Best Walking Shoes for Women to Get Your Steps In

Updated Oct 8, 2024 8:17 am ET


We might earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links. The McClatchy Commerce Content team, which is independent from our newsroom, oversees this content.

Now that the weather is finally warming up, it’s time to step away from the treadmill and start getting your daily movement in outdoors! This is where the best walking shoes for women come in handy.

In this guide, we break down 14 of the best options for women’s walking shoes, from the most affordable to the best for those who need extra arch support and everything in between. Let’s get started!

Best Walking Shoes for Women of 2024

Best Overall: Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5 True Sneaker

Key Specs

  • Mesh
  • Machine washable
  • Rubber sole
  • 8 colors

What We Love About Them

If you’re looking for a lightweight, high-quality pair of walking shoes for women, you can’t go wrong with Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5 True Sneakers.

This pair features a breathable mesh upper and rubber sole complete with dual-density traction for added stability — no need to stress about slipping. They are also designed with Skechers Air Cooled Goga Mat breathable insole material with high-rebound cushioning for maximum comfort.

We love the simplicity of these walking shoes and the fact that they come in 8 different colors. They’re also available at such a great price that you can get a pair to go with every outfit!

Best Splurge: Brooks Women’s Ghost Max

Key Specs

  • Rubber sole
  • Machine washable
  • Certified PDAC A5500

What We Love About Them

If you don’t mind a splurge and want to try the best-rated walking shoes for women, you need to check out the Brooks Women’s Ghost Max. This pair features superior DNA Loft v2 cushioning in the forefoot area plus a unique GlideRoll Rocker — these two factors work together to minimize pressure under the feet while still protecting the arch of the foot, as well as the ankle and knee.

We especially love these walking shoes for those who require additional support from their footwear, such as people with diabetes. The Brooks Women’s Ghost Max shoes are certified PDAC A5500 diabetic shoes!

Best on a Budget: TIOSEBON Women’s Slip-On Walking Shoes Lightweight Casual Running Sneakers

Key Specs

  • 22 colors
  • Memory foam insole
  • MD sole
  • Machine washable
  • Slip-resistant
  • Wear-resistant

What We Love About Them

For those who are on tighter budgets but still need a good pair of walking shoes, this pair from TIOSEBON is an excellent option. We love that they come in 22 different colors, feature a memory foam insole that molds to your unique foot, and are machine washable. They’re also slip- and wear-resistant, so they’ll keep you safe and last a long time.

These walking shoes are also great for anyone seeking an ultra-lightweight shoe. They’re designed with an MD sole — MD is a lightweight foam material known for its elasticity and impact-resistance. They’ll make you feel like you’re wearing nothing at all!

Best Sustainable Walking Shoes: Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Women’s Time Off Sneaker

Key Specs

  • 15 colors
  • 100% synthetic
  • Machine washable

What We Love About Them

Who knew that walking shoes could be sustainably made? We’re big fans of the Women’s Time Off Sneakers from Dr. Scholl’s because they’re not only extremely comfortable but also made from eco-friendly materials. For example, the toe box is made from eco-conscious cloth, and the linings and topcloth are made from recycled bottles. The heel counter is made from recycled materials as well.

In addition to being sustainably made, these shoes are lightweight and flexible, making them the perfect choice for your daily walks. They feature stretch laces for a more secure fit, too — who says you have to sacrifice comfort to protect the planet?

Best Memory Foam Walking Shoes: Akk Womens Walking Shoes

Key Specs

  • 34 colors
  • Knit upper
  • MD sole
  • Machine washable

What We Love About Them

From the breathable mesh upper to the lightweight MD sole, we love every inch of the Akk women’s walking shoes. These shoes are specially designed to expand with the foot when you walk or run, allowing for a comfortable and close fit that reduces rubbing and irritation.

We also love the durable memory foam insole, which offers superior elasticity and additional moisture-wicking technology to keep the feet cool and comfortable on the warmest days!

Best Platform Walking Shoes: DOUSSPRT Women’s Walking Shoes

Key Specs

  • Platform sole
  • Phylon sole
  • Mesh upper
  • Machine washable

What We Love About Them

Some days, you need a little extra lift — and on those days, the DOUSSPRT Women’s Walking Shoes are the perfect addition to your outfit. We love the lightweight platform sole, designed with air cushion technology for breathability and added height without feeling clunky or weighing you down.

We’re also big fans of the unique arch design of these shoes. They feature a perforated arch for maximum breathability and ventilation, keeping your cool (and your feet dry) during your long walks. Their comfort and breathability make them great work shoes as well!

Best Lightweight Walking Shoes: ALLSWIFIT Women’s Walking Shoes

Key Specs

  • 4 colors
  • E-TPU+RB sole
  • Jacquard Fabric+TPU outer
  • Pull-on shoe

What We Love About Them

There are plenty of lightweight shoes featured on this list of the best walking shoes for women. If you’re looking for the absolute lightest weight possible, though, you can’t go wrong with this pair from ALLSWIFIT.

The ALLSWIFIT women’s walking shoes feature a midsole made from E-TPU material, which is known for being lightweight, soft, and highly responsive. Despite its softness, it’s still highly durable and resistant to abrasions, meaning these shoes will last through many walks (or runs if you decide you prefer a faster pace).

We also love the breathability of these shoes. They feature a jacquard knit upper that is designed to dissipate heat, wick away moisture, and provide significant comfort even on hot days.

Best Dressy Walking Shoes: LEDINEY Women’s Flats Slip-On Go Walk Shoes

Key Specs

  • Rubber sole
  • Pull-on shoe
  • Knit fabric
  • Machine washable

What We Love About Them

Do you need a walking shoe that transitions seamlessly from the office to the walking path? If so, the LEDINEY Women’s Flats Slip-On Go Walk Shoes are the perfect pair to add to your closet.

We love that this stylish, slip-on shoe is available in 4 different colors, including neutral shades like gray and beige, which will go with a wide range of outfits. We also love how breathable and cool they are, meaning you won’t have to worry about sweaty or smelly feet when you get back from your lunch break!

Best Minimalist Walking Shoes: WHITIN Women’s Minimalist Barefoot Shoes

Key Specs

  • 10 colors
  • Rubber sole
  • Wide toe box
  • Zero-drop heel

What We Love About Them

If you don’t like the idea of bulky walking shoes with thick soles, you’re in luck! The WHITIN Women’s Minimalist Barefoot Shoes truly feel like you’re wearing nothing at all — while still protecting your feet from the elements, of course.

These shoes are made from thin, lightweight material and are designed to feel like a second skin. They also feature a zero-drop heel that promotes good posture and allows you to walk more naturally — like you’re walking around barefoot, to be more precise!

Best Walking Shoes with Arch Support: Skechers Women’s Go Walk Arch Fit-Motion Breeze Sneaker

Key Specs

  • 5 colors
  • Mesh upper
  • Rubber sole
  • Machine washable

What We Love About Them

For those who need extra arch support during their daily walks, these Skechers Women’s Go Walk Arch Fit-Motion Breeze Sneakers are easily some of the best walking shoes for women. We’re confident you’ll love the patented Arch Fit insole — it’s even podiatrist-certified!

To create even more comfort, this pair also features a removable insole that molds to your foot, reducing shock and improving weight dispersion. We how lightweight and durable these shoes are as well and appreciate that they can easily be thrown in the washing machine if they start looking a little dingy.

Best Boat Shoes: Skechers Women’s Go Walk Lite-15433 Boat Shoe

Key Specs

  • 5 colors
  • Rubber sole
  • Jersey knit upper
  • Machine washable

What We Love About Them

Maybe you’re in the market for good walking shoes for women but don’t like the look of conventional sneakers. In that case, you might prefer the Sketchers Women’s Go Walk Lite-15433 Boat Shoes.

These boat shoes feature a unique, casual design and will look great with a variety of outfits. They also feature a soft, jersey knit upper and rubber sole to keep you comfortable and stable as you walk.

In addition to being lightweight and breathable, these shoes also offer incomparable internal cushioning. They feature the Skechers signature Goga Max high-rebound insole to provide maximum support.

Best for Wide Feet: LeIsfIt Womens Walking Shoes Wide Toe Barefoot Shoes

Key Specs

  • 13 colors
  • Wide toe box
  • Zero-drop heel
  • Rubber sole

What We Love About Them

For those who have wider feet, it can be tricky to find walking shoes (or any pair of shoes, for that matter) that fit comfortably and don’t squeeze, rub, or irritate. It was tricky, at least, until the Lelsflt Women’s Walking Shoes entered the scene.

These wide-toe barefoot shoes feature a wider-than-average toe box to keep your feet more comfortable while you stand, walk, run, and more. They also have a zero-drop heel to mimic a natural gait and help you feel as though you’re walking barefoot. Don’t worry, though; the rubber sole will keep your feet protected!

Best Machine-Washable Walking Shoes: SK·TRIP Women’s Walking Shoes

Key Specs

  • Machine washable
  • 20 colors
  • MD sole
  • Mesh upper
  • Pull-on design

What We Love About Them

As you’ve seen by this point, you can choose from a variety of machine-washable walking shoes on this list. However, if you’re looking for a durable, lightweight pair that is designed to last through many washes, you must check out the SK·TRIP Women’s Walking Shoes.

These shoes are not just easy to clean (although that’s certainly a benefit). They’re also anti-slip and wear-resistant, with an MD sole that is highly elastic and designed to last. We love the cushioning in the insoles, too, and how well they absorb shock and minimize impact during walks.

Best High-Performance Walking Shoes: Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe

Key Specs

  • 13 colors
  • Mesh upper
  • Rubber sole

What We Love About Them

If you’re looking for a high-performing, long-lasting pair of walking shoes designed with more athletic women in mind, give the Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe a try. These shoes are made for high-performance fitness walking and feature responsive cushioning for maximum shock absorption and impact protection.

We love that these shoes were created with women’s unique foot shapes in mind. They feature a narrower heel, roomier toe box, and soft foot cushioning, plus an eight-piece rubber sole to promote traction and long-term durability.

Natalie Thongrit

Natalie Thongrit

Author Commerce Writer

Natalie Thongrit is a freelance writer based in Salt Lake City, Utah. She graduated from Utah Valley University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in English and has spent the last 9 years writing for numerous brands, primarily in the health, wellness, and beauty spaces.

Chase Clements

Chase Clements

Editor McClatchy Commerce

Based in Kansas City, Chase Clements is the Commerce Content Operations Manager. He has many years of experience as a Commerce Writer and Editor for McClatchy.