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15 Best-Tested Walking Shoes For Women To Walk Long Distances In All Day, Per Podiatrists In 2023
You’ll never want to take them off.
Walking really took off in 2019, and since then, it's become a fitness staple in pretty much everyone's workout regimen—especially for us editors here at Women's Health. It seems like our team is going on more walks than ever to improve both our mental and physical health, and it makes sense, since there are tons of benefits to walking.
If you're anything like me, once you've gotten a couple miles in the books, you might realize that walking a lot can seriously hurt your feet. And aside from my mental health water bottle, the one thing I really need is a solid pair of comfortable, supportive walking shoes. The right shoes can help you to enjoy every step and even prevent injury or overpronation, says podiatrist Chanel Perkins, DPM.
Is it ok to wear running shoes for walking?
It's important to specifically look for shoes that are meant for walking, Perkins says. Walking shoes should feel heavier than most pairs of trainers, and have a lower heel than the average running shoe. Those attributes allow for less bounce and more of a natural cadence to your stride, she says. Of course, everyone has different needs, so if you've tried on running shoes that tick all your boxes, it's best to trust your judgment.
Shop the best walking shoe deals on Amazon
Peep a few of the best-tested, podiatrist-approved walking shoes, below:
Which walking shoes do I recommend?
When starting to look for shoes I can comfortably walk in all day (even on concrete), I consulted experts in podiatry. Our team has also tested hundreds of sneakers for our Sneaker Awards for years. Perkins advised me to start by looking at cushioning. “Cushioning is a vital element in most walking shoes, since this is what helps with shock absorption as the foot impacts the ground,” she says.
More surprisingly, I found out that you shouldn’t have to “break in” a new pair of shoes (I know—I was shocked to hear it, too). “One of the things I always tell my patients is that shoes should fit and feel comfortable as soon as you put them on,” says podiatric surgery specialist James Stavosky, DPM. So, don't settle for anything less than love at first...fit, and don't wait for uncomfortable shoes to eventually feel better on your sore feet.
How did I chose the best walking shoes for women?
- Expert recommendations: WH asked podiatrists which specific shoes and brands they'd recommend to their own patients with a wide array of conditions, from overpronation to ankle injuries, wide feet, and more.
- Reviewer recommendations: No one's more transparent than online reviewers, in my opinion. Each of the below podiatrist-approved shoes is paired with an honest review from a happy buyer who's tested them extensively.
- Style: Don't worry—the internet is filled with options, so you'll never have to skimp on style while prioritizing your comfort. All of the shoes below fit a wide range of sensibilities.
- Cushioning: As Perkins noted, cushioning is the most important feature to look for in a good pair of walking shoes. The pairs below max out when it comes to cushioning—say goodbye to those blisters.
- Flexibility: Per Stavosky, flexibility takes second place in walking shoe priorities. Who has the time to break in shoes? Luckily, all of the selections have been tested by thousands of reviewers (including some Women's Health editors) to be comfortable from day one.
See below for the best, most highly-tested podiatrist, editor, and reviewer-recommended walking shoes you can easily walk in all day.
Neha Tandon is the senior commerce editor of Women's Health—she's an expert in discovering the best products and services you can buy and giving recommendations. She discovered her love for magazines when as a teen, she started stealing her mother's magazines. Determined to see more women who look like her and her family members on the glossy covers of magazines, she was guided by seasoned editors and mentors to write for brands including New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper's Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good. When she’s not grilling dermatologists about the latest skincare trends, she’s doing candlelit yoga or watching Humphrey Bogart movies over vegan pizza. Follow her on Instagram.
Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.
Addison Aloian (she/her) is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. When she’s not writing about all things pop culture, health, beauty, and fashion, she loves hitting leg day at the gym, shopping at Trader Joe’s, and watching whichever hockey game is on TV. Her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.
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