Choosing a good shoe for walking will provide your feet with plenty of support to reduce pain and foot fatigue. There are so many different walking shoes available which often makes it hard to decide which option is best. When you’re shopping for the best walking shoes for women it’s important to compare the available options based on comfort, support, and durability. Walking shoes can suffer from wear and tear when used frequently so it’s important to choose a pair that’s made well.
Walking shoes should fit your feet well and have arch support to prevent blisters, pain, and long-term foot issues. The following information can help you choose shoes that will keep your feet comfortable while walking, working, and doing other activities. This list of the 7 best walking shoes for women includes shoes that are rated well among consumers and recommended by foot specialists.
Buyer’s Guide – The Best Walking Shoe for Women
Know Your Shoes
When choosing shoes for walking and other activities, it’s important to understand the main parts of the shoe. The Achilles tendon protector, located at the rear of the shoe, helps reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. The toe box, another important feature, is the space where your toes rest inside the shoe. The upper is the part of the shoe that holds the shoe onto your foot while the insole provides arch support. Some shoes include a cushioning midsole for added support. Lastly, the outsole is the part that touches the ground as you walk.
Support
Walking shoes should offer support for your arch and your entire foot, which is why the midsole and insole are important. Some walking shoes have removable insoles which allow you to add a more supportive option if you need it. The midsole of the shoe may be made of gel or memory foam. This adds to the supportive factor and helps reduce the impact as you walk. Consider your arch type when choosing a walking shoe to prevent pain and long-term foot problems.
Fit
Walking shoes come in different widths. It’s helpful to measure the width of your foot so you can purchase a shoe that fits snuggly without being too tight. The toe box should be roomy with a rounded shape to help prevent pain and calluses. The heel collar at the back of the shoe is designed to cushion the ankle and also helps with proper fit. The sizing of walking shoes can vary depending on the brand so you may need to size up or down for the perfect fit.
7 Best Walking Shoes for Women
1. Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk Slip-On Walking Shoe
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The Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk shoe has a convenient slip-on design. This shoe is available in women’s sizes 5 through 11 with wide options also available. This walking shoe is made from 100% synthetic and fabric material which makes it durable and designed to hold up to heavy-duty usage for walking whether for work or for leisure.
The shoe comes in several colors including some neutrals which is ideal for those looking for a professional and comfortable shoe for working on your feet all day. The lightweight Resalyte cushioning supports your arch and prevents pain.
This women’s walking shoe from Skechers is overall a good option if you’re looking for an affordable and comfortable shoe for everyday wear. The wide range of sizes and colors, along with the width options, means that nearly anyone can find an option that works based on your specific needs.
Pros
- lightweight design makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time
- come in a wide range of sizes and colors
- upper part of the shoe is made from a fabric that helps keep your feet cool and dry
Cons
- those with high arches may need to replace the insoles for maximum support
- the soles on these shoes may wear out quicker when compared to similarly designed walking shoes
2. Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers
This women’s walking shoe with a sock-like design is comfortable and affordable. These shoes have an upper made from mesh fabric which is breathable and stretchy to keep your foot cool and dry during all-day wear. These shoes are designed for standing, walking, working on your feet, and light exercise.
They’re also a good option for anyone looking for an everyday shoe that’s both stylish and functional. These shoes have a width between a medium and wide when compared to other brands. They come in several size options. The shoes feature a perforated arch for breathability and ventilation.
These walking shoes are flexible and comfortable to be worn all day for work or casual wear. They have a soft upper that moves with your foot. These shoes come in several sizes and are breathable to keep your feet cool.
Pros
- shoes are available in a wide range of colors
- sock-like design has a lightweight feel so you can move around easily
- the MD outsole provides adding cushioning
Cons
- not available in as many sizes as other shoes
- shoes run large so choosing the right size can be challenging
3. TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes
The TIOSEBON women’s walking shoe has an athletic design which makes it versatile and ideal for casual or professional wear. This shoe is also budget-friendly. They come in women’s sizes 5 through 13 with some half-size options. These shoes are made with a mesh material that helps keep your feet cool by promoting air circulation.
They feature a highly elastic MD outsole that provides traction on a variety of surfaces while still being flexible so you can move easily. The manufacturer of this shoe recommends to size up a half-size for wide feet.
This walking shoe from TIOSEBON is lightweight and comfortable which makes it a great work shoe for nurses or anyone on their feet all day. The shoes are breathable with a mesh upper that helps keep your feet cool. The outsole is slip-resistant and can easily be worn on most surfaces. These shoes can be worn year-round and work with or without socks.
Pros
- very lightweight for easy movement at work or at play
- shoes are extremely flexible to prevent foot fatigue
- come in a wide range of colors from neutrals to brights
Cons
- not many half sizes available
- don’t feature a wide toe box which can be challenging if you’re prone to getting callouses
4. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
These walking shoes from Skechers come in women’s sizes 5 through 13 with wide options available. The shoes have a synthetic sole that provides traction on most surfaces. These shoes feature the Skechers Goga Max high rebound insole to provide support for those with high, average, or low arches.
They are lightweight in the way they feel so you can easily wear them all day while working or doing other activities. The shaft of this shoe measures low-top from the arch. They are flexible to move easily with your feet as your walk.
These walking shoes from Skechers are comfortable and lightweight. They come in many sizes and colors. They have plenty of support for your arch and feature a breathable upper to keep your feet cool. These shoes are ideal for walking outdoors or for use by those who are on their feet all day.
Pros
- breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool
- soft fabric lining and padded collar are comfortable for all-day wear
- has responsive 5Gen cushioning for added support
Cons
- run wider than some other similar styles of shoes
- the upper part of the shoe may feel tight to some and require a break-in period before they feel comfortable
5. STQ Slip On Breathe Mesh Walking Shoes
The STQ slip-on walking shoes for women are made from breathable mesh to keep your feet cool all day. These shoes have a thick synthetic sole to provide support and traction on any surface. They are lightweight to make it easy to walk around for hours without pain or foot fatigue.
These shoes work well for casual use or for those who are on their feet all day for work. The upper part of the shoe is flexible and stretchy for a comfortable fit. These shoes come in several colors and are available in women’s sizes 5.5 through 10.
These walking shoes for women have a wide toebox to provide plenty of space to prevent pain and callouses. These shoes are made of lightweight materials with a breathable mesh fabric to keep your feet cool and comfortable. They can be worn all day during work or leisure to provide support and comfort.
Pros
- breathable mesh fabric helps keep your feet cool and dry
- slip-on design with elastic cuff makes it easy to put these shoes on and also keeps them secure on your feet
- PU outsole features air cushioning for added support
Cons
- don’t have as wide of a size range as other similarly styled walking shoes
- may not provide enough arch support for those with high arches
6. Vionic Women’s Walker
This women’s walking shoe from Vionic has a traditional design to resemble an athletic shoe. They come in sizes 5 through 13 with wide options available. These shoes have a rubber sole to provide traction on all surfaces. They can be used for exercise, working, or everyday use.
The footbed has been designed by a podiatrist to provide stability and support for all types of activities. The upper part of the shoe is made of leather or suede, depending on the style and color you choose, which makes them durable and long-lasting.
This walking shoe from Vionic has been designed by podiatrists to provide comfort and support during all-day wear. The shoe is constructed of durable materials is designed to provide excellent arch support. These shoes come in a wide range of sizes and colors which makes them great for personal or professional use. They received the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance based on their design, comfort, and level of support.
Pros
- include Active Motion System technology to help with gait efficiency
- come with a builtin .5″ elevation for a smooth heel to toe strike zone
- available in many colors
Cons
- may be higher priced than some of the other walking shoes
- toe box area may not be roomy enough for some people
7. Saucony Women’s ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe
The Saucony Women’s ProGrid Integrity ST2 walking shoe comes in 3 colors. This shoe features a rubber sole with plenty of traction on most surfaces. The shaft of the shoe measures low-top from the arch. The upper part of the shoe is made from 100% full-grain leather for durability.
The shoe has a non-marking outsole with Walk-Trac comfort technology to keep your feet comfortable during all-day wear. These shoes work well for walking indoors or outdoors and are a good option for medical professionals and others who are on their feet all day.
This walking shoe from Saucony is available in women’s sizes 5 through 12 with wide and narrow choices also available. The non-marking outsole provides traction and stability for walking throughout the day. The shoe can be used for walking outdoors for leisure or for professional use.
Pros
– includes a padded tongue and collar for added comfort
– features an offset of 12mm which is standard in most athletic shoes
– the forefoot stretch zone is more forgiving and ideal for those who suffer from foot pain
Cons
– this shoe is heavier in look and feel when compared to many other styles of walking shoe
– those with sensitive arches may need to add a more supportive insole
A good pair of walking shoes is essential if you walk a lot for leisure or for work. Shoes that are designed for walking are made with extra support and other features that keep your feet comfortable all day. Some walking shoes are designed by podiatrists and other footcare professionals to ergonomically fit your feet to prevent pain and fatigue.
Well-made walking shoes for women should have good arch support and fit the foot like a glove to prevent rubbing or chaffing. It’s important to compare walking shoes when choosing the best pair for your foot. These shoes can be pricey but they are usually worth it as they prevent foot issues in the future.
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