If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
Best Walking Shoes for Women 2026
There are plenty of shoes on the market to choose from, but not all are equally capable of securing comfort during an activity most of us do every day: walking.
When shopping for lifestyle footwear, comfort is often pushed to the wayside in favor of fashion and flair. And when seeking out a highly technical sneaker for athletic purposes, it’s all too common to go with a shoe that treats style like an afterthought.
We’re here to tell you that having the best of both worlds is not impossible; you just need to know where to look.
As you’re embarking on the hunt for a walking shoe that goes the extra mile, literally, you’ll want to consider a couple of factors. Pricing is a key concern, but so is wearability — which we’d argue is the most important aspect in the universe of the best walking shoes for women.
Hiking (or even strolling) long distances and standing on your feet for extended periods of time can put unwanted pressure on your joints. A properly cushioned sole, therefore, is the calling card of walking shoes that are truly worth your money. Luckily for you, the top footwear brands have patented a plethora of ways to achieve covetable step-in comfort, and we’ll be running — erm, walking — through many of these innovations shortly.
Our rule of thumb is to seek out something springy, breathable, and flexible: a shoe that moves with the foot rather than against it. Can’t stay away from the outdoors? You might also want a style that can withstand the elements, handling muddy terrain with ease and featuring a waterproof membrane.
Below, seven of our favorite women’s walking shoes from leading brands like Adidas, On Running, Nike, and more that you can shop online. After they arrive to your door, we recommend promptly lacing up and crushing your step goals — no blisters in sight.
Best Walking Shoes for Women to Buy Online
trendiest look
Nike V5 RNR Shoe
Nike’s V5 RNR will be a stellar addition to your rotation, merging an affordable price point with a top-tier, mixed-media composition. A foam midsole here contribute to the shoe’s overall chunky, Y2K-inspired composition: while cushioning the feet, creating a springiness when the foot hits the ground, and absorbing shock impressively well for a Nike bestseller that clocks in at under $100.
Despite the V5 RNR’s aforementioned bulky looks, it’s surprisingly lightweight; that mesh paneling seen throughout the upper, too, brings breathability to the table and prevents the feet from sweating. Prospective buyers have multiple colorways to choose from here, including iterations with reflective accents that will make your nighttime walks that much safer.
What reviewers say: “Very comfortable. My toes don’t feel tight, and I can walk in them all day and not get tired.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $95
most affordable
Nike Promina Walking Shoe
The Promina has athleticism in its DNA, boasting a silhouette that’s less trend-aligned and more focused on proper length and curvature, thus making the shoe both aerodynamic and sleek. The mesh upper doles out flexibility — ensuring the foot can flex and otherwise move during your walks in an unimpeded fashion. A tall, foam-stacked outsole, meanwhile, grants underfoot plushness on surfaces from grass to pavement to track, keeping fatigue at bay for longer. You’ll notice a rolling sensation from heel to toe when wearing the Promina, making every jaunt smoother and more enjoyable.
What reviewers say: “Good value; very comfortable and thick sole for walking; and suits a wide fit.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $72.99
best for propulsion
Hoka Rincon 4 Shoe
Searching for a visually subdued walking shoe that’s still jam-packed with bells and whistles? Hoka’s Rincon 4 is the answer, what with its go-with-everything color palettes and specs like a thick EVA midsole, propulsive rocker, thermoregulating jacquard upper, ground-gripping outsole, and comfort-maximizing padded tongue. Subtle in appearance yet mighty in functionality, the Rincon 4 will take you from treadmill or neighborhood speed-walk to school pickup without even a whisper of foot pain. In fact, you’ll feel like you’re flying.
What reviewers say: “These shoes’ thick cushioning adds support that really helps my back.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $125
best for wide feet
Salomon XT-Whisper Shoe
Speaking of whispers, this XT-Whisper is a Salomon favorite for a reason: It successfully bridges the gap between the fashion-forward and the technical. Nodding to all things “gorpcore,” the unisex find is “provocatively textured,” per brand copy — flaunting wavy overlays that enter into conversation with the company’s signature SensiFit innovation, which cradles the foot from the midsole to the laces and subsequently enhances the wearer’s stability.
Whether you’re walking a few blocks or dozens of miles, the XT-Whisper will fit snug (but never too snug) on your foot and aid in quick directional movements while retaining firm traction. Want to own the shoe in a shade more fit for the season at hand? It’s also sold with ombré orange, pink, blue, and purple touches, appeasing all style sensibilities and preferences.
What reviewers say: “Feel like I hit the jackpot with these bad boys! They are so comfortable and look great with a variety of outfits. As someone who likes a roomy toe box and a stable base, these shoes are a 10/10 for me.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $145
most water-repellent
On Cloud 6 Waterproof Shoe
As one of the few waterproof selections on our list, the popular On Cloud 6 is a no-brainer buy if you live in a wet region or are planning to travel to one soon. Wrapped in a hydrophobic membrane, the sneaker locks moisture out to keep feet dry and safe from the elements. In the padding department, On utilizes Zero-Gravity CloudTec foam (partially made from renewable materials, we’ll have you know) with patented “Cloud” pods that compress both horizontally and vertically upon impact. The result? Explosive takeoffs each and every time, no matter if you’re transitioning from walk to jog or discovering a new trail. Uniquely, this tech does not add any extra weight to the shoe, which is why its name alludes to those wispy, light-as-air natural phenomena.
The Cloud 6’s price tag is not a walk in the park — though it’s certainly cut out for just that kind of activity. Nevertheless, the stepper’s ability to bounce back again and again make it a worthy investment that will keep on giving back, helping you rack up compliments and avoid injuries with every mile.
What reviewers say: “This is my second pair of the style. They’re made incredibly well and hold their shape. I’ve worn them with trousers for work and leggings, too.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $180
best for high arches
Brooks Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe
Want to round out your shoe-rack lineup with a traditional running shoe that becomes anything but traditional once you dissect its features? You’re looking right at it, in the form of Brooks’ Ghost 17. Not only is this baby the #1 pick in Amazon’s “Women’s Road Running Shoes” category, but it also has close to a thousand five-star reviews at the retailer (more than 400 pairs were bought there in the past month). The sneaker’s pièce de résistance is its EVA foam, injected with nitrogen that forms microcellular structures to boost energy return and keep the Ghost 17 incredibly light at just 600 grams. At the same time, the midsole benefits from dedicated grooves that allow for silkier transitions, from heel strike to toe-off.
Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association and deemed diabetes-safe, this women’s walking shoe will finally treat your feet the way they’ve always deserved. Call it a self-care purchase.
What reviewers say: “I have high arches, so these give great support. They are light and well-made. I can stay on my feet all day and not be in pain. Great for exercising or just everyday wear; true to size.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $119.95
softest landings
Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 Shoe
The pictured Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 is nothing if not outspoken, coming to you in an invigorating shade of Guava with neon yellow and blue accents lining the sole and upper alike. Right away, the top-rated Asics shoe’s exaggerated midsole becomes the main event: indicating a superior cushioning system that’s of special benefit to walkers with knee problems or those prone to heavier footfalls. The culprit behind all this is Asics’ PureGel engineering, which is said to be 65-percent softer and return four percent more energy than the brand’s proprietary materials of yore. Like what you’re hearing? Click “add to cart” on the Gel-Nimbus 27 at Kicks Crew, a digital marketplace for the world’s hottest shoes.
What reviewers say: “After buying athletic sneakers for group exercise and running for the past 40 years, these have to be my favorite in terms of comfort, versatility, stability, and fashion. I absolutely love them and wear them for group workout classes, weight training, cardio kickboxing, and walking outside. Perfect for all!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $182.12
Sign up for WWD Shop‘s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Why Trust Footwear News
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
Why Trust WWD
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail, and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Authors
Amina Ayoud is a Commerce Writer for Penske Media, where she writes stories about everything from celebrity style to new footwear releases. Ayoud cultivated a deep appreciation of fashion history and the luxury industry early in life. In her free time, she’s a self-proclaimed fashion nerd and thriftaholic. Ayoud attended Virginia Commonwealth University and studied fashion merchandising along with mass communications. After college, she worked on Fashion Snoops’ Culture team and as a beauty writer for Allure, WWD, Footwear News, Glamour, and more — before landing at Billboard.
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on footwear that sits at the intersection of “trendy” and “technical.”
