Everything You Need to Know to Find the Best Walking Shoes for Women in 2024
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The proper shoes can make all the difference in your fitness journey. Whether you’ve been walking in the same shoe for years or are still looking for your perfect sole mate, it's important to stay in touch with the specific needs of your body and your personal routine to give your feet the support they deserve. Some of the shoes we selected for this list are designed to provide support for specific foot conditions or injuries—such as high arches, wide feet or plantar fasciitis—while others are recommended based on the type of terrain they are designed to tackle. You’ll also find a comprehensive guide on how to select the best walking shoe for you, what’s important to consider when buying a walking shoe and a comparison between the benefits of different types of cushioning materials used in walking shoes. Read on to get your feet in the right pair of walking shoes for you in 2024.
Our Picks for the Best Walking Shoes for Women in 2024:
- Best-Rated Walking Shoes for Women: Allbirds Tree Runners
- Best Walking Shoes for Women with Wide Feet: New Balance 847v4
- Best Slip-On Walking Shoes for Women: Allbirds Women’s Tree Dasher Relay
- Best Walking Shoes for Women Over 50: Hoka Bondi 8
- Best Women’s Running Shoes for Walking: adidas Ultrabounce
- Best Trail Walking Shoes for Women: Salomon Outpulse Gore Tex
- Best Walking Shoes for Women with Plantar Fasciitis: Allbirds Women’s Tree Dasher 2
Best-Rated Walking Shoes for Women: Allbirds Tree Runners
Allbirds
Key Features:
- Price: $105
- Materials: Upper is made from eucalyptus tree fiber, the midsole is constructed of Brazilian sugarcane and the laces are created with recycled polyester
- Weight: Unavailable
The Allbirds Women’s Tree Runners has the highest number of good ratings of any model we found: Out of an impressive 7.174 ratings on the Allbirds website, these walking shoes received an average of 4.7 out of five stars. On Dick’s Sporting Goods website, they received a 4.6-star average from the 922 reviews posted there. The Tree Runners are a crowd-pleaser, to be sure. Looking closer at the reviews, there is a diverse list of reasons purchasers love them, including the breathable mesh upper and comfortable support.
Allbirds strives to provide a shoe that can handle anything you throw at it. The Tree Runners are said to be a good shoe for traveling, long walks and everyday wear. Allbirds claim the trick to its highly-rated and comfortable shoes is the unique materials used to make them, such as responsibly sourced eucalyptus tree fiber which makes the shoe more breathable.
Dick's Sporting Goods reviewer, Raphael, wrote good things about the versatility of the Tree Runners stating that they “love the comfort and the color. These sneakers are very lightweight (what I was looking for), packable for trips and super comfortable.”
Moreover, Allbirds is committed to the environment. Currently, the company is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and fight global warming by using renewable materials for its shoes and requiring its offices to run on renewable energy as well.
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Tree fiber removes odor
Cons:
- Doesn’t come in half sizes
Best Shoes for Women with Wide Feet: New Balance 847v4
New Balance
Key Features:
- Price: $140
- Materials: Synthetic leather, two foams in midsole, TPU heel insert, mesh upper and rubber outsole
- Weight: Unavailable
If you have wide feet, you know the struggle of trying to find running shoes that don’t pinch. New Balance has got your back: Its 847s, which come in five different width options, have impressed a number of reviewers. One such reviewer on New Balance’s website is Carrie from San Diego, who writes, “I have very wide feet and have custom orthotic insoles for additional arch support; I need a women's 7.5 in the 4E width. I wore these every day on our seven-week trip to Italy when we were walking between eight to 12 miles/day. NO FOOT PAIN!!”
But even if you don’t have a particularly wide foot, the 847s are still a durable, stable walking shoe worth your consideration. Each width option has the same cushioning construction, including a full rubber outsole that offers wearers great traction for sidewalks, trails and treadmills in your home gym. A stabilization system that New Balance calls “Rollbar” helps support your heel and ankle laterally. A reviewer called Norfie on the New Balance website commented on how this feature has benefited his gait as well as helped with injury prevention, stating, “I've been wearing New Balance shoes with the Rollbar for many years. They correct my instep problem and keep the shin splints away.”
Inside the shoe, you’ll find a midsole made from two kinds of foams designed to feel springy yet durable, and a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) heel insert that adds a little extra stiffness and support to help you balance. The shoe wraps the top of your foot in a lightweight mesh for breathability, with synthetic leather patches reinforcing the toe area and eyelets for added durability and longevity.
Pros:
- Comes in wide, extra-wide, 2X-wide, standard and narrow fit options
- Designed to have excellent stabilizing technology
Cons:
- Reviewers mentioned that the extra-wide sizes are frequently out of stock
- Runs small, so some walkers experienced premature wear of the mesh upper if they bought their usual size
Best Slip-On Walking Shoes for Women: Allbirds Women’s Tree Dasher Relay
Allbirds
Key Features:
- Price: $135
- Materials: Woven upper made from eucalyptus trees and recycled yarn, foam outsole with rubber traction pads and merino wool heel liner.
- Weight: Unavailable
For a light-duty shoe, these little slip-on shoes pack a punch. They offer a neutral, cushioned sole with a gently supportive upper, ideal for moderate walks or spending the day on your feet. The sole has minimalist rubber patches for traction, making these shoes best for smooth, paved surfaces. To balance out the flexibility of the upper, the sole flares out slightly at the mid-heel and midfoot for extra stability, to help prevent pronation or supination. The inside heel is lightly padded with a grippy patch of merino wool to keep your ankle from sliding out when you’re walking at brisker paces.
The seamless one-piece upper is woven in a pattern that allows it to be super breathable while still fitting snugly across the top of your foot. This breathability aids in the evaporation of moisture, which helps prevent the shoes from clinging to sweaty odors, keeping your kicks smelling fresh. If they do get dirty, fear not—the Tree Dasher Relays are machine washable (Allbirds recommends you put them in a pillowcase to prevent snags). The one-piece upper is designed to hug your foot supportively without chafing, and many reviewers found them incredibly comfortable, albeit a little snug at first. Verified Buyer Heather K. writes, “Love how soft the footbed is. Toe box is a little narrow, but after wearing for a few weeks it’s feeling better.” Verified Buyer Nicole M. experienced something similar, stating in her review, “I was worried at first that they would be too small but they adjusted after a few wears.”
In addition to being one of the sleekest-looking shoes in this list, the Tree Dasher Relays are also the most eco-consciously designed models as well. The midsole is made with the world’s first carbon-negative EVA foam, meaning the process of creating the material actually has such a low carbon output that it is completely negated (and then some) by the company’s “verified, additional, permanent” carbon offset purchases. That makes the Tree Dasher Relays an all-around win if you ask us.
Pros:
- Lace-free upper conforms to your foot without chafing
- Super breathable mesh upper
- Very lightweight shoe overall
Cons:
- Upper is not adjustable
- Minimal traction—best for pavement
Best Walking Shoes for Women Over 50: Hoka Bondi 8
Hoka
Key Features:
- Price: $165
- Materials: Mesh upper with memory foam ankle collar and foam outsole
- Weight: 8.9 ounces
Our feet change throughout our lives, just like the rest of our bodies. One of the major changes adults tend to notice is a loss of the natural padding on the bottoms of their feet, which can cause discomfort and fatigue. One way to combat this is with an ultra-cushioned shoe like the Bondi 8. The sole of this shoe is super plush and exaggerated, with an extended heel area designed to provide an impact-absorbing ride from heel to toe.
At 663 cubic centimeters, it’s a relatively high-volume shoe, so Hoka prioritized weight savings in order to keep you light on your feet. The sole is made with ultralight foam designed to feel soft yet supple, in order to add a little bounce to your step. Hoka added rubber coating on the bottom for traction in only the necessary areas to reduce weight. A memory foam collar helps the shoe accommodate the contours of your ankle, staying in a shape that will reduce chafe while maintaining a snug fit while you walk.
In terms of side-to-side stability, the Bondi 8 is pretty neutral compared to other models that are designed to prevent your feet from rolling inward, or overpronation. It features a symmetrical bed cushion that won’t interfere with your natural gait.
On the Hoka website, the Bondi 8s have an average review of 4.5 out of 5, with 297 reviews. One reviewer rated them five stars, writing, “I have bad knees, hips and back. Once I put on my first pair of Hokas, my pain has been much better. I loved my Bondi 7 shoes but…the 8 feels way more stable.”
Pros:
- Supreme cushioning
- Soft, flexible upper for a comfortable fit
Cons:
- The thick, wide soles have a chunkier look than some reviewers preferred
Best Women’s Running Shoes for Walking: adidas Ultrabounce
adidas
Key Features:
- Price: $80
- Materials: Textile upper, lightweight Bounce cushioning, rubber outsole
- Weight: 20.7 ounces (size 7)
While most running shoes are great for walking, the adidas Ultrabounce is one of our favorites because they incorporate adidas Bounce cushioning, making them comfortable to walk in and reducing impact with every step—a great benefit for walkers.
The flexible knit upper—made with 50 percent recycled content—and lacing system are designed so you have a secure, yet comfortable fit, making them great for long-distance wear. The rubber outsole will keep you steady over a variety of terrain. A reviewer on adidas’ website rated them five stars, stating, “Ultra comfortable to walk in. Lovely color and light weight. Very pleased. I have wide feet so went up a size.”
Another adidas website reviewer endorses them as one of their best adidas purchases, writing, “Comfortable and looks great. With two recent total knee replacements, this shoe offers stability and just the right amount of cushion.” This is partially thanks to the stability of the Bounce design and the flexible knit upper. It is important to note that there are no wide-size options available, but reviews rate the fit on the rating scale as just right.
Pros:
- Cushioned for comfort
- Made from recycled materials
- Seven colors to choose from
Cons:
- Doesn’t come in wide size options
Best Trail Walking Shoes for Women: Salomon Outpulse Gore-Tex
Salomon
Key Features:
- Price: $140
- Materials: Rubber outsole, synthetic upper, Ortholite insole, EVA foam midsole and Gore-Tex exterior
- Weight: 10.6 ounces
If your walking routes frequently include unpaved paths and moderate trails, adding a trail shoe to your rotation comes with great benefits. We recommend the Salomon Outpulse Gore-Tex because of its off-road-ready outsole, energy-returning midsole cushion and water-repellent Gore-Tex coating.
Salomon refers to the upwardly rounded midsole shape as reverse camber technology (a nod to the company’s skiing roots). It's designed to offer a fluid and natural transition from heel to toe while giving you a little bit extra spring each time your foot leaves the ground.
The exterior construction is also ready for the elements. The Gore-Tex coating repels any water or mud you might encounter on the trail to keep your feet cozy and dry, and the Contagrip rubber outsole grips the ground to keep you stable and confident as you crush down the trail. A rubber toe cap offers extra protection for your toes if you happen to stub them into a rock or root in the path.
The EVA foam insole works in tandem with the integrated TPU plate to absorb the impact as your foot hits the ground to keep your strides feeling smooth. On top of that, Salomon layered an OrthoLite insole for extra cushion, comfort and durability.
Reinforced fabric panels run on either side of the upper from the midsole to the laces in order to maintain a snug, secure fit while still allowing a comfortable amount of flexion in the upper. One downside to the Outpulse Gore-Tex, however, is that it’s currently only available in standard width. But if that’s not a deal-breaker for you and you’re looking to take on more off-road walking trails, let the dirt-loving Salomon Outpulse Gore-Tex take you on a new adventure.
Pros:
- Super durable, water-repellent exterior
- Extra grippy outsole
Cons:
- Only available in standard width
Best Walking Shoes for Women with Plantar Fasciitis: Allbirds Women’s Tree Dasher 2
Allbirds
Key Features:
- Price: $135
- Materials: The one-piece upper is made from knitted eucalyptus tree fiber and the midsole is made of a light and springy foam
- Weight: Unavailable
The specific support and corrective design on the Allbirds Tree Dasher 2s make this shoe a favorite with runners who are prone to plantar fasciitis. Specifically, the padded heel collar puts less stress on your Achilles tendon by requiring it to flex less while also allowing the ankle to remain in place. Furthermore, the cushioned midsole provides a good arch in the shoe which benefits people with this condition. Reviewer Jennifer writes on the Allbirds website,”I’d buy 10 more if I could. I love this shoe. At first I was just crushing on the comfort, support, & cool colors. But then this shoe more than the three other different pairs of Allbirds I own made my feet feel sooo good. I had terrible plantar fasciitis and now, oh yeah, that’s right, I’m starting to run again. Praise Allbirds! I’m going to end up buying another pair of these shoes, I can see it coming.”
Related Post: The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
There are many other customers who are equally enthusiastic about the Tree Dasher 2. This excitement around the shoe and its foot support could be due to the midsole being made from responsive foam which is designed to offer extra support and cushioning. Also, a knitted one-piece upper made of eucalyptus trees allows for breathability and flexibility.
The combination of breathable and supportive in a shoe is hard to find, but Allbirds has done it with its Tree Dasher 2's.
Pros:
- Provide a lot of support
- Breathable mesh upper
Cons:
- Does not perform well in water
- Not fit for intense training
What Should Women Look for in a Walking Shoe?
Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, get more steps in throughout your day with an under-desk treadmill, explore your neighborhood or just be more comfortable on your daily errands, there is a walking shoe for you. The main factors to consider when choosing a walking shoe include your foot shape, width and injuries that need support, as well as the distance and terrain you plan on covering. If you have a wide foot, there are a lot of shoes that come in multiple width options. If you have a foot that’s average width through the arch area and gets wide at the toes, you can look for models that offer a wide toe box, meaning they’ll still fit snugly through the midfoot. If you have foot or ankle injuries, arthritis, flat feet, neuropathy or diabetes, it can help to find a shoe that offers extra cushioning, shock absorption and more support. Some even offer gait correcting features like ankle stabilization or a heel lift for Achilles protection.
Unless you’re going to be tackling some seriously technical off-road walks, most walking shoes will be sufficient for treadmill, path and sidewalk miles, or just counting your steps around town. To double check, just take a peek at the bottom of the shoe. The amount of rubber coating the sole has is a good indication of how grippy it will be, as well as how durable. If the outsole is mostly or all foam, those shoes are designed for lighter-duty styles of use or for fashion.
The number one thing you need to be concerned with is whether or not the pair you’ve chosen are comfortable shoes for you. If possible, buy from a company that allows you to return the shoes if they’re not for you.
FAQs
Are cushioned shoes better for walking?
Generally speaking, yes. Cushioned shoes offer gentle support and shock absorption that helps prevent overuse injuries that can come with walking lots of miles. However, some people do like to walk in more minimalist shoes as a way to train their foot strength or mimic barefoot walking, but that is something you should research before deciding if it's right for your feet.
Related Post: The Best Barefoot Shoes
Are memory foam shoes good for walking?
For the average walker they can be beneficial. Usually, when a company includes memory foam in the midsole, it's just a light lining to help the shoe fit a bit better to the unique contours of the wearer's individual feet (even your two might not be identical). This adds to a snug feel that helps gently support the feet without chafing. Some people purchase shoes with memory foam lining expecting them to be mattress-plush, so the shoes fall short of that expectation resulting in some negative reviews.
Can I use running shoes for walking?
Absolutely! Walking and running shoes incorporate a lot of the same technology for comfort, support and injury prevention.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are just starting to track your fitness journey or have been a walker for years, purchasing the right pair of shoes for your workout routine is crucial, as well as fitting your budget and walking routine. We have confidence that one of the highly-rated shoes in this list will elevate your walking experience and lead to healthier, happier feet.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
