Walking is excellent exercise. Did you know that if you walk at a moderate pace, it’s just as good as vigorous running? Studies show that it reduces the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes (1).
If you’re serious about walking, it’s worth it to have the right shoes. What walking shoes do podiatrists recommend? Is it okay to wear running shoes? In the beginning, you might be comfortable, but there are important things to consider.
For example, the best sneakers for walking have room in the front to wiggle your toes. They don’t slide up and down on the heel and the ankle collar doesn’t rub. They should also have enough cushioning to keep you comfortable and arch supports appropriate to your needs. You shouldn’t be sore after walking.
As much as you may love your old sneakers, it’s probably time for a new pair. Shoes only last for about 500 miles, which is why athletes have different shoes for training and everyday wear. Here’s how to find the best sneakers for walking today.
How to get the best walking shoes when shopping online
Buying shoes online can be a little tricky if you don’t measure your feet first. Although you could go off the size of your current shoes, unless they are exactly the same model as the ones you’ll be buying, there’s no certainty that they will fit. (Since manufacturers change factories or update their lasts, sometimes even the same exact shoe fits differently). It only takes a few minutes and it will potentially save you the hassle of returning your purchase.
There are two ways to measure your feet. The best way is to grab at least 2 sheets of paper, tape, and a pencil or pen. You’ll also need a wall.
- Lay the paper down flush against the wall and tape it into place.
- Take your shoes and socks off and stand on the paper with your heels against the wall.
- Holding the pen or pencil vertically (don’t angle it), trace around the outside of each foot.
- Use a ruler or measuring tape to check the length and the width of the longest and widest parts.
The second way to measure is quicker. Stand on top of the measuring tape and have a friend write down the numbers for you.
If one foot is larger than the other, use those measurements to shop for shoes.
If you’re not sure how inches convert into shoe sizes, the manufacturer’s size chart should help. For example, women whose feet measure 9.3 inches in length are a size 7. Meanwhile, 9.5 inches is a size 8.
As for width, some brands consider a medium width for a size 7 to be 3.4 inches across and a wide width is 3.8 inches. But a size 8 is slightly different – 3.4 inches for medium width. That’s why consulting the size chart is so helpful. Once you have your size, it’s much quicker to shop for sneakers because sites like Amazon let you sort by size.
Alright, it’s time to have fun looking at the best sneakers for walking.
| The best sneakers for walking | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| Dansko Women's Pace Walking Shoe |
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| Skechers Women's Go Walk Hyper Burst-Space Insight Sneaker |
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| Rockport Women's Truflex W Fly Bungee Walking Shoe |
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| New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 1080 V11 Running Shoe |
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| Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe |
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| Saucony Women's Integrity Wlk 3 Walking Shoes |
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| PUMA Women's Prowl Slip-on Cross Trainer |
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| Merrell Women's Trail Walking Shoe |
|
Best Sneakers for Walking in 2024
Dansko Women’s Pace Walking Shoe
Let’s start with the best walking shoes for long-distance on concrete. They also happen to be the best walking shoes with arch support. Even if you have high arches, there’s room for orthotics.
What makes them so comfortable? First, the EVA insole provides excellent shock absorption. Reviewers with plantar fasciitis find that these shoes take away their pain. Between the extra arch support and cushy padding, the shoes make it fun to go for a walk. With each step, they propel you forward.
Moreover, the lining has anti-odor technology and the mesh upper is treated with Scotchgard to prevent stains.
Choose from a variety of colors including black, charcoal, beige, and blue.
Pros:
- Excellent arch support and cushioning for walking on concrete
- Anti-odor technology
- Stain resistance with Scotchgard
- Various colors available
Cons:
- No bright colors
Skechers Women’s Go Walk Hyper Burst-Space Insight Sneaker
It’s true that Skechers makes some of the best walking sneakers for women. These are the type of shoes that put a bounce in your step. These are a little more lightweight than the Dansko sneakers, too, and just as good for walking city streets.
The most unique feature is that this pair is machine-washable. Besides that, they feature Ortholite insoles that not only provide cushioning but also keep the foot dry. The soft and flexible mesh upper is also breathable (but rather chilly in the wintertime).
Also, the specially designed midsole consists of Hyper Burst foam with spherical cells that return energy on every stride.
Select from a variety of colors including gray, black, and red.
Pros:
- Optimum energy return with Hyper Burst foam soles puts a bounce in every step
- Machine-washable
- Ortholite insoles cushion, support, and wick moisture away from the foot
- Available in various colors
Cons:
- A little too breezy for wintertime walking outdoors
Rockport Women’s Truflex W Fly Bungee Walking Shoe
Unfortunately, Rockport has a reputation for making the best walking shoes for seniors so the younger crowd runs the risk of missing out on some truly comfy shoes.
We found these unique-looking slip-ons to be both fashionable, comfortable, and supportive. Also important, they are machine-washable. One reviewer said they were like socks with soles because they cradle the foot while remaining flexible.
Similar to the Skechers sneakers, they have removable Ortholite footbeds so you could potentially swap them for different insoles like custom orthotics.
Pros:
- Made by a manufacturer that specializes in walking shoes
- Slip-on style fits like socks with soles
- Removable Ortholite footbed
- Washable
Cons:
- Only a few colors available
- Slip-on style might not be the best choice for narrow feet
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080 V11 Running Shoe
Can sneakers be used as walking shoes? New Balance resolves the conflict by marketing this model as both a running shoe and walking sneaker. What’s more, it’s available in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide widths so pretty much everyone can find the perfect fit.
There are several reasons to love these shoes. First, not only are they very lightweight, but they are super-cushioned. They feel soft and fluffy like walking on clouds.
Next, the heel is slightly more elevated than the toe to propel the foot forward. (It’s an 8mm drop). At the same time, it has a Fresh Foam midsole that cushions and supports through every step.
We also like the design of the uppers and Ortholite sockliners. They hug the foot like booties so they don’t put pressure on tendons but stay snug.
The brand even made the shoes extra-durable. Choose from a variety of beautiful colors.
Pros:
- These are both running shoes and walking sneakers
- 8mm drop with Fresh Foam cushioning and support
- Ortholite sockliners and mesh uppers fit like booties
- Available in wide, extra-wide, standard, and narrow widths
- Selection of vibrant colors
Cons:
- It’s hard to decide between all the pretty colors
Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe
This looks exactly like what it is: a walking shoe. Even though it comes in over a dozen colors and patterns, it’s the structure of the sneaker that gives it away. Not surprising as it’s specifically made for high-performance fitness walking.
The exterior consists of an 8-section rubber sole that has good traction and durability. The 11mm drop is pretty steep but it pushes the foot forward so you need less energy while walking. What you can’t see is the EVA midsole that provides cushioning.
Look inside and you’ll notice the Lycra lining with the padded collar and tongue. The insole is designed for women specifically, with a roomy toe and narrow heel. The Re-Zorb insole, meanwhile, doesn’t just soak up shocks, but it also helps the foot to stay dry.
Reviewers say the shoes are very stable although there isn’t a ton of arch support. If you have high arches, you might want to add orthotics.
Pros:
- Designed for women who do high-performance fitness walking
- Traction, durability, and shock absorption
- Wide variety of colors and patterns
Cons:
- May not have enough support for high arches
Saucony Women’s Integrity Wlk 3 Walking Shoes
These sneakers are kind of boring-looking but don’t let appearances fool you. They are very cushiony, sturdy, and have good traction. The neutral sole design feels springy due to the patented PWRRUN technology. Also, they have nice arch support.
They come with full-grain leather uppers, making them a favorite choice of food service and healthcare workers who are on their feet all day and need to keep their shoes looking nice.
Saucony shoes tend to suit people with wide feet, but double-check your measurements against the size chart.
Pros:
- Sturdy, springy, and well-cushioned with good arch support
- Neutral sole
- Full-grain leather uppers
Cons:
- Only 3 basic colors available
PUMA Women’s Prowl Slip-on Cross Trainer
If you’re a fan of flexible, lightweight shoes, try these slip-on sneakers. Similar to the Rockport shoes, reviewers say it’s like wearing socks with cushioning. Although definitely not ideal for trail running, they are perfect for little walks around town.
The uppers fit snug like socks. Meanwhile, the sole features Softfoam+, a patented material that conforms to the foot and springs back with every step.
Happily, the shoes come in a nice selection of colors.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight and flexible with a springy, cushioned feel
- Fit like socks
- Good selection of colors
Cons:
- Not for long distance walking or trail running
Merrell Women’s Trail Walking Shoe
If you like to go hiking or spend hours on your feet, you can’t go wrong with the Merrell Trail walking shoe. It’s surprisingly lightweight and breathable. One reviewer said it was the most comfortable shoe she’s ever worn.
However, another reviewer pointed out that the rear of the shoe is narrow and not super stable on rocky ground.
In any case, if you’d like a pair of sneakers for walking the dog, running errands, and enjoying the great outdoors, this is a popular choice.
Choose from a small selection of colors.
Pros:
- Very breathable and lightweight for trail walking shoes
- Good traction and support
- From a reputable brand of outdoor footwear
Cons:
- Only a handful of colors available
Conclusion
We had fun reviewing these comfy sneakers so we hope our reviews helped you find the best walking shoes for women today. You deserve to have happy feet so that you can spend more time doing the things you want to do.
If your new shoes are inspiring you to walk further, we’d love to hear about them. Feel free to leave us a comment below.
Source:
1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/atvbaha.112.300878 Walking Versus Running for Hypertension, Cholesterol, and Diabetes Mellitus Risk Reduction, by Paul T. Williams and Paul D. Thompson, Originally published 04 Apr 2013