The 13 Best Walking Shoes for Women of 2024, Tested

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Weight: 8.7 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Closure: Lace-up | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for fitness walkers or women who are on their feet for most of the day.

Why We Love Them

An impressive, lightweight, durable, and supportive shoe, Ryka’s Devotion X Walking Shoe is a clear choice for our top pick. During our testing, one feature that really stood out was the shoe’s responsiveness. It feels springy and provides excellent energy return, allowing smooth strides and easy transitions. The inside of the shoe is super soft, making for an especially comfortable fit. We also noticed that the midsole offers solid arch support without feeling overly stiff.

During testing, we appreciated the spacious toe box, which allowed for enough room for our toes to splay. The shoe also comes in wide sizes if you need even more room. Despite the wide forefoot, the rear of the shoe offers a snug fit, preventing unwanted slipping. The soft mesh upper promotes good ventilation, so we had no issues with overheated or sweaty feet or blisters. A great value for the price, the Devotion X is a pleasure to walk in and makes long walks enjoyable.

Potential Flaws

• We found the toe box comfortably wide, but it may be too wide for some wearers, especially those with narrow feet.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-13 | Weight: 7 ounces | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Bungee laces | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Engineered mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who want budget-friendly slip-on sneakers for walking workouts or daily wear.

Why We Love Them

The ample cushioning, slip-on style, and affordable price make Skechers’ Go Walk Flex Shoes a nice option for casual walkers.  During test walks, we noticed the plush, pillow-like comfort and solid arch support right away. Despite the thick padding, we were surprised by how lightweight these shoes feel. And we love that the stretchy mesh upper hugs the foot to provide a secure fit while allowing plenty of flexibility.

The elastic bungee laces make slipping your feet right into these shoes easy—we appreciate the convenience of getting them on and off hands-free. The combination of minimal seams, smooth fabric, and snug fit prevented blisters throughout testing. Plus, the shoes are machine-washable, meaning easy cleaning when it’s time for a refresh. 

Potential Flaws

• We noticed the snug fit of these shoes made our feet feel slightly warm, so we wish the upper was just a bit more breathable.
• While this pair isn’t versatile for running or cross-training activities, we think they’re a great choice for fitness walking, all-day wear, or simple strength workouts.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-13 | Weight: 8.3 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Closure: Lace-up | Cushioning: Soft but responsive | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who need roomy or wide shoes that provide some responsiveness and cushioning for extensive walking.

Why We Love Them

One of our top New Balance shoes, this pair has just the right amount of support and cushioning to make walking comfortable—no matter how many miles you have planned. New Balance’s 1080v13 Fresh Foam Shoes feature a full-length foam midsole that packs plush cushioning without feeling heavy or bulky. We immediately noticed the shoe’s cloud-like comfort, which held up for long test walks. And the outsole’s curved rocker shape promoted smooth transitions and efficient energy transfer.

During test walks, we appreciated that the wide toe box offers plenty of room for toes to spread out or even swell in warm weather. For women who need even more space, they come in wide and extra-wide sizes. We also like the padded tongue and collar for more comfort. And the flexible, mesh upper is snug and sock-like for added stability. Unlike other models that offer limited colors in wide widths, the 1080v13 comes in various options to suit every wearer.

Also available in men’s sizes at New Balance.

Potential Flaws

• The shoes are stable and responsive but we did find the combination of the rocker design and arch support may put a little too much pressure on the arches.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Weight: 9.7 ounces | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Cushioning: Soft but responsive | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers that needed extra support for common foot ailments like plantar fasciitis or bunions.

Why We Love Them

If you have a history of plantar fasciitis, you can help prevent a recurrence by walking in a sneaker with good support and ample cushioning in the heel area—like Orthofeet’s Kita Hands-Free Shoes. They feature Orthofeet’s patented hands-free, slip-on system, which allows you to put on or take off your shoes without bending down. And they still have laces to adjust the fit if you need to. We also like that they come in three widths for an even more customizable fit.

When we first tried these shoes on, we were impressed with the adjustable arch support. They come with an orthotic insole, fitting spacers, and an arch booster insert, so you can find a level of support that’s perfect for you—which is crucial for keeping plantar fasciitis at bay. The midsole offers cushioning, which we found provides stability, shock absorption, and responsiveness (without the bulk). Plus, a durable rubber outsole offers traction that kept us surefooted on slick surfaces.

Potential Flaws

• Our feet did feel quite warm during some walks, so we wish the material was a bit more breathable.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Weight: 8.9 ounces | Drop: 12 millimeters | Closure: Lace-up | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best if you want a pair of responsive Nike walking shoes for fitness walking.

Why We Love Them

Nike’s Motiva Walking Shoe is specifically designed with women’s feet and biomechanics in mind, with a wide forefoot and narrow heel. When we first tried them on, we immediately noticed the exaggerated rocker outsole, which propelled our stride forward as we started to walk. The rocking motion is subtle but also very effective, helping us adjust to changes in terrain as we walked in different conditions. We love the outsole’s wavy design, which produces a soft underfoot feel and springy responsiveness.  

During testing, we were also impressed with the soft, breathable upper and roomy toe box. Despite the rocker shape, the shoe provides excellent arch support and reliable stability. A durable, textured rubber outsole also delivers dependable traction for walking or running on various surfaces. These shoes made us feel like we could walk 10,000+ steps daily or even run for miles without fatigue.

Also available in men’s sizes at Nike.

Potential Flaws

• Aside from the collar, which feels a little stiff, the shoe’s fit is very comfortable.
• Our feet sometimes got warm in these shoes, so they may not be good for walking and running in warmer climates.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-11.5 | Weight: 9.2 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Closure: Lace-up | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who need a lightweight-feeling shoe that’s also durable enough for daily walks.

Why We Love Them

Adidas’ Ultraboost Light Running Shoe is our favorite for walkers who want a well-cushioned shoe that won’t weigh them down. During testing, the shoe’s plush midsole felt soft and responsive, putting some spring in our step as we walked for miles. The cushioning also offers reliable shock absorption, protecting feet and joints—whether walking or running.

The shoe’s upper material feels super lightweight and extremely breathable while providing flexibility for free movement. We were also able to slip into these shoes hands-free. The roomy toe box gives room to wiggle and splay, while the heel cup is snug for a secure fit. We also noticed that the durable rubber outsole offers grippy traction, keeping us steady and confident on all surfaces. A huge bonus: the sleek, streamlined style makes these fashion-forward for daily wear.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon.

Potential Flaws

• The heel collar has a lot of padding, which, while comfortable, did cause some chafing over time.
• This shoe is not available in wide sizes, so it may not accommodate larger feet, blisters, or bunions.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Weight: 9 ounces | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Best if you have flat feet and want a stable, sturdy shoe for short walks.

Why We Love Them

Vionic’s Captivate Sneaker is one of our favorite shoes for flat feet because it provides ample stability and support. During test walks, we appreciated this shoe’s podiatrist-designed orthotic insole, which offers support in all the right spots to help prevent and relieve flat foot pain. We love the shoe’s sock-fit collar, which feels very comfortable and smooth—you can even wear these shoes without socks.

While testing, we also appreciated the mesh lining, which wicks away moisture to help prevent blisters. Plus, these shoes earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance, meaning a panel of podiatrists has determined that they help promote healthy feet. Despite the ample support, we found that these shoes still feel lightweight and flexible, allowing our feet to stay comfortable all day long. 

Potential Flaws

• The midsole is supportive and firm, which is perfect for casual walking. However, we found that these shoes don’t have enough cushioning for long-distance walking.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-13 | Weight: Not listed | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up and slip-on | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers why have wide feet or bunions and prefer a hands-free, slip-on shoe for light activities.

Why We Love Them

Kizik’s Athens Shoe is a popular favorite suitable for both light exercise and daily wear. With wide sizes available, it can accommodate larger feet and bunions while allowing room for toes to splay naturally. During testing, we noticed that the midsole cushioning strikes the perfect balance between plush and firm to deliver a comfy and supportive feel. Plus, the lightweight knit upper adds breathability, making these great for warm-weather wear.

If you prefer hands-free slip-on shoes, you’re in luck. This pair features Kizik’s patented heel rebound technology—a flexible rubber cage around the heel that allows you to easily slip your feet right in. We also appreciate the laces, which helped us achieve a more customized fit. Overall, we found these shoes incredibly stable, thanks to the tall heel collar and padded tongue.

Also available in men’s sizes at Kizik.

Potential Flaws

• We noticed that the arch support is moderate but may not be enough for people with flat feet.
• We appreciate the range of neutral and fun color options, but we noticed that the lighter shades tend to get dirty quickly and are difficult to clean.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 | Weight: Not listed | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Knit upper, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who want the convenience of a slip-on shoe to sport in all weather conditions.

Why We Love Them

If you love the convenience of a slip-on sneaker, check out Vessi’s Cityscape Classic Waterproof Shoes. Thanks to the elastic ankle collar and heel tabs, we found it easy to slide our feet in and out of the shoes during testing. Despite being lightweight and flexible, they still offer cushioning and support. One of the best features, though, is that they’re waterproof, making them a great option for walking, traveling, and commuting in unpredictable weather conditions.

The shoe’s upper material is engineered with thousands of nano-sized holes, allowing sweat and heat to escape while still protecting your feet from moisture. With a glove-like fit, we found this pair comfortable from the first step, even without socks. And during test walks, we appreciated the shoe’s support, responsiveness, and shock absorption, which helped prevent foot and leg fatigue, even after a full day of wear. They even prevented arch pain for one of our testers who has high arches.

Also available in men’s sizes at Vessi.

Potential Flaws

• We found that the outsole provides exceptional traction, but it can feel overly grippy at times, especially on certain indoor floors where it tends to catch.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 | Weight: 8 ounces | Drop: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Eucalyptus tree fiber upper, foam midsole, Merino wool heel lining, natural rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Best for casual walkers or those who need lightweight shoes that effortlessly fit in a suitcase, backpack, or overnight bag.

Why We Love Them

Flexible and supportive, Allbirds’ Tree Runners are our top choice for long days of exploring and sightseeing on foot. When we first put these on, we were impressed by the sleek design and generous cushioning. The upper has plenty of stretch, so it hugs the foot in all the right places. We were even able to wear them comfortably without socks. Plus, like other Allbirds shoes, these are made with sustainable, eco-friendly materials, such as eucalyptus tree fiber, Brazilian sugarcane, and Merino wool.

During test walks, we found the midsole responsive with each step. The heel counter helps to support and lock down the rear of the foot, preventing any movement in that area. And the seamless, one-piece upper is extremely comfortable and breathable, helping to ward off blisters and irritation. Whether you’re fitness walking or checking out the sights and attractions in a new city, we love these lightweight shoes that are easy to stow away.

Also available in men’s sizes at Allbirds.

Potential Flaws

• The material of these shoes feels a bit flimsy and lightweight, so they may not offer enough protection to serve as cold weather walking gear.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-14 | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Drop: 7 millimeters | Closure: Speed laces | Cushioning: Lightweight and supportive | Materials: Recycled mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who want a hands-free shoe that provides enough cushioning for a variety of workouts in warm climates.

Why We Love Them

On Women’s Cloud 5 Shoes are perfect if you prefer lightweight walking shoes but still want cushioning and support. From the start of testing, we were impressed with the cloud-like comfort that lasted from the first few minutes of walking through hours of extended wear. One of our testers, who has a history of plantar fasciitis, even found that the shoe provided cushioning and support right where she needed it to prevent flare-ups. 

We also like the stretchy upper, which conforms to your foot shape, providing a stable, snug fit. It’s also very breathable, helping our feet stay cool and blister-free on long walks. These aren’t available in wide widths, but they do have a spacious toe box with plenty of room for toes to splay. They feature a hands-free speed-lacing system and heel tabs, making getting them on and off easy. And they also come with traditional laces in case you prefer more adjustability.

Also available in men’s sizes at On Running.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes offered excellent comfort in warmer weather, but the mesh upper made our feet feel a bit chilly when the temperature dropped.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5.5-12 | Weight: 8.7 ounces | Drop: 0 millimeters | Closure: Lace-up | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Mesh upper, nylon lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who need a rugged shoe for uneven, rocky, and muddy terrain.

Why We Love Them

One of the best trail running shoes, Altra’s Lone Peak 8, also works well for hiking on all terrain. We tested the Lone Peak 7, but this version is almost identical, with just an upgrade to the ripstop mesh for the upper. The cushioning provides the perfect balance of comfort and support you need on the trail. We also like that the spacious toe box offers plenty of room for toes to relax and spread out, which is crucial for maintaining balance and feeling confident on uneven terrain.

The seamless upper is lightweight yet durable and didn’t cause any irritation or blisters during our test walks. And the shoe’s grippy outsole offers exceptional traction underfoot. Like other Altra shoes, these have a zero heel-to-toe drop, allowing for a firm connection with the ground. They’re not waterproof, but the breathable material dries quickly, so your feet won’t overheat. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Altra.

Potential Flaws

• During testing, we found that the midsole of these shoes were not as bouncy or responsive as some other options.
  

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-13 | Weight: 8.9 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Closure: Lace-up | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Engineered knit upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who want well-cushioned shoes that provide support for walking and running.

Why We Love Them

If you want a well-cushioned shoe that works for both walking and running, Asics’ GEL-Nimbus 26 Running Shoe is a versatile option. We tested the Nimbus 25, but the 26 has similar features, with the added benefit of more outsole coverage for better traction. The pair we tested features a springy midsole with extra gel padding in the forefoot and heel for maximum support. On test walks, we immediately noticed the cushioning that feels like walking on a cloud. It also helps absorb impact on pavement.

Plus, the shoe’s padded tongue and collar enhance the overall plush feel. And we appreciated the pull tabs for easy on and off. Even with the ample cushioning, this shoe still feels lightweight, nimble, and responsive—which is beneficial for both walking and running. And we were impressed with the soft, breathable knit upper that comfortably hugs the foot for good support without feeling constricting. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, and Zappos.

Potential Flaws

• We love that wide sizes are available, but the color options in the wide widths are limited.
• The shoe provides good support, but it may not work for those who need extra stability in motion control, such as overpronators.