The 15 Best Walking Shoes for Women in 2023, According to Experts

Outdoor educator Gaby Pilson says the Hoka Arahi 6 takes the cake when it comes to the best walking shoes for women. “They blend breathability, comfort, cushioning, and support into one neat package,” she says. “Like all Hoka shoes, they have an extra-thick midsole that provides all-day cushioning underfoot to limit foot fatigue. Additionally, the Arahi 6 is surprisingly lightweight so they won’t keep you back as you walk. They also use Hoka’s proprietary J-Frame technology, which helps to prevent overpronation as you walk without overcorrecting so much that you start to supinate.”

There are also laudable consciousness practices behind the construction of these shoes. "The Hoka Arahi 6 are completely vegan-friendly and they’re made with a recycled mesh lining," she says. "What’s not to love?"

These Adidas sneakers have more than 1,100 nearly perfect reviews on Amazon. Previous customers wrote that they're lightweight, true to size, and one of the most comfortable shoes they've ever worn. In other words, "nothing short of magic."

Reda Elmardi is a certified strength and conditioning trainer, registered dietician, and owner of The Gym Goat. He recommends Skechers Go Walk collection for women, calling them "a great pair of walking shoes for anyone looking for a comfortable yet stylish pair of shoes." Elmardi notes that the “breathable mesh uppers help keep feet cool and dry, the heel counter and tongue offer additional support, and the rubber outsole delivers traction.”

These sleek kicks from Kuru are a great pick for those with plantar fasciitis. The insole molds to your foot to provide much-needed support, and the hollow heel cup relieves pressure on the heel bone, where much of plantar fasciitis pain comes from.

One reviewer with plantar fasciitis, a nurse, said these represent freedom from foot pain, and noted, "I’ll never wear another kind of shoes to work again."

Dr. Sutera recommends this shoe largely due to its cushion technology, which utilizes proprietary active foam for added comfort and support. The engineering behind the shoe's design also offers adequate shock absorption, which Dr. Sutera approves of since it will keep joints happy.

This upgraded version of the Allbirds Tree Dasher features extra grip, more responsive foam, and an improved fit. The design supports walking, running, and low impact workouts, plus the lightweight material makes them ideal for packing while traveling. On top of all this, they're made from eucalyptus tree fiber and are extremely eco-friendly.

Shawn Richards, expedition coordinator at Ultimate Kilimanjaro, says that the overall quality of this shoe makes it a must-buy. "The comfortable springers laced with a lighter foam makes for the best stroll or run you've had in ages,” he says. As a bonus, for those concerned with aesthetics, "The vibrant shoe design is perfect for women and comes in a diverse range of color schemes and audacious patterns."

This shoe’s technology allows for high energy return, meaning some of the energy you expel while walking will come back to you, rather than being absorbed by the ground, which forces you to work harder. That design, which is ideal for running, also makes it "perfect for walking,” according to Dr. Sutera.

If your pronation (the natural way your foot rolls inward while walking) is basic — meaning your foot rolls slightly while it evenly distributes your body weight — this moderately-cushioned shoe may be your new BFF. “I highly recommend them for people with a neutral or low arch as they provide great stability, as well as extra padding for shock control,” says Dr. Miguel Cunha, DPM, founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City.

Caroline Grainger, ISSA Certified Personal Trainer at FitnessTrainer, calls these shoes her “personal favorite” pair, categorizing them as both “lightweight and supportive.”

She also offers this pro tip for in-person shopping: “When you’re looking for a pair of walking shoes, I always recommend taking your old pair along with you. Paying attention to how you wear out old sneakers will show you what to look for in your new pair.”

These sneakers are easy to put on, comfortable around the ankles, and have a platform to give you a height boost. At just about a third of the cost compared to most shoes on this list, they offer a solid deal for your money.

These Keen hiking boots are one of the best options for walking on trails or in other rugged conditions. Dr. Lobkova explains that “They have an elevated heel for maximum support and excellent ankle support for tougher terrain." They're also fully waterproof, letting vapor out without letting water leak in.

“Vionic Shoes have stylish sneakers, flats, flip flops, and more with amazing arch support,” says Dr. William Spielfogel, a board-certified podiatrist and medical advisor to The Good Feet Store. These shoes in particular feature several foot-friendly design elements, including breathable mesh uppers, and a dual-density midsole to help alleviate foot-related pain.

Dr. Lobkova recommends this New Balance shoe because it “offers good cushioning and an Ortholite insole for mild arch support,” she says. They also come in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide width options, for a truly customized fit.

Naot’s Santa Barbaras are ultra-comfortable and come in just about every color you can imagine. The slide-style sandal has two adjustable buckles for a customized fit, smooth leather lining that won't irritate feet, and a suede-topped footbed that molds to your foot for added comfort. Many collections from the Israeli brand have received the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting good foot health.