Studies show1 that one in five people experience regular foot pain, aching, or stiffness, and most of those people are women. So whether you’re supporting your longevity with daily “hot girl” walks or have an active job with long hours on your feet, this expert-advised list of the best walking shoes for women will keep your feet comfortable and your body happy. “Whether it is a soft or hard surface will determine which shoe gear is best for standing all day,” says Weiser. For hard floors, Weiser recommends always wearing shoes—not going barefoot—and adds that your shoes should have a cushioned insole to prevent heel pain. “Cushioning throughout the shoe is important not only for the heel portion of the shoe but also for the sole and midfoot,” he adds. While having the right shoes plays a large role in keeping your joints and your body healthy, it’s still important to pay attention to the full picture. “Don’t depend on your shoes to do it all,” Weiser says. He recommends incorporating stretching into your routine to increase flexibility and maintain core strength, which he says is essential for back health (since your back is part of your core). If you’ve reviewed this list and are having trouble choosing the best walking shoe for you, consider your foot type and needs. For instance, if you have flat feet, wide feet, or other specific conditions, choose the pick that will provide you with the most support and comfort. What Customers Say: This shoe has a ton of dedicated customers, and one reviewer writes, “Supportive—great for a neutral walker. Wider toe box for those of us with box-like feet. I’m on my 5th pair and plan to order another soon.” Others rave about the shoe’s breathability and the way it holds up over time (and miles). What Customers Say: Some reviewers note that the toe box is a bit smaller than they’d prefer, but the reviews for this shoe are mostly positive. One satisfied shopper says, “Great shoes at a reasonable price. Good support. My fantastic physical therapist says they are great and wrote down the model number to recommend to his patients. Besides all that, they look really good!” The slip-on shoe is flexible and lightweight—yet it doesn’t sacrifice comfort or style. The design boasts a breathable mesh upper (for plenty of airflow), a cushioned sole (for much-needed comfort), and traction support on the bottom (for smoother walks). Another great shoe for walking, it’s also made from vegan materials and is machine washable. What customers say: One shopper says, “They’re easy to slip on which is really important for me. One knee replacement and 2 hip replacements help me to walk comfortably, but it’s still sometimes difficult to pull shoes on… They are lightweight but sturdy and provide decent support. I am on my feet about 5 hours working on a cement floor and have no pain when I’m done.” It also features a stable heel counter for more rearfoot support, and is equipped with cushioning in the midsole to reduce shock during impact and toe-off phases. Designed specifically for those with neutral or overpronation, this lightweight shoe won’t slow you down while still keeping your gait smooth. What Customers Say: Walkers and runners alike are loyal to the Gel Kayano. “These shoes are so comfortable with great arch support and a pillow-like cushion for the heel. I’ve struggled with foot pain, and these ease that pain,” one reviewer says. Others love that the cushioned base helps support their feet through long days of standing at work and that this shoe easily accommodates their orthotics. But the real standout of this sneaker is the shape; it’s specifically designed for a woman’s foot, with a roomier toe and more narrow heel. This follows Weiser’s suggestion to “choose a shoe that is comfortable and can accommodate natural splaying” and allows for “a quick, pain-free insertion of your foot.” What Customers Say: One shopper says, “As a person with flat feet and ankles that pronate, I find this shoe has the perfect support, perfect toe room, and the support pods on the sole are absolutely the perfect support.” A few others mention that these do not hold up well over time and are not the best for longer walks. What Customers Say: With over 1,500 five-star ratings, this shoe gets a lot of love. One grateful shopper says, “I have worked on my feet for 50 years. I have hammer toes, plantar fasciitis, and bunions. These shoes feel like clouds on my feet! Lightweight, great support. I wish I’d had these fabulous shoes years ago!!” What Customers Say: People with high arches love this shoe. One reviewer writes, “I have a very high arch and always have to add more support to accommodate it. The Pace is the best shoe l have found for this issue.” Another adds, “These have to be one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve purchased. I wear them daily for work. Very supportive in both the arch and heel. Very good toe space. True to size. There is nothing I dislike about them at all.” On the other hand, a few negative reviews mention that the footbed is too narrow and that the shoe does not hold up over time. What Customers Say: While some say this shoe is too narrow for them, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. One shopper with back problems and plantar fasciitis says, “These shoes help me walk and limit pain. I swear by them. Great support. Expensive but worth it.” Another raves, “This is my sixth pair, and I will not wear anything else. I’m 64 years old with bunions and tired feet, and these are so comfortable with a nice wide toe box.” What Customers Say: There are over 5,000 reviews for this shoe on the Vessi website, and they have an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5. Negative reviews mention that this shoe runs a bit large and wide and that they are difficult to put on and take off, but the majority of shoppers are pleased. One writes, “I really like that they’ve got good grip on the bottoms, and they’re very comfy. I have planter fasciitis, and these shoes prevent sore feet. They’re a great investment, and I’d buy them again!” But what really sets this shoe apart is its signature speed-lacing system, which eliminates the need to tie (or re-tie) your laces—although if you’d prefer a more classic shoelace, you’ll find that option in the box as well. What Customers Say: Some reviewers say they wish these shoes offered more support and comfort during long wears, but others are pleased with how they hold up during everyday use. One says, “I have severely arthritic damaged feet, and these shoes are so comfortable on my feet and allow me to walk with minimal pain.”
