11 of the Best Walking Shoes for Women in 2024

Weight: 9.1 ounces

Heel- to-toe drop: 11.7 mm

Type: Everyday walking shoe

The Atoms Model 000 shoe box has a creative design: It folds in half like a book and has a compartment for each shoe. I received a gray pair, which is a color that goes with most outfits. The shoes are made of a flexible polyurethane-coated knit yarn and are copper threaded (to eliminate bad odors), and the upper is made of a recyclable yarn. One unique aspect you'll notice when ordering a pair of Atoms is that the brand offers quarter sizes, which is a rarity since normally shoes come in full or half sizes.

The shoelaces are made up of an elastic material that's meant to be tied once. I thought this was a clever feature since they felt more secure than traditional shoelaces. The outsole of the shoe is made of a lightweight rubber, while the midsole is cushioned and made out of EVA foam and rubber, which provides shock absorption as you walk.

I wore these shoes while running errands and taking walks around my neighborhood. They feel like you're walking on clouds, reminding me of a more cushioned Converse sneaker. I liked that the shoes were breathable and my toes felt comfortably spread out and remained cool. The Atoms also felt like the lightest of all the shoes I tested.

These shoes don't require a break-in period, which is another plus, and can be worn with a variety of outfits. Unlike the AllBirds Tree Runners, these go well with jeans, casual dresses, athleisure wear or sweats. Even though I had no issues with discomfort, I could see needing some more support around the arches if I planned on walking for longer periods of time. The upside is you can include your own orthotic insoles if you need that extra support.

Pros:

• Stylish
• Lightweight
• Odor-free technology
• Comes in quarter sizes

Cons:

• Could use more arch support
• Expensive 
• Limited color selection

Weight: 10.8 ounces

Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm

Type: Running shoe

New Balance is known for creating affordable and supportive shoes that come in standard or wide sizes. The Fresh Foam Roav V1 is a good option if you're looking for an affordable walking shoe. It's got cushioning through the midsole and the heel feels snug and locked in. The upper is made up of mesh which allows for proper ventilation during walks, so your feet won't overheat. It has some arch support, but would benefit from having more if you overpronate and plan on walking longer distances. Another thing to keep in mind is that the toe box is narrow so if you have wide feet or need more room, make sure you opt for the wide width or size up. 

Although these shoes are categorized as a running sneaker, I think the New Balance 1080 series is a better fit for the purpose of running. Compared to the 1080s, which have more cushioning all around and a wider toe box, the Fresh Foam Roav V1s look and feel more casual because of the design. I tested these out on short walks, errands and at the gym and they held up well for those activities. 

I like how New Balance offers shoes at different prices, and this style shows that you can have an affordable yet durable walking shoe. It also comes in various colors so you have plenty to choose from.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Stylish
• Lightweight
• Midsole and heel are well supported

Cons:

• Lacks arch support

Weight: 7.3 ounces

Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm drop

Type: Running shoe

If you don't mind splurging for style, consider the Athletic Propulsion Labs TechLoom Phantom sneakers. These vegan sneakers are fashionable yet practical for activities like walking. There are many colors to choose from, but I stuck with a neutral shade since I like my shoes to match all of my workout outfits. I found these to be true to size, and the toe box was just the right size for my toes to spread out. The upper of the Phantoms is made up of a 3D stretchy "techloom," which is a flexible material that allows for the shoe to move with you. The design also stands out because it has an intricate grid pattern across the whole shoe.

Another unique aspect of this shoe is the shoelaces. The shoelaces can be tied behind the shoe tongue and are intended to be tucked away to create a clean look. I initially found it impractical since it takes some getting used to, but I understand the appeal. It's also intended to give the shoe a slip on effect without having to untie your laces. However, you do have the option to lace them above the tongue if you prefer that look.

I tested these out by taking walks around my neighborhood, the park and running errands. Even though APL calls the TechLoom a running shoe, I can't picture this being suitable for running for most people. It lacks arch support and it doesn't feel like there is enough cushioning in the heel to toe drop. Another downside is that you can't replace the insole with your own orthotic, so you can't customize it to your needs. Also, the high price tag makes me hesitate using these shoes for high intensity activities, because I wouldn't want to risk the wear and tear. Based on my experience, I'd prefer to use these for casual walks and some cross training. If you have a neutral gait, you may be able to get away with jogging or running short distances.

The APL Techloom Phantoms are a solid walking shoe that will get you from point A to point B in style. I received lots of compliments while wearing these shoes, so you know the designers know a thing or two.

Pros:

• Fashionable
• Hidden shoe lacing creates a clean look
• Upper is breathable and flexible 
• Many colors to choose from

Cons:

• Most expensive shoe on this list
• You can't add your own insole for more support

Weight: 7.44 ounces

Heel-to-toe drop: 11 mm 

Type: Walking shoe

Although the Ryka Devotion Plus 4 walking shoe isn't the most stylish on the list, it's one of the most comfortable shoes I've tried. It's intended for high-performance walking and designed specifically for women. I immediately noticed that this was one of the few shoes that were roomy, so they're ideal if you have wide feet. You can also order them in a wide width if you need even more space in the toe box. 

I wish the shoe had more color selections that were muted, because the styles offered are limited and all have a dual-toned shade. Still, I can overlook this because the Devotion Plus 4 has plenty of good qualities. For one, the arch and heel support is top notch. The shoe is made up of Re-Zorb responsive cushioning for shock absorption, while the outsole has an eight-piece rubber sole for increased traction and durability. This adds to the comfort and security of the foot if you're on your feet all day. You can also add your own insole if you need a more customized fit. 

I took the Devotion Plus 4 on several walks of different distances and could tell that these would benefit someone whose occupation requires lots of standing. They can also be worn fresh out of the box since they don't require breaking in. If you have high arches, need a wide toe box or if you're looking for solid arch support because you're on your feet all day, then you'll appreciate the Devotion Plus 4.

Pros:

• Plenty of cushioning and support
• Wide toe box
• Durable shoe
• Ideal if you're on your feet all day

Cons:

• Shoe is less stylish than others on this list
• Not ideal if you want a trendy or lifestyle shoe

Weight: 7.9 ounces

Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm

Type: Everyday trainer

Asics is known for its running shoes, but some of them can also double as a walking shoe. The Asics GT-1000-11 is a neutral sneaker that's intended for everyday training. The shoe is available in an assortment of colors, is lightweight and is a good option if you plan on using it for multiple activities besides walking. If you have narrow feet and a neutral gait you'll feel at home in these shoes. Likewise, if you overpronate, you'll also benefit from the GT-1000-11 because it has decent stability and Asics traditional Flytefoam cushioning across the underfoot. These shoes run small, so I would recommend going up half a size if you need extra room in the toe box or want to use it for running. If you find that the shoe doesn't offer enough support for your needs, you can insert a custom insole for a better fit.

I tested these shoes out while walking around my neighborhood, commuting, running and even doing some cross-training. The shoe performed well during each of these activities and has plenty of traction, so it holds up as an everyday trainer. I felt comfortable walking around in these shoes and could see them being a good fit if you're going on longer walks. I also think it's fairly priced for a dual-purpose shoe since there are other Asics styles that cost over $100.

A couple of things I thought could use improvement were the length of the shoe tongue and the shoe laces. I had to adjust the laces to accommodate my feet, and I found them to be on the shorter side when tying them. It didn't help that the shoe tongue was shorter than I would've liked so I had to do my best tying the laces over a limited surface. Luckily they didn't shift during activity.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Lots of stability
• Versatile shoe

Cons:

• Toe box is narrow
• Shoe tongue and laces are short

Weight: 8.14 ounces

Heel-to-toe drop: 9.6 mm

Type: Road running shoe

The Nike Pegasus 39 is a good choice if you supinate when you walk (meaning you put more weight on the outside of your feet), since it's a neutral sneaker. Although these are running shoes, they can also function as a walking shoe. I usually have to size up in Nike sneakers, but I was pleasantly surprised that these fit true to size and have a spacious toe box. Like many Nike sneakers, the shoes come in a variety of colors and in a regular or wide width. You have the option to insert a customized insole as well if you need it. The shoe has decent cushioning in the heel and solid arch support. The Pegasus has dual Zoom Airbags found in the forefoot and the heel, which give it some bounce. I can tell this feature would also benefit those who opt to use this as a running shoe.

I tested these shoes out on several walks and while running errands, and I liked how lightweight, well-supported and stable they felt. I did notice that the space on the shoe tongue where the shoe laces sit made my foot feel a bit sore after a while and I wasn't sure if that was part of the breaking in process or the fit. Based on this, I think this shoe is a better option for shorter or mid-distance walking instead of longer distance walking. This is also something to keep in mind if your feet tend to swell during the warmer months.

If you're looking for a neutral shoe that is appropriate for supination and casual walks, then the Nike Pegasus 39 fits the bill.

Pros:

• Lightweight and stable
• Dual Zoom Airbags makes it a springy and cushioned ride
• Wide toe box
• Appropriate for supination or neutral pronation

Cons:

• Can't be worn for long periods of time 
• Expensive

Weight: 10 ounces

Heel-to-toe drop: 9.4mm 

Type: Running shoe

The Adidas UltraBoost 22 is another running shoe that can also be used for walking, and it's a good option if lots of cushioning is something you're looking for. This shoe runs small across the upper and the toe box so you will need to size up by a half size. The upper is made up of recyclable material, specifically a yarn containing 50% Parley Ocean Plastic, Adidas's trademarked upcycled plastic material. In classic Adidas form, there are up to 22 colors of UltraBoosts to choose from. This plush shoe has a cushioned heel and according to Adidas, the UltraBoost is tailored to the female foot so it has a narrow heel and lower instep curve for a snug feeling. 

When I tried on these shoes, I noticed that they slip on like a sock so your foot feels properly cradled by the shoe. However, the toe box is overall narrow so I would not recommend these if you have wide feet. 

During testing, I took these out for casual walks and for a run. The cushioning in the heel takes some getting used to because the heel-to-toe drop is noticeably different compared to other shoes tested. The design comes down to a personal preference since some people like the Adidas UltraBoost look, while others may want a less pronounced heel. It has some weight to it, but it doesn't feel as heavy as it looks. I personally felt there wasn't enough arch support for my foot and would recommend adding your own insoles if you plan on using these shoes for running in addition to walking. The outsole is made up of continental rubber, which has a good grip to handle all outdoor surfaces. 

I was able to experience the purpose of the UltraBoost during a run in which the shoes felt stable yet proved to have a responsive heel. The downside was I paid for the lack of space in the toe box which resulted in some toe blisters. I would stick with these shoes for casual walks as they gave me no issues, but I could see the lack of arch support eventually catching up to me if I were to walk longer distances. 

If you're a fan of Adidas and like the sporty and cushioned style of the UltraBoost, then you'll love the Adidas UltraBoost 22.

Pros:

• Plenty of cushioning 
• Adidas fans will appreciate the design
• Can be used for running

Cons:

• Expensive
• Narrow toe box
• Lacks arch support
• Heel cushioning may be excessive for some people