Walking is a low-impact workout that burns a lot of calories. Whether you’re doing a Couch to 5k program or just looking for a great pair of shoes for everyday wear, we’ve got the right sneakers to keep your feet comfortable.
Our favourite womens walking shoes include cushioning and stability features that support the foot’s natural form and are breathable. Check out our full selection of sneakers to find the best women’s walking shoes!
Comfort
Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help you burn calories and lose weight. But if you’re regularly logging a mile or two every day for your fitness goals, it’s essential to have comfortable and supportive shoes.
The right women’s walking shoes will have sturdy sole cushions for your steps and offer arch support. They’ll also have a cushioned insole and shock absorption to reduce the stress on your feet, knees, hips and back from prolonged periods spent on your feet.
US brand Ryka has a wide selection of walking sneakers catering to female walkers’ unique needs. For example, the Devotion X has an updated design incorporating feedback from women’s fit testers to deliver a highly supportive shoe for long-distance fitness walking or daily activity. It offers a less intrusive take on stability and features responsive Re-Zorb cushioning foam for comfort that keeps pace with your steps.
Durability
Walking is an excellent, low-impact, weight-bearing exercise that helps keep the body healthy. But shoes are essential for comfort, especially if you walk all day at work or school.
The best womens walking shoes are designed to cushion your feet and support your arch while allowing for natural movement. They’ll also keep you feeling comfortable all day long. Ryka carries many options for women’s feet, like the Devotion X walking shoe. Its premium foam cradles your heel and supports the arch to keep you balanced while moving.
The shoe’s flex point should match your foot, which can be determined by holding the shoe by the heel and toe. If the shoe bends in a different place than your foot, it can cause blisters and other injuries. To avoid this, try getting fit for footwear by a trained professional. Then, look for a shoe with a flexible sole and breathable upper material to reduce heat in the shoe.
Support
Women’s walking shoes are made to support your feet as you go about your daily routine. Whether you are racking up 10,000 steps a day or working through a Couch to 5k program, the right pair of shoes can help make your walking feel like a workout and minimize pain and foot problems.
When choosing a walking shoe, look for one that offers good arch support, a wide toe box so your toes can flex and move freely, and enough cushioning to absorb the impact of each step. Also, be sure the shoe fits nicely on a new pair and hold the heel and toe to see how they bend. You should be able to turn the shoe halfway between the heel and toe and feel moderate resistance.
Ryka makes a top-rated shoe for fitness walking, with an insole designed to match the structure of female feet and a wider heel cup to stabilize your ankles. This shoe is also breathable and durable, with an EVA foam outsole that provides plenty of shock absorption.
Style
As the go-to workout for many, walking is an excellent exercise for both your body and mind. And if you’re walking regularly to support your health and fitness goals, it helps to have a pair of comfortable womens walking shoes to help you feel your best.
Luckily, there are plenty of comfortable women’s sneakers and walking shoes to keep your feet happy, whether running errands or hitting the treadmill. Our expert-advised list includes picks with added shock absorption, oversized heel crash pads, and premium foam to cradle your foot and reduce knee stress.