Are you looking for sneakers that are stylish but also maximized for comfort? Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has researched and curated a list of the 10 best walking shoes for women to buy right now.
What are the top 10 best walking shoes for women right now?
We don’t want to think about this too much. But it’s almost been a year since COVID-19 upended our lives. In this time, activities like puzzle making, redecorating, and baking have served as a salve and kept us feeling comforted and productive. But the one thing that we actually do everyday that gives us the most energy and clarity is — walking.
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In fact, we noticed that our shoes were getting a little beat up considering how many steps we’ve walked since last March. But when doing a search for the “best sneakers for walking” the ones that came up were short on style.
What are the 10 Best Walking Shoes for Women Right Now?
We wanted a pair that was not exactly a fashion or lifestyle sneaker, but not a technical running shoe either. Something that looks cute with our athleisure but could handle trekking across the city’s melting snow banks and swerving suspicious bumps and lumps on the sidewalks.
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First the technical stuff: what makes a good walking shoe? According to Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, walking-intensive shoes should have “arch support, a thicker sole, and shock absorption.
What are the 10 Best Walking Shoes for Women Right Now?
A breathable fabric is a bonus.” While everyone’s foot shape is unique, the stability of a good shoe will support increased mobility and proper alignment. And it can decrease problems such as arch pain, bunions, plantar fasciitis and hammertoes. One tip from Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in NYC, is to try on shoes in the evening, when feet are the most swollen. If they’re comfortable then, chances are they’ll feel comfortable throughout the day.
Here are our top 10 picks for the best walking shoes for women in the comfort and style department.
The best walking shoes for women
1. nike air max up
We love a good leopard print. Say it with us: it’s a neutral! These kicks feature a foam midsole that add spring and cushioning to your step. The exaggerated Max Air heel is designed for the biometrics of a woman’s foot and absorbs impact and distributes weight for all day comfort. And we’re not too vain to admit that the extra height makes our legs look long and lean.
The best walking shoes for women: Nike Air Max Up. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $140
2. new balance 990v5
If you’re looking for a sporty, retro aesthetic, the New Balance 990v5 is a legend — it was designed in 1978 and has been an icon ever since. They’re consistently ranked as favorites amongst the geriatric walkers of Ohio AND supermodels traipsing around far-flung capitols. The rugged design makes it a dream on a variety of surfaces with a robust upper and outsole for added durability.
What walking shoes to buy for women: New Balance 99OV5: Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $174.99
3. atoms
Atoms are the only shoes to come in quarter sizes. The company allows customers to order a different size shoe for each foot — that’s how committed they are to getting the perfect fit. The shoes are meant to be an everyday shoe and feature 3 key features: a proprietary foam that provides cloud-like cushioning, special upper material that is breathable and temperature resistant, and shoe laces that only need to be tied once. The minimalist chic look has made it a favorite of the tech and design crowd.
The best walking shoes for women: Atoms. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $129
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4. ryka kaya walking shoe
Ryka sneakers are all designed for a woman’s unique foot shape, muscle movement and build. The collection features a narrower heel, roomier forefoot, increased step volume, and a more secure footbed. We picked the Kaya model in particular for its water-resistance and lug sole that provides extra traction. Walking in inclement weather is unavoidable sometimes — especially when you need to get out of the house because everyone is driving you nuts!
What walking shoes to buy for women: Ryka Kaya: Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $79.99
5. on running cloud nova
Take a three-time world duathlon champion and multiple Ironman winner + Swiss engineering and you get On, a favorite sneaker of the rich and powerful. The driving concept was to create a shoe with a cushioned landing and firm take-off. This sneaker is specifically made for all-day wear and urban exploration. The design supports the natural rolling motion of the foot and we love the cool, streetwear aesthetic.
The best walking shoes for women: On Running Cloud Nova. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $149.99
6. adidas by stella mccartney ultraboost 20
This sneaker offers innovation and performance while being sustainable. Instead of polyester, the upper is made with Primeblue, a high-performance recycled material containing at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic. It’s woven with Primeknit for support and sock-like comfort and the iconic Boost midsole cushions your foot. The fashion forward acid-yellow colorway brightens up black leggings or power clash with prints if you lean towards a more maximalist sensibility.
What walking shoes to buy for women: Adidas: Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $230
7. allbirds wool runner mizzles
The sneaker with a cult following is showing no signs of slowing down. The design is simple and practical and the merino wool material is a sustainable resource that also happens to be water repellent, minimizes odor and flexibly conform to your movements. It’s a favorite of Silicon Valley types but also some of our favorite stylish celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, Cindy Crawford and Kristen Stewart.
The best walking shoes for women: Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $115
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8. nike air max 270
These are some of the most comfortable and durable sneakers I’ve owned and they work for walking, HIIT, hiking and running. I’ve been wearing them for so long that I’m still surprised whenever I get compliments on them. The knit uppers give the toe box lots of flexibility and breathability and the cushioning and shock absorption from the rubber outsole is unparalleled. And the color combos are eye-catching and totally wearable.
What walking shoes to buy for women: Nike Air Max 270: Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $150
9. söfft somers knit trainers
If you’re already dreaming of spring, consider this timeless style made with a lightweight and knit mesh pattern. This luxurious walking shoe has a leather lined footbed and multi-layer insole for added comfort. Sporty, feminine and comfy — it’s the perfect shoe to pair with a skirt or dress.
The best walking shoes for women: Sofft Somers Knit Trainers. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $109.95
10. merrell alpine sneaker
For a nostalgic and youthful vibe, Merrell’s Alpine style have an instantly iconic look. Reviewers absolutely rave about how comfortable they are from teachers and nurses who are on their feet all day to people with bad ankles and knees. The shoe’s Kinetic Fit™ Base features a contoured insole for flexible support while the EVA midsole provides stability.
What walking shoes to buy for women: Merrell Alpine: Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $90
What are the top 10 best walking shoes for women right now?
One step at a time, one foot in front of the other — it’s all we can do right now. Keep calm and keep walking, dear reader!
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For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
