Podiatrists Share Their Top Women’s Walking Shoes for Better Foot Health

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Looking for walking shoes that offer both comfort and support? Foot specialists explain what to look for and recommend several standouts.

Highlights

• A quality women’s walking shoe should do more than feel comfortable. It should also deliver stability, arch support, breathability, and flexibility.
• If you already own a pair you like, PowerStep Pinnacle insoles can help create a more customized fit.
• For shoppers starting from scratch, podiatrists pointed to brands such as HOKA, ASICS, and Vionic, among others.

Best Cushioning

HOKA Bondi 7 Shoes

Best for Daily Wear

ASICS Gel Contend 9 Shoes

Best Water-Resistant

Vionic 23Walk Shoes

Best for Shock Absorption

ASICS Gel-Venture 11 Shoes

Best Orthotic-Friendly

Orthofeet Coral Orthopedic Shoes

Best Low-Profile

New Balance 928v3 Shoes

Best Wide

Ryka Devotion X 2 Shoes

Best Slip-On

Skechers Go Walk Joy Shoes

Best Insoles

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles

Best Cushioning

HOKA Bondi 7 Shoes

These HOKA Bondi 7 sneakers offer exceptional underfoot cushioning that can hold up over many miles. They are also very stable and include a built-in Meta-Rocker that helps create a smooth heel-to-toe transition with each step.

Robert Fridman, DPM, president of American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (Northeast Region) and a podiatrist at Foot Associates in New York City, says the HOKA One Bondi 7 is one of his favorites. “It’s my favorite shoe on the market, and I recommend it many times a day for people who have foot issues but want to continue with their exercise protocols. It’s also surprisingly light,” he says. He adds that it may be especially useful for seniors.

Best for Daily Wear

ASICS Gel Contend 9 Shoes

If walking is part of your everyday routine, this ASICS pair is worth considering. “It provides a good amount of foot stabilization, and cushions well with their AmpliFoam midsole,” says Dawn Figlo, DPM, founder of The Organic Foot in New York City.

The interior fabric is breathable, and the shoe also includes an Ortholite sockliner that adds support, comfort, and moisture-wicking performance.

Best Water-Resistant

Vionic 23Walk Shoes

These Vionic 23Walk sneakers are built to handle wet conditions thanks to a water-resistant membrane. In warmer weather, the moisture-wicking mesh lining helps keep feet cool and dry. “I like that this shoe has a biomechanical orthotic that also has an antibacterial top cover,” says Dr. Figlo.

That means the shoes are more likely to stay fresher after repeated wear.

Best for Shock Absorption

ASICS Gel-Venture 11 Shoes

For people who tend to walk heavily, the rear gel cushioning in the ASICS Gel-Venture is designed to absorb impact and reduce shock for a smoother, more comfortable stride.

“These shoes are heavier than others; however, they are very durable and can be worn for longer periods of time,” says Miguel Cunha, DPM, founder of Gotham Footcare and a leading podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon in New York City. “The advantage of these shoes is that they’re designed for all arch types.”

Best Orthotic-Friendly

Orthofeet Coral Orthopedic Shoes

The Orthofeet Coral was designed for people dealing with plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or other foot concerns. It combines comfort and style without sacrificing either.

“This shoe provides air cushioning and has a protective interior,” says Dr. Figlo. “They are orthotic-friendly, have deep and wide toe boxes, good arch support, and cushioned heels, too.”

Best Low-Profile

New Balance 928v3 Shoes

If you prefer a lower-profile walking shoe, the New Balance 928v3 is a strong option. Despite its simple appearance, it offers more than meets the eye: the midsole uses compression-molded EVA, a stretchy rubber-like material that cushions and supports the foot, while the durable outsole is built to last.

“Structurally, this style can accommodate most pedal deformities because of the wider toe box,” says Dr. Figlo. “The arch support and stability allow for more comfort and less injury risk.” It also includes a removable footbed.

Best Wide

Ryka Devotion X 2 Shoes

If you deal with hammertoes, bunions, gout, or arthritis in your toes, Dr. Solomon says it is important to choose a walking shoe with an extra-wide toe box to help prevent pain and avoid making the condition worse.

These Ryka Devotion walking shoes are praised for comfort and cushioning, and they offer a roomier toe box than many other women’s styles.

Best Slip-On

Skechers Go Walk Joy Shoes

Dr. Solomon says the best walking shoe is the one you will actually wear often. These Skechers slip-ons score well for comfort, durability, affordability, and fit.

The slip-on design can be especially useful for people who have trouble bending over or tying laces. Their casual style also makes them easy to wear beyond workouts and activewear.

Best Insoles

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles

If you already have walking shoes you like but want a little more support, insoles can help. “A secret for healthy feet is to customize your favorite shoe with an insole,” says Sophia Solomon, DPM, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Atlantic Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in New York City.

As she notes, expensive custom orthotics are not always necessary, since today’s off-the-shelf options can provide a more personalized fit.

What to consider when choosing walking shoes

Because every person’s feet and body are different, the right shoe for one walker may not be right for another. Here are the main factors to keep in mind when buying walking shoes:

Stability

You should feel balanced in the shoe. “A stiff heel counter with a straight or hybrid last will help with the stability of the shoe,” explains Dr. Fridman.

Arch support

Arches vary from person to person, and they need support, especially as mileage increases. “Arch support allows the big toe joint more mobility and supports proper alignment,” says Dr. Figlo.

Size

If a shoe does not fit, do not buy it. That may seem obvious, but many people still try to force their foot into a pair that is too small because they love the style or hope it will stretch over time. “Have your foot measured with a Brannock Device for both length and width, because sizing can be different across brands,” says Dr. Cunha.

He also recommends shopping later in the day, when feet are usually more swollen. “If they feel comfortable at the end of the day, most likely they will feel comfortable throughout the day,” he says.

Breathability

Even if a shoe checks every other box, poor airflow can leave your feet sweaty and uncomfortable. “Look for shoes with a breathable fabric upper. That will help manage moisture and odor, too,” says Dr. Fridman.

Some stores allow customers to test shoes for a period of time before making a final decision. Ask about this so you can check breathability in real-world wear.

Width

Comfort is personal, especially when it comes to foot width and shape. If you have wider toes, a narrow fit may not work well. “A wider toe box will prevent overcrowding of the toes and decrease the influence for bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas,” says Dr. Figlo.