We Tested Over 50 Pairs of Walking Shoes for Women — These Are the 13 We Recommend

The Hoka Bondi is a neutral walking shoe with an exaggerated stack that provides cushioning for the entire foot, making it our top pick for the best women’s walking shoe for long walks. Hoka uses a newly developed supercritical foam in the bed of this shoe, which improves the foam’s durability and increases cushioning, while also reducing the environmental impact of the product.

This shoe is designed for performance and comfort from top to bottom, starting with a breathable, knitted upper that features a molded collar to support the ankle. The rear outer sole is designed to stabilize the landing of each step. All of this rests on a durable rubber sole that increases the longevity of the shoe and stands up to gravel, cracks, and bumps in the road.

During testing, I experienced a short adjustment period as I got used to the high footbed of the Hoka Bondi 9. Ultimately, I became obsessed with the high level of cushion and shock absorption all the extra foam provided — it was like walking on a cloud.

And because of the removable sock lining, these shoes can accommodate inserts or custom orthotics, making them great for women with chronic pain, those who spend a lot of time on their feet, or women who like taking long walks.

We chose the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 as the best women’s walking shoe for wide feet because it’s a highly rated walking shoe available in narrow, standard, and wide widths, which can be challenging to find.

The Gel-Kayano 32 is called a stability shoe, and that stability is provided by what Asics calls its 4D Guidance System. This system begins with a wider outer sole that keeps each step stable, with a lateral groove in the outer sole to help support walkers who tend to overpronate. When wearing this shoe, walkers may notice that their feet sit deeper in the shoe than in other walking shoes. This is an intentional choice, designed for extra stability. The fourth aspect of the guidance system is a pod of gel in the arch, which encourages you to bounce back if you roll inward when you step.

I tested the Asics Gel-Kayano 32, and the comfort of these shoes was a standout for me. I have chronic pain in my feet, and while the shoe’s cushioning provided a plush feel to each step, I still felt like I got the support and stability I needed during long walks.

These shoes feel good on my wide feet, and I love that there’s also an extra-wide option to accommodate more foot types. One thing worth noting is that due to this shoe’s cradled shape, it isn’t as accommodating to inserts or custom orthotics.

The New Balance 1080v15 is an upgraded version of a favorite running shoe from New Balance that features brand-new cushioning technology called Infinion, making it a great walking shoe for people who love a comfy, cushioned feel. The type of cushion in the model is unique because it helps the shoe resist the compression typical of repeated wear. It bounces back, which helps your foot rebound each time it hits the ground and improves comfort by absorbing impact.

Another draw of this shoe is the inclusive sizing. It’s available in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide sizes for women’s sizes 5 to 13. It has a roomy toe box, so it’s both appropriate for very wide feet and for walkers who need more height in the toe box for a taller foot shape. We also love the mesh upper, which improves breathability, and we think this shoe could be a great option for long walks in the warmer months.

We spent two weeks testing the older New Balance 1080v14 and noticed its comfort right away. “Right out of the box, these shoes feel CUSHY. I felt taller and like I was walking on a cloud,” says tester Jana Pollack. “I wore these for long three-mile morning walks, and they held up really well.”

Wearing the right shoes is an important part of managing heel pain and plantar fasciitis. We chose the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 as the best women’s walking shoe for heel pain because of the balanced support and cushioning this shoe provides.

I originally tested the Adrenaline GTS 23 and was impressed by its balance of comfort and support. It proved to be especially helpful in helping me deal with my severe mechanical foot pain and persistent heel discomfort. I also appreciated its removable sock lining and roomy, flexible upper, which made it easy to slip in my custom orthotics when I needed extra support.

The newest version of this shoe, the Adrenaline GTS 25, keeps many of those features I loved, like Brooks’s DNA Loft v3 midsole, made of nitrogen-infused foam, that offers even softer, more responsive cushioning. Like its predecessor, the GTS 25 is also available in extended sizes and four widths, making it one of the most size-inclusive shoes on our list.

Excellent arch support was the standout feature of the original Kuru Atom during testing, but we worried the support might be too firm for some. We appreciate that the upgraded Kuru Atom 2 has the same form factor but with a new EVA foam technology in the midsole called KuruCloud+ foam. It provides a more responsive cushion and great energy return while still maintaining excellent arch support. We love the shock-absorbing capability of this foam, and the heel-hugging shape helps keep the arch and heel stable, too. The upper portion is made of breathable mesh and features a wide toe box, which adds to the shoe’s comfort.

Our tester, Brittany Vargas, wore the first version of the Kuru Atom for walks and running errands. She says these shoes performed very well. She notes that the roomy toe box and flexible upper shoe kept her feet from feeling constricted or stuffy.

“I wore them holiday shopping and to a boat parade,” says Vargas. “My feet weren’t sore or tired by the end of the day.”

Kuru Atom 2 runs true to size, and they’re available in medium and wide widths. Shoppers can choose from a variety of colors. We think the shoe’s trim, minimalist design and versatility make it a great option for everyday wear, especially for those with high arches.

We chose the Aetrex Danika Arch Support Sneaker as the best walking shoe for someone who prefers a high-support shoe because it features the brand’s helpful arch support, which helps reduce both arch and heel pain.

In addition to offering excellent stability, these shoes feature an extra-high UltraSky EVA foam midsole that provides exceptional cushion and absorbs shock with each foot strike. We appreciate the durable rubber outsole with treading that provides traction on a variety of surfaces.

These shoes are available in women’s sizes 5 to 12 in both medium and wide-width. During testing, we noted that although the shoe is indicated as good for wear with bunions, even those without bunions can benefit from a wider shoe size.

“The arch support was great,” says tester Alexandra Klausner. “These shoes feel both supportive and bouncy.”

For walkers with plantar fasciitis, Matthew Galliano, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic, recommends a shoe with a wide sole and added arch support. Based on this advice and our tester’s experience, we chose the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 as the best women’s walking shoe for plantar fasciitis. This shoe is a maximum support shoe designed for everyday wear, long walks, and short runs. This is a balanced shoe; it offers comfortable cushioning but also plenty of support for the arch and heel.

The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 has a removable liner, which can be a great option for someone with plantar fasciitis, since adding an insole is another recommendation Dr. Galliano gives for walkers with inflammation in the plantar fascia.

“Remember to stretch regularly,” Dr. Galliano adds. “Try a runner’s stretch, concentrating on the Achilles tendon and back leg muscles, and avoid barefooted ambulation.”

During testing, the support offered by the Addiction Walker 2 was firm in the arch and heel. A unique feature of this shoe, compared with the others on this list, is its leather upper, which is durable and easy to wipe clean.

“They were very stiff when putting them on the first time,” says tester Raki Swanson. “I think this had to do with the fact that these are made of leather. They were comfortable overall.”

Swanson did note that because of the firm support these shoes provide, they took about a week to break in. After the adjustment period, however, she felt like this was a great shoe for walkers who require extra support.

While the Hoka Arahi 8 won’t cure or treat conditions related to flat feet, it can help to stabilize the feet for a healthier gait while walking. This shoe receives Hoka’s highest stability rating, which is achieved by new technology: its supportive, patented H-Frame, a dense, H-shaped foam in the midsole that allows for an even softer step.

“These feel so cushiony!” says editor Ashley Ziegler. “I was worried they’d feel clunky, since the soles are so thick, but they felt so comfy from the first step. I love how much cushioning there is around the back of the foot. Seriously dreamy.”

Ziegler wore the shoes for a three-mile walk and to an event at her kids’ school, which required walking and standing for a few hours. The Hoka Arahis kept her comfortable the entire time.

Another improvement we like about the newest version of the Hoka Arahi is that it’s available in a wider variety of colors than the previous iteration.

The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is our pick for the best women’s walking shoe for bunions thanks to its protective design. As one of Brooks’s most cushioned shoes, the Ghost Max 3 has a plush feel that can help people with bunions walk more comfortably with less pain. This is a neutral-style shoe that’s fairly soft, and we think people with bunions will appreciate its extra cushioning, whether they’re taking a long walk or simply wearing it around the house. It has a rocker design, which reduces pressure on the forefoot when people walk, thereby potentially reducing pain.

“A deep toe box with a wider cut is a good choice for bunions,” says Samantha Landau, DPM, an assistant professor at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. “This prevents the toes from impinging and compressing upon each other.”

“I love the support of these shoes,” writer Lindsay Modglin says. “They offer a lot of support and cushioning, so they absorb the shock of harder foundations like concrete, hard floors, and rocky terrain.”

Modglin spent two weeks testing a previous version of these shoes and notes that they tend to run narrow. We suggest considering a wide width to accommodate bunions when buying these shoes.

Hoka takes the best parts of the original Hoka Transport and upgrades it in the Transport 2 with a higher stack, a cushioned heel, and a super-soft sock liner for added comfort. Like the first version of the shoe, the Transport 2 is designed as a commuter shoe with the performance of an athletic shoe, earning it our title of best women’s walking shoe for everyday wear. Whether you’re walking for exercise around the neighborhood, walking to work in the city, or chasing your kids around the park, we think Hoka Transport 2s will perform well.

Hoka calls its cushion “balanced,” which means you can expect both a good, soft cushion and strong support for a responsive step.

We like that these shoes come ready to wear and are easy to pull on, thanks to their toggle laces. We also appreciate the water-repellent nature of these shoes, which not only keeps them dry without PFAS or PFCs but also makes them easy to clean. We tested the older Hoka Transport and are happy to note they carried these features over into the newer version of the shoe.

“I wore these shoes during my son’s field trip, in which I stood for several hours at different points throughout the day,” says Modglin. “I had no back or knee pain.”

The Hoka Transport 2 walking shoe is available in a wide range of fun and bright colors as well as more neutral ones — just another reason we love them for everyday and casual wear.

The Nike Motiva is a specifically designed for walking, with a tall foam stack that provides comfort and cushioning, earning it our pick for the best women’s walking shoe for standing all day. This shoe has an exaggerated rocking shape, which helps propel each step forward and aids in an easy push-off at the toes.

Its unique outer sole, which is grooved, absorbs bumps and cracks in the road and also improves the overall durability of the shoe. During testing, we found that the unique shape of the shoe, with its high stack and rocker shape, can take a little time to get used to. After a short adjustment period, we loved the shape and feel of this shoe.

“Wow, these turned out to be some of the best walking shoes I’ve owned,” says tester Jen Sinclair. “It did not take long for me to get used to the feel of the rocker. My calves were slightly sore after the first day, but I think that’s probably because of the adjustment.”

We wanted to confirm our belief that these shoes are perfect if you’re standing all day, so Sinclair took them to a theme park. After spending all day waiting in line or walking around the park, she says that her feet loved these shoes and that they performed really well.

I recently spent two weeks testing these shoes, and I loved the gentle rocking motion of each step. I also like the super-cushioned heel, which has helped relieve some of my chronic heel pain.

The Brooks Glycerin 23 is our pick as the best neutral women’s walking shoe because its minimalist design is great for someone who doesn’t require corrective architecture in their shoe. We love the nitrogen-infused midsole in this shoe, which creates a bouncy, responsive step. This means that transitions between steps are smooth and that push-off is easier.

The Glycerin 23 is an updated version of the Glycerin 21 and 22, both of which we tested and loved. The 23 has an improved design with an extra 2 millimeters of nitrogen-infused midsole foam for a more cushioned run. We found these shoes to be soft on the feet, and they felt broken-in right out of the box. They run true to size. We recommend these shoes for high-impact activities, like running or anytime you’re planning to be on your feet for an extended period of time.

This shoe also has a breathable, flexible knit upper and is available in medium, wide, and extra-wide widths, with many colors to choose from.

“These felt like clouds on my feet,” says tester Grace Gallagher, who tested an earlier version of this shoe. “Before trying these, I hadn’t worn sneakers with such a thick sole — but now I get the allure. They were incredibly comfortable from the moment I put them on.”

The new Split Shift Running Shoe from Lululemon is the newest addition to Lululemon’s recent venture into shoe wear. It’s designed with ease of movement in mind, featuring a rocker shape that launches you forward with each step and a midsole that strikes the perfect balance between cushion and support for the most comfortable wear during your next long walk or run.

We love these shoes from Lululemon because of their breathable mesh upper that keeps your foot secure while providing just enough give for comfort as your feet move from step to step. These shoes are available in women’s sizes 5 to 12 in regular width in four neutral colors.

During testing, we noted how intuitive movement felt in these shoes. They were quick to break in and super comfortable to wear.

“I love how well these fit my feet,” says Sinclair. “They snuggle my feet and grip them, so they don’t slide around while I’m walking or running. Even when my feet swell, these don’t get too tight.”