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Walking is one of the simplest and most effective exercises for maintaining good foot health. Finding the best women’s walking shoes can make a significant difference, especially for women who spend long periods of time on their feet. These shoes are specially designed to provide the support, comfort, and durability necessary to handle long distances and various types of walks.
When searching for the best women’s walking shoes, there are a few critical factors to consider. The type of foot—whether you have flat feet, high arches, or neutral support—will determine the right walking shoes for you. Choosing a comfortable walking shoe with ample cushioning and a good fit, especially for those with wide feet or plantar fasciitis, is essential. Additionally, the material, be it breathable mesh upper for warm weather or leather upper for durability, and features like shock absorption and heel drop should not be overlooked.
Ultimately, a well-cushioned shoe with a cushioned midsole, roomy toe box, and good arch support can be a game changer, especially for everyday wear and long walks. Now, let’s delve into our top picks for the best women’s walking shoes.
Table: Best Women’s Walking Shoes At A Glance
Women’s Walking Shoes Product Reviews
Discover the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and other foot types. Whether you’re exploring New York City or enjoying long walks in warm weather, find a comfortable walking shoe with ample cushioning and support.
With all products, features can change, so be sure the qualities that attract you to the product are still the same before purchasing.
Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy
A comfortable walking shoe perfect for those long days on hard surfaces.
These Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Upturn Sneakers are a great option if you’re looking for the best walking shoes with ample cushioning and shock absorption. The breathable mesh upper makes them a comfortable walking shoe, especially in warm weather. They offer a good fit in different colors and have a cushioned insole that helps with foot fatigue.
For those with flat feet or needing neutral support, these sneakers provide a balanced feeling, making them a good choice for long distances. The soft cushioning and rubber outsole enhance your walking experience, whether it’s in New York City or on various types of walks. Ideal for everyday wear, these will quickly become your go-to pair for long periods of time.
If you’re in search of excellent walking shoes that offer ground feel and enough support without much give, these Skechers are a suitable choice. Perfect for long walks or short distances, they do well in preventing foot pain, though individuals with high arches might need additional insoles for extra support. Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis or just want the most comfortable shoes, these are an excellent choice.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to wear
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool
- The cushioned midsole provides great support
Cons
- Limited arch support for high arches
- Can feel slippery in wet conditions
- May not fit well for very wide feet
Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3
The Ryka Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe provides a great balance of comfort and performance, especially tailored for women.
This comfortable walking shoe from Ryka is designed with features that cater specifically to women’s feet. The RE-ZORB responsive cushioning offers excellent shock absorption and impact protection, making it great for long walks and high-performance fitness walking. The breathable mesh with iridescent overlays maintains airflow, keeping your feet cool even during warm weather.
The anatomical insole is an added bonus, providing extra arch and heel support for those with high arches or plantar fasciitis. With its lightweight EVA midsole and eight-piece rubber outsole, this shoe ensures durability and traction on various surfaces, perfect for navigating through busy streets or parks.
Though it offers a wide toe box and a roomier fit, some users have mentioned that these shoes can run a bit wide, especially for those with narrower feet. The lace-up closure helps to secure a snug fit, but if you typically need a narrower width, you might need to explore other options.
In summary, the Ryka Devotion Plus 3 remains a strong contender among the best women’s walking shoes. Its thoughtful design and features make it an excellent choice for everyday wear, especially for longer distances.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort and shock absorption
- Specifically designed for a woman’s foot shape
- Breathable materials ideal for longer walks
Cons
- Some users find them too wide
- It may not be the best for those with narrow feet
Reebok Women’s Club C 85
These walking shoes from Reebok are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a blend of style and comfort for everyday wear.
The Reebok Women’s Club C 85 Vintage Walking Shoe offers a stylish design and exceptional support for long days. With its sleek low-top design and durable rubber outsole, it’s perfect for different types of walks, whether you’re navigating the streets of New York City or heading out for a casual stroll.
These shoes provide excellent shock absorption, making them a great option for those with plantar fasciitis or flat feet. The leather upper and padded foam sockliner ensure a comfortable fit, even for long periods of time. Featuring a variety of features, these shoes offer comfort and versatility for various foot types and needs.
Despite the supportive and comfortable design, some users have mentioned sizing issues, which means you might have to try a few sizes to find the perfect fit. Additionally, while the vintage look is appealing, the color options are somewhat limited. Nonetheless, these shoes remain a top pick for those seeking reliable and stylish everyday walking shoes.
Pros
- Classic and stylish design
- Supportive die-cut EVA midsole
- Comfortable terry lining
Cons
- Sizing issues reported
- May not fit all foot types
Saucony Women’s Echelon Walker 3
A perfect walking shoe for those seeking comfort and stability with ample cushioning.
If you’re on a quest for the best walking shoes, the Saucony Women’s Echelon Walker 3 is a solid option. Designed with a Pwrrun midsole, it offers fantastic shock absorption, making it ideal for long days and long distances. The leather upper ensures durability and provides a good fit for various foot types.
The spacious wide toe box accommodates flat feet and wide feet comfortably. If you have plantar fasciitis or need extra support, you might want to consider adding an insert for additional comfort. These shoes might not be the best choice for those seeking a stylish option, but they excel in functionality.
For those who spend a lot of time walking on hard surfaces or need a reliable pair these are a well-cushioned shoe that minimizes foot pain. It’s a great pick for anyone needing a reliable shoe with excellent traction, especially in warmer or wet weather conditions.
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption
- Durable leather upper
- Non-slip rubber outsole
Cons
- Limited arch support
- Limited colors
- Can be tight for wide feet
Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker
This shoe is known for its stability and cushioning. The design focuses on providing a comfortable fit and durability, making it suitable for daily walks and long periods of standing.
The Brooks Addiction Walker Suede is designed with comfort and stability in mind. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a shoe that provides good support for your feet and helps maintain your natural walking motion. The BioMoGo DNA cushioning adapts to your movement and weight, making each step gentle on your joints.
You’ll find the shoe durable and stylish. The new suede upper adds a modern touch, making it versatile for different outfits. Its slip-resistant outsole ensures reliable traction, which is great for walking on various surfaces without worrying about slipping.
There are a few downsides to think about. Some users have found the fit to be a bit too wide, especially if they have narrow feet. Others have reported issues with the sole coming apart after several months of use. These points can be important to consider before making your purchase.
Pros
- Maximum support for your feet
- Comfortable cushioning with BioMoGo DNA
- Slip-resistant for better traction
- Durable and stylish suede upper
Cons
- May be too wide for narrow feet
- Some durability issues with the sole
Why You Should Get Walking Shoes
Buying a pair of comfortable and supportive walking shoes is the first step to ensuring you enjoy your time out. Today walking shoes can offer much more than just walking comfort; Walking shoes also provide stability, support, motion control, and heat and moisture management. Having the proper footwear while walking can align your body, add cushion to every step, and help prevent injury.
Buying Guide
When selecting the best walking shoes for women, consider foot type. Whether you have high arches, flat feet, or suffer from plantar fasciitis, it’s important to find the right walking shoes.
For those with wide feet, a wide toe box and wide widths can provide additional comfort. If you’re spending long days walking around New York City, look for features like a rubber outsole and ample cushioning.
Pay attention to the heel drop. Shoes with a low heel drop can offer more neutral support and are good for long distances and short distances alike. Lightweight walking shoes with shock absorption can also reduce foot fatigue.
Consider the material of the shoes. Breathable mesh uppers are great for warm weather, while a leather upper can offer more durability. If you tend to have sweaty feet, breathable material is essential.
Look at cushioning. A cushioned insole and cushioned midsole can provide a comfortable walking shoe experience. This is important for everyday wear and for individuals dealing with foot pain or shin splints.
For the inner structure, a heel counter and midsole foam can provide additional support and help with the ground feel. These features can make long walks more enjoyable.
Key Features to Consider
- Foot Type: High arches, flat feet, plantar fasciitis.
- Wide Toe Box: Extra comfort for wide feet.
- Material: Breathable mesh, leather upper.
- Cushioning: Cushioned insole, cushioned midsole.
- Outer Sole: Rubber outsole for long-lasting wear.
- Fit and Size: Wide widths, roomy toe box.
Choosing the best women’s walking shoes involves finding those that meet your specific needs, ensuring good foot health and comfort. Use these tips to find the perfect walking shoes for your lifestyle.
FAQ’s for Women’s Walking Shoes
Here are some commonly asked questions about Walking Shoes
How Do You Clean Walking Shoes?
Depending on the walking shoe, it can be made up of many different materials that require different cleaning techniques, so it’s important to clean walking shoes according to their material and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
In General:
Mesh walking shoes can be machine washed to clean them or cleaned using a damp cloth; this will prevent the walking shoe’s material from being stretched. For walking shoes with more sturdy uppers, if it is not recommended that you machine wash them, then stick to using a damp cloth.
Leather walking shoes can be cleaned using a leather care product, preventing dirt from building up and damaging the walking shoes.
Suede walking shoes can be cleaned using a suede brush to remove dirt and with a suede cleaning product; this will help stop water damage and refresh the walking shoe. Please do not use a stiff-bristled brush, as it may cause permanent scuffs on your walking shoe’s upper material.
Can you wear walking shoes for other activities other than walking?
Walking shoes generally work best for walking activities as they provide adequate cushioning and traction for walking on smooth surfaces. They are not intended to be used as running shoes or for hiking.
How often should you replace walking shoes?
This is a common question that many people ask themselves. Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer. It all depends on your walking habits and what type of shoes you use. If you walk at least three times a week, the general rule of thumb is that you should replace your walking shoes every six months or 500 miles.
How much room should be in the toe of a walking shoe?
The toes should be able to wiggle and bend at the knuckles. There should be about a thumb’s width between the longest toe and the end of the tox box. If there is too much space and you might experience discomfort and shifting.
Conclusion
So that concludes our list of some of the best women’s walking shoes on the market today. When it comes to walking shoes, your health is the most important part of the equation. A good pair of walking shoes can increase comfort and reduce injury, so you have more time to enjoy life outside in nature or on a hiking trail.
With the choices explored in The 5 Best Women’s Walking Shoes – Buying Guide, I hope you found one that is an excellent fit for your needs. With all products, features can change, so be sure the features that attract you to the product are still the same before purchasing.
Do you have a pair of walking shoes you find amazing? Please comment below.
