you are walking on clouds as you explore new places. The great thing is that even though these shoes offer tons of cushioning, they are still super lightweight so they will not weigh down your baggage or take up too much space if you need to pack them away.
Traveling women deserve to be comfortable while still looking great, and this sleek shoe allows for that with many color options. Whether you want them to stand out or blend in, there is a perfect color match for you. Run through the airport, explore the city by foot, and then jump into a workout—these shoes allow you endless activity possibilities.
What We Like
- Many color options
- Lighter footprint: contains recycled materials
- Multi-functional
- Neutral shoe
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- May need to size up
BUY: Triumph 19
Best Walking Shoes for Women With Wide Feet - New Balance Fresh Foam Roav
SPECS
- Weight: 8.7 oz.
- Cushioning: Fresh Foam
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: NDurance rubber outsole, synthetic/mesh upper
- Available width: Standard and wide
- Closure: Lace
This super stylish shoe is great for women with wide feet who want to get their walk-on without worrying about cramped toes or ingrown toenails. New Balance has created the Fresh Foam Roav to support a wider foot. This shoe offers a bootie-like upper construction that keeps your foot in place without feeling suffocated. If you are a woman looking for a breathable walking shoe with room for your toes to kick back and relax, this shoe just might do the trick.
Not only is the shoe lightweight and ultra-cushioned, but it is also advertised as being durable in high-wear areas. Wide-footed women are no strangers to having toe ear holes in the edges of their shoes, so keep your toes safe and sound inside a shoe that is sure not to wear down. The Fresh Roam Roav also comes in a fun look with a T-shirt-inspired lace and heel with a variety of colors available for all fashion needs.
What We Like
- Very affordable
- Many colors
- Supportive fit
- Durable
What We Don't Like
- Hard to slip into
- Runs small
- Lack of arch support
BUY: New Balance Fresh Foam Roav
Best Walking Shoes for Women With High Arches - Reebok Walkawhile Women's Shoes
SPECS
- Weight: N/A
- Cushioning: EVA
- Heel-to-toe drop: N/A
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: EVA outsole, knit textile upper
- Available width: Regular
- Closure: Lace
Women with high arches understand the importance of having a properly fitted shoe. It’s important to choose a women’s walking shoe that can support your high arch properly so that you do not experience pain or permanent foot damage. While there are various treatments that can be used to keep high arched feet healthy, one of the most basic things you can do is choose the right shoe for walking. The Reebok Walkawhile is designed to keep your foot comfortable all day. If you long to feel like you are bouncing on clouds with every step, these shoes are a surefire fit.
You can find your foot sitting snug and secure thanks to the knit upper structure while also feeling cozy and cloudlike courtesy of the cushy EVA midsole. While these shoes may be ideal for high arches due to their specific structure, some users reported the need for additional insoles to get the perfect amount of support. Additional users reported that they felt the shoe did not mold well to their foot.
What We Like
- Very affordable
- Many colors
- Supportive fit
- Slip-on
What We Don't Like
- More minimal shoe
- Some users report lack of cushion
- Hard to break-in
BUY: Reebok Walkawhile Women's Shoes
Best Budget Walking Shoes for Women - Women's UA Surge 3 Running Shoes
SPECS
- Weight: 7.02 oz.
- Cushioning: EVA
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: Rubber outsole, breathable mesh upper
- Available width: Regular
- Closure: Lace
Not all shoes are budget-friendly, and while a higher price tag might mean a different quality of shoe, it does not mean that a lower-priced shoe won’t get the job done. If you are a woman on a budget and on a mission to find a great budget-friendly shoe that will keep both your wallet and your feet happy, the UA Surge 3 Running shoes present an affordable option. This shoe may not have a lot of bells and whistles, but it knows the job and can get it done. The UA Surge 3s won’t weigh down your feet or your wallet. Some users report that while they have less cushioning than expected, they still provide a good amount of comfort for being so affordable.
What We Like
- Enhanced cushioning around ankle
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Responsive
What We Don't Like
- Limited color options
- Runs small
BUY: Women's UA Surge 3 Running Shoes
What to Consider When Shopping for New Women’s Walking Shoes
Many women are concerned with the look or style of a shoe when they choose a walking shoe since it is something they will likely be wearing a lot. While styling is important, it is equally, if not more, important to make sure that the walking shoe you choose fits your lifestyle and your feet. There are a variety of qualities a shoe possesses that can help to determine if it is the best match for your foot.
Fit
Wearing a pair of properly fitting walking shoes is key when it comes to avoiding injury, discomfort, and annoyances like blisters and ingrown toenails. A good fitting shoe should allow you to spread your toes out while still holding your heel in place so that your feet do not slide around within the shoe. While your shoes should fit securely, they should not cause any tingling sensations or aching in the arches or tops of your feet. Women’s feet are structured differently from men’s and they move a bit differently as well. Women tend to have a narrower heel compared to their forefoot, and in general their feet tend to be narrower than a man’s. Most foot disorders and pains are caused by improperly fitting footwear. If a man and woman have major differences in their feet, imagine the minor differences from one woman’s foot to another.
Cushioning
In order to walk comfortably in your shoes, you need the right amount of cushioning. When walking, you engage in a very repetitive motion. Your foot presses against the ground below you, and a force is sent into your upper body. When you put the right amount of cushion under your foot, the rest of your body feels the force less, which puts less strain on the parts of your body that many of us worry about, such as our knees and hips. No matter what your lifestyle is like, women should have walking shoes that don’t cause aching knees and hips so that we can stay on the move and enjoy life.
Support
The amount of support that your shoes provide is equally as important as the amount of cushion. If your shoes do not support your feet properly, you may change the way you walk compared to your normal gait, which can lead to seemingly unexplained aches and pains throughout your body. The arch of the foot supports the weight of your body while standing. It also plays a role in propelling your body forward when walking. Most importantly, the arch of the foot absorbs the impact of the foot hitting the ground. It is important to consider the shape of your arch and the level of support it needs as this can vary from one woman to another.
Materials
What a shoe is made up of can make a huge difference to the person wearing it. While some people may prefer a shoe with a thin and seemingly stretchy feel, others may like something that is more durable and protective. Shoes are made up of a variety of materials like foam, rubber, plastic, textiles, and synthetics based on the purpose of the shoes; for example, a ballet shoe and a running shoe will be made of different materials because the needs of the person wearing them are much different.
Materials vary in appearance, weight, and durability. In walking shoes, you will often see materials like canvas, nylon, and lycra being used for the majority of the shoe. Canvas materials can be washed, but they usually do not keep their shape very well. Nylon materials are great for making shoes that are both lightweight and durable. Lycra is often used in athletic shoes because it is stretchy and comfortable yet durable.
FAQs About Women’s Walking Shoes
How long do women’s walking shoes last?
How long a women’s walking shoe lasts can vary from one brand and one woman to another. The answer is very dependent on the individual and the shoe that you choose. Generally, it is recommended that you replace your shoes every 300 to 500 miles. If you use a fitness-tracking watch, you may be able to look at your step data and estimate when it’s time to buy a new pair. It is most important to stay in tune with your body, if you are getting new aches and pains in your lower body, take a minute to examine your shoe to see if the tread looks very worn down or if the midsole lacks the spring it had when you first purchased it.
Are walking shoes worth it?
If you are a woman on the move, it is important to have a shoe that fits well and supports your foot. If you spend a lot of time walking and have poorly fitted or cushioned shoes, you may pay a greater price than you would ever guess. While splurging on a more expensive shoe may not be ideal, avoiding chronic foot or lower extremity pain that may eventually require medical treatment makes walking shoes worth it.
How do you clean walking shoes?
When considering how to clean your walking shoes, pay close attention to the instructions specific to those shoes. Different shoes may tolerate different cleaning methods. While some shoes allow for machine washing, others may need to be spot treated with gentle soaps and brushes. Before cleaning your shoes, no matter the method you choose, you should remove the insoles. You can wipe them down with a washcloth that has been soaked in a mixture of one cup of warm water and one tablespoon of baking soda. That will help to neutralize any foul odor and remove unwanted debris. You can set aside the insoles to air dry and then wash the main part of the shoes in a tub of warm water or by spraying them down with a hose. Some knitted shoes may be more suitable for washing with soaps, while shoes made up of more plastic-like materials may need to be rinsed or wiped down only.
About the Author
Amber holds an MS in Social Psychology and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. Her background in psychology combined with her experience in lifestyle change and her own personal fitness transformation keeps her excited about interacting with other people who want to learn more about health and fitness.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article