11 Shoes To Keep You Comfortable On Your Next Hot Girl Walk (2024)

After walking an average of 12,000 steps per day in 2023 and testing more than 20 pairs of shoes, I learned firsthand that the best walking shoes make a world of difference in comfort level, well-being, and performance.

One in five people1 experience regular foot pain, aching, or stiffness; and most of those people are women. "To prevent any potential foot-related discomfort or injuries, is important to wear suitable walking shoes," says licensed podiatrist and founder of the Quality Podiatry Group, Sidney Weiser, DPM—but what exactly makes a shoe good for walking?

Per Weiser, the key factors to look for when choosing the best walking shoes for women are cushioning, a wide toe box, arch support, traction, durability, and breathability. You'll also want to consider your gait, budget, style preferences, and any existing foot conditions.

My top picks are theKLAW 528andCariuma Oca Low, but everyone’s needs are different.Whether you have bunions, plantar fasciitis, high arches, or another concern, there's an option for you below.

Our podiatrist's criteria

We spoke with licensed podiatrist and founder of the Quality Podiatry Group, Sidney Weiser, DPM, to gather a specific criteria for selecting the best walking shoes. Each shoe on our list was held to these standards.

The best walking shoes for women

Why we picked them:

More than half of our editorial staff owns at least one pair of Cariuma sneakers—and they're our go-to for a reason. These sleek, sustainable sneakers keep your feet comfortable and supported during long walks, daily errands, and days on your feet.

I’ve personally worn mine on close to 100 walks (and they’re still in great shape). Per our podiatrist’s guidelines, these are lightweight, breathable, and offer good arch support.

Why we picked them:

My personal favorite on our list, KLAW's 528 sneakers were designed specifically for walking. While they are also available in wide sizes, I have bunions and can personally attest to the regular width's spacious toe box. I wear them on outdoor and indoor walks (on my walking pad), and my feet have never been more comfortable.

KLAW’s ‘Biomechanics System’ offers support along the entire arch of your foot, and the shoes have a deep heel cup to promote stability and stop your feet from tilting in or out while you’re walking.

Why we picked them:

I've been wearing the Allbirds Tree Runners longer than any other walking shoe I currently own—and I'm not the only mindbodygreen team member who loves these lightweight kicks. They hit the mark on comfort, breathability, arch support, and cushioning.

I'm always surprised by how long my Allbirds last, too, even when I'm going through a phase of wearing them daily. What's more, these sustainable shoes are made from responsibly sourced eucalyptus tree fiber. The brand seriously prioritizes sustainability—even the shoelaces are from recycled materials, and the shoes are shipped in only the shoe box with no excess packaging.

I wouldn't recommend the Tree Runners for any heavier exercise than walking, as their support is fairly minimal, but they're great for daily walks, travel, and errands. Bonus: They're available in more than 10 colorways.

Why we picked them:

The Lululemon Chargefeel 2 sneakers were designed primarily for running and training, but they have all the aspects of a great walking shoe. The dual-density cushioned foam sole adds bounce and comfort to your step, helping to absorb impact and propel you forward while you walk.

We love that these are made from a breathable material to prevent your feet from sweating—and, while they’re on the heavier side compared to others on our list, they still feel fairly lightweight.

Another major plus: These come inseven colorways, with neutral and bold options.

Why we picked them:

We love the slip-on design of these walking shoes. They're flexible and lightweight, but don't sacrifice comfort or support. The design boasts three must-haves from our podiatrist: a breathable mesh upper, a well-cushioned sole, and traction support on the bottom.

Another perk? It's made from vegan materials and is machine washable.Our tester (a 64-year-old with narrow feet) says her pair has held up well through over six months of daily wear.

Tester note: The regular sizes do run narrow, so if you have wide feet we recommend going with the wide sizes.

Why we picked them:

Multiple podiatrists have recommended ASICS to us for walking, running, and a number of specific needs including knee pain, wide feet, and plantar fasciitis.

I’m extremely picky when it comes to running and walking shoes—and I’ve personally worn these shoes for three world major marathons and hundreds of training miles.

The shoe features a stable heel counter for more rearfoot support, and is equipped with cushioning in the midsole to reduce shock during impact and toe-off phases. Designed specifically for those with neutral or overpronation, this lightweight shoe helps you maintain a smooth gait.

Why we picked it:

Hoka is a cult-favorite among runners, walkers, and podiatrists. The Hoka Clifton 9 design was previously recommended to mindbodygreen by podiatristAnne Sharkey, who says it's a great option for people with flat feet who need enhanced stability, or for wide feet (thanks to its wider toe box).

The shoe's design provides neutral stability and a balanced cushion that’s supportive but still reactive. We love the extended achilles pull tab which makes these incredibly easy to put on and take off.

Why we picked it:

As much as it pains me to put a shoe with a five-day return window on our list, the APL Techloom Bliss has a cult-following that says its worth the hype (and the risk of not getting your money back). This stylish sneaker is technically a running shoe, but it's also great for walking to training at the gym.

It’s lightweight and breathable, and features a milled satin or embossed elastic strap, depending on which model you choose. What’s more, the shoe is slip-on, so you won’t be fighting with untied laces during your workout or walk. We love this unisex walking shoe for travel, since it’s easy to slip on and off.

Why we picked them:

Designed for all-day wear, the Cloud 5 is made with 44% recycled materials and a breathable antimicrobial mesh upper for extended comfort. The design incorporates On’s patented zero-gravity Cloudtec cushioning for a softer landing with every step.

But what really sets this shoe apart is its signature speed-lacing system, which eliminates the need to tie (or re-tie) your laces. Although if you’d prefer a more classic shoelace, you’ll find that option in the box as well.

Why we picked them:

Podiatrists specifically recommend the Brooks Ghost 15 for women with high arches—and we love that it’s a great pick for walking or running. With optimal cushioning and the brand’s BioMoGo DNA Loft throughout the midsection, this shoe promotes a smooth heel-to-toe experience.

The end result is a secure and stable fit that’s bound to carry you for miles to come. Bonus: It’s available in both wide and narrow width, with 40 colorways to choose from.

Why we picked them:

It’s no surprise these popular shoes have been around for decades. While the design continues to evolve, one thing stays the same: Nike’s Pegasus have all the elements of a good walking shoe.

We love the way the upper hugs your foot for a secure-yet-breathable fit. The rubber outsole offers great traction for various terrains, and thecushioning feels comfortable under your feet as you move.

Bonus: They're great for running, too.

Comparing the best walking shoes for women

Our selection & testing process

To find the best walking shoes for women, we spent hours researching and consulting with experts. We gathered specific criteria (outlined below) for what to look for in a walking shoe.

We also polled our team internally to get feedback from people with a variety of foot types, concerns, and preferences. I personally have tested over 20 pairs of shoes in the past year alone—and I've worn five picks on our final list regularly for at least two months each.

Once we narrowed down our top picks, we reviewed each one against our podiatrist's criteria. Above, we've outlined each shoe's pros and cons, its weight, heel drop, and additional details worth mentioning.

Our team is continuing to test these shoes and other options so we can provide additional insights on the best walking shoes for women.

The benefits of walking

What's more, walking has some pretty staggering longevity benefits. In fact, studies have shown a significant correlation between more steps per day and a lower mortality rate in women9.

What is heel drop?

Per Weiser, "The term "shoe drop" refers to the difference in heel height compared to the forefoot height of a shoe." A higher heel drop means the heel is higher than the forefoot, while a lower heel drop means that the heel is closer to the forefoot.

"[Drop] affects the distribution of weight and impacts the walking or running gait," Weiser says. "Selecting a suitable drop depends on an individual's walking style, foot type, and specific medical conditions." It's typically measured in millimeters, and most walking shoes have a drop of 8 to 10 millimeters.

That said, walking shoes with a slightly higher or lower drop can still be great options depending on other factors. For example, the KLAW 528 and On Cloud 5 shoes both have a 7 millimeter drop and still feel very supportive and well-cushioned.

The takeaway