The 15 most comfortable walking shoes for women, tested over 50 miles of pavement and rough terrain

Best overall: Asics GEL-Nimbus 27

Asics' GEL-Nimbus 27s weigh just 9.9 ounces, are highly breathable, and very well-cushioned. I've walked for over 8 hours in these soft sneakers dozens of times and my feet, calves, and knees still felt supported and fresh at the end of the day. Though they are a high-cushion shoe, the FF Blast Plus foam doesn't get packed down or muddy after 5+ hours like many other brands, and the shoe is shaped so your foot doesn't get caught with the generous 2 inches of foam underfoot.

The GEL-Nimbus 27 has a structured sole, supportive heel counter, and a uniquely firm midsole which all work to support and limit movement in the tendons of your foot — great for minimizing tendon issues (they're one of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, in fact). This structure on top of lightweight foam gives these shoes a slightly springy feel with each step.

As someone with high arches and a slight overpronation, I appreciate that Asics uses adaptive stability technology in these shoes to provide the amount of support your foot needs without overcorrecting; for me, these are one of the few shoes that don't leave my arches aching after a long day of walking. This adaptive technology also means this shoe is a great pick for most people since it supports everything from a neutral gate or strong overpronation.

The final check mark for me: They're also quite stylish — in an oversized, heritage-track-club kind of way. They pair well with everything from shorts to exercise dresses to dress pants, which means you really can feel supported whatever you're walking all day toward.

They are a bit bulky to pack (I always wear them on the airplane) and if you don't like a high-cushion, adaptive technology shoe, you might be happier with something like the Adidas Ultraboost Light. But these are what I consider the best walking shoes for most people, thanks to their perfect balance of support and comfort.

• Join our WhatsApp channel on mobile for more articles like this

Best budget: Rykä Devotion X

These Rykä sneakers are proof that you don't have to spend big to find supportive shoes for your feet. For just $90, the Devotion X have all of Daughtry's must-haves: a roomy knit upper for breathability on long, hot miles; responsive cushioning for shock absorption; an EVA proprietary foam that provides soft cushioning, including built-up cushioning in the midfoot for stability and arch support; and a padded heel. They even boast the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

These are one of the few shoes on our list designed specifically for walking, which means they don't have a meta-rocker or any unnecessary design features that come with some running shoes. After a 3-mile walk, I found these shoes to be incredibly comfortable. The knit upper is very soft and formed to my foot shape, so these shoes felt like a light hug but not at all tight. They were also extremely breathable and kept my feet from building up heat after multiple miles.

Style editors from our Insider Reviews team are in agreement. "By far my favorite feature of these is the layers of foamy padding on the outsole," writes Samantha Crozier. "It actually feels like walking on pillows — and each step is so bouncy these are downright buoyant."

"My size 8 foot is narrow and I like to lace my sneakers loosely to keep my blood circulating, but they still slip on and stay on without much adjusting," adds Gabrielle Chase.

The design isn't revolutionary so these shoes won't earn you a ton of compliments, but they're not noticeably unattractive.

The main downsides are that if you underpronate (supinate), the stability design for these shoes might throw off your biomechanics. Also, while the construction matches the price point here, these shoes aren't the most durable with minimal reinforcements in the knit upper, so if you wear through your shoes quickly, a budget option might not equal value for you.

Read more in our full Rykä shoes review.

Best lightweight: Adidas Ultraboost Light

True to the name, the Adidas Ultraboost Light are one of the lightest shoes on our list weighing just 9.2 ounces. But they're also incredibly well designed and kept my feet cool and supported walking for hours at a time.

The Ultraboost Light have a soft, textile upper, which Daughtry says is crucial in a great walking shoe as it offers more space and breathability for your foot.

The midsole is well-cushioned, which Daughtry also highlights to help with shock absorption and minimize added stress. After walking all day in these shoes, my feet felt pain-free and well-supported. The BOOST technology in the midsole offers a little bounce with every step. Though they are technically a neutral shoe, my high arches felt well-supported on long miles, so they seem to be a good fit for all pronation types.

The weight and more minimal design of these shoes make them great for packing to travel — and it's a bonus that they're good-looking. They're also made from at least 20% recycled materials, sometimes more depending on which color you buy.

I know some people with wide feet who've found the plastic lace closures in this shoe dig into the top of their foot since that upper isn't rigid, but my feet are on the regular-to-wide side of the spectrum and I didn't find any issue with this. Otherwise, the major downside is these shoes are pricey (unless you catch them on sale).

Read more in my full Adidas Ultraboost Light review.

Best for standing all day: On Cloudtilt

After testing the best shoes for standing all day, I found that the On Cloudtilts strike a perfect balance between cushioned and supportive. On's signature technology, CloudTec, builds the midsole out of firm foam cutouts, or "clouds," to provide structured support. These clouds are organized in a sequential collapse pattern, so they compress gradually in a way that offers just the right amount of give. This allows for better balance and disperses the impact of walking all day, thereby reducing fatigue in your legs.

The Cloudtilts use a knit upper made from 100% recycled polyester that feels more elastic and forgiving — especially if your feet tend to swell. It hugs your foot like a sock without trapping heat. One downside: The sock-like upper means you lose some structure and lateral stability, so it's not ideal if you pivot a lot on the job.

Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, is a Maryland-based podiatric surgeon with Foot Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic. She says she finds lace up shoes are more supportive for standing and walking all day compared to one-size-fits-all slip ons. That said, sometimes you want a shoe that slips on and off easily. I love that this lace system lets you tighten across the top of the foot as needed, but has enough stretch and a simple stopper knot. This way you can slip them off without having to untie and re-tie every time.

Best arch support: Hoka Gaviota 5

Women with higher arches usually need additional support in their shoes or more stability in the midfoot area to prevent excessive flattening of the foot and arch, Daughtry says. I myself have high arches, and often find that running shoes leave my arches aching after 2 miles of walking. Among the 20 shoes I tested, the Hoka Gaviota 5 were the most supportive.

The Gaviota 5s have a similar amount of cushioning and weight to Hoka's best-selling Bondi shoe, but is infused with additional stability and a slightly higher heel drop to better support high arches. Because of the proprietary stabilizing frame in the shoe, the designers were able to also use a softer foam which I found incredibly plush under-foot.

The Gaviota 5 also has a mesh upper and wider forefoot base and toe box, which kept my feet cool and roomy (in a comfortable way, not a swimming-around-the-shoe kind of way). This shoe also has a plush tongue and collar that feels soft on foot. It boasts the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.

Note that this shoe does have a rocker design, which Daughtry says some people won't find as comfortable in a walking shoe. Also, the wider toe box design may mean this shoe is too wide for those with a narrow foot. Lastly, like most Hokas, the Gaviota 5 are one of the pricier shoes on our list. In my opinion, the design, quality, and craftsmanship makes them worth it if it's in the budget.

You can read about the best Hokas I've tested over the last decade for more of my favorite styles from the brand.

Best minimalist: lululemon CrossCity Sneaker

If you want a sleek walking shoe with a "clean girl" aesthetic, the Lululemon CrossCity Sneakers are very understated and very well designed. At less than 9 ounces, this sneaker is very lightweight (which is ideal for hours on your feet) and looks neutral enough to go with every outfit. They're designed with a raised tread to provide traction on city sidewalks, and a dual-density midsole and molded insole that delivered me a firm yet slightly cushioned feel underfoot (similar to On sneakers). I walked in them for over two hours around town, and the whole time my feet felt supported and comfortable.

Lululemon claims to have tailored the CrossCity sneakers specifically to the unique shape of the female foot. Indeed, these sneakers had a very interesting fit unlike any shoe I've tested — the shape is very contoured, so it hugs the sides of the midfoot and then opens up to a spacious (but still secure) toe box. It's a subtle detail, but this shape made these shoes feel comfortable and fitted.

The top is constructed from a lightweight, woven upper that reminded me of a ripstop fabric; it's breathable (key to a good walking shoe) and also feels much more durable than the knit on many other walking shoes.

The ankle collar is a little roomy — when I walked, the collar folded open slightly with every step. This didn't impede how secure they felt because of that close-to-the-foot fit, but if you have a narrow heel, they might be too loose for you. Same deal if you run narrow in the toe box.

Best cushioned: Puma Magnify Nitro 2

Cushioned walking shoes are great for anyone with special needs in their feet, be it extra high arches, flat feet, overpronation, or achy knees. Puma's Magnify Nitro 2 have the thickest piece of foam among all the shoes in Puma's line-up. Yet they're still very lightweight at just 8.07 ounces overall.

During testing, I found these shoes to be far less stiff and more comfortable across the entire foot on long-distance walks, compared to the high-cushion competitors I tested (like Hoka's Bondi 8).

Instead, the Puma's knit upper is breathable, forms to the foot, and feels very durable, as it's reinforced with its proprietary seamless tape. The molded heel collars were especially comfortable on long, hot walks. In my opinion, Puma has inserted highly-engineered features in all the right places while keeping the shoe streamlined overall to keep that weight down.

It's worth noting these shoes run a full size small, so I wore an 8.5 instead of my regular 7.5.And while I found the toe box to be very comfortable with my standard-to-wide feet, they might feel slightly too snug on wide feet.

Best for travel: Allbirds Superlight Tree Runners

Allbirds' SuperLight collection is one of our favorites we've tested from the brand. A key component of good walking shoes is being lightweight, and these weigh only about 5 ounces. We were already fans of their original Tree Runners, so this upgraded version makes perfect sense for anyone who likes their travel shoes to leave a light carbon footprint. We especially like wearing these in sweaty summer weather, thanks to their perforated eucalyptus fiber knit upper and airy sugarcane-based foam soles.

Style editor Samantha Crozier tested a pair and was impressed with their barely-there feel. "If you're going on a trip and want to take a pair of sneakers that will barely take up any weight or room in your suitcase, these are it. But even though they weigh almost nothing, they don't feel cheap or like they'll fall apart. Plus, I love the extra bit of padding on the heel right where most sneakers will give you blisters."

Read more in our full Allbirds SuperLight review.

Best pull-on: OOFOS Oomy Zen

During testing, I appreciated not only how fatigue-fighting Oofos' shoes are — the support feels incredibly rejuvenating on tired feet — but also that all of their styles, from slides to sneakers, are really easy to slip on and off.

"Oofos are unlike any other sneaker I've tried. The shock-absorbent foam outsole makes for the bounciest, squishiest bottom of all. They feel like what I imagine Moon Shoes, the springy early 2000s product that was constantly featured on commercials, might feel like to wear.

The bowed shape of the footbed also puts a pleasurable pressure on the arch of your foot, which is the source of many of the shoe's exercise-recovery benefits. But even as someone who isn't running long distances each day, I love slipping these on to help my feet recover from wearing heels.

The only drawback with Oofos is that they aren't the most fashion-forward footwear. The slip on sneaker passes the function test with flying colors, but I'd love to see the same footbed on a trendier silhouette in the future." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews

"I agree with Sam: these laceless shoes are pretty swagless, but they're so comfy to wear on long city walks that it's forgivable. They fit true to size with an extra wide toe box. Thanks to their seamless upper, I can pull them on and they fit as snugly as a sock. The foam footbeds have a meta-rocker design that propels you as you walk, but I don't feel wobbly when I'm at a standstill because it flexes with my foot.

If you have a really high arch and weak ankles, these are probably not the walking shoes for you. They engage your heels more than anywhere else. Still, I find them really bouncy and light, and noticed my feet don't get fatigued as easily, even after miles of stepping on concrete." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews

Best dress sneaker: Frankie4 Nat III

"When you imagine a classic low-top, cap-toed sneaker, you probably think of Chuck Taylors. But most Converse sneakers are simply not comfortable to walk in. They have zero arch or heel support, their soles are rock hard, and their toe boxes too narrow for most people. Instead, here's a similar style that's actually made for prolonged wear.

The Nat III's gussets are elastic, so they allow you to forgo laces if you rather wear them as slip-ons, as I do. You can also choose from a set of podiatrist-approved insoles in the included "Sole Saver Pack," which each have different levels of padding in the forefoot and heels.

I have high arches, so I was thankful for their supportive, spongy padding when I broke them in on a long neighborhood walk. Their shock absorption is leagues ahead of most flat-soled sneakers. And if you have weak ankles, these have high heel counters and collars to help stabilize you.

I could actually wear these comfortably without socks because the leather interior is so padded and smooth. I also liked how the toe boxes, though slightly narrow, became more flexible the more I broke them in. I got them in a size 8 and they fit true to size. They were stark white, but this summer I've roughed them up on the city sidewalks." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews

Best waterproof: Hoka Transport GTX

These waterproof sneakers are my choice for a lightweight alternative to rain boots. I wore them on multiple walks and hikes and found them to be very comfortable. The Transport GTX isn't as cushioned as other Hokas —more balanced than plush — but the EVA midsole felt comfortable for 1- to 3-mile walks.

Most of all, the waterproofing is a 10/10: I tromped through a pile of snow on one early spring testing walk and, where my husband's feet were soaked in normal sneakers, mine remained bone dry. That's because the upper is treated with GORE-TEX, which notably does cost you some breathability. But I loved that the upper was mesh for a roomy fit, while also being strategically reinforced to last against the elements.

I really liked the functionality of these shoes. The main laces are a pull-tab design so they're easy to secure or loosen, but unlike a lot of other similar designs, Hoka's quick-toggle lace neatly tucks away so the tail isn't flopping around. I also love that the shoes come with traditional laces, in case you don't like the quick-toggle design.

Note that these shoes have neutral stability, so they may not be supportive enough for people with high arches. And if you like a plush walking shoe, these might be too stiff on you.

Most stylish: Under Armour Essential Runner Shoes

I lost count of the number of times friends complimented me on these shoes, only to follow with, "They're Under Armour!?" If you're looking for supportive walking shoes that will look just as good as they feel walking around cities and airports, the Under Armour Essential Runner Shoes are for you.

These retro-inspired walking shoes have a cushioned EVA midsole that feels perfectly supportive. They're not overly cushioned or stabilized as with the running-based shoes on this list, but they're also not stiff or cramped like with fashion sneakers of a similar design. The heel cup is cushy with a foam sockliner for extra comfort. The exterior is designed with a lightweight, breathable nylon upper and suede overlays strategically placed to not restrict the natural shape of your foot.

These shoes come in four colorways (some certainly more attractive than others). At 12 ounces, these sneakers aren't as light as some shoes on our list, but they're definitely not heavy, either. I've walked over two miles in them, and wore them for eight hours straight while traveling. The comfort and design of these shoes earned them top spot as my favorite city sneaker — especially considering they're very affordable.

Best trail hybrid: Merrell Morphlite

I could not be more thrilled with the performance, fit, and purpose of this dark horse shoe. Merrell has long been a leader in the hiking shoe space, but in 2022, the brand renewed its place in the trail shoe category. The Morphlite is an incredibly lightweight, comfortable shoe that felt so good on long walks, I only wanted to keep wearing them.

These shoes are technically a road-to-trail shoe, which means their centers have shorter lugs for road running, and their perimeters have slightly-deeper lugs (2mm) to grip slippery trails. If you often walk from pavement to dirt or gravel trails like I do living in a Colorado mountain town, this shoe is wonderfully comfortable and balanced on both surfaces.

While wearing a true trail shoe on concrete can often feel like a cleat, I found the Morphlite's lugs are short enough to not klomp on hard ground, and also just toothy enough to have some grab on less-technical trails. The proprietary foam midsole has a nice, balanced plushness between lightly foamy and firm that helps to offer light cushion underfoot.

After an hour of walking in these shoes, I did feel a bit of strain in the back of my arch and front of my heel, so they probably aren't ideal if you have extremely high arches or plantar fasciitis. But for the average foot, they're very comfortable.

The Morphlite's Jacquard recycled knit upper encases the foot for a very close fit. I like that this knit is strategically reinforced for harder trail wear. But if you have a high-volume foot, they might be too snug.

Best loafer: Vionic Uptown Loafer

One of our favorite loafers for women is especially ideal if your commute involves a lot of walking. Halfway between a sneaker and a loafer, this shoe is backed by Heeluxe's rigorous assessment that tests for fit, stability, cushioning, and flexibility. It comes in suede or leather in both medium and wide sizes.

"When I first put these on, I was impressed by the sturdiness around my ankles from the deep heel cups. These help weak ankles feel much more supported," says style editor Gabrielle Chase.

"The leather upper was very stiff to start with, but it softened after five or six wears. These are great if you have high arches, because the padding reaches all the way up the inner wall of the shoe," she adds. "

You can wear the Uptown Loafers just as you would walking sneakers — the lightweight, flexible soles can fold in half, and they have enough traction for stepping on uneven or slippery terrain.

The accordion design means I can flex my foot, and the shoe will flex with me. Still, they have enough structure to correct the position of my instep, meaning my arches are less sore at the end of a long day spent on foot."

Best winter walking boot: Sorel Kinetic Impact Caribou Plus

In our guide to the best winter boots for women, freelance style reporter and outdoor gear expert Rachael Schultz tested out comfortable winter boots for long travel days and those dreaded "wintry mix" forecasts.

"They look and fit like a supportive sneaker, but offer the protection and warmth of a winter boot," she said of the Sorel Caribous. "I wore these on long and short winter walks, as well as two full days of airport travel. My feet never grew tired or achy throughout the hours of wear and movement, thanks to the lightweight, molded Livelyfoam midsole and supportive molded EVA footbed.

"The laces work well to ensure a snug fit that locks your foot in place for long walks, and the microfleece lining makes for a cozy wear without any moisture build up. Also, they're pretty lightweight for a winter boot at just 15.5 ounces, which helps minimize exhaustion."

How to pick the best walking shoes for women

What to avoid

Even though most of us walk in whatever sneakers we already have on hand, there are certain categories of shoes that, according to Daughtry, you shouldn't wear walking more than 10 minutes:

• Fashion sneakers: Most stylish sneakers are designed with a more narrow toe box and low to no cushioning or support for better aesthetics. But the trade-off is zero shock absorption and more strain on your foot when walking.
• Certain running sneakers: Rocker-design running shoes tend to have higher heel drops. This design gives better propulsion and bounce when running but disrupts the natural stride while walking. Daughtry explains that a good walking shoe is less bouncy and gives a more natural cadence to your stride during the gait cycle.

What to look for

• Cushioning: This is the most important aspect of a walking shoe, Daughtry says. Sufficient cushioning will absorb the shock from repetitive pounding that our feet undergo with every step. If you know you have tender heels, see our guide to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.
• Arch support: If you have high arches, you'll want a shoe with extra arch support to maintain ideal biomechanics (and avoid achy arches at the end of the day). Technically, you can add inserts to any shoe, but that can change the way the shoe fits overall, so often it's best to just opt for a shoe with great arch support from the start.
• Your gait: The way your feet strike the ground, or "pronate," influences where you need extra support in a shoe, as the goal is to have even pressure across your foot with each step. See our FAQ section below to learn what your shoes' wear pattern means.
• Support and stability: All shoes should feel supportive, but this is relative to whether you overpronate or remain neutral. If you overpronate, look for a stability shoe versus a neutral shoe.
• Tread: Most people are wearing a walking shoe on pavement, so any level traction will work. If you're looking for a walking shoe to wear on trails, look for one with more tread.
• Ventilation: A mesh upper is great in a walking shoe, as it offers more space and breathability compared to rigid leather.

FAQs

What should women look for in walking shoes?

Women should look for walking shoes with plenty of cushioning to absorb shock, solid arch support, and a supportive-yet-breathable design that matches their gait and the surface they'll be walking on. A secure, stable, and breathable fit are the most important factors to minimizing fatigue.

Which walking shoes are best for flat feet?

According to our podiatrists, people with flat feet need more support through the arch and possibly some form of motion control to prevent pronation. We recommend the Hoka Gaviota 5s, which have great arch support and stabilizing H-Frame technology to keep your foot from rolling inward as you walk.

What's the difference between neutral and stability walking shoes?

A stability shoe is built with technology inside the shoe (usually strategic padding) to keep your foot from rolling inward, or overpronating, as you walk or run, which can help minimize injuries and aches (you can find more shoes for overpronators in our guide to the best shoes for standing all day, where we tested sneakers such as the popular Brooks Ghost 16s). A neutral walking shoe doesn't interfere with the way your foot lands and works better for those with neutral gaits.

Are running shoes good for walking?

It depends on the running shoe — you shouldn't walk in shoes with a rocker design and high heel drop, because these mechanisms propel your feet forward in an unnatural way. A good walking shoe should be less bouncy and follow your natural foot-strike cadence when walking, Daughtry says.

What is supination vs. overpronation?

Pronation is a bio-mechanical term that describes the way your feet roll and distribute impact as you step. There are three ways your foot may strike the ground: overpronation, supination, and neutral. Overpronators step with their heels rolled inward at a severe angle (putting them at a higher risk for twisted joints). Those who supinate, or underpronate, step without any significant inward roll of the heels, putting more pressure on the legs. People with neutral gaits hit the ground at a flat angle and should wear a stabilizing shoe that supports the midsoles.

How do I know if I supinate or overpronate?

Take a look at the soles of your most-worn shoes. Wherever they're the most faded, that's where you want extra cushioning in a walking shoe. If you overpronate, you'll see the tread is mostly rubbed off around the inner heels and edges. If you supinate, they'll be most worn down around the outer heels and perimeter of the soles. Neutral pronation shows the most wear at the ball of the foot and center of the heels.

Are Hokas worth it?

Yes, and our guide to the best Hokas lists all the top styles from the last decade that we've found worth the spend. For example, the best Hokas for those who need extra stability are the Gaviota 5s. They're especially comfortable for overpronators with wide feet. Another top recommendation from this guide is the ultra-cushioned Bondi 9s, which also come in wide sizes and work great for people who spend most of their day on their feet.