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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.
For a light-duty shoe, these little slip-ons 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 (All Birds 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 that “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.
Purchase Allbirds Women’s Tree Dasher Relay
While most running shoes are great for walking, the Supernova+ is one of our favorites because they incorporate high-end running technology that offers great benefits for walkers too. The Supernova+ blends two of adidas’ midsole technologies blended into one sole: Boost material and Bounce design. Bounce soles are designed to be plush and comfortable, with high volume in order to offer lots of stability. Boost soles use a proprietary material made up of particles that offer great energy rebound, compressing and springing back after every footfall, giving you a slight lift with each step. The Supernova+ has Boost particles concentrated in the heel and forefoot, where they have the most impact on your turnover.
The single-panel mesh upper and padded tongue construction are designed to add a chafe-free fit across the top of your foot for comfortable long-distance wear. A reviewer on adidas’ website called elflynnel rated them five stars, stating that, “These are comfortable, well made sneakers. I’m on my feet all day long, so I can only wear shoes that will be comfortable 12+ hours. These fit the bill!”
Adidas website reviewer Carolmp endorses them as walking shoes for folks who encounter joint pain, writing, “Ideal for long walks. The sole…gives you great support if you have knee problems.” This is partially thanks to the stability of the Bounce design. So if you’re looking for a shoe that can put a little pep in your step and keep it there for the long haul, the Supernova+ might be for you.
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. 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.
The Ryka Women’s Sky Walk has the highest number of good ratings of any model we found: Out of an impressive 10,536 ratings on Amazon, these walking shoes received an average of 4.3 out of five stars. On Ryka’s website, they received a 4.5-star average from the 564 reviews posted there. The Sky Walks are a crowd pleaser, to be sure. Looking closer at the reviews, there are a diverse list of reasons purchasers love them, including the wide toe box, good value and comfortable support.
Ryka’s fit philosophy is called Made for Women. It incorporates specific data on “a woman's unique foot shape, muscle movement and build,” when designing its footwear; it’s not creating “just a sized down version of a man's shoe.” Generally speaking, this translates to a “build with a narrower heel, roomier toe, and softer foot cushioning.”
Amazon reviewer Dawn D. wrote good things about the wider toe box, stating that “This shoe is very comfortable and is not hard on the toes like some popular brands.” The softer foot cushioning is achieved by a Memory Foam insole that’s designed to mold to the shape of your feet, and lightweight EVA foam midsole. A review from Amazon purchaser Jeremy reads, “Not only are they super comfy but they're supportive and very lightweight. Much cheaper than the shoes I was buying in the running stores.” Say less!
The upper is made primarily from breathable mesh panels in order to facilitate ventilation and movement. The mesh panels are overlaid with durable leather on the sides and around the toe box for increased durability. The non-marking rubber sole allows you to wear them to Zumba class without worrying about leaving streaks on the floor, while still providing enough traction and durability for long outdoor walks. The Sky Walks come in two width options, regular or wide, and many reviewers recommended buying a half-size larger than you normally would to accommodate the fact that they run a bit small.
Another cool thing about Ryka is the brand’s partnership with Futures Without Violence, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as supporting survivors of DV and SA. You can choose to add a donation at the time of purchase if you buy through Ryka’s website.
Purchase Ryka Women’s Sky Walk
The specific support and corrective design on the Adrenaline GTS makes this shoe a favorite with runners who are prone to plantar fasciitis. Specifically, the high heel-to-toe drop (12 millimeters) offers a larger cushion in the heel strike area while simultaneously putting less stress on your Achilles tendon by requiring it to flex less. Brooks offers a generous 90-day risk-free trial period as well, so you can take your time making sure they’re the right shoes for you, and if they’re not helping your symptoms—or you decide they’re just not your color—you can return them for a full refund. But judging from the reviews, you probably won’t want to. Reviewer Angel B from Rossville, IN writes on the Brooks website, “I have had two foot surgeries for plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel on both feet and these are the only shoes that I have found that fit my orthotics and are so wonderfully comfortable!!” Another review on Brooks’ site from verified purchaser Sydney R. reports that, “As someone with severe plantar fasciitis, these shoes have been a godsend!”
The Adrenaline GTS midsole is made entirely from Brooks’ proprietary blend of foam, rubber and air it calls DNA LOFT. This material is designed to offer extra support and cushioning, so Brooks lined the entire shoe from the heel to the toe to help you transition from your heel strike to push-off as smoothly as possible. The shoes also offer a slightly corrective lateral support to keep your ankles and arches in line as you rack up the miles. Plus, they are available in four widths: narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide. It’s no wonder this shoe has been one of Brooks’ big hitters for 20 years.
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), and is 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.
To create the Go Walk Arch Fit line, Skechers designers sure did its research. The brand collaborated with podiatrists and consulted 20 years worth of research data including 120,000 foot scans. The result is a podiatrist-certified arch-supporting insole and an ergonomic shoe that keeps wearers comfortable for hours. The removable insole is designed to conform to your arch to help increase weight distribution across the foot, as well as further cushion your footfalls. Beneath the insert is an Ortholite comfort foam insole layer designed to be durable and breathable as it is shock-absorbing.
The breathable mesh upper has a lace-up front to help you dial in your fit. The one and a half inch heel thickness and the durable, dual-density outsole is designed to provide stability and traction whether you’re on the trail or in the office. And don’t hesitate to take them out on rainy, muddy walks because (bonus!) they’re machine washable.
Out of 235 reviews on Skechers’ website, the Go Walk Arch Fit Motion Breezes earned an average of 4.7 out of five stars. One of those reviewers called KAGS from Kennebunkport, ME wrote a raving five star review, stating, “These shoes are unbelievable!...I have a bad right foot that caused me to pay $700 for professional inserts, and these shoes feel better and make my feet feel better than the inserts. I haven't used the inserts since I got these shoes.”
Purchase Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit
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.”
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. There 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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! Walking and running shoes incorporate a lot of the same technology for comfort, support and injury prevention.
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.
Riley Missel is a writer, editor, and digital storyteller based in the American Southwest. She spent three years on staff at Runner's World and Bicycling magazines.