Walking is one of the basic activities we perform every day – there is nothing like a good walk for your wellbeing – either in the morning or in the evening. But to get the most out of your walk, you must also have comfortable walking shoes!
Selecting the wrong pair of walking shoes for your daily activities can not only cause foot pain, ankle, knee, back pain but it can lead to other foot problems such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, and hammertoes. To prevent these foot problems, make sure that you choose a pair of shoes that are well padded, supportive, flexible, fit well, and offer enough traction for a variety of surfaces.
When it comes to selecting the proper footwear, women face multiple challenges; from sizing to aesthetics, there is a variety of considerations, even within the category of walking shoes. That is because there are so many choices on the market, and it can be overwhelming at times to figure them all out.
Since everyone’s feet and are different, the shoe recommended by family or friends may not fit you. For finding an absolutely fitted shoe, you need to know your arch type and gait style, which you can have it done at your local running store. There are three types of walking shoes, Neutral walking shoes, stability walking shoes, and motion control walking shoes.
Top 10 Best Walking Shoes for Women
Below are the Top 10 Best walking shoes for women. If you know your arch type and pronation type, you can easily find a pair of comfortable shoes for your walking needs.
The good walking shoes provide enough arch support, flexibility. The feet come in more contact with the ground during walking than running. All three shoes mentioned have this quality. The Brooks Glycerin 13 and Nike Vomero come in full ground contact during walking.
1. New Balance 928v2 Women walking shoes
NEW BALANCE 928v2 Women Shoe is one of the most recommended shoes by podiatrists for any foot problem except for very severe foot deformities. An upgraded from 927, they offer more support, cushioning and motion control, and other features for comfortable walking.
This walking shoe provides a ROLLBAR technology for motion control, deep and wide toe box, firm midsole, firm heel counter, and great heel cushioning for shock absorption.
The shoe comes in many widths up to 4E and sizes and is ideal for those women who have wide feet. Women who are up to 75 pounds overweight can comfortably wear these shoes for their walking needs with any foot ailments.
They are also approved for Medicare code for diabetes. The deep and wide toe box help in preventing foot ulcers. The insoles are removable which is good for those who want to replace them for their orthotics. These shoes are perfect for those women who walk most of the day. You can walk comfortably for any walking activity in this pair of healthy walking shoes.
2. ECCO Mobile III women Walking Shoes
ECCO Mobile III is one of the best casual walking shoes for women. They offer very supportive footbed for many foot problems and is an excellent shoe for walking throughout the day. The thick removable insole is made of comfort fiber system, and comfort foam underneath has enough cushioning to absorb shock and makes these shoes perfect to wear for plantar fasciitis.
The firm midsole offers support and fit for flat feet. The toe box is wide and deep to provide bunions enough space. These shoes are lined with a fabric material which makes them breathable. The footbed is removable to insert orthotics if you need them.
You can use these shoes if you need to walk a lot at work to prevent heel pain.
The molded footbed aligns your feet with the natural position and thus corrects the pronation problems and thus relieves knee and back pain.
3. Asics Gel QuickWalk – Everyday Walking shoes
Asics Gel QuickWalk is a perfect shoe for everyday use. Teamed with a breathable mesh upper and overlays, your feet will stay dehydrated and cool. The overlays provide support and add to the style. These within certain boundaries can be worn with a nice pair of slacks and a casual shirt.
It’s a simple, comfortable shoe designed for a particular purpose. Straightforward and monochromatic, the Asics Gel QuickWalk incorporates an EVA cushioning footbed along with extra rearfoot and forefoot gel padded system to absorb shock and permits a smooth and natural walking. They are perfect for women who commute.
The high Abrasion resistance outsole provides durability for long-lasting. The EVA footbed provides enough arch support and gel cushioning makes it comfortable for walking.
If you like to wear Asics because they fit you correctly and need basic sneakers for everyday walking, try Asics Quick Gel Walk. It is a good shoe at a good price.
4. Skechers go Walk 3 Slip-On Women Shoes
For casual walkers, the women’s Skechers GoWalk 3 is a stylish, loafer designed sneaker-shoe that’s easy-going on the feet. Padded nubs underneath permit walkers to enjoy hours of leisure strolling while their feet are protected and cushioned from knee and back pain.
GogaMat technology provides you high rebound cushioning that helps in shock absorption. The memory foam in the heel provides support and cushion for walking activities. They have Resalyte lightweight cushioning.
They also offer a manmade outsole. These are made for comfort. The upper of this shoe is made of a breathable mesh, and these shoes can be worn without socks. The mesh is stretchable and gives a great fit.They are machine washable. They are very lightweight. These are great everyday shoes. Also, available in wide width sizes in selected styles.
Odor fighting action lines the shoe, and it’s lightweight and ideal for walking or daily wear. This mesh slip-on casual shoe is a must for casual walking shoes for women. Made with four-way stretch, you’ll have a comfortable, flexible shoe that offers V-stride technology and a natural walking shoe.
Mesh sides provide plenty of lateral support and a quick fit on heels for easy on and off. The multi-directional traction offers absolute footing control and plenty of cushioning for walkers. As an award-winning global leader in the shoe industry, Skechers offers high-quality, affordable shoes for every walk of life.
5. Rockport Women’s XCS Walk Together Mudguard Walking Shoe
Rockport Walk together is a stylish walking shoe and is perfect for walking. The upper leather is luxurious making it appear more like a high-styled golf shoe than a walking shoe. This comfort sneaker is office appropriate and commuting. They are very lightweight because they are constructed as minimalist shoes. These shoes use the ADIPRENE in the heel and Addiprene plus material in the entire forefoot. The ADIPRENE makes the heel very shock absorbent, and ADIPRENE Plus provides rebound cushioning in the forefront. So if you are a heel striker, this shoe will prevent injury by providing shock absorption. On the other hand, if you are a forefoot striker, then Adiprene will provide resilience cushioning.
The midsole is flexible and lightweight. The outsole provides traction and grip for slippery terrains and provides stability and natural gait. The memory foam footbed offers custom fit by molding to the foot shape. Also, available in wide sizes and three colors Black nubuck, Simply Taupe Nubuck and Deep Ocean Nubuck.
6. Saucony 16 Hurricane – Everyday Walking Shoes for Women
If you are looking for an everyday shoe for walking, which is durable and comfortable, then Saucony 16 Hurricane offers a lightweight training shoe. The PowerGrid midsole dynamics provide enhanced padding while the 8mm offset that grants the walkers less harsh impact.
The Saucony Hurricane provides cushioning. The glove-like upper provides you a comfortable fit. The mesh is super breathable. The deep flex grooves will make it flexible and will help you move quickly and easily. The springing and shock absorbing full-length midsole will provide comfort for fitness activities. The HydraMAX lining provides a custom heel fit.
Saucony 16 Hurricane is a stability shoe that provides support if your ankles turn inwards slightly. However, for severe pronation problems, your feet will need additional support.
If you need a shoe that gives you enough stability and a lot of cushioning without being too heavy, try Saucony Hurricane 16.
7. New Balance 1765 – Shoes for Long Distance Walking for women
New Balance 1765 is a stability shoe that offers a good cushion for long walking distance. With innovative N2 underfoot padding, the effect is almost like walking barefoot because it’s much nearer to the ground. The medial post corrects inward turning of pronation problem. They are lightweight, breathable and durable. The molded EVA insole provides support and cushioning.
The Revlite midsole makes them 30% lighter than the traditional EVA foam. The midsole provides durability and responsiveness.
You will find these sneakers comfortable for your long-distance walking. If you want a pair of walking sneakers, I like that performs like a running shoe, check out New Balance 1765v2.
8. New Balance Women’s WW665 Walking Shoe
New Balance ensures your total satisfaction with these women’s sneakers that offer great support and comfort. Noted as one of the most comfortable walking shoes for women, this product has lightweight mesh material for the upper coupled with synthetic overlays for enhanced comfort and breathability. To provide a comfortable and snug fit, there is a padded tongue and collar that keep these shoes in place. The central lacing enclosure also offers a snug fit while making sure that these shoes are easy to put on and take off.
These walking shoes by new Balance have a non-marking rubber outsole with slip-resistant features. So, you can walk with ease and avoid any accidents caused by slips and poor balance. Interestingly, these shoes even have a walking strike path component, which improves your gait while stabilizing the foot. You can choose from narrow or wide widths for these shoes, depending on what suits you best.
9. Adidas Energy Boost – Shoes for Running and Walking
Adidas Energy Boost is a training shoe that can be used for running as well as for walking. This pair of shoes offers superb in performance and bounce while you walk or run.. What makes the Adidas Energy Boost so special is its light-weight design and Adidas’ Torsion-System. Moreover, this distinctive shoe features an adiWear-outsole that is perfect for extended runs and durable enough for constant wear. The outsole is super grippy.
The Energy Boost’s mesh upper is stretchable and provides a glove-like fit. The stretchiness of the mesh will allow a wider size to fit in them comfortably. The toe box is wide, and you can move your toes freely. The Boost midsole material provides bounce during heel to toe strike due to the springy material. The shoe is designed for use on the road. This is a neutral shoe that provides enough stability to control mild pronation.
10. Saucony Triumph 10 – Running and Walking
The Saucony Triumph 10 for women is casual to a neutral running shoe that keeps your feet pillowed whether you are on a long walk or participating in a marathon. The breathable open-mesh design with well-built underlays maintains a secure footing to the platform. The refurbished crash-pad is manufactured from three separate receptive pods for an even gait and capable modification.
11. RYKA Dash Walking Shoe for Women
The RYKA Dash outer space looking shoe is just right for those moments you find yourself in a rush, dashing around town, or heading to the gym. The Ryka Constant is specially designed to cushion your feet and keep them in comfort for the entire day. Due to an OrthoLite insole that cuddles your foot-frame, you receive additional comfort when you’re exhausted and at the end of a long day’s journey. This shoe offers a 3D-EVA platform midsole for arch support and customized fit.
How to choose the best walking shoes for Women
Fit
When choosing walking shoes, always buy well-fitted shoes. The right fit will keep you from getting heel blisters and battered toenails. You won’t regret purchasing a walking shoe that fits well. Identifying a good fit is straightforward. Fundamentally, a shoe should be comfy everywhere and tight nowhere, with adequate space to wriggle your toes. Comfortable women walking shoes can be used for work, fitness or inside and around the house.
Determining Your Foot Type
View your footprint after showering or swimming. You may use a brown paper bag or cardboard for this foot-arch test. Feet with low arches will leave a fuller print because it has more contact with the ground. High-arched feet touch the surface at the heel, the toes, and the ball of the foot, but not the border of the foot. Average feet with medium arches are in between those mentioned above two. Determine which category your foot falls into and find the perfect shoe for your foot type.
Walking Shoe Buying Tips
To determine if a walking shoe will fit, these two tests will help. Find a slanted surface and stairs: Walk down a slope. As you go down, tread heavily and scrape your feet. Aim for the tops of your toes to reach the front interior of the shoes. Presuming you have already tried the shoes snugly, they should not permit you to shift too far forward.
Over time, shoes will stretch and become slightly wider. If your toes can already reach the front of the shoes when they are new, try a different pair. Climb several stairs. If the shoes you are trying passed the first test, you can try them on the uphill stair test. Go up several flights of stairs, two at a time, and pay attention to your heel lift.
If your heels are continuous lifting-off the insoles more than roughly one-eighth of an inch, you could be in for heel blisters later on. If you are not certain, you can change socks for a pair with better heel padding or use an over the counter insole. It’s very important to halt or decrease any seesaw movement of your heels inside the shoes. Repeated heel movement can cause blisters, which will lead to discomfort during your walking jaunts.
Should you buy a walking shoe with a waterproof-breathable membrane?
If you are looking for shoes to wear in rain or for trail walking, then buy waterproof and breathable shoes. Naturally, there are exclusions, especially when the climate is dry and hot.
Walking is good for everyone
Walking is not only a fantastic, mild form of exercise but an eco-friendly way to get around whenever feasible. Make sure that your feet are comfortable by finding a good brand of shoes. Buy a pair of walking shoes according to the need of your lifestyle. For instant, you like to take you will be needing different kinds of shoes for walking than for a person who needs shoes for fast walking. Look for features such as shock absorption and stability when finding a good pair of women walking shoes.
Regardless of any feature, try to find well-fitted walking shoes. If your shoes don’t fit right, your feet won’t be comfortable, and if your feet aren’t comfortable, you are not going to be too pleased with the end of the day. There’s nothing worse than rushing home to take your shoes off because your feet are killing you! Most of us have heard and even seen photos of feet with ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, and in pain. By being clever when shopping for walking footwear, you will be more motivated to walk and have a good time while doing it!
FAQ about best walking shoes for Women
What is Casual Walking Speed?
Walking speed varies from person to person and is different in males and females( females walk slower than men). It also varies on the type of ground you are walking. Walking speed gets slower as you walk uphills and fast as you walk downhills. Casual walking speed is 2-3 miles per hour.
What Type of Arch Do You Have?
Before you can begin looking at shoes, you need to understand the arch of your foot. This is because you need to find a pair of walking shoes that provide the right support for your feet. If your friend with flat feet benefits from a particular model, it will certainly be ineffective for you if you have an arch problem! This is why you need to find out about your own feet.
Take a couple of pieces of construction paper, and lay them on a dry towel in the bathroom. Wet your feet under the tub faucet, and shake. Place each foot on a piece of paper before drying on the towel. If the majority of the foot area is wet, you likely have a flat arch. On the other hand, if there is barely a line at the outer edge of your heel and the upper end of your foot, you may suffer from underpronation. Likely, you fall somewhere in between these two. However, this information will help you in selecting the best walking shoes for women with your arch type.
How Do You Move Your Ankle While Walking?
Another issue that will influence the appropriate choice of shoe is the way you balance your weight while walking. Too often, people roll their feet inward or outward or place too much pressure on the fronts or backs of the feet when stepping. All of these can lead to troubles with your feet, ankles, knees and hips. One way to determine the way you place pressure on your feet is to look at some of your older pairs of shoes. You should be able to see the areas of greater wear. Take these along with you when you have your feet sized and examined to ensure that these patterns are taken into account.
Do You Use Orthotics?
If you use an orthotic device, you need to know how it will work with the shoes that you are considering purchasing. When you go to the store, take them along. If you have not been sized or examined in a while, you may want to have your orthotics checked before purchasing a new pair of walking shoes. That will ensure that you have the most satisfying experience with your new purchase.
Are You Experiencing Bunions or Other Foot Conditions?
Additionally, if you have bunions, gout, or other foot conditions, you need to be sure that your new shoes will fit comfortably. Hammertoe and related pains can become considerably worse if you rely upon shoes that are merely supposed to be the correct size.
What Is the Purpose of the Shoe?
There are many different shoe designs today, ranging from those for fitness walking, hiking to walking on for an extended time. If you are looking for the best walking shoes for women for more than one purpose, you may need to purchase one pair for each type of activity. After all, the continued support for stationary activity requires different arch treatment and roll than a shoe that is intended for walking long periods at a time. Investing in the proper footwear for each activity will help to ensure you protect your feet and the rest of your body.
Have You Experienced Foot Injuries?
When you are determining the best walking shoes for women that will meet your needs, you will also need to consider any injuries that you may have experienced that will influence your level of comfort. Have you had surgery on your feet? What about your knees, legs or hips? Have there been broken bones set in these areas without surgical intervention? These things can factor into the health of your feet, and the appropriate choices to ensure your feet are well taken care of during your regular activities.
Do Your Shoes Fit Well and Comfortable?
All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes that fits right on your feet. Your toes should move freely inside the toe box. Look for wide toe box walking shoes if you have wide feet. Your heels should be secure and should not slip off. Laced should fit better than slip-on shoes. Most women believe that they know their correct shoe size, and the majority is wrong. The fact is that your feet continue to change throughout your life. Just like the rest of your body, you will need to have it remeasured on a regular basis if you want to ensure that your attire remains comfortable and fits well. When you go to have your feet sized, you should take along any orthotics that you use.
Additionally, bring a new pair of socks for the fitting. The sizing should be held at the end of the day. If you have troubles with foot odor, you may want to take some clean wipes and a fresh pair of shoes that you can use just before entering the fitting. Wipe down your feet, and then show off those flip-flops that you’re brought back from your tropical vacation? The shoe specialist will appreciate your consideration. Look for APMA approved shoes and replace shoes every six months.
Once you have proper sizing and know about the factors that will influence the appropriate choice of walking footwear for you, you will be able to narrow the search parameters as you find the right walking shoes. Whether you need a pair for work, working out, or playing around with your friends, these suggestions will assist you in making a sound investment in your next pair of walking shoes. Keep in mind, you can also check out which colors work best with your wardrobe while you are shopping!
Can Running Shoes be used as walking shoes?
Before we go into detail about good brands of shoes for walking, you need to know that running shoes can be used for walking. If you’ve made up your mind to begin a fitness regime and lose weight by fitness walking, the only thing required is a great pair of sneakers. However, you need to know what type of shoe/sneaker you need. These types of shoes are designed for different feet based on arch-type and pronation. Of course, walking does not cause as much impact to your feet as running does. Consequently, walking shoes offer less cushioning in the heel than running shoes. Running shoes are more lightweight and breathable than shoes for walking. Mainly walking in shoes for running can be easier than walking footwear. This is because running shoes are well padded, lightweight, and breathable.
They frequently incorporate built-in movement dynamics, stability or cushioning automation, and adequate adaptability. Here are a couple of tests to determine if a shoe is suitable as a walking shoe:
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- Take your shoe by the heel and toe and turn the toe upward. The shoe must bend in at the toe area or some random spot halfway along the arch.
- Turn the shoe sole from the heel to the toe. You want to experience a mild to average resistance; the sole shouldn’t limp like a cooked piece of spaghetti.
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If the shoe fitted comfortably and passed each test, it is probably a durable walking shoe.
How you will be using your shoes?
Do you want shoes for fitness walking, casual walking or everyday walking? If you need shoes for fitness, then go with lightweight and supportive cross-training shoe. A cross trainer shoe is effective on a treadmill. However, sports activities like basketball that require sharp side-to-side movements should be avoided. Running shoes are tailored for linear-motion. If you like to go outside in snow, rain or hail, then consider buying a waterproof shoe. Trail-running shoes frequently include waterproof uppers, along with sturdy soles and common support features. If you are using your shoes in a more leisurely manner, your options are broad. Select a shoe type that corresponds to where your majority of walking will be. For example, on a nature path or dirt road, a trail runner or light hiker will do.
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