After Walking 300+ Hours, We Found the Best Walking Shoes for Women

Size range: 5–13 (regular, narrow, wide and extra wide) | Weight per shoe: 8.8 oz | Heel drop: 12 mm | Colors: 30

Help prevent foot pain with a shoe that prioritizes stability and control. Brooks is a popular running shoe brand, but walkers love the Ghost series for its ample cushioning and comfortable heel. The Ghost 16 has a massive following for being a supportive, versatile sneaker that can easily transition from walking to running.

I wear a previous iteration of this style almost every day at the gym. These sneakers support my entire foot without feeling too heavy and I often use them on the treadmill because they have plenty of arch support and offer a stable fit. Even after walking five miles, my feet are still pain-free. Note that this pair features a larger heel drop, measuring 12 millimeters, which is likely too high for runners who land on the middle or front of the foot.

Tester notes: "The shoe felt supportive while standing for long periods of time (like at a concert) as well as when walking around a city," noted one tester who tested the Ghost 15. One tester with chronic foot pain said she usually finds "no shoes comfortable to wear, but these are amazing."

The sneakers got high marks across the board for cushioning, support and traction, with one tester saying it "didn't even feel like I was running on pavement while wearing these."

RELATED: Most Comfortable Shoes

Size range: 5–13 (regular and wide) | Weight per shoe: Less than 5.3 oz | Heel drop: Not listed | Colors: 32

Not only are these Tiosebon sneakers by far the most affordable shoes in our roundup, at around $40, but they also have nearly 34,000 Amazon reviews. Medical experts we interviewed for the story like how lightweight they are (less than 5.3 ounces per shoe), but they're wary of the thicker heel cushioning because it could be difficult to transition from wearing the shoes to being barefoot.

Compared with other pairs, this style doesn't offer as much support and stability, both of which can help promote foot strength. Available in 32 different colors, the mesh upper is highly breathable with a stretchy, sock-like fit.

Tester notes: These slip-on sneakers were popular with testers for their cushioning. One tester said, "They didn't look like clunky orthopedic shoes, but they felt as if they were padded with 4 inches of memory foam." Another shared that "they're easy on, easy off." Testers didn’t rate the appearance as highly as other styles, though.

RELATED: Best Slip-On Shoes for Women

Size range: 5–12 (narrow, medium, wide and extra wide) | Weight per shoe: 8.8 oz | Heel drop: 12 mm | Colors: 24

For ultimate support, the Brooks Adrenaline series not only has arch support built-in, but it offers a supportive design to help alleviate pressure on your feet, knees and hips. The shoes feature lightweight cushioning in the midsole and a breathable mesh upper to encourage airflow.

When I was experiencing food pain, I relied on my pair of the Adrenaline GTS 23 (a previous version), which offered snug support throughout the shoe and was even comfortable during long distances. Because of the support features, it's a stiffer shoe, and I prefer the appearance of the Ghost shoes.

Tester notes: One tester, who is a registered nurse and tried the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23, experienced no arch pain after a shift which tends to happen with other shoe styles. "Shoes were also breathable and my feet did not sweat or start to swell," they reported, giving perfect scores across categories including support, cushion, fit and appearance.

RELATED: Best Brooks Running Shoes

Size range: 5–12 (regular and wide) | Weight per shoe: 5.3 oz | Heel drop: Not listed | Colors: 7

Weighing around 5.3 ounces per shoe, these New Balance sneakers are among the lightest we tested, and they were popular with our testers and experts.

Constructed with mesh at the front of the shoe, these sneakers allow a lot of freedom of movement, pointed out Emily Splichal, D.P.M., a podiatrist at the Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine in Chandler, Arizona. The slip-on design features a tongue that stays put for easy on/off, making this a great commuter shoe too. We found that this shoe has a thinner midsole compared with other picks, which allows for quicker movement but offers less cushioning.

Tester notes: Impressed by the comfort straight out of the box, one tester said, "Right when I put them on, they started molding to my feet." Giving high marks across the board for cushioning and comfort, testers unanimously said they would continue wearing these shoes. Testers credited the front mesh for making the shoes breathable and comfortable over bunions.

RELATED: Best New Balance Shoes

Size range: 5–11 (regular and wide) | Weight per shoe: 8.7 oz | Heel drop: 11 mm | Colors: 14

Rykä is a popular brand for women's sneakers since it designs shoes specifically for the shape of women's feet. The podiatrists we consulted liked that the shoe offered good mobility with soft cushioning — great for walking and fitness classes alike. We liked the segmented outsole for traction on all types of walks but noted that the foam didn't appear as durable as other styles.

Tester notes: One tester liked "how lightweight and breathable these were," and our panel of testers gave these shoes perfect scores for cushioning and support. One tester even said she felt like she was "walking on clouds." Unlike other walking shoes testers had tried, several called this pair "sleek" and "stylish."

Size range: 5–13 (regular, narrow, wide and extra-wide) | Weight per shoe: 9.2 oz | Heel drop: 6 mm | Colors: 18

An overly cramped toe box can cause intense foot pain when you have wide feet. These New Balance sneakers are available in both wide and extra-wide sizing to ensure a proper fit without any crowding. With a flexible knit upper, these shoes can comfortably accommodate bunions as well. Sports medicine physician Jordan Metzl, M.D. appreciated New Balance's shoes' excellent construction and thought they would be a good fit for people of all ages and with different fitness routines.

Tester notes: Testers gave these shoes perfect scores for fit, comfort and cushioning after logging more than 60 hours working out in this style. One tester called this pair "very lightweight and breathable," and another said, "I find myself reaching for this pair over all of my other running and walking shoes whenever I leave my home."

Testers especially liked the cushioning foam, but some felt these shoes were a bit clunky. "I felt like it gave me a boost on long walks and hill work," commented one tester. "My feet felt less tired and it definitely gives a spring to the step."

RELATED: Best Shoes for Bunions, According to Podiatrists

Size range: 5–11 (medium, wide and extra wide) | Weight per shoe: 9.3 oz | Heel drop: 5 mm | Colors: 6

The thick cushioning on this pair from HOKA can seem intimidating at first, but it's a game-changer if you're walking long distances or recovering from an injury. When I walk in my HOKA Bondi 8 shoes (the previous version), my knees feel supported and there's less pressure on my joints. The thick cushioning does mean these shoes are a bit bulkier and I found them to sometimes provide less stability, especially when on uneven terrain.

Tester notes: Whether walking on the treadmill or the road, one tester said, "These shoes [the Bondi 8] put a spring in my step." When we interviewed avid walkers, many said the HOKA sneakers' cushioning is unparalleled, but many wished they were more affordable.

RELATED: Best HOKA Shoes

Size range: 5–11.5 | Weight per shoe: 10.9 oz | Heel drop: 10 mm | Colors: 42

Keeping your arches properly supported is key for a comfortable walking shoe, especially if you have high arches. This pair from Adidas is a favorite of many GH analysts who have been wearing them regularly for the past three years. We did notice on Amazon that there are substantial differences in price for different colors.

This pair is designed with the brand's lightweight BOOST foam, full of tiny pockets of air that return energy to your foot and propel you forward. I enjoy wearing these in the summer because the breathable mesh helps limit sweaty feet. Dr. Metzl likes the amount of cushioning in the midsole and recommends these shoes for those “complaining of joint aches.” I also love the slip-on design for easy styling when you are in a hurry.

Tester notes: Multiple testers called the cushioning "cloud-like" and appreciated the high foam levels and extra air pockets to cushion impact. All testers found the Ultraboost line of sneakers to be comfortable and said they would continue wearing them. One tester said, "I have super high arches and I never have any arch pain when I'm wearing these shoes."

Size range: 5–12 | Weight per shoe: 8.5 oz | Heel drop: 10 mm | Color: 30

Famous for good reason, the Nike Pegasus line has been a household name in the running world since 1983. Combining walking and running in a workout is an effective way to meet your fitness goals without putting too much strain on your joints. With neutral support and medium cushioning, this reliable pair of running shoes is ideal for a walk-to-run workout. These shoes feature ample arch support and a springy feel that helps return energy to your feet when picking up speed.

Tester notes: "They are comfortable and require little time to conform to your feet," reported one tester who has been wearing Nike Pegasus sneakers for years. Another tester said they're "incredibly comfortable" and "a great mix of trendy and colorful." She also said, "As someone with a bad back who frequently finds exercise painful, these running shoes never flare any hip pain."

Some online reviewers found the toe box too narrow, but all the testers who tried this style have narrower feet as these shoes aren't available in wide sizing.

RELATED: Best Nike Shoes for Women

Size range: 5–12 whole sizes (regular and wide) | Weight per shoe: 12 oz | Heel drop: NA | Color: 10

Enjoy summer weather with supportive walking sandals that are easy to dress up and down like this versatile pair from Chaco. These sandals feature a contoured footbed for arch support and heel stability. You can adjust the ankle strap to ensure a tight fit, and
the rugged outsole offers grippy traction on all terrain, including
wet surfaces. These are available only in whole sizes — the brand recommends sizing down if you’re in between.

I have high arches and appreciate that this pair's firm foam helps keep them supported. The firmer foam is less bouncy than other foam sandals I've tried. I wore them on a vacation in Mexico and loved that I could wear them at the beach then dress them up later for a nicer dinner. The simple design worked for all occassions, making them a great vacation sandal.

Tester notes: Testers traveled all over the world with these sandals and said they were comfortable on varying terrain. “I like how they offer a lot of support and fantastic traction,” noted one, while another said, “The arch support is next-level.” Users liked how they could be dressed up or down. But because they lack a covered toe box, feet may be exposed to debris.

Size range: 5–11 | Weight per shoe: 7.1 oz | Heel drop: 7 mm | Colors: 37

Testers from our tester panel have been encouraging us to evaluate this pair of On Running shoes for months because they love its trendy appearance that combines comfort with style. Available in 37 colors, this pair is made with a lightweight foam that's designed for soft landings. You also don't need to worry about untied laces as this pair has a speed-lacing system that locks you in without any tying required. There is also a waterproof version, making it a practical work shoe for nurses or other healthcare professionals.

When I first slipped on these sneakers, I was shocked at how lightweight they were — it almost felt like I wasn't wearing any shoes at all! While they are nice and breathable for warmer temps, I didn't find the Cloud 5 shoes to be as supportive and wished there was more cushion.

Tester notes: "They have a great look to them and feel very sturdy on my foot," said one tester who wore these shoes while commuting and running errands. Another tester liked that the shoes didn't feel bulky and paired well with both jeans and leggings. While testers appreciated how easy the sneakers were to get on and off, multiple testers noted that they ran narrow and may not be the most comfortable over bunions.

Size range: 5–13 (regular and wide) | Weight per shoe: Not listed | Heel drop: Not listed | Colors: 8

Kizik designs slip-on shoes that are easier to step into without having to adjust or pull them on with your hands. They feature a flexible back heel that immediately returns to its original shape after you step into the shoe — no untying or adjusting necessary.

I can confirm these sneaks perform as advertised — my foot perfectly fit inside the shoe after I stepped on the back silicone cage. No adjustment is needed. I keep the shoes by my door to quickly slip on for dog walks and often wear them while running errands. Note that they don't offer as much support or stability as some of the other shoes on our list.

Tester notes: The Athens sneakers scored well among testers for cushion and comfort. "I've been wearing them for weeks and I expected the heel to cave in and the slip-on to get harder, but that didn't happen," reported one tester. Another added that they appreciated the simple design that didn't have obvious branding, but there were mixed reviews on the appearance of the shoe.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Kizik Slip-On Sneakers