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February 12, 2025
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Best Walking Shoes For Women 2024

Best Walking Shoes For Women 2024

A great walking shoe should keep you on your feet pain-free, all day, whether you’re working out, traveling or just running errands. After extensive testing and analyzing features such as cushioning, arch support, traction and heel drop, I found the best walking shoes for women. My top choice overall is the Brooks Ghost 15, which has a supportive, versatile design. The Under Armour UA Essential Sportstyle Shoe wins for the best affordable walking shoe because it provides excellent cushioning and breathability at a lower price, and the On Cloud 5 is the best lightweight option.I tested 12 pairs of sneakers to find the best walking shoes for women, depending on your fitness … [+] goals and foot type.Illustration: Forbes / Photo: RetailersHere are all the best walking shoes for women, with my full reviews on each further down in this piece:Best Walking Shoes For Women Overall: Brooks Ghost 15Best Lightweight Walking Shoe For Women: On Cloud 5Best Cushioned Walking Shoes For Women: Hoka Clifton 9Best Supportive Walking Shoes For Women: Sorel Kinetic Impact IIBest Affordable Walking Shoes For Women: Under Armour UA Essential SportstyleBest Walking Shoes For Women With Arch Support: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13(PAID PLACEMENT) You May Also Like: Lululemon beyondfeelForbesThe Best Prime Day Hoka Deals: Save Up To 40% On New SneakersBy When selecting shoes to test, I asked a board-certified podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon and certified trainer for their expert opinions. I focused on brands known to be leaders in the walking industry and looked at shoe models that were both athletic and lifestyle-oriented to cover a variety of footwear needs. Below, find my seven top selections, as well as five additional styles that are in my rotation, even though they aren’t winners in my chosen categories.Brooks RunningBrooks Ghost 15Weight: 7.9 ounces | Upper materials: Perforated mesh, 57% recycled materials | Heel drop: 12 mm | Size range: 5 to 13; medium, wide, narrow | Colors: 32 total, including Blue/Black and White/Crystal GreyBest for:Serious walkers and active people who stay on their feet all dayPeople who do multiple activities and sports, including walkers who likes to run or cross-trainHeel strikers and those who want extra cushioning without decreasing stabilitySkip if: You want a very lightweight shoe; this is a mid-weight option and the extra shock absorption in the heel might add unnecessary bulk for you This pair tops our list of the best walking shoes because it’s the most versatile option for different styles of walkers and those who want a supportive, multi-purpose sneaker. It’s extremely stable, with a grippy outsole, for both speed walks and less intense jaunts along smooth and uneven surfaces. The cushioned EVA foam midsole absorbs shock during the heel strike (when your heel hits the ground), should you also do higher-impact aerobic stints, such as running. Overall, there’s little activity you can’t do comfortably in the Brooks Ghost, and it’s the shoe I now wear most consistently among all the ones tested.Curved Insole And Just Enough CushioningThe Ghost is equipped with a curved insole to reduce arch stress—which is great if you suffer from sore tendons, are flat-footed or stand for long periods of time. The Ghost also has a firm heel counter (the part of the shoe that wraps around the back of your ankle) to hold the foot in place and prevent over-pronation, or rolling your ankles. Note that I tested version 14 of this shoe, but the 15 is newer and more widely available online. With a 12 mm heel drop, the Ghost’s heel is a smidge higher than the standard 10mm for running sneakers. These shoes have a 4.25 cm heel stack (height) and 9.1 ounce weight, which was mid-range compared to other sneakers I tested: This is a moderately cushioned shoe, which is a good thing since extra padding can decrease stability.The Brooks Ghost is moderately cushioned, which is a good thing: too much padding can decrease … [+] stability.Kari Molvar For Forbes Vetted Bouncy And BreathableThe Ghost didn’t propel my foot forward on an arc like a rocker-sole shoe, which has a curved bump in the midsole. But it did add bounce to my step, thanks to the air-pocket-filled foam core. I found this feature helped me move nimbly around fallen tree branches and pivot easily without losing my balance, which has been an issue for me with rocker-sole shoes in the past since your foot is not on an even plane.The mesh upper on the Ghost sneakers is lightweight and extremely breathable; on 90-degree days, my feet did not sweat through my socks. If you’re a dedicated walker, who also likes to run—I logged 84 miles in this pair—and tackle different activities in a day, you won’t find a better sneaker than the Brooks Ghost. The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.Weight: 6.9 ounces | Upper materials: Antimicrobial mesh, 44% recycled materials | Heel drop: 2.5mm | Size range: 5 to 11 | Colors: 13 total, including Blueberry/Feather and Nimbus/AlloyBest for:Those who want a lightweight, responsive shoe that can handle all surfacesWalkers with a slightly narrow to medium-width footThose who need a stylish option to wear for workouts and everydaySkip if: You have wide feetYou prefer extra cushioning or need a high-drop shoe for heel issuesIf you’re looking for a lightweight, all-day walking shoe with a barely-there feel, the On Cloud 5 is about as perfect of a shoe you can find. It weighs just 6.9 ounces, the airiest of the ones we tested. It’s ideal for covering long and short distances, handling different terrains with stability and supporting your arches without adding bulk.Ultra-Light MidsoleOn, a relatively new Swiss brand founded in 2010, has a dedicated following for its unique midsole: It’s designed with holes that allow air to pass through and help the shoe compress vertically and laterally as you land. The design aims to cushions your feet to reduce muscle strain and also enables a smoother toe-off, or launch for your foot, allowing you to move easily through your stride. I filmed slow-motion videos of my foot as I walked in this shoe versus others and noticed a subtle lift at the end of my gait cycle. Additionally, Annabelle Lemes, the Connecticut-based trainer I spoke to, cited this pair as her top pick, saying, “I’m always on my feet, and On’s are my very first choice.”With a minimal heel drop of 2.5mm and a very firm insole, the On Cloud 5 shoes are a great choice … [+] for people who want to move swiftly and confidently over rugged trails, cobblestone streets or changing terrain.Kari Molvar For Forbes Vetted Stable And FirmThe Cloud has a minimal heel drop of 2.5mm and a very firm insole, making this shoe a good, stable choice for those with balance issues or anyone who wants to move fast but securely over rugged trails, cobblestone streets or changeable terrain. The heel counter scored a moderate firm rating as well. These shoes held my foot snugly in place, almost as firmly as the Brooks, with an ankle collar that didn’t extend over my bone or cause chafing. The mesh upper is breathable and outfitted with thin reflective bands, which is a nice (and stylish) safety feature if you walk at night.Best For Narrow And Medium Foot WidthsThe Cloud 5 also comes in a waterproof version, which I don’t recommend. It’s wrapped in an anhydrous membrane that seals out liquid but makes the shoe fit more tightly than the regular version (the company advises going up a half-size). Still, I found that even the regular Cloud 5 has a slim fit. On my insole test, my foot extended over the sides by about 0.5 inch, which wasn’t enough to cause discomfort (since I have medium to narrow feet) but could be an issue for those with wider feet.Two Lacing SystemsAnother potential downside to these shoes is the speed-lacing system. These On shoes come pre-laced with a thin cord that’s knotted at both ends—the idea is that you slide your feet into the shoe and pull the cord to secure your foot. I found the cord loosened up over time. The design feature is not for everyone, and On includes a set of traditional laces with every pair for this reason.The On Cloud 5 shoes transition from athletic wear to stylish, everyday outfits.Kari Molvar For Forbes Vetted From a fashion angle, the Cloud 5 checked the box for me. The Swiss shoe is sleek and minimal, and when paired with a skirt, the shoes looked like an intentional choice, not something I resorted to for comfort’s sake.Weight: 7.3 ounces | Upper materials: Polyester mesh, 35% recycled polyester | Heel drop: 5 mm | Size range: 5 to 12; regular, wide | Colors: 28 total, including Vanilla/Astral and Sandstone/CreamBest for:A plush, cushioned walking experience with a rocker-soleThose who have wide feet and like a roomy shoeStanding all day on your feetSkip if:You want a shoe with a leaner build and less heel heightYou have narrow feet Hoka has built an entire franchise around the Clifton, releasing new versions of this best-selling sneaker. This latest iteration features a lighter design—it weighs 4 grams less than the previous model—which Hoka accomplished by removing the overlays and hotmelts (or adhesives that bond together certain parts of a shoe). It also increased the cushioning, with a higher, 3mm heel stack that nicely supports your foot.Lightweight Yet RoomyI’ll be honest: I wasn’t fully sold on Hoka’s wildly popular rocker-style heel at first, which gently glides your foot forward with a rolling motion that can help reduce foot strain. But, after wearing the Cliftons for a while, I found them extremely comfortable and surprisingly lightweight, despite the extra cushioning and padding in the heel. I have a relatively narrow foot, and I’d say that this pair definitely felt roomy, even in the regular-width size. Given that your feet swell and expand when walking, the spacious design can be a good thing, especially if you have wide feet.Bold And Eye-CatchingThe Cliftons are not a subtle sneaker that blends in with the rest of your look. But overtly “loud” sneakers are the norm now, which is a trend that Hoka helped ignite, so these shoes don’t feel as out-of-the-box as they might have few years ago. Also, if you have a prefer a leaner-built shoe, you might find the ultra-padded style a bit cumbersome. Yet, I found that the rocking motion does help alleviate foot pain, so you might put up with a little extra bulk for the additional comfort.SorelSorel Kinetic Impact IIWeight: 10 ounces | Upper materials: Perforated mesh |Heel drop: 10 mm | Size range: 5 to 12 | Colors: 21 total, including Black/White and Teal Chloride/Sea SaltBest for:Excellent traction and grip, with its scalloped soleGood underfoot cushioningStylish, modern designSkip if:You want a flat outsoleYou like a traditional-looking sneaker with a subtler design The Sorel Kinetic Impact II is a great sneaker for both everyday wear and more rigorous activities. It has a comfortable fit, and its design is excellent for stability and traction. The outsole features the brand’s signature “scalloped” edge, which I found especially helpful for providing extra grip on slippery or uneven surfaces while also alleviating pressure from the tender under-points of my foot. If you stand on your feet a lot during the day, the Kinetic Impact II is worth considering.Ideal For Hot WeatherIn terms of its performance, the shoe has a cushioned midsole and a flexible, mesh upper that’s breathable for all-day wear. I tested the Kinetic shoes during hot weather and my feet never got sweaty, thanks to the ventilation built into the airy upper. Style-wise, the Kinetic is a bold-looking shoe. If you plan to wear your sneakers to the office and work in a very traditional setting, this pair might turn some heads (which might actually be a good thing, depending on your take).Stability-Enhancing FeaturesOn the downside, the Kinetic is not as light as the others I tested but that extra weight gives you added stability. The lacing system might not be everyone’s taste since they run down the side of the shoe, as well as the top. But I found that extra coverage helped the shoe fit snugly to my foot, which provided additional stability.Under ArmourUnder Armour UA Essential SportstyleWeight: 7.26 ounces | Upper materials: Mesh, synthetic overlay | Heel drop: 7.3 mm | Size range: 5 to 12 | Colors: 24 total, including Black and Baja BlueBest for:Those who stand or walk more casually than for serious exercise If you have wide feet, bunions or prefer a roomy fitThose who want an affordable walking shoe that doesn’t skimp on comfortSkip if:You need a very stable s hoe for more active daysYou prefer a grippy shoe for slippery surfaces These ultra-comfy shoes are a great value for casual, everyday walking because they are roomy, supportive and breathable. Under Armour often puts this highly popular sneaker on sale; I saw it go as low as $45 during testing. That’s far less than $110, the average MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) of athletic sneakers in 2021, according to the most recent data from RunRepeat. Compared to the other shoes I tested, the the Sportstyle cost about $100 less.Supportive Without Extra WeightFor the great price, you get plenty of features, too. Comfort is continually called out in the reviews, and the Sportstyle lived up to the hype in my tests. The padded heel makes for a well-cushioned ride, with a 7.3mm heel drop and 4.75cm heel stack (or height), which is ideal for walkers who land heel first or have Achilles tendon issues. That extra support tips the scales a tiny bit; this shoe has a weight of 7.26 ounces, placing it in the mid-range for our testing data. Still, this shoe wasn’t noticeably clunky—mostly because the mesh upper and soft sock liner make the shoe feel airy and weightless.Excellent For Wide FeetThe Sportstyle was also the best walking shoe for wide feet in my tests. The width of the insole was the widest among all those I wore, preventing any lateral rubbing on the sides of my foot. If you have bunions or stand for long periods—such as when traveling and sightseeing, or in my case, watching a soccer game that goes into overtime—the Sportstyle shoes are my pick. The spacious girth and wide toe box of these sneakers lets your feet comfortably expand and your toes splay out, with breathing room.The UA Essential Sportstyle shoes had the widest insoles of any shoes I tested, making them a great … [+] pick if you have wide feet or prefer a roomier fit. Kari Molvar For Forbes Vetted Best Worn On Smooth, Paved SurfacesThis pick is less structured than a traditional walking shoe; on my pinch test, the heel counter scored a flexible (not firm) rating. I wouldn’t recommend it for serious walking on uneven, gravely terrain since your foot might move around in it slightly. The outsole is smooth without a ton of extra grip—again, you wouldn’t wear these on an intense walking expedition—but in my tests, the shoes handled well on paved streets and all indoor surfaces. Overall, the Sportstyle is a solid choice for a lifestyle walking shoe that cradles your feet, pain-free, all day. For less than $70, you can’t beat the value of this pair.ZapposNew Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13

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