5 Surprising Things Your Skin Can Tell You About Your Heart Health
When you’re constantly on the move, the importance of reliable footwear cannot be overstated. Whether you’re conquering city streets, exploring nature trails, or simply navigating your daily routine, walking shoes for women (and men!) can make all the difference. Gone are the days of sacrificing fashion for function—today’s walking shoes seamlessly blend support, technology, and trendy designs, so you can stroll safely and comfortably.
We’re lucky to live in a world where you don’t have to exchange style for support, but in a sea of stylish sneaks, finding your *sole* mate can be confusing. That’s why we chatted with the pros to round up the best of the best walking shoes for women, guaranteed to protect your feet and look good while doing it. The next time you lace up, put your best foot forward with these top picks.
The best walking shoes for women, at a glance:
- Best overall: Hoka, Gaviota 5, $175
- Best for running *and* walking: Brooks, Glycerin 21, $160
- Most versatile: Frankie4, Billie, $209
- Best arch support: New Balance, Fresh Foam X 1080xv13, $165
- Most lightweight: On Running, Cloud 5, $140
- Best for city dwellers: Klaw, 528 Walking Shoe, $148
- Best for foot pain: Hoka, Clifton 9, $145
- Best high-top: Reebok, Freestyle Hi Shoes, $80
Running shoes vs. walking shoes
Caroline McCulloch, DPM, podiatrist and founder of Australian footwear brand FRANKIE4, explains that running shoes have a more technical sole and a mesh upper—the soles are usually quite thick, and made with different materials, as well as wedging to provide specific levels of control. “Such running sole designs aim to combat the higher impact of running, and often to reduce prolonged or excessive pronation,” McCulloch explains, “and though walking shoes can have a thick sole, a slimmer sole can work even better since you experience much lower impact while walking.”
What to look for
As you look for a pair of walking shoes, you’ll want to keep in mind the correct fit, individual support needs, and