If you’re looking to reap the benefits of walking, you’ll need to secure one of the best walking shoes first. A quality pair offers you enough support to log some miles but will also look stylish with everything from your basic black leggings to your cutest spring dress. We tapped podiatrists to learn more about what makes a great walking shoe, and asked them for their personal faves. Plus, Glamour editors share the shoes they wear for travel days, long-weekend walks, short jogs, or everyday city living.
The best walking shoes for women, at a glance
- Best Overall Walking Shoe: Hoka Bondi 8, $165
- Best Budget Walking Shoe: Asics WalkRide FlyteFoam, $80
- Best Walking Shoe for Travel: On Cloudmonster, $214
- Trending Walking Shoe: Nike V2K, $110
- Best Walking Shoe for Narrow Feet: Nike Pegasus 40, $130
- Best Walking Shoe for Wide Feet: New Balance 993 Core, $200
- Best Walking Shoe for Concrete: Ryka Trailblazer Hiking Shoes Sneaker, $64
What to look for in a walking shoe
To find the right walking shoe, start off by figuring out your foot type, beginning with your arches (the area between the ball of your foot and your heel). Picture stepping on wet paint: If you have a high arch, you would see paint on only a little of your foot; if you see paint on most of your foot, then you have a low arch (or flat feet); and if you see paint on about half of your foot, you have a neutral arch. “The height of the arch affects the direction of how your foot rolls—or pronates—when walking,” says Katrina Manos, DPM, podiatrist at Westside Podiatry Group in Rochester, New York. If you have flat feet, you may tend to roll your ankles inward, and you’ll want to pick a relatively rigid shoe to cradle the foot and keep it in place. People with neutral or high arches can get away with shoes that are a bit more flexible.
As for the sole, it should “have a curvature on the bottom to help propel the person forward,” says Nam Tran, DPM, podiatrist at Dallas Direct Podiatry. Then take a look at the heel: It should have a decent amount of cushion to absorb impact, since this part of your foot strikes the ground first. The Nike Motiva shoes are a great example of a maximum-cushion shoe.
Many people find that everyday running shoes can work for walking, says Dr. Tran, which is why a lot of our picks include running sneakers. You’ll also want to look for walking shoes made of the right material for the conditions: Mesh is breathable and great for summer, while leather is more durable and waterproof but will heat up quickly. Check for brands that have the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of approval, meaning they promote good foot health.
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Best Overall: Hoka Bondi 8
One of the shoes that Dr. Tran consistently recommends is the Hoka Bondi, and it’s easy to see why. It has a rocker-shaped sole and piles of squishy cushioning—both features he says to looking in a walking shoe. The heel extends beyond the back of the shoe to create an extra-stable platform despite the inches of foam (which can make shoes a bit less stable). Plus, the color options are many, whether you like a pop of color or a trusty neutral.
Material: Recycled polyester | Width: Standard and wide | Cushioning: Maximum
- Why they stand out: Super cushioned; over a dozen color options; comfortable gusseted tongue that doesn’t rub
- What we didn’t love: The soles feel a bit harder than they look.
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Best Budget Walking Shoe: Asics WalkRide FlyteFoam
As an affordable alternative to the Bondi’s, Dr. Tran recommends these Asics to his patients. “They have many of the same features as the Hoka but are priced much lower,” he says. (We love a sub-$100 walking shoe.) The midsole isn’t quite as exaggerated as Hoka’s, but it has padding right where you need it (the heel), and the mesh upper has vents that allow your foot to breathe even in the sweltering summer heat.
Material: Mesh upper with synthetic leather details | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate
- Why they stand out: More affordable than other options; balanced cushioning and stability; lightweight and breathable
- What we didn’t love: Tongue isn't very padded
