Going For A Stroll? Lace Up With The 11 Best Walking Shoes for Women

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It is an unfortunate truth: Some shoes just aren’t meant for walking. No matter how fond we are of glossy patent pumps and platform kicks, they usually don’t offer adequate support past a certain number of consecutive miles (and believe me, I’ve tried). At some point, we’ve all put our trust in the wrong pair of shoes only to learn a hard lesson of function over fashion, which would make us wish we’d opted for a practical pair of comfy sneakers instead. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or exercising, the best walking shoes will treat your feet right while you earn those steps.

To help you find a pair that’ll go the distance, we relied on customer reviews, expert opinions, and the hands-on testing of our friends at the Good Housekeeping Institute and Women’s Health to determine which walking shoes check the major boxes in terms of breathability, width, and support. Dr. Ann Anderson, podiatrist and podiatric surgeon from Allentown, Pennsylvania, states, “the shoe, most importantly, has to be the proper width and length, with room in the toe area.”

Shop 11 of the best walking shoes for women below.

Gel Quantum 180 5

Previously rated best overall by the Good Housekeeping Institute, the Asics Gel Quantum scores high in areas of support, cushioning, fit, and stability. Not only that, it also earned the stamp of approval from two expert doctors. Flat footers, take note⁠—this model is ideal for you.

Customer review: “The most comfortable sneakers I’ve had in my many years of wearing ASICS. I see myself purchasing these again in the future!”

Original Tall Rain Boot

There are few things your favorite sneakers can’t handle, and rough winter weather is one of them. If you need to trek through rain or snow, slip into this classic rain boot for worry-free walking.

Editor review: “I bought the Hunter Tall boot for a recent trip to London, and I can’t rave enough about the comfort and style of these boots. Three full days of Christmastime sightseeing and there was not a blister nor sore in sight. I know these will carry me through the slush and slop of an East Coast winter, and I only wish I’d bought them sooner.”—Ashley Achenbach, contributing writer

TechLoom Zipline

Another Women’s Health’s 2023 Sneaker Awards winner, the APL Ziplines are top-rated in terms of flexibility, support, and breathability. While they come with a hefty price tag, reviewers confessed that the durability and superior foam comfort keep them coming back as repeat customers.

Customer review: “Hands down the best shoes I’ve ever owned! In terms of comfort level, I can wear this the whole day from morning to night walking 20k steps. It gives so much support and stability, and the cushion is incredible.”

Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe

The Rykä Devotion Plus 3 was rated best all-day in 2023’s tests at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Because women’s feet are different than men’s (the musculature and tapering of the heel are actually different), these walking shoes cater to a women’s foot with extra support around the arch and heel.

Customer review: “These came in the mail this week and I’m in love already! Every pressure point feels like it’s being supported by individual pillows inside the sole. The fit is true to size, and they are so pretty!”

Original Universal Sandal

Teva has a legion of fans who swear by its sandals. Seriously, the brand’s following borders on cult-like, but it’s easy to see why they’re so beloved. The shoes are meant to carry you through all of your activities, from walking city streets to snorkeling in coral reefs. Don’t let the sandal style fool you, it offers ample support with great traction, and the straps hold your foot securely in place.

Customer review: “These are the greatest, most comfortable shoes I’ve ever bought. I bought them for a trip to Hawaii and they exceeded every expectation for every terrain needed.”

Atom Sneaker

Although flat feet and high arches are opposite, both foot types require solid arch support. Kuru’s Atom sneaker is an excellent pick for anyone looking to improve their posture or those dealing with plantar fasciitis, wide feet, or bunions.

Customer review: “They’re lifesaving! I have a severe case of Plantar fasciitis...I searched the web for shoes and came across these. I was using crutches to take any weight off my feet, but after I received these shoes, I was walking again without help. I still have pain in my toe pad area and maybe they aren’t broken in yet, but WOW, thank you for making a great product to help us all get back on our feet!”

Anacapa Mid Sneakers

The sneaker and hiking boot combo you never knew you needed. Built for hikers, wanderers, or everyday adventurers, these mid-rise sneakers offer ankle and arch support, as well as grip and high traction.

Customer review: “I bought these for a hiking trip and they were so comfy from day one! Didn’t need to break these in at all and didn’t get a single blister. I was doing ten mile hikes every day with these. Great boots! I ended up sizing up a half size since my toe felt close.”

Tree Runners

Let’s be honest, the sneakers that suit your feet are not always the sneakers that suit your style. In fact, they rarely are, which is why Allbirds have become so popular. The sustainable brand’s designs are versatile and stylish while maintaining maximum comfort. Plus, they’re machine washable, which is always a bonus for shoes that you intend to get a lot of use out of. For these reasons, testers voted this shoe best for travel.

Customer review: “Heard good things about this brand while looking for eco-friendly and sustainable shoe options, but wasn’t sure what to expect. They’ve worked out great so far! Good fit, comfy, and work well at my job that keeps me on my feet most of the day.”

411 V1 Walking Shoe

ELLE’s own deputy editor, Kayla Adler, swears by this New Balance sneaker, calling it her “tried and true long-distance walking shoe.” Her favorite part? The “squishy” sole that makes it feel like she’s walking on a cloud rather than pavement.

Customer review: “The New Balance 11’s fit perfectly and are very comfortable. I needed a good pair of walking shoes, and these shoes fit the need.”

Cloudgo Running Shoe

In Women’s Health’s 2023 Sneaker Awards, this shoe won the award for all-day comfort. Their responsive and supportive structure makes them a favorite amongst teachers and nurses.

Customer review: “Bought these for a vacation where I’d be doing a ton of walking and they were fabulous! I have a bad lower back that needs a little more cushion for long walking days and these were totally comfortable, supportive, and zero rubbing on my heel or toes right out of the box.”

Walking Sock Shoes

If you like Balenciagas, you know, the ones that look like socks, then you just might fall in love with these top-rated Amazon walking shoes. They’re slip-on yet non-slip, breathable, and have enough room to accommodate orthotic inserts. Happy customers say they’re a great value and that they outperform similar name brand sneakers that run for twice the price.

What people are saying: “These shoes are so comfortable! I wore these when I went on a trip and it was nice being able to slip them on and off for TSA! Also great for all the walking I had to do in the airport.”

What Makes a Good Walking Shoe?

While everyone’s shoe needs are different, the general rule of thumb is that a walking shoe should be comfortable. Even your most comfortable high heels lack the function to withstand a day’s worth of strolls and steps. A good walking shoe is one that’s made of soft, breathable material and comes without any hardware or embellishments that might end up rubbing on your skin or causing blisters.

You’ll want to be able to rely on your shoes for all-day support, so look for shoes with molded foam footbeds or gel inserts to match the contour of your feet and help with shock absorption. Dr. Anderson recommends a walking shoe with a stiff midsole (meaning you can’t twist the sole of the shoe). She also suggests looking for “supportive materials like a knit mesh in the shoe upper that allows the skin to breathe.” It should go without saying, but steer clear of high heels, toe prongs, and razor-thin flats.

How to Choose a Walking Shoe?

To choose a walking shoe, you should first know the level of activity you’ll be up against—do you need something for your 10-minute commute to the office or are you seeking a style to put on extra miles outdoors? Take the occasion, weather conditions, and your own anatomy into consideration.

Maybe you have high arches, flat or wide feet, or chronic pain in the heel or ball of your foot. Look for brands (like Vionic, Dansko, or Spenco) and styles that cater to any specific concerns, and always consult with a podiatrist if you’re having persistent foot pain.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Ann Anderson is a podiatrist and podiatric surgeon with Allentown Family Foot Care in Pennsylvania.

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