Best Walking Shoes For Women 2025

As an avid walker and runner for over 30 years, I know the right shoes can spell the difference between pain and comfort. To find the best walking shoes for women, I tested more than a dozen pairs, paying close attention to things like cushioning, arch support, traction and heel drop. After several months of testing, the Brooks Ghost 16 took the top spot overall for its supportive, go-anywhere design. If you’re looking for cushioning, the Hoka Clifton 9 is incredibly plush without feeling heavy. And for something lightweight and stylish, you can’t go wrong with the On Cloud 5.

Here are all the best walking shoes for women, with my full reviews on each further down in this piece:

When selecting shoes to test, I asked a board-certified podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon and certified trainer for their expert opinions. I focused on brands known to be leaders in the walking industry and looked at shoe models that were both athletic and lifestyle-oriented to cover a variety of footwear needs. Below, find my nine top selections, as well as two additional styles that are in my rotation, even though they aren’t winners in my chosen categories.

The Brooks Ghost 16, the newest version of Brooks’ classic shoe, tops our list of the best walking shoes because it’s the most versatile option for different styles of walkers and those who want a supportive, multi-purpose and stylish sneaker. With a grippy outsole, it’s extremely stable for both speed walks and less intense jaunts along smooth and uneven surfaces. The cushioned foam midsole absorbs shock during the heel strike (when your heel hits the ground), should you also partake in higher-impact aerobic stints, such as running. Overall, there’s little activity you can’t do comfortably in the Brooks Ghost 16—it’s also our best running shoe for beginners.

Curved Insole And Just Enough Cushioning

The Ghost is equipped with a curved insole—which is great if you suffer from sore tendons, are flat-footed or stand for long periods of time. The Ghost also has a firm heel counter (the part of the shoe that wraps around the back of your ankle) to hold the foot in place and prevent overpronation, or rolling your ankles. With a 12mm heel drop, the Ghost’s heel is slightly higher than the standard 10mm for running sneakers. These shoes have a 24mm heel stack and an 8.5-ounce weight, which was mid-range compared to other sneakers we tested, but lighter than the Brooks Ghost 15, making it easier to move around in. The Ghost 16 is a moderately cushioned shoe, which is a good thing given that extra padding can decrease stability.

Choose From A Wide Range Of Sizes And Colors

Notably, the Ghost 16 comes in a variety of widths, making it one of the most accessible walking shoes we tested. You can get the Ghost 16 in Medium, Wide, Narrow or Extra-Wide. The Ghost 16 comes in subtle color combinations that include pops of brightness, like turquoise, orange or pink accents. But for those looking for a classic, go-with-anything look, the black and white styles are welcome options. These aren’t statement sneakers, but they can transition from workout attire to a casual look.

Bouncy And Breathable

In testing, the Ghost 16 didn’t propel our feet forward on an arc like a rocker-sole shoe, which has a curved bump in the midsole. But it still feels bouncy to walk in, thanks to the cushiony EVA-foam sole. The mesh upper on the Ghost sneakers is lightweight and extremely breathable even on hot days. Our staff testers have used these shoes for running, workouts and walking in bustling cities. Senior reviews editor Anna Perling reports that the Brooks Ghost 16 allows her to walk for miles without pain or blisters, and she appreciates the extra-roomy toebox. If you’re a dedicated walker, who also likes to run and tackle different activities in a day, you won’t find a better sneaker than the Brooks Ghost.

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If you’re looking for a lightweight, all-day walking shoe with a barely-there feel, the On Cloud 5 is about as perfect of a shoe you can find. It weighs just 6.9 ounces, the airiest of the ones we tested. It’s ideal for covering long and short distances, handling different terrains with stability and supporting your arches without adding bulk. For these reasons, it also tops our list of the best travel shoes for women.

Ultra-Light Midsole

On, a relatively new Swiss brand founded in 2010, has a dedicated following for its unique midsole: It’s designed with holes that allow air to pass through and help the shoe compress vertically and laterally as you land. The design aims to cushions your feet to reduce muscle strain and also enables a smoother toe-off, or launch for your foot, allowing you to move easily through your stride. I filmed slow-motion videos of my foot as I walked in this shoe versus others and noticed a subtle lift at the end of my gait cycle. Additionally, Annabelle Lemes, the Connecticut-based trainer I spoke to, cited this pair as her top pick, saying, “I’m always on my feet, and On’s are my very first choice.”

Stable And Firm

The Cloud has a minimal heel drop of 2.5mm and a very firm insole, making this shoe a good, stable choice for those with balance issues or anyone who wants to move fast but securely over rugged trails, cobblestone streets or changeable terrain. The heel counter scored a moderate firm rating as well. These shoes held my foot snugly in place, almost as firmly as the Brooks, with an ankle collar that didn’t extend over my bone or cause chafing. The mesh upper is breathable and outfitted with thin reflective bands, which is a nice (and stylish) safety feature if you walk at night.

Best For Narrow And Medium Foot Widths

The Cloud 5 also comes in a waterproof version, which I don’t recommend. It’s wrapped in an anhydrous membrane that seals out liquid but makes the shoe fit more tightly than the regular version (the company advises going up a half-size). Still, I found that even the regular Cloud 5 has a slim fit. On my insole test, my foot extended over the sides by about 0.5 inch, which wasn’t enough to cause discomfort (since I have medium to narrow feet) but could be an issue for those with wider feet.

Two Lacing Systems

Another potential downside to these shoes is the speed-lacing system. These On shoes come pre-laced with a thin cord that’s knotted at both ends—the idea is that you slide your feet into the shoe and pull the cord to secure your foot. I found the cord loosened up over time. The design feature is not for everyone, and On includes a set of traditional laces with every pair for this reason.

From a fashion angle, the Cloud 5 checked the box for me. The Swiss shoe is sleek and minimal, and when paired with a skirt, the shoes looked like an intentional choice, not something I resorted to for comfort’s sake.

Hoka has built an entire franchise around the Clifton, releasing new versions of this best-selling sneaker. This latest iteration features a lighter design—it weighs 4 grams less than the previous model—which Hoka accomplished by removing the overlays and hotmelts (or adhesives that bond together certain parts of a shoe). It also increased the cushioning, with a higher, 3mm heel stack that nicely supports your foot.

Lightweight Yet Roomy

I’ll be honest: I wasn’t fully sold on Hoka’s wildly popular rocker-style heel at first, which gently glides your foot forward with a rolling motion that can help reduce foot strain. But, after wearing the Cliftons for a while, I found them extremely comfortable and surprisingly lightweight, despite the extra cushioning and padding in the heel. I have a relatively narrow foot, and I’d say that this pair definitely felt roomy, even in the regular-width size. Given that your feet swell and expand when walking, the spacious design can be a good thing, especially if you have wide feet.

Bold And Eye-Catching

The Cliftons are not a subtle sneaker that blends in with the rest of your look. But overtly “loud” sneakers are the norm now, which is a trend that Hoka helped ignite, so these shoes don’t feel as out-of-the-box as they might have few years ago. Also, if you have a prefer a leaner-built shoe, you might find the ultra-padded style a bit cumbersome. Yet, I found that the rocking motion does help alleviate foot pain, so you might put up with a little extra bulk for the additional comfort.

The Sorel Kinetic Impact II is a great sneaker for both everyday wear and more rigorous activities. It has a comfortable fit, and its design is excellent for stability and traction. The outsole features the brand’s signature “scalloped” edge, which I found especially helpful for providing extra grip on slippery or uneven surfaces while also alleviating pressure from the tender under-points of my foot. If you stand on your feet a lot during the day, the Kinetic Impact II is worth considering.

Ideal For Hot Weather

In terms of its performance, the shoe has a cushioned midsole and a flexible, mesh upper that’s breathable for all-day wear. I tested the Kinetic shoes during hot weather and my feet never got sweaty, thanks to the ventilation built into the airy upper. Style-wise, the Kinetic is a bold-looking shoe. If you plan to wear your sneakers to the office and work in a very traditional setting, this pair might turn some heads (which might actually be a good thing, depending on your take).

Stability-Enhancing Features

On the downside, the Kinetic is not as light as the others I tested but that extra weight gives you added stability. The lacing system might not be everyone’s taste since they run down the side of the shoe, as well as the top. But I found that extra coverage helped the shoe fit snugly to my foot, which provided additional stability.

These ultra-comfy shoes are a great value for casual, everyday walking because they are roomy, supportive and breathable. Under Armour often puts this highly popular sneaker on sale; I saw it go as low as $45 during testing. That’s far less than $110, the average MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) of athletic sneakers in 2021, according to the most recent data from RunRepeat. Compared to the other shoes I tested, the the Sportstyle cost about $100 less.

Supportive Without Extra Weight

For the great price, you get plenty of features, too. Comfort is continually called out in the reviews, and the Sportstyle lived up to the hype in my tests. The padded heel makes for a well-cushioned ride, with a 7.3mm heel drop and 4.75cm heel stack (or height), which is ideal for walkers who land heel first or have Achilles tendon issues. That extra support tips the scales a tiny bit; this shoe has a weight of 7.26 ounces, placing it in the mid-range for our testing data. Still, this shoe wasn’t noticeably clunky—mostly because the mesh upper and soft sock liner make the shoe feel airy and weightless.

Excellent For Wide Feet

The Sportstyle was also the best walking shoe for wide feet in my tests. The width of the insole was the widest among all those I wore, preventing any lateral rubbing on the sides of my foot. If you have bunions or stand for long periods—such as when traveling and sightseeing, or in my case, watching a soccer game that goes into overtime—the Sportstyle shoes are my pick. The spacious girth and wide toe box of these sneakers lets your feet comfortably expand and your toes splay out, with breathing room.

Best Worn On Smooth, Paved Surfaces

This pick is less structured than a traditional walking shoe; on my pinch test, the heel counter scored a flexible (not firm) rating. I wouldn’t recommend it for serious walking on uneven, gravely terrain since your foot might move around in it slightly. The outsole is smooth without a ton of extra grip—again, you wouldn’t wear these on an intense walking expedition—but in my tests, the shoes handled well on paved streets and all indoor surfaces. Overall, the Sportstyle is a solid choice for a lifestyle walking shoe that cradles your feet, pain-free, all day. For less than $70, you can’t beat the value of this pair.

I felt a noticeable spring in my step the first time I wore the New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers, which, as the name implies, are engineered with a contoured foam midsole that truly propels your foot forward as you move through your gait. Similar to other sneakers, the Fresh Foam are part of a best-selling collection that’s continually updated and revamped each year. The 880v13 model is made with a 3% bio-based foam, derived from renewal resources, which is helpful for reducing the impact on the environment, especially since sneakers are an item that you have to frequently replace once they have worn out.

Arch-Supportive And Airy

If you have arch issues, or flat feet, the 880v13 is padded to deliver support in that area, with a 10mm heel drop that alleviates pressure so your foot is on an include, and not resting in a flat position all day. The uppers are made from a breathable mesh, which ensures your feet don’t overheat in these sneakers. I found them airy, lightweight and very responsive during my longest walks.

The only negative is that collar, or opening of the shoe where your foot slides in, comes up quite high on the foot, which can cause some rubbing on me. However, wearing 880v13 with regular low ankle socks (as opposed to no-show socks) helped solve that problem.

If you’re on the hunt for a comfortable everyday shoe, I recommend the Brooks Glycerin Max. Despite the thicker sole, they felt impressively lightweight while adding a comfortable amount of bounce to each step. These are a great option to wear for long walks around the neighborhood and to run errands with, thanks to the ample amount of support and cushioning.

Maximum Cushioning With A Rocker-Sole

I’ve worn a lot of shoes but have never really enjoyed the rocker construction before—until I tried this one. The forward propelling motion is noticeable, but not in a way that throws off your balance. The only tricky part is when you have to pivot on your toes or the extreme front of the shoe; that’s where I felt slightly unstable. The Glycerin Max also comes fitted with a good amount of cushioning underfoot to pad each step. While it’d be nice to have more color options, that comes down to personal preference. There are currently three colorways to choose from, including white, Almond Peach and Peacoat.

The Columbia Konos TRS OutDry is a well-padded, supportive shoe with plenty of traction, making it ideal for walking in wet conditions. It’s durable, yet lightweight, and provides enough cushioning to sport for longer strolls or hikes.

Ideal For Walking In Inclement Weather

Even if you don’t plan on walking in the rain, it can definitely happen when you’re caught out in inclement weather. I tested out these newly released waterproof Konos from Columbia during rainy workouts and post-rain situations, when there’s still significant puddles and wet terrain to navigate. Overall, I was impressed: The brand’s OutDry fabric blocks moisture with a breathable, waterproof “membrane” bonded to an outer shell, which kept my feet completely dry. The only downside: The collar extends up on your ankle a tiny bit, which can cause rubbing (my solution: wear socks that cover this area).

I kept spotting these sleek sneakers on stylish people, so I decided to give them a try to see if they could be comfortable for long walks and days spent on my feet. The answer: Yes. I’ve worn my pair for weeks and appreciate how I can head out for morning walks and then go straight to work without changing my shoes. Plus, they have a memory foam footbed with cooling airflow channels to help with comfort and breathability.

Made With Recycled Materials

As stylish as the design is, you’d never know it’s made with recycled materials: the upper is made of 55% recycled nylon and suede, the insole is made of 60% recycled cotton, the laces are 100% recycled polyester and the outsole is 15% recycled rubber. Aside from the shoe itself, Seavees also ships its shoes in a box made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper products, so you rest assured that your purchase won’t contribute to landfill waste.

The Best Walking Shoes For Women Compared

While most walking shoes share a few traits in common, such as more rigid soles, they can differ greatly when it comes to other factors like weight and heel drop, which affects the overall fit and comfortability of the shoe. To help you determine which is the right option for you, we compared all of our top picks spec-by-spec, below.

Other Top Tested Picks To Consider

After testing dozens of sneakers to find the top winners above, there are several options that I believe are worthy runner-ups. Here are two additional top-rated sneakers to check out if you’re looking for more options.

• Rothy’s The Lace Up Sneaker: I’ve been a fan of Rothy’s flats, and was curious to see if their lace-up sneaker would live up to my expectations. And it mostly did: The mesh upper is light and airy while the colorways are chic and versatile, so you can wear this shoe in both formal and casual situations. My complaint is that the outsole is a bit heavy, so I did experience foot strain after a few hours.
• Reebok Phase Court Shoes: I tried both the Reebok Phase Court and the Reebok Club C 85, and I preferred the Phase Court. While these shoes are heavily inspired by the 1980s style-wise, they’re quite modern in terms of comfort. Unfortunately, they’re not available in wide sizing, so those with particularly wide feet should consider sizing up.

How I Tested The Best Walking Shoes For Women

The best walking shoes need to handle different surfaces and withstand miles of use. They should also easily transition from workouts to everyday life, so I considered the overall design and aesthetics as well. With all these details in mind, I established specific testing criteria to determine which pairs will serve you best.

Comfort

I tested how the shoes felt on my feet and whether or not they created soreness on pressure points or rubbed against any areas of my feet and ankles that would cause pain or blisters. I also considered if the shoes needed an extensive break-in period or were comfortable right out of the box. I measured the thickness of the cushioning material under the midsole of the shoe in centimeters and squeeze-tested the firmness of the midsole on a scale from minimal, moderate to maximum by pressing down with my fingers. Lastly, I considered the lacing system and whether shoes were easy to put on and take off.

Arch Support And Traction

Depending on your foot shape, you may need different levels of arch support to prevent pain while walking. I removed the insole in each shoe and looked for cushioned padding or contoured arcs around the midfoot, which provide extra support. I also wore each shoe on a variety of roads, trails and rolling fields, during wet and dry weather, to test whether or not the shoe provided good traction in all scenarios. I compared the soles of each shoe as well to evaluate texture and grip.

Stability

Your feet should fit securely in your walking shoes—they shouldn’t have too much give, and you shouldn’t feel like you’re going to lose your balance in them. I pinched the heel counter (the back of the shoe that wraps around the heel) to test for firmness, and rated it on a scale from low, moderate to high. Additionally, I placed the shoe on a flat surface and pushed down at the toe to see if the shoe rocked forward smoothly with an easy toe-off—the point at which your foot rises from the floor during your gait (an effortless toe-off prevents tripping).

Width And Weight

Some people might prefer a lighter shoe to feel more nimble, or a wider shoe for more wiggle room. I weighed each shoe in ounces on a digital food scale and cross-referenced this measurement against how heavy or light the shoe physically felt on my foot while taking steps. I removed the insoles and placed my bare foot over it to check if my foot extended over at the sides, to access the overall width of the shoe.

Heel Drop

I measured the heel-to-toe drop for each shoe: This is the difference in millimeters of the amount of cushioning beneath the heels versus the balls of the feet. A larger heel drop indicates a higher heel in relation to the toe, while a low or zero drop shoe is flat and most closely mimics walking barefoot. According to New York podiatrist Nelya Lobkova, DPM, the best walking sneakers fall in the sweet spot of 4 to 8mm, which places less stress on the Achilles tendon.

Overall Performance

I started testing walking shoes in the late spring and summer of 2022, where I live in Connecticut, about 40 miles outside of New York City. I wore the sneakers for at least two hours a day on various surfaces to see how they performed. I walked on flat and steeply inclined paved and unpaved streets, hardwood floors and flights of stairs in my house and through wet, grassy parks and fields. I also ran typical errands in supermarkets and shops, and kept up with my two children for sports, activities and outdoor trips. Throughout the testing period, temperatures ranged from 55 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, so I was able to see how breathable these shoes were in different weather conditions.

Style

When selecting the winners, I also considered style. I wore the shoes with both workout and everyday street clothing and searched to see if the shoes came in different colors to suit diverse fashion tastes. While aesthetics should never trump fit and comfort, you should take them into consideration if you plan to wear your pair all day.

How To Pick A Walking Shoe

Finding the right walking shoes is personal. To help you choose among the best options on the market, here’s what experts recommend you keep in mind:

Cushioning

The amount of cushioning you choose is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Most walkers will prefer a shoe that’s evenly cushioned, rather than one with an exaggerated heel, for all-day wear. An evenly cushioned sole also lessens the risk of tripping or catching your heel on the edge of a carpet.

Sole

The outsole (commonly just referred to as the sole) is the part of the shoe that touches the ground and dictates the shoe’s stability, says Lobkova. “You shouldn’t be able to bend the sneaker in half easily or twist it easily when holding both ends,” she says. Instead, “there needs to be adequate rigidity in the sole and cushioning in the midfoot to prevent impact on the heel and walking injuries like plantar fasciitis.”

Anne Holland Johnson, M.D., who is a foot and ankle surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, prefers a rocker-style sole. Hoka first embraced this type of sole and now other brands are following suit. However, rocker soles tend to be less stable, so look for a traditional flat sole if you need greater stability.

Size And Fit

Every brand’s sizes are a little different. Use your normal shoes as a starting point, but be prepared to size up or down to find your ideal fit. Your feet expand when walking so it’s best to try on your shoes in the late afternoon (when your feet have swelled from the day’s use). Stretch and wiggle your toes in the shoes; they should extend out comfortably in the toe box, or the uppermost part of the shoe, but not have too much room in front. Try the classic shoe-fitter test: Aim for one-half to a full thumb’s width of space between your toes and the front end of the toe box.

Lastly, look for a snug fit around the heel counter—the part that wraps around the back of the shoe. “This minimizes abnormal stretching of the plantar fascia and diminishes pain and inflammation in the heel and arch of the foot,” says Dr. Lobkova. It also prevents your foot from sliding up and down as you strike the ground, which can cause blisters.

Arch Support

You can gauge the arch support of a shoe by analyzing the insole. “Most sneakers have removable insoles that you can take out and examine,” says Lobkova. “Arch support appears as a supportive bump or curve on the insole around the midfoot. It acts as a buttress for the arch of the foot.” While the Brooks Ghost 16 has this feature, not all sneakers do, says Lobkova. In that case, “you can add your own custom or prefabricated insole or orthotics for extra support.”

Foot Conditions

Particular foot conditions may dictate the type of walking shoe you pick. If you have plantar fasciitis, look for walking shoes with excellent arch support, cushioned insoles and shock-absorbing midsoles. Models that offer heel cups or extra cushioning in the heel area can also help relieve pain and discomfort. Brands like New Balance and Hoka often have good options for plantar fasciitis. Those with bunions on their feet should prioritize walking shoes with a wide and roomy toe box and soft, breathable materials that won’t add unnecessary pressure. When browsing shoes for bunions, look for sneakers that come in a wide fit, such as those from New Balance and Under Armour.

Overall Design

While many of the best walking shoes for women are quite stylish, it’s important to avoid choosing a pair based on aesthetics alone. Sneakers that may look fashionable can compromise support or comfort for style; a more narrow toe box, less cushioning and lackluster support can exacerbate pre-existing foot conditions and contribute to foot fatigue.

My Expertise

I’ve been a runner for more than 30 years, and a focused walker since 2020. Over the years, I’ve covered countless miles across multiple types of terrain, and I’ve had my share of injuries along the way. I’ve had three different foot surgeries in the last five years and, as a result, I’m extremely picky about the fit and performance of my sneakers. I typically walk or run every day as a form of exercise—in weather that can be bitterly cold, precariously icy or swelteringly hot—and also hike when I travel. In the last year, I logged about 520 active miles. As a lifestyle writer, I have two decades of experience covering beauty and wellness; I have bylines in the New York Times, Vogue and the Wall Street Journal. For Forbes Vetted, I’ve also extensively tested and written about the most comfortable flats and the most comfortable sandals for women.

Additionally, I consulted with the following three experts to gain further insight on what to look for in the best walking shoes:

• Nelya Lobkova, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon who runs the private practice Step Up Footcare in New York City.
• Anne Holland Johnson, M.D. is an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan who specializes in sports-related injuries and is a team physician for the New York Liberty (WNBA) professional basketball team.
• Annabelle Lemes is a certified trainer in Connecticut who emphasizes strength training, flexibility and movement through a variety of sports, including aerobic walking.