A well fitted shoe can make you feel as though you’re walking on clouds while an ill fitting walking shoe can cause blisters, cramps and make a short journey feel like a marathon.

Adventure expert and travel writer Kirrily Schwarz tells us that “structure is critical” when shopping for walking shoes. Though bear in mind, the specific structure comes down to the individual and what they need. 

“For example, do you have narrow or wide feet? Do you have high or low arches? Is there enough room to wiggle your toes? Can you lace them tight enough? Are they comfortable?” she asks.

On top of a wide enough toe box and good arch support, ideally you’ll also want walking shoes that are light and breathable. This way you’ll “get as much mileage out of your feet as possible,” she says.

With this in mind, we’ve picked out the 9 best walking shoes for women you can buy right now.

Our top picks of the best walking shoes for women

Best walking shoes for women overall

Asics Gel-Excite 9, The Iconic, $130

• Material: Engineered jacquard mesh upper
• Heel drop: 10mm
• Fit: Wide

“If I’m spending a lot of time on concrete, I’ll opt for a soft-soled sneaker with plenty of shock absorption so my feet don’t get tired – it’s hard to beat Asics,” says travel writer Kirrily Schwarz.

Of Asics’ wide range of walking shoes and runners Checkout calls the Asics Gel-Excite 9 out as a “fantastic all-rounder”.

Whether you’re pounding the pavement or the treadmill, this walking shoe is extremely comfortable and features a jacquard mesh upper for airflow and amplifoam cushioning and GEL technology for comfort, durability and shock absorption.

With a 4.9-star customer review on The Athlete’s Foot it’s little wonder why it’s our top pick for the best walking shoes for women.

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Best walking shoes for women

Hoka Clifton 9 Women’s, The Iconic, $259.99

• Material: Engineered knit upper
• Heel drop: 5mm
• Fit: Wide

Recommended by podiatrists (including mine), Hoka is a chunky breed of shoe with a wide toe box and plenty of arch support that’s often called out as a recommended brand for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis.

The Clifton 9 has a breathable knit upper that hugs you and a moulded EVA sockliner and signature HOKA cushioning for comfort. And despite the look of this walking shoe, these babies are ultra lightweight thanks to the updated foam compound.

“Worth the cost,” saud one five-star review. “Very comfortable for my wide feet. Tender, yet firm soles make walking fun again.”

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Best casual walking shoe

Cariuma OCA Low Off-White Canvas, Cariuma, $109

If the white shoe look is what you’re after, you can’t go past Cariuma’s OCA Low walking shoes. They come in off-white (as well as a wide variety of poppy colours and designs), have half sizes and are priced just over $100.

These cushioned walking shoes feature cork insoles to maximise comfort on the city streets while the outside is fully stitched for longevity. With over 3000 customers giving it a 5/5 score, you’re bound to fall in love too.

“Always comfortable and can wear them all day out of the box!” says one happy customer.

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Best running shoes for women

Brooks Women’s Ghost 15 Trainers, Amazon, $172.31

• Material: Knit upper
• Heel drop: 12mm
• Fit: Average

I fell in love with Brooks’ lightweight running shoes years ago and have never looked back. The mesh is thin yet durable and the arch support is phenomenal, which is exactly what you want to avoid sore ankles and foot pain on long walks.

The Ghost 15 is one of the brand’s most lauded runners with over 4700 positive reviews on Amazon. It has a 3D fit knit upper that sits snug against your food, that breathable lining that I love, and a DNA LOFT V2 cushioning for arch support and segmented crash pad for a smooth and even stride.

“The best running shoes ever”, glows one five star reviewer. “They have enough support for longer runs but great speed for workouts too.”

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Best affordable running shoes for women

Women’s UA HOVR Sonic 6 Running Shoes, Under Armour, $96

• Material: Breathable mesh upper
• Heel drop: 8mm
• Fit: Average

Insanely lightweight and highly supportive, Under Armour’s HOVR Sonic 6 were meant to be put through the paces on the trail and in the gym. 

These running shoes feature an extra soft yet super springy HOVR cushioning with fantastic shock absorption and to help propel you forward where it counts. UA has an updated carbon rubber outsole for a hard wearing shoe that disperses impact.

“So comfortable,” says one five star reviewer on the official Under Armour website. “It has a great cushion on the heel,” says another about these running shoes.

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Best supportive walking shoes

Asics GT 1000 Le 2 (D Wide), Asics, $170

• Material: Engineered mesh and leather upper
• Heel drop: 8mm
• Fit: Wide

FLYTEFOAM cushioning, rearfoot GEL technology and an OrthoLite Insole are just a handful of the high tech features engineered inside the GT 1000 for maximum arch support and impact absorption on your travels.

The wide D-toe box ensures your toes won’t be pinched, which is something that can happen when you wear walking shoes that don’t suit your foot shape, while the low to average arch profile allows for everyday wear for those with flat feet.

“Comfy, easy to walk in from the get go!” exclaims one five star review on the Asics website. 

“I needed something that can handle all weather and terrain, previously I had the GT1000 and enjoyed them so the leather option was a no-brainer for my next purchase!” they said of this walking shoe.

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Salomon XA PRO 3D GTX Women’s, Amazon, $199

• Material: Gore-Tex membrane
• Heel drop: 11mm
• Fit: Average

Heading out in nature or on uneven terrain? Ditch the sneaker-style walking shoe and opt for a sturdy hiking shoe, advises Kirrily. “Salomons are my favourite brand because they have a lot of ankle support (anyone who has sprained their ankle playing netball will understand),” she says.

The XA PRO 3D GTX is our pick for ladies looking for something that’s quality and has a heap of ankle and arch support. 

This waterproof number offers motion stability and ContraGrip traction for you to breeze across rough terrain. They’re also highly breathable thanks to the Gore-Tex lining and have a fatigue-reducing EnergyCell fuelled midsole.

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Merrell Moab 3 Women’s Hiking Shoes, OZSALE, $109.95

• Material: Pigskin outer
• Heel drop: 11.5mm
• Fit: Average

Hailed for its “superior” arch support, Merrell’s Moab 3 are a rugged pair of hiking shoes that are flexible and extremely grippy for those moments when you see yourself scrambling on rock mid-hike.

Its long list of features include vibram soles, a reinforced heel cushioning for arch support and the ever-popular EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort. 

With 5mm lugs, a protective toe-cap and a pigskin outer you can throw pretty much anything and everything at them, too.

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Best walking shoes with roomy toe box

Saucony Integrity Walker 3 (2e X-Wide), Saucony, $199.99

• Material: Leather upper
• Heel drop: 8mm
• Fit: Wide

Saucony has long been associated with premium athletic footwear with a snug stability to it, and the Integrity Walker 3 is one of its most supportive walking shoes to date.

Built for a neutral foot type and average to high arch, the Integrity Walker boasts a plush cushioning for added comfort and a leather upper for protection.

It’s available in a wide D-width as well as a roomier extra-wide 2e, making them ideal for anyone with wide feet or who prefers a little more wiggle room in the toe box. 

For anyone with flat feet, Saucony’s Omni Walker 3 suits a low to average arch and enough cushioning for a moderate level of overpronation.

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Best lightweight walking shoe

New Balance FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker, Amazon, $153

• Material: Synthetic/mesh
• Heel drop: 5-8mm
• Fit: Average

You can’t go wrong with a pair of kicks from New Balance. Classically designed, the Nergize V1 is as light as they come with a mesh toe that’s stretchy enough to accommodate wide feet and is also said to be comfortable over bunions. 

The slip-on style works wonders on the plane or for those days when you wind up stumbling into your hotel room after a long walk and just want to roll into bed.

Throw in a plush underfoot and lightweight REVlite midsole and you’ve got a winning all day walking shoe. Keep in mind though that being slip on shoes, they’re quite fitting and it’s recommended that you size up for a better fit.

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How to choose a good walking shoe

Having been on countless adventures around the world, travel writer Kirrily Schwarz knows a thing or two about the best ride. 

“The four most important things to consider when you’re choosing walking shoes are structure, materials, weight, and affordability,” she says. 

Getting these right will mean you’ll have ample arch support, room for your feet to stay happy, and enough energy to go the extra mile.

Here’s her take on each of these must-have features in a walking shoe.

Structure

Walking shoes are definitely not a one-size-fits-all item, because the right fit will depend entirely on the shape of your foot. Do you have wide or narrow feet? Do you have high or low arches? Do you have any special requirements such as orthotics? Structure is a big deal when it comes to walking shoes, because you’ll want it to fit snugly around your heel while supporting your arches and having a roomy toe-box. 

You might need to try a few before you find the right pair, so make sure you check returns policies if you’re buying them online.

Materials

Materials make a huge difference when it comes to breathability and durability. Most modern walking shoes are made from synthetic fabrics, as opposed to leather or suede, because they’re much lighter and softer. However, quality can vary considerably. 

Quality fabric will ensure your feet can breathe, helping you avoid conditions such as tinea pedis (athlete’s foot). If you’re walking somewhere hot, consider shoes with mesh sides to maximise air flow; if you’re walking somewhere wet, look into waterproof fabrics. 

Quality fabric also increases the durability of the uppers and soles, ensuring you get the most mileage possible.

Weight

Weight makes a huge difference when it comes to reducing fatigue – your shoes might not seem that heavy when you first put them on, but you’ll certainly appreciate the difference a few extra grams makes after you’ve walked 10,000 steps in them. This is usually a trade-off as sturdier walking shoes will be heavier, so it’s important to think about where you’re heading, what surfaces you’ll be walking on, and how far you’ll be going. The best way to do this is by checking product specs online or remembering to compare the weight in store.

Cost

Affordability is also an important factor when you’re buying walking shoes. You can expect to pay anything from $40 to $400, depending on the brand and model, so it can quickly become an expensive purchase. However, while price is usually a good indication as to the quality of your shoes, there’s a reason it’s last on the list. No deal is worth tired, aching, blistered feet, so always be prepared to return shoes if they’re not the right fit. Synthetic shoes don’t stretch in the same way as leather or suede shoes, so it’s important to get it right from the start.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best walking shoes for all day wear?

“The best shoes for all-day wear, in my opinion, are sneakers,” says Kirrily. Look for one that fits your feet well, offers arch support and has plenty of cushioning under the heel are her top tips. This ”will significantly reduce fatigue at the end of the day,” she says. 

While some unicorn walking shoes can be worn straight from the box, that’s not always the case for many. So remember to wear your walking shoes around the house or to the shops to break them in before putting them through their paces on long walks.

Are sneakers good walking shoes?

The short answer is, yes. “Sneakers are designed to protect your feet while you’re being active, which means they’re great for walking,” confirms Kirrily. 

Generally speaking, sneakers are comfortable and lightweight with plenty of wiggle room for your feet to spread out. “This is important if you’ll be on your feet for an extended period, as they’ll naturally swell during the day,” says Kirrily.

Can you recommend any popular brands of walking shoes?

If you haven’t already noticed from our list, lots of brands make great walking shoes with more than a handful designing theirs to suit women’s feet.

“Aside from Salomon and Asics, Merrell’s walking shoes are very sturdy, Hoka has amazing cushioning, Nike has comfortable fashion-forward options, and New Balance and Brooks are good all-rounders,” says Kirrily.

What should I look for in a shoe if I have plantar fasciitis?

A common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis can sometimes mean you have to sit out of high impact activities such as running or difficult walks. But with the right shoe much of that pain can be relieved.

A walking shoe with good arch support can reduce the stress on that inflamed ligament. Cushioning also plays a big part in cradling your foot in all the right places.

If you have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, we recommend visiting your podiatrist first for their opinion first to determine your specific footwear needs.

How we choose products

Our team of experienced writers, travellers, walkers and gym enthusiasts spent hours researching the best walking shoes for women. We found out what factors make a good walking shoe by talking to travel writer and adventure seeker Kirrily Schwarz, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews across a wide range of running and walking shoes.

Kirrily Schwarz is an Escape Writer who never sits still for long. She spent the last decade travelling anywhere/everywhere, living for a while in Padang, Indonesia, and Anchorage, Alaska, along the way. She’s the queen of off-beat adventures and has a different favourite walking shoe for hiking and for urban adventures. Pssst – her favourite brands are Salomon and Asics.

For more great deals on walking shoes and holidays, check out these coupons from The Iconic, Myer and Athlete’s Foot.

See also:

–Best hiking boots for women

–Best water and beach shoes

–Grab your walking shoes: The best national parks in WA