Finding the right walking shoe can make a world of difference in your comfort level, physical health, and performance. Shoes that aren't supportive or functional for your specific needs can interfere with your natural gait—which can increase or aggravate issues like plantar fasciitis and overpronation—and get in the way of your daily activity.

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.

To learn more about how to choose the best walking shoes for women, we spoke with a licensed podiatrist and founder of the Quality Podiatry Group, Sidney Weiser, DPM. When considering which shoe will be best for you, you'll want to keep in mind your foot type (i.e., narrow or wide), how much walking you will be doing, and the type of ground you are standing on, per Weiser. 

"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.

Pros: Balanced support, Soft cushion, Secure fit

Cons: Narrower toe box

The Ghost 14 is the first carbon-neutral shoe from Brooks, and it combines comfort, support, and quality into one a standout design. This neutral support shoe is equipped with BioMoGo DNA Loft throughout the midsection for a smooth heel-to-toe experience. When paired with 3D Fit Print upper technology, which provides structure that moves with the foot (no blisters!), the end result is a secure and stable fit that’s bound to carry you for miles to come—and it’s available in both wide and narrow widths.

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).

Pros: Lightweight, Long-lasting support, Absorptive insoles

Cons: A bit bulky

This comfy shoe has a cushioned rubber sole and oversized heel crash pads for reduced impact and less stress on your joints. The grooves on the outsole allow some flexibility, but the shoe itself is still quite durable, with a molded foam insert that guarantees support and comfort. The phantom liner reduces unwanted friction on your foot, and the suede and mesh upper give it a breathability you wouldn’t expect from a heavier looking shoe like this. Users love the quality absorptive insoles that relieve foot and back pain at a reasonable cost.    

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!”

Pros: Lightweight, Flexible, Easy slip-on

Cons: Low support

Weisner’s recommendation for women over 50 is to “avoid rigid fabric, tight shoe gear, and non-flexible soles, which can cause blisters.” The GoWalk Joy fits the bill perfectly, and reviewers rave about the fit and durability of the design. 

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 air flow), 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.”

Pros: Supportive, Rearfoot and forefoot gel, Durable

Cons: Tight collar

For flat feet, Weiser says to look for a shoe with arch support to prevent rolling (overpronation), and a firm heel counter (back of your shoe). “The front of the shoe needs to be wide enough to accommodate for splaying of the forefoot and deep enough to accommodate custom orthotics if needed to prevent overpronation,” adds Weiser. The Gel Kayano’s Dynamic DuoMax Support System does just this, enhancing stability and platform support to prevent collapse of the foot arch. 

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.

Pros: High performance, Soft cushioning, Designed for female foot

Cons: Low support for high arches

Ryka prides itself on creating comfortable shoes specifically designed for foot movement—and the Devotion Plus 3 is no exception. Made for high-performance walking, it relies on the brand’s signature cushioning to provide shock absorption and impact protection. Other specs include a breathable mesh upper and anatomical insert for added arch and heel support. 

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.

Pros: American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal, Stabilizing design, Cushioning throughout entire foot

Cons: Too narrow for some

The Hoka One One Clifton 8 is the newest model in the Clifton line, and the lightweight-yet-durable pick provides plenty of cushion throughout the entire shoe, per Weiser recommendation. The design provides neutral stability and a balanced cushion that’s supportive but still reactive. It’s also incredibly easy to take on and off, thanks to the extended achilles pull tab. Naturally, the Clifton 8 has even earned the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance, which recognizes footwear that benefits foot health. 

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!!”

Pros: High arch support, Quick dry & breathable, Stain-resistant

Cons: Heel noticeably higher than the front

A favorite for arch support, this women’s walking shoe provides maximum arch support and heel stability, all in a stylish, breathable sneaker. Each shoe has the brand’s removable Natural Arch Plus footbed, with a shock absorption pad in the heel and extra cushioning in the forepart. The material is stain resistant and is treated with an odor control shield. 

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.

Pros: Lightweight, Sustainable materials, Machine-washable

Cons: Not as durable as others, No half sizes

Great for warmer weather or when you don't want a heavy shoe, the Allbirds Tree Runners are a lightweight sneaker made from responsibly-sourced eucalyptus fibers, recycled water bottles, and a carbon-negative foam midsole. While other lightweight shoes are not the most supportive, these are well-cushioned and will keep your feet and body comfortable during long walks. Even better, they're machine washable and hold up extremely well over time.

Our commerce editor, Carleigh Ferrante, wears these breathable sneakers as her go-to commuter shoe. Prone to knee pain and shin splints, she says these shoes are comfortable and supportive and last significantly longer than other walking shoes she's worn in the past.

Pros: Full-length foam midsole, Balanced step, Great support

Cons: A bit bulky

The Bondi shoes is Hoka’s flagship design and has been highly reviewed for years. This newest version features a full-length EVA foam midsole for shock absorption and stability, a new extended-heel geometry, and a rear crash pad for an even softer and more balanced step. Another perk of this new model is that the foam is lighter than previous models, yet still offers excellent shock absorption.

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.”

Pros: Lightweight, 100% waterproof, Breathable knit

Cons: Low support

This lightweight shoe is great to take anywhere thanks to the Dyma-Tex 100% waterproof technology, which Vessi upholds with a 1-year dry socks guarantee. Although the shoe is waterproof, it is made from an ingenious, temperature-regulating knit that’s breathable and won’t leave your feet sweaty. For those who need a little more support than this shoe offers, you can remove the insolves and replace them with any custom orthotics.   

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 take on and 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 planters fasciitis, and these shoes prevent sore feet. They’re a great investment, and I’d buy them again!”

Pros: Multiple color options, Stylish design, Fits true to size

Cons: No wide or narrow sizes, Short return window

Finally, a stylish sneaker that won't hurt your feet. This pick from APL comes in plenty of color options, with half sizes available, too. Technically a running shoe, this sneaker can be worn to the gym, while training for your next race, or out and about with your favorite athleisure. It’s lightweight and breathable, and features a milled satin or embossed elastic strap, depending on which model you choose. What’s more, the shoe is slip-on, so you won’t be fighting with untied laces during your workout or walk. We love this unisex walking shoe for travel, since it’s easy to slip on and off. 

What customers say: 

Reviewers call this shoe “stylish,” “super comfortable,” and even “the best running shoes ever.” One person writes, “I thought I had good running shoes in the past but I was wrong. I never knew a shoe could be this lightweight, supportive, and comfortable. I'm running better than ever. I'll definitely be buying more pairs just so I can have them forever. Fits true to size but if you are in between sizes, I would suggest sizing down.”

Pros: Comfortable, Lightweight, Supportive

Cons: May need to size up, Returns may need to ship overseas

Designed for all-day wear, the Cloud 5 is made with 44% recycled materials and a breathable antimicrobial mesh upper for extended comfort. The design incorporates On’s patented zero-gravity Cloudtec cushioning for a softer landing with every step. And online reviews compare the model to standing on (you guessed it) clouds.

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."

Pros: Lightweight, Slips on easily

Cons: Minimal arch support

This sock-like slip on shoe is the definition of comfort. The brand's proprietary foam that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear, reducing stress on knees, ankles and joints. The stretchy fabric is comfortable for many foot shapes, even people with wide feet or bunions.

Editor's take: Our marathon running commerce editor, Carleigh Ferrante, also wears these shoes regularly. While she doesn't wear them on long walks, she loves to slip them on on days when she's been training super hard and her body needs some extra support. "You can literally feel the relief when you slide into these shoes. I feel a major difference in how quickly my muscles recover when I'm wearing these, and would recommend them to any athlete as a recovery walking shoe." she says.

Walking is a great way to incorporate movement into your day, and it can have a seriously great impact on your physical and mental health. Even 10 minutes of walking a day can help you live longer. All that said, finding the right fit, style, and functionality in a walking shoe can make or break those daily strolls. Be sure to look for shoes that suit your particular needs, budget, and style.