The 11 Best Walking Shoes For Women Of 2024, Per Podiatrist Guidelines

After walking an average of 12,000 steps per day in 2023 and testing more than 20 pairs of shoes, I learned firsthand that the best walking shoes make a world of difference in comfort level, well-being, and performance.

One in five people1 experience regular foot pain, aching, or stiffness; and most of those people are women. "To prevent any potential foot-related discomfort or injuries, is important to wear suitable walking shoes," says licensed podiatrist and founder of the Quality Podiatry Group, Sidney Weiser, DPM—but what exactly makes a shoe good for walking?

Why we picked them:

More than half of our editorial staff owns at least one pair of Cariuma sneakers—and they're our go-to for a reason. These sleek, sustainable sneakers keep your feet comfortable and supported during long walks, daily errands, and days on your feet.

I’ve personally worn mine on close to 100 walks (and they’re still in great shape). Per our podiatrist’s guidelines, these are lightweight, breathable, and offer good arch support.

Why we picked them:

My personal favorite on our list, KLAW's 528 sneakers were designed specifically for walking. While they are also available in wide sizes, I have bunions and can personally attest to the regular width's spacious toe box. I wear them on outdoor and indoor walks (on my walking pad), and my feet have never been more comfortable.

KLAW’s ‘Biomechanics System’ offers support along the entire arch of your foot, and the shoes have a deep heel cup to promote stability and stop your feet from tilting in or out while you’re walking.

Why we picked them:

I've been wearing the Allbirds Tree Runners longer than any other walking shoe I currently own—and I'm not the only mindbodygreen team member who loves these lightweight kicks. They hit the mark on comfort, breathability, arch support, and cushioning.

I'm always surprised by how long my Allbirds last, too, even when I'm going through a phase of wearing them daily. What's more, these sustainable shoes are made from responsibly sourced eucalyptus tree fiber. The brand seriously prioritizes sustainability—even the shoelaces are from recycled materials, and the shoes are shipped in only the shoe box with no excess packaging.

Why we picked them:

The Lululemon Chargefeel 2 sneakers were designed primarily for running and training, but they have all the aspects of a great walking shoe. The dual-density cushioned foam sole adds bounce and comfort to your step, helping to absorb impact and propel you forward while you walk.

We love that these are made from a breathable material to prevent your feet from sweating—and, while they’re on the heavier side compared to others on our list, they still feel fairly lightweight. 

Why we picked them:

We love the slip-on design of these walking shoes. They're flexible and lightweight, but don't sacrifice comfort or support. The design boasts three must-haves from our podiatrist: a breathable mesh upper, a well-cushioned sole, and traction support on the bottom.

Another perk? It's made from vegan materials and is machine washable. Our tester (a 64-year-old with narrow feet) says her pair has held up well through over six months of daily wear.

Why we picked them:

Multiple podiatrists have recommended ASICS to us for walking, running, and a number of specific needs including knee pain, wide feet, and plantar fasciitis. 

I’m extremely picky when it comes to running and walking shoes—and I’ve personally worn these shoes for three world major marathons and hundreds of training miles.

Why we picked it:

Hoka is a cult-favorite among runners, walkers, and podiatrists. The Hoka Clifton 9 design was previously recommended to mindbodygreen by podiatrist Anne Sharkey, who says it's a great option for people with flat feet who need enhanced stability, or for wide feet (thanks to its wider toe box).

Why we picked it:

As much as it pains me to put a shoe with a five-day return window on our list, the APL Techloom Bliss has a cult-following that says its worth the hype (and the risk of not getting your money back). This stylish sneaker is technically a running shoe, but it's also great for walking to training at the gym.

Why we picked them:

Designed for all-day wear, the Cloud 5 is made with 44% recycled materials and a breathable antimicrobial mesh upper for extended comfort. The design incorporates On’s patented zero-gravity Cloudtec cushioning for a softer landing with every step.

Why we picked them:

Podiatrists specifically recommend the Brooks Ghost 15 for women with high arches—and we love that it’s a great pick for walking or running. With optimal cushioning and the brand’s BioMoGo DNA Loft throughout the midsection, this shoe promotes a smooth heel-to-toe experience. 

Why we picked them:

It’s no surprise these popular shoes have been around for decades. While the design continues to evolve, one thing stays the same: Nike’s Pegasus have all the elements of a good walking shoe.

We love the way the upper hugs your foot for a secure-yet-breathable fit. The rubber outsole offers great traction for various terrains, and the cushioning feels comfortable under your feet as you move.

To find the best walking shoes for women, we spent hours researching and consulting with experts. We gathered specific criteria (outlined below) for what to look for in a walking shoe.

We also polled our team internally to get feedback from people with a variety of foot types, concerns, and preferences. I personally have tested over 20 pairs of shoes in the past year alone—and I've worn five picks on our final list regularly for at least two months each.

Once we narrowed down our top picks, we reviewed each one against our podiatrist's criteria. Above, we've outlined each shoe's pros and cons, its weight, heel drop, and additional details worth mentioning.

For starters, any form of regular cardiovascular exercise can lower inflammation2, improve metabolic health3, and reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease4. And walking in nature specifically can boost your mood5, improve cognitive function6, reduce blood pressure7, and even help you sleep better8.

What's more, walking has some pretty staggering longevity benefits. In fact, studies have shown a significant correlation between more steps per day and a lower mortality rate in women9.

Per Weiser, "The term "shoe drop" refers to the difference in heel height compared to the forefoot height of a shoe." A higher heel drop means the heel is higher than the forefoot, while a lower heel drop means that the heel is closer to the forefoot. 

"[Drop] affects the distribution of weight and impacts the walking or running gait," Weiser says. "Selecting a suitable drop depends on an individual's walking style, foot type, and specific medical conditions." It's typically measured in millimeters, and most walking shoes have a drop of 8 to 10 millimeters.

Walking is a great way to incorporate movement into your day, and it can have a seriously great impact on your physical and mental health—but you need the right shoes to provide optimal support and comfort. Everyone has different needs, but a few of our top picks are the KLAW 528, Cariuma Oca Low, and Hoka Clifton 9.

RELATED: Not sure if walking is as good as running? Read our full breakdown of the benefits of walking vs. running. Spoiler alert: They're both huge longevity boosters.