The Best Walking Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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You can easily log those 10,000 steps every day with the help of these comfortable, supportive shoes.
Shape / Joy Kim
Walking seems like such an automatic thing, right? Put one foot in front of the other—that’s it! But there’s actually a lot more to it, especially in our current era of reaching 10,000 steps per day and walking miles upon miles taking walking breaks while working at home. Those walking workouts and trips across the building for meetings can add up in a hurry. That’s why it’s key to consider your footwear for all those steps you plan to log each and every day. You see, the wrong shoes can cause plenty of foot pain (the last thing you need to think about in the midst of a jam-packed schedule is how much your feet hurt) and they can knock your entire body out of alignment, from your feet to your spine.
It’s a way of thinking that Dr. Diana Levin Valencia, a podiatrist based in New York City, gets on board with. In fact, she believes that walking shoes are a smart investment in your health.
“While sometimes price and quality don’t correlate, there are instances that they do,” she observes. “A good pair of walking shoes will prevent injury and pain, and last a long time, thus keeping us walking pain-free longer.”
When shopping for the best walking shoes, Dr. Levin Valencia says that it’s important to look for stability, comfort, and shock absorption. “Shock absorption is most important when walking on cement or other hard surfaces,” she says, something to keep in mind if you frequently walk to work on sidewalks or take your workouts to the pavement.
And she notes that not all walking shoes are right for everyone. “Some that are comfortable for one person may be painful for another,” she says. “That’s why it’s important to know what the principles are of looking for walking shoes more so than an exact brand or name.”
In other words? We truly loved each of the following pairs of shoes— which involved testing 33 pairs of shoes, with two testers for each shoe who tested them for a month — but it’s up to you to try them on to see if they’re the best ones for you and your feet. Get out in the wild and see how they feel. And consider picking up a pair that feature similar bells and whistles as found in these shoes.
Best Walking Shoes Overall: Adidas Ultraboost Light Women's Running Shoe
Why We Like It: They’re even lighter than Adidas’ other Ultraboost shoes, and they have an outsole that grips extremely well. It’s Worth Noting: These shoes twist easily, so if you like a firmer shoe (i.e. for injury prevention on terrain other than sidewalks), this pair might not be for you.
This lace-up, road-running shoe also happens to be a pretty phenomenal walking shoe, too. Even when walking several thousand steps a day, and dealing with foot issues like bunions, the shoes continued to be comfortable and breezy through every hour. With responsiveness that feels altogether smooth and whisper-light fabric that provides amazing breathability, the bonus is that these shoes stretch, allowing for plenty of free movement.
But just a note: that “free movement” translates to easy twisting, and while this certainly lends itself to responsiveness, if you’re concerned about injury prevention, you might need a firmer shoe that doesn’t twist. Also: the sizes are true to size and they had plenty of room in the toe box, which means you won’t feel constricted in these shoes. Another pro is that these are Adidas’ lightest Ultraboost shoes ever, making for shoes that will feel like little airy clouds on your feet.
Price at time of publish: $133
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Medium | Colors: 16
Best Under $75: Skechers Go Walk Flex Alani Walking Shoes
Why We Like It: The price is right, and you gotta love that you can toss them in the washing machine. It’s Worth Noting: The slip-on styling makes for shoes that aren’t adjustable with laces, so the fit could end up being a bit too loose or too tight.
As a shoe that’s exclusively made for walking, you’d think that shoes designed with a specific activity in mind would be a little expensive. But not these sneakers from Sketchers. Yes, the brand that you religiously wore as a youngin’ is back for the adult set, and this time, they’re actually making a well-designed walking shoe that is affordable to boot. Rendered in breathable mesh with a cooling insole, vegan materials, and lightweight cushioning, these shoes are highly responsive, which will put a nice spring in your step. We enjoyed the high level of comfort that came with these shoes, provided by the generous padding around the heel and cushion that absorbs tons of shock.
Price at time of publish: $70
Sizes: 5-9.5 | Width: Medium | Colors: 3
Best Podiatrist-Approved: Rykä Devotion X Walking Shoe
Why We Like It: There’s extra cushioning in the forefoot and heel, making for the very best shock absorption around. It’s Worth Noting: These shoes are basically just available in neutrals, which is less-than-great news if you adore brightly-colored kicks.
As a brand that frequently makes lists of shoes that have been approved by podiatrists, this walking pair from Rykä, is, like the rest of its shoes, created with a woman’s foot in mind. In combination with the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, we like that these shoes have features that are ideal for women, like the wider forefoot for bonus stability and a narrower heel for an improved fit. And that’s accurate, because each of us felt like the shoes were made for our feet, and our feet alone. We also like that the mesh fabric breathes very easily (gotta love the partially recycled linings for an eco-friendly touch, too), and we also felt as if our knees, ankles, and toes were all more than adequately supported.
We did find that the fabric can get dirty fairly easily, especially the white ones. So keep that in mind if you often find yourself on less-than-pristine surfaces, like a muddy park with your little ones or messy floors at work.
Price at time of publish: $110
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Medium-Wide | Colors: 4
Related: The 10 Best Sneakers for Standing All Day of 2023, According to Podiatrists
Best Investment: Asics Women's Gel-Nimbus 25
Why We Like It: Between the extreme cushioning and gel technology, these might be the most comfortable shoes Asics has ever made. It’s Worth Noting: The high price tag of $160 might be a turnoff, but we think it’s worth it for these superiorly engineered shoes.
Even though the Asics GEL-NIMBUS 25 is a road-running shoe, we totally love it as a walking shoe, too. Although the brand recently changed its trusty GEL-NIMBUS design and added a decidedly more exaggerated rocker, there was a method to their madness. The rocker will make you naturally rock forward, which can help reduce tension in your legs. Designed with underpronation in mind (that’s when you push off the sides of your feet using your smaller toes), whether you’re running or walking, these shoes are great for injury prevention, including pesky plantar fasciitis and ankle strain. We liked the fact that the toe box more than adequately accommodated our toes and our heels never slipped out of place.
“When I put these shoes on for the first time, I felt like I was stepping on a pillow, thanks to the Asics PureGEL™ technology,” says Kristen Geil, Shape senior commerce editor. “I really loved the 8-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which relieved any tightness in my calves and helped me feel like I was propelled forward with every step. Plus, the heel tab made it easy to pull these shoes on without fully unlacing them.” We found ourselves reaching for these shoes time and time again.
Price at time of publish: $160
Sizes: 5-13 | Width: Medium | Colors: 20
Best for Walking Workouts: Nike Motiva Women's Walking Shoes
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Why We Like It: Despite the exaggerated rocker, you’ll still experience generous ankle and leg stability in these shoes. It’s Worth Noting: The springiness can be a little hard to get used to for some. Avoid these if you don’t want a bounce in your step during walking workouts.
Doubling as a walking or jogging shoe, we think that these Nikes not only look cool—they also have more than ample shock support and cushioning for even your longest walking workouts. And that exaggerated rocker? We initially thought that it might take a lot of getting used to (after all, you might not be accustomed to a rocking motion when you walk), but it only took a minute—after that, these rocking shoes are super-responsive and can adapt to several different types of terrain.
We like to think of these as an “active” walking shoe since that rocker can give your legs a bit of a workout—you might feel a slight bouncing motion in these. But even with all that bounciness, we still sensed tons of arch support in these stable yet lightweight shoes.
Price at time of publish: $110
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Medium | Colors: 2
Best Walking Shoes for Nurses: Dansko Penni Walking Shoe
Why We Like It: These shoes have a rock-solid fit, which means that your feet won’t slide around, even if you’re in a hurry. It’s Worth Noting: If you don’t need arch support and have flat feet instead, these shoes perhaps won’t be right for you.
The amount of steps that nurses put in during shifts is no joke. That’s why they often turn to Dansko as a preferred brand. Famed for their arch support and heel stability, these Dansko shoes are no exception, outfitted with a bungee lace that’s perfect if you’re in a rush and a noticeably supportive footbed that will wrap your feet in pain-free comfort. Plus, those mesh uppers have been treated with Scotchgard™, so even if they meet a mess, they’ll resist stains. We found that these shoes are equally effective when worn at the gym and on multiple terrains outdoors.
Price at time of publish: $140
Sizes: 5.5-12 | Width: Medium | Colors: 6
Related: The Best Shoes for Nurses of 2023, According to a Podiatrist
Best for Plantar Fasciitis: On Cloud 5 Women's Running Shoe
Why We Like It: The speed-lacing system makes it feel like an easy-peasy slip-on shoe with all the benefits of a hardworking walking shoe. It’s Worth Noting: These shoes tend to run a little narrow, something to keep in mind if you have wide or extra-wide feet.
These futuristic shoes don’t look like your everyday road running shoes, but that’s what these shoes are. Sporting a modern look and a speed-lacing system (the laces just need to be tightened or loosened instead of tied), these shoes were developed by pros in Switzerland and have all the bells and whistles if you deal with plantar fasciitis. Think: comfortable foam that cushions even your most powerful “push-off” movements during a walk or run. And since that cushioning absorbs shock, your painful fascia won’t absorb it, resulting in less pain. Plus, there’s great support for high arches—high arches without support can often cause or exacerbate plantar fasciitis. We reported less plantar fasciitis pain and inflammation after wearing these shoes, even after walking through airports or other locales that require a lot of steps.
Price at time of publish: $140
Sizes: 5-11 | Width: Medium | Colors: 17
Related: We Tested Dozens of Running Shoes — And These Were Best for Plantar Fasciitis
Most Versatile: Allbird Women's Tree Dasher Relay Walking Shoes
Why We Like It: These shoes are easy to keep next to the door whenever you need to pop out to walk the dog or run errands. It’s Worth Noting: With their ultra-casual look, they do lack versatility when it comes to wearing them with all your outfits (they just don’t look great with dressy or work ensembles).
This shoe from widely-loved brand Allbirds has a lot going for it. They’re machine washable. You can slip them on, which means you can put them on in a hurry. They’re eco-friendly in renewable materials. And the mesh lends itself to minimizing odor. And apart from the materials and aesthetics, these shoes are also ideal for almost all feet. Since they’re available in half sizes, you can really customize them to your unique fit needs. The shoe also has excellent cushioning, a lightly padded heel collar that helps your ankle stay in place (buh-bye sprained ankles!), and reflective detailing that’ll help you feel safer at night. We loved the convenience of these shoes (slip ‘em on and go) and the fact that there was basically no “breaking in” period while first wearing them. You just might find yourself wearing these shoes every day, but if you’re someone who’s all about perfectly matching your shoes to your ensemble, know that these shoes have a super-casual vibe, which means they might not work flawlessly with going-out clothes or outfits for work.
Price at time of publish: $135
Sizes: 5-11 | Width: Medium | Colors: 5
Most Responsive: New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
Why We Like It: It runs true to size but does come in half sizes if you’re aiming for an extra-customized fit. It’s Worth Noting: The toe box is super roomy, which is good news for those with medium to wide feet, but for those with narrow feet, there might be too much room.
New Balance is a shoe darling among podiatrists, with experts frequently saying that they are some of the most supportive shoes around. In fact, New Balance is often a shoe brand of choice among nurses, and we know how much they walk during their long shifts! This New Balance Fresh Foam shoe is a walking-meets-running shoe that’s apparently the best shoe the brand has ever made, according to the product description, and that’s with a bar that’s already set high. Known for their smooth, highly responsive ride, superior cushioning, excellent energy transfer, and lightweight mesh upper that breathes, we wore these during walking workouts on the treadmill and commutes to work alike. They continued to be comfortable hour after hour and made for smooth and easy transitions while on the move.
Price at time of publish: $160
Sizes: 5-13 | Width: Medium-Wide | Colors: 3
Best Waterproof: Vessi Cityscape Classic Waterproof Shoes
Why We Like It: With their stretchy mesh fabric, these shoes will feel more like socks as they mold to your feet. It’s Worth Noting: The visuals of this shoe aren’t all that head-turning, so if you need something colorful and ultra-stylish, you might want to move along.
Sometimes, when you’re out walking, you may find yourself wishing you were wearing waterproof shoes, especially if you’re caught in a downpour or dodging puddles. This streamlined shoe from Vessi is a walking shoe that’s also waterproof, which is ideal if you walk in all kinds of weather. It uses Dyma-tex® 100% waterproof technology, a patented material with pores that are too small for water droplets to get in. Waterproof shoes are often not breathable, but these shoes are, in mesh that allows air in. One editor found that they withstood a theme park trip in pouring rain and were incredibly comfortable and surprisingly supportive as well. Say goodbye to blisters caused by moisture.
Price at time of publish: $105
Sizes: 5-11 | Width: Medium | Colors: 4
Best for Bunions: Orthofeet Kita Hands-Free Women's Athletic Sneakers
Why We Like It: The brand just doesn’t offer medium and wide sizes—they even go up to extra-wide. Was that your bunion just breathing a sigh of relief? It’s Worth Noting: They aren’t the cutest shoes in the world, but to be pain-free, it just might be worth it.
When you have a bunion, every step can feel like torture. That’s why it can be helpful to seek out a shoe that will alleviate that pain instead of adding to it. With their wide toe-box and three width options, these Orthofeet shoes will give your bunion plenty of breathing room so it’s not smashed up against the inside of your shoe. If you also deal with arch issues, the shoes come with an optional arch booster for added support. This is supplied through premium orthotic insoles that can be removed. They’re also slip-on and have a stretch water repellent upper, for a couple extra bonuses. We thought they felt cushy yet supportive, and even in a larger size, they were solid and a good fit.
Price at time of publish: $135
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Medium-Extra Wide | Colors: 3
Best Arch Support: KEEN WK400 Walking Shoes
Why We Like It: We felt a lot of forward momentum walking in these shoes, with responsiveness that’s great for any walking workout. It’s Worth Noting: They can be on the tight side, so order a half size up if needed.
It’s no wonder that Keen is a favorite brand among hikers. While these aren’t exactly hiking boots, these walking shoes with an exaggerated rocker also offer a lot of stability and arch support. Support all comes together through the shoe’s features, like a contoured fit, high-energy, yet sturdy, midsoles, and full-length nylon plates inside that just add to the firmness. We liked the cupped heel that provided comfort and stability and the shock support is outstanding.
Price at time of publish: $160
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Medium | Colors: 4
Related: The Best Hiking Sandals for Women, According to Our Trail-Blazing Tests
Best Slip-On: Kizik Women's Roamer Hands-Free Shoe
Why We Like It: The 4-way stretch upper makes for amazing comfort and conforms right to your foot. It’s Worth Noting: The stiff outsole is great for support but might feel uncomfortable if you prefer a springy shoe.
Although we have other slip-on shoes on this list, these are our favorites. Why? Because they’re far from simply slip-ons. These versatile, do-it-all shoes have removable, washable insoles, a Flex Foam outsole (hello, comfort!), traction grooves that will help you feel steady, and a cool, aesthetically-pleasing design through the company’s Unified™ shoe-entry technology, in which the upper merges perfectly with the outsole, making for smooth responsiveness. And best of all? They’re hands-free! Just slip in your feet and go. We found that even though the shoes are slip-on, which traditionally have less-than-desirable support, these shoes were altogether stable.
Price at time of publish: $149
Sizes: 6-13 | Width: Medium | Colors: 12
Best for All Terrain: Altra Women's Lone Peak 7 Trail Running Shoe
Why We Like It: Apart from being ready to tackle most any type of terrain, they come in several head-turning colorways, like orange and purple and dark red. It’s Worth Noting: While these shoes are light, they aren’t particularly springy if that’s something you prefer.
Since this shoe is a trail runner, you better believe that it can handle almost any terrain you throw at it while walking. If you find that you frequently take your walks beyond the pavement (parks, trails, etc.), you’ll need some extra stability on those uneven surfaces. While the outsole is lightweight, it also packs a traction punch with its grippy patterning that will feel sticky no matter where you’re walking. But don’t worry, it’s not a heavy shoe—it’s actually highly responsive, so you’ll feel light on your feet. For us, the shoes stayed in place throughout every walk and had us thinking we were walking on air.
Price at time of publish: $150
Sizes: 5.5-12 | Width: Medium-Wide | Colors: 8
How We Tested
We take our walking seriously, so our quest to find the best walking shoes for women was just as thorough. Altogether, we tested 33 pairs of shoes, and each pair was tested by two people to ensure we could speak to different foot types, support needs, and preexisting conditions (such as plantar fasciitis or bunions). Our test lasted one full month, during which time each tester was asked to wear the walking shoes at least twice per week (which included at least one period of wearing for 3 hours and one period of wearing for an entire day). During the first wear, testers spent 30 minutes walking around their home or yard to record their impressions of how the shoe fit. In total, we spent 5,280 hours testing these walking shoes!
After our test, we collected data on seven different metrics: fit, comfort, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, quality, and value. Our editorial team digested these insights and carefully sifted through each comment and note to determine the best walking shoes for women.
What to Know About Walking Shoes
Cushioning, or the soft stuff that absorbs the force of impacts, “is important in terms of comfort for the person,” says Dr. Levin Valencia. While cushioning is important for anyone who puts in a lot of miles every day, it’s especially key for people with thin feet in which either the fat pad has atrophied or there are bony prominences, or areas of the foot bones that are close to the skin’s surface. “That lack of cushion in their own feet is why cushioning in the shoes is important,” she adds.
Stability
You don’t want to roll your ankle while cruising down the sidewalk, right? To avoid a sprained ankle or other injury, stability is oh-so essential when it comes to walking shoes. Dr. Levin Valencia reiterates this importance when she says, “Stability is important to make sure that when we are walking on uneven surfaces, our shoes can help to prevent injuries, which also goes hand-in-hand with responsiveness.”
Responsiveness
Speaking of responsiveness, that’s when your shoes can quickly and efficiently transfer energy from your foot to the ground. You’ll feel faster and lighter, and a lot more stable, if your shoes are responsive. “We need our shoes to be able to slightly ‘move’ when needed to accommodate for various surfaces,” says Dr. Levin Valencia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are running shoes good for walking?
Dr. Levin Valencia says that while some running shoes are “okay” for walking, there are ones that you should avoid. Namely, be wary of those “minimalist” shoes that allow a person to run on the balls of their feet. She says that these types of shoes usually won’t have the stability or shock absorption required for walking shoes. The moral of the story? Get a hefty pair of running shoes with lots of cushioning if you’re using them for walking.
How do you stop shoes from squeaking when walking?
“There are various reasons for squeaky shoes,” Dr. Levin Valencia says. “Some shoes are just made poorly, while others are too moist. A few tricks are either letting them dry out as much as possible, using baby powder, and I have heard of people using a tiny bit of D40 on the soles.” (FYI, D40 is a petroleum-based solvent.)
Why Trust Shape
Shelby Deering is a freelance health and lifestyle writer who has been working full-time as a freelance writer for nearly a decade. After earning her master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she worked as a magazine editor for nearly seven years. Since then, she has written on health topics widely ranging from spinal conditions to running advice to mental health disorders, contributing to print outlets and websites including USA Today, Prevention, Runner’s World, Healthline, Good Housekeeping, HealthCentral, and more. As a lifetime runner who frequently suffers from plantar fasciitis, she knows the importance of wearing the right shoes.
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