Yahoo LifestylePodiatrists Say Your Feet Will Never Get Sore In These Walking Shoes
- 1/16
Podiatrists Say Your Feet Will Never Get Sore In These Walking Shoes
Walking is having a serious moment right now. It seems like people are going on more walks than ever to improve both their mental and physical health, and it makes sense, since there are tons of benefits to walking. It's also the OG bodyweight workout—but the one thing you do need is a solid pair of comfortable, supportive walking shoes to help you enjoy every step and even prevent injury, says podiatrist Chanel Perkins, DPM.
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.
When starting your walking shoe shopping journey, Perkins advises you start by looking at the cushioning a shoe offers. “Cushioning is a vital element in most waking shoes, since this is what helps with shock absorption as the foot impacts the ground,” she says.
By the way, you shouldn’t have to “break in” a new pair of shoes (I know—I was surprised 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 foot heaven, and don't wait for uncomfortable shoes to eventually feel better on your sore feet.
Luckily, all the shoes on this list tick every box for style, comfort, cushioning, and flexibility. See below for the 15 best expert and reviewer-recommended walking shoes for women in 2022.
Christine Giordano - 2/16
1) V3 Running Shoe
New Balance
amazon.com
$169.95
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.)
Reviewer rave: "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!" —Janice, amazon.com
amazon.com - 3/16
2) Air Zoom Pegasus 36
Nike
amazon.com
$110.00
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 that slim, low heel that Perkins mentioned is best to maintain a smooth walking cadence.
Reviewer rave: "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." —Marie R., amazon.com
amazon.com - 4/16
3) Casual Comfort Sneaker
New Balance
amazon.com
$41.97
"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.
Reviewer rave: "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." —Billie D., amazon.com
amazon.com - 5/16
4) Bondi 7
Hoka One
hoka.com
$150.00
If cushioning is your first priority, look no further than Hoka One's cult-favorite Bondi 7 sneaker. Made with a thick plush sole and collar, it's designed to keep the bottoms of your feet and ankles as secure and stable as possible. Plus, the rubber outsole ensures maximum durability.
Reviewer rave: "I do a lot of walking (about four miles a day up and down hilly roads). These are very comfortable. No more knee pain! The lacing stays in place for me better than other shoes. Honestly, I am now a Hoka fan."—Monique G., hoka.com
hoka.com - 6/16
5) Walking Shoes
STQ
amazon.com
$37.99
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 and a thick sole with a high-traction base (great if you're slip-prone!). For only $37, they're totally affordable, too.
Reviewer rave: "I am a RN 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 8 or 12 hour-long shifts. These are perfect." —Spice, amazon.com
Courtesy - 7/16
6) Go Joy Walking Shoe
Skechers
amazon.com
$34.95
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 optimal arch support, too.
Reviewer rave: "I have feet that are always in pain from bunions, hammer toe, 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." —Jeanine, amazon.com
amazon.com - 8/16
7) Tennis Shoes
Akk
amazon.com
$42.99
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.
Reviewer rave: "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." —Mafer, amazon.com
amazon.com - 9/16
8) Cohesion 13
Saucony
amazon.com
$54.95
Saucony's Cohesion 13 is a seriously durable walking shoe. The supportive, water-resistant bottom makes it 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.
Reviewer rave: "I found these very comfortable with good support. I hike in them and they take the wear and tear. I'll buy them again." —winebunny, amazon.com
amazon.com - 10/16
9) Cloudfoam Pure 2.0
adidas
amazon.com
$59.95
Trust that 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.
Reviewer rave: "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!!" —PN, amazon.com
amazon.com - 11/16
10) Techloom Bliss Sneakers
APL
amazon.com
$220.00
Yes, these luxe and trendy shoes are on the expensive side, but they pack in tons of high-tech features. 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.
Reviewer rave: "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." —GigiLola, nordstrom.com
amazon.com - 12/16
11) The Lace-Up
Rothy's
rothys.com
$165.00
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.
Reviewer rave: "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." —Anonymous, rothys.com
rothys.com - 13/16
12) Gel-Contend 5
Asics
amazon.com
64.95
Thanks to the gel cushioning infused in the heel, 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 nine colorways, feel free to grab one for every day of the week and beyond.
Reviewer rave: "I can't recommend these enough. I have falling arches and these are the only shoes that leave my feet feeling great at the end of the day. I began noticing too that they're popular with nurses. It's like getting a $200 dollar shoe for a fraction of the cost."—Eugenia Shook, amazon.com
amazon.com - 14/16
13) Clifton 8
HOKA ONE
hoka.com
$149.00
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.
Reviewer rave: "These were recommended for tendinitis and plantar fasciitis by my orthopedic doctor. They have helped tremendously to give my feet the extra support they needed and the pain has gone away completely with the help of physical therapy, orthotics, and these shoes."—Lisann, hoka.com
Courtesy - 15/16
14) Adrenaline GTS 21
Brooks
amazon.com
$178.89
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.
Reviewer rave: "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." —Anonymous, amazon.com
amazon.com - 16/16
15) DailyFit DMX
Reebok
$57.00
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.
Reviewer rave: "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!"
—Judy42, reebok.com
