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The 10 Best Walking Shoes

The 10 Best Shoes for All Your Walking Needs

10 Shoes You Need for all Your Walking Around Town

Walk this way toward a new pair of shoes.

Two words: comfy and supportive.

There’s nothing worse than casually walking around town and ending up with blisters, ache-y ankles, or super sore feet. Make it a long walk, when you actually have to keep strolling through those issues, and extra no bueno. The likely difference between a comfortable stroll and a painful one? A good pair of walking shoes. To help you pick a set that won’t send you home early, we tapped podiatrists to find out what they suggest for sneakers to stroll in—whether you’re going for distance, casual jaunts around the block, or you simply stand on your feet all day.

What to Look for in a Pair of Walking Shoes

How to Pick the Perfect Pair of Walking Shoes

“It doesn’t matter if you’re active or sedentary, you want to make sure you have a sneaker with a stiff midsole,” says Melissa Lockwood, DPM, founder of Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates and diplomat for the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. “When you try to twist the shoe back and forth, it should be stiff. There can be flexibility in the toe box, though.” So when you bend the toe back, it should move easily.

Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t have to “break in” a shoe. “One of the things that I always tell my patients is that a shoe should fit and feel comfortable as soon as you put them on,” says James Stavosky, DPM, owner of Daly City Podiatry. To find out if it’s the right fit, go to a store that lets you walk around a bit in the shoe or better yet, take it home for some walking. (Generous return policies always welcome!) Also, make sure to get measured there (the afternoon is best for doing so!). You should get a size check every few years as feet tend to grow or get wider as we get older, Stavosky says.

Know it doesn’t necessarily matter whether the shoe is labeled running, walking, or cross training—as long as you get that stability in the midfoot. But you probably don’t want a tennis or basketball shoe for stepping around your ‘hood. You could also go for leather if you prefer, but a mesh upper will give you more space for toes to breathe, plus flexibility for your digits to move around. Meanwhile, opt for a rubber outsole. “Man created concrete, so we need something that supports us on that concrete,” Lockwood says.

Many brands offer wider fits, so both experts say to check those out if your toes feel cramped. Even if you’re between a regular and wide width fit, go for the latter. And finally, make sure you have a finger nail-width space between your longest toe and the top of the shoe, Stavosky says.

With all these tips in mind, finding the right footwear really comes down to personal preference. You might feel like something extra sturdy takes the pep out of your step, while your BFF prefers extra tight security. To each their own—but you can start with these 10 pairs for finding your footing.

10 Walking Shoes that Fit Your Foot Needs

The 10 Best Walking Shoes

1. Asics Dynaflyte 3

Buy it: $130, asics.com

Lockwood says Asics are great for those with higher arches, and these also have good spacing in the forefoot to allow toes to move, plus a durable foam sole. The breathable mesh upper also makes them light and airy.

2. Brooks Running Ghost 11

Buy it: $120, brooksrunning.com

A good brand for those with flatter feet according to Lockwood, this Brooks pair has a flexible forefoot, which makes for easy transitions when walking. You also get that stretchy upper that moves with your feet.

3. New Balance 860x9

Buy it: $125, newbalance.com

If you pronate, then this stability shoe is for you. (New Balance is a fave of both experts.) You get a perfect mix of stability and bounce back.

4. Vionic Sierra Active Sneaker

Buy it: $130, vionicshoes.com

A rubber outsole, a flexible but durable construction, and knit upper to stretch in many directions—this shoe checks all the boxes, while staying lightweight.

5. Hoka One One Bondi 5

Buy it: $150, hokaoneone.com

If you need lots of cushioning for a shoe to be comfy, look no further than Hoka. These offer a plush feel under your foot.

6. Altra Intuition 4.5

Buy it: $110, altrarunning.com

Altra shoes offer up a foot-like shape, with enough room in the forefoot for your toes to really spread out—and push off for your walk.

7. Nike Structure 21

Buy it: $120, nike.com

A strong feel beneath your foot makes this a solid shoe to get in extra steps. The forefoot also offers some spring.

8. Reebok Floatride Run Flexweave

Buy it: $150, reebok.com

So springy, yet oh-so-supportive this shoe feels like an extra secure sock—with a lot more support on the bottom.

9. Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2

Buy it: $80, ryka.com

You’ll get great arch support and a narrower construction from Rykas. This pair in particular offers an extra durable outsole.

10. Adidas Edge Lux Clima Shoes

Buy it: $85, adidas.com

You can’t beat the bounce-back you get from these lightweight, breathable kicks.

Walking really took off in 2019, and since then, it's become a fitness staple in pretty much everyone's workout regimen—especially for us editors here at Women's Health. It seems like our team is going on more walks than ever to improve both our mental and physical health, and it makes sense, since there are tons of benefits to walking.

If you're anything like me, once you've gotten a couple miles in the books, you might realize that walking a lot can seriously hurt your feet. And aside from my mental health water bottle, the one thing I really need is a solid pair of comfortable, supportive walking shoes. The right shoes can help you to enjoy every step and even prevent injury or overpronation, says podiatrist Chanel Perkins, DPM.

Is it ok to wear running shoes for walking?

It's important to specifically look for shoes that are meant for walking, Perkins says. Walking shoes should feel heavier than most pairs of trainers, and have a lower heel than the average running shoe. Those attributes allow for less bounce and more of a natural cadence to your stride, she says. Of course, everyone has different needs, so if you've tried on running shoes that tick all your boxes, it's best to trust your judgment.

Shop the best walking shoe deals on Amazon

Peep a few of the best-tested, podiatrist-approved walking shoes, below:

Which walking shoes do I recommend?

When starting to look for shoes I can comfortably walk in all day (even on concrete), I consulted experts in podiatry. Our team has also tested hundreds of sneakers for our Sneaker Awards for years. Perkins advised me to start by looking at cushioning. “Cushioning is a vital element in most walking shoes, since this is what helps with shock absorption as the foot impacts the ground,” she says.

More surprisingly, I found out that you shouldn’t have to “break in” a new pair of shoes (I know—I was shocked to hear it, too). “One of the things I always tell my patients is that shoes should fit and feel comfortable as soon as you put them on,” says podiatric surgery specialist James Stavosky, DPM. So, don't settle for anything less than love at first...fit, and don't wait for uncomfortable shoes to eventually feel better on your sore feet.

How did I chose the best walking shoes for women?

• Expert recommendations: WH asked podiatrists which specific shoes and brands they'd recommend to their own patients with a wide array of conditions, from overpronation to ankle injuries, wide feet, and more.

• Reviewer recommendations: No one's more transparent than online reviewers, in my opinion. Each of the below podiatrist-approved shoes is paired with an honest review from a happy buyer who's tested them extensively.

• Style: Don't worry—the internet is filled with options, so you'll never have to skimp on style while prioritizing your comfort. All of the shoes below fit a wide range of sensibilities.

• Cushioning: As Perkins noted, cushioning is the most important feature to look for in a good pair of walking shoes. The pairs below max out when it comes to cushioning—say goodbye to those blisters.

• Flexibility: Per Stavosky, flexibility takes second place in walking shoe priorities. Who has the time to break in shoes? Luckily, all of the selections have been tested by thousands of reviewers (including some Women's Health editors) to be comfortable from day one.

See below for the best, most highly-tested podiatrist, editor, and reviewer-recommended walking shoes you can easily walk in all day.

V3 Running Shoe

New Balance's V3 sneaker is a longstanding fan-favorite in the podiatry world, Perkins says. "This is a great shoe with motion control for overpronation," Perkins says. (FYI, Overpronation is when your outer heel hits the ground before the rest of your foot, which can cause injuries.)

Rave Review: "I have worn this shoe and previous versions of it since 2015. I have severe overpronation and flat feet. I also have prescription insoles I use with these shoes. I love them!"

Bondi 8

If cushioning is your first priority, look no further than Hoka's cult-favorite Bondi 8 sneaker. This sneaker was made with lightweight foam and an extended heel, so your foot will feel cradled, supported, and balanced from every angle.

Rave Review: "So amazingly comfortable. I already have six pairs of Hoka sneakers. I wear them while running, standing, and walking for long periods of time at work. I enjoy wearing Hokas' sneakers because they have stability, are wide for wide feet, and offer pure comfort."

Air Zoom Pegasus 36

Lined with mesh to make this an ultra breathable sneaker, the Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is one of Nike's best walking shoes because it has a slim, low heel that Perkins says is best for maintaining a smooth walking cadence.

Rave Review: "For folks with hard-to-fit feet or walkers who need the most comfort in a shoe, this is it. This shoe is like walking on marshmallows! I tried cheaper shoes but I just wasted my money. This is the shoe you want."

Go Joy Walking Shoe

For those who appreciate a good slip-on shoe, here's another great option by Skechers made with a lightweight, breathable mesh that's great for sweaty feet (it happens to all of us). The ultra-cushioned midsole offers great arch support, too.

Rave Review: "I have feet that are always in pain from bunions, hammer toes, and arthritis. These shoes are so comfortable, I bought them in three colors. When I am walking, the pain is hardly noticeable. I highly recommend them."

Casual Comfort Sneaker

"With their all-around supportive structure, these shoes are definitely designed to keep your feet comfy," Perkins says. "The sole is also extra-cushioned," which she says means they'll protect your feet on even the longest walks on concrete.

Bonus: The neutral color and "dad sneaker" style is so trendy right now.

Rave Review: "My podiatrist recommended I purchase these sneakers due to my plantar fasciitis, wide feet, bone spurs, and poor blood circulation. It's a miracle! I can walk without my feet hurting terribly, am able to stand for longer periods of time, and I've got plenty of room inside for my toes to wiggle."

Walking Shoes

Yup, this walking shoe has over *27,000* five-star reviews on Amazon. The pair gets lots of love for having an easy, slip-on design, a thick sole, and a high-traction base (great if you're slip-prone!). For under $40, they're totally affordable, too.

Rave Review: "I am a nurse working in the maternity unit. It's so busy that I am always on my feet, sometimes actually running to get to a patient. Hence, I need something comfortable that won't squeeze or ache my feet during eight or 12 hour-long shifts. These are perfect."

Tennis Shoes

The memory foam insole basically makes this comfy, stylish shoe feel like you're walking on clouds. The outsole is made of supportive, water-resistant rubber and features slip-proof grooves at the bottom, too.

Rave Review: "These shoes are extremely comfortable. I am in love with how soft and comfy they are. Super cute, too. They look great with leggings, gym clothes, shorts, and jeans."

Cohesion 13

Saucony's Cohesion 13 sneakers are seriously durable. The supportive, water-resistant bottom makes them perfect for camping, hiking, or just walking all day. They're even made with extra foam cushioning for long-term support and shock-resistant protection.

Rave Review: "I found these very comfortable with good support. I hike in them and they take the wear and tear. I'll buy them again."

Cloudfoam Pure 2.0

You'll know exactly how Adidas' signature, super soft Cloudfoam-cushioned sneakers got their name the second you put them on. They were made to provide a steady, supportive base you can walk on all day long.

Rave Review: "I’m on my feet a lot and I’m in my sixties. It’s really hard to find comfortable walking shoes. I now own two pairs of these. I walk an average of three to five miles a day and wear them for an average of 12 hours a day. These have held up really well to the work I put them through and are so comfortable. Highly recommended!!"

Techloom Bliss Sneakers

Yes, these luxe and trendy shoes are on the expensive side, but they pack in tons of high-tech features that make them a favorite amongst Women's Health editors. The neutral base provides enhanced stability as you walk, and the top of your foot will be snugly secured by an elastic, satin-y band that wraps around it.

Featuring APL's signature Propelium technology cushioning, you won't feel the hard concrete against your feet as you walk.

Rave Review: "I admit I own four different pairs of these. I’ve had them for almost two years now and they’ve held up well. I work long, 12-hour shifts on my feet. My feet, back, and body never hurt when I wear these. The fabric upper has held up well and still looks like new."

The Lace-Up

Rothy's Lace-Up sneakers are precisely where style meets sustainability. Designed with a breathable knit fabric made from recycled plastic bottles and a bendy insole that'll conform to the unique shape of your arch for maximum support, trust that these are a win for both you and our planet.

Rave Review: "Best sneakers ever. They are very comfortable. I'm a teacher and am always walking around. Since I purchased these, they are my everyday sneakers. Very stylish, as well. They pair beautifully with dresses, skirts, pants, and jeans. Love, love, love. No break-in needed."

GEL-Contend 7

Thanks to the Rearfoot Gel cushioning, these sneakers do a stellar job at reducing shock absorption if you tend to carry your weight towards the back of your foot. Available in seven colors, feel free to grab one for every day of the week.

Rave review: "These are SUPER COMFORTABLE and sturdy!! They're true to size and very supportive. I love the pink and grey together, and they fit so well. I was debating a lighter (more white) color for spring or summer, but I ultimately decided on these because I don't want to be worried about getting them dirty and cleaning them all the time. I've never worn ASICS before. I'm super comfy and happy with this purchase."

Clifton 8

Both podiatrists Diana Rogers and Casey Pidich, DPM, recommend Hoka's Clifton 8 sneakers to patients, so you know it's a good one.

Pidich loves that the design encourages your feet to rock off the ground rather than push off your toes, and Rogers specifically recommends the shoe for her plantar fasciitis patients for a similar reason. "The lightweight feel on this shoe propels feet forward rather than making them do extra work," she says.

Rave Review: "These were recommended for tendinitis and plantar fasciitis by my orthopedic doctor. They have helped tremendously to give my feet the extra support they need and the pain has gone away completely with the help of physical therapy, orthotics, and these shoes."

Adrenaline GTS 21

Rogers often recommends this Brooks shoe to flat-footed patients. The sneakers are made with a guide railing system that works kind of like bumpers at a bowling alley—they keep excess side-to-side movements in check so your knees won't overexert themselves.

Rave Review: "These are the best sneakers I’ve ever owned. I walk several miles in them most days. I have a bad ankle (broke it twice when I was younger and have some metal in it) and they provide perfect comfort and support."

DailyFit DMX

Reebok's DailyFits are a 2021 Women's Health Sneaker Awards winner, snagging the highly-coveted 'Best for All-Day Comfort' title. The shoes are made with special cushioning designed to cradle your arch and deliver energy return with each step.

Rave Review: "I am so pleased with this shoe. The fit allows me to use orthotics, which I need due to a tendon problem. Walking is comfortable thanks to the cushioned sole and the styling allows me broader use. Love these shoes!"

What should you look for in the best walking shoes?

Several factors go into finding the right walking shoe. Here are a few main points worth considering before opening up your wallet.

Support and stability: Walking shoes should be ridged more stable than running shoes. Ideally, it will assist with the pattern of your walk rather than the impact. Your shoe should also have limited flexibility—the more it bends, the less stability.

To test the flexibility, hold the shoe at the toe box and heel counter and try to fold the shoe in half by pushing on its ends to see how sturdy it is. If it folds in half or twists with ease, it's too flexible, says podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist, Elizabeth Daughtry, MD.

Material: The material of your shoes should be decided based on where you live or where you tend to walk most often. Still, breathability is essential. If you're in a cold or wet environment, try opting for something that's leather or has a weatherproof upper.

"Overall, look for a shoe that has a more rocker bottom or rigid midsole with a firm heel counter to assist with control of excessive turning inwards or outwards while heel striking," says Dr. Daughtry.

Outsole: Look for walking shoes that have an outsole with more rigidness in the midsole for stability.

Flexible uppers: In general, a flexible shoe is a no-no. For uppers, however, having that flexibility can help avoid irritation to the top of the foot and allow for any swelling that may occur during activities, says Dr. Daughtry. The flex point should also match the bending point of the foot.

Insoles and arch support: Different feet have different needs, so it's important to have insoles that can be removed in case you use orthotics. "Most shoes don't offer adequate support alone," says Dr. Daughtry. "You should supplement most shoes with a more custom-molded orthotic, which your local podiatrist can make for you as this gives most shoes adequate support but also helps with shock absorption and the ability for additional cushioning that the shoe may lack."

What are the different foot types and how can you identify yours?

Believe it or not there are three main types of feet: High arch (cavus foot), rectus foot, and flat foot (pes planus).

To figure out which kind you have, it's best to speak with a podiatrist who can tell you exactly where you land on the scale. You can also test it on your own by wetting the bottom of your foot and stepping on something that will allow you to clearly see your footprint.

If you see most of your arch (as in the whole outline of your foot), you have flat feet. If you only see half of your arch, you have rectus feet, which is the most common kind. If you mostly see the heel and ball of your foot with very little arch, you have a high arch.

What’s the best way to break in new sneakers or walking shoes?

Just like heels or your go-to pair of running shoes, walking shoes need to be broken in as well. Of course, how often you plan on using them will make a big impact on how long it takes, but the general rule of thumb is to slowly build up how long you wear them for.

"Wear the shoes for an hour the first day, and gradually increase the time wearing them each day by an hour," says Dr. Daughtry. "Adjustments should be made while at home prior to going out in the elements or walking excessively during the adjustment period." If you feel comfortable wearing them for longer than an hour, that's okay too. At the end of the day, you know your body best.

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