16 Best Walking Shoes for Women, Approved by Podiatrists & Tested by Glamour Editors

If you're tired of your basic white sneaks take a look at other On is having a moment right now, and we can’t help but stare at this monstrous model because of the mix of crisp, graphic lines and the statement-making honeycomb outsole. “Although they’re technically running sneakers, these are the comfiest shoes I’ve ever owned. I wear them all the time for walking around Jersey City, and they’re a great pair for traveling. The colors aren’t normally what I go for, so I like the pop it adds to my outfits,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.

Many podiatrists recommend running shoes as a smart option for walking. Just know that neutral trainers like the Cloudmonster can sometimes lack the structure that overpronators (people whose feet roll too far inward) crave during walks. “Running shoes are designed specifically for the repetitive impact and motion of running,” says board-certified podiatrist and sports medicine specialist Suzanne C. Fuchs, DPM in Florida. That means they might not have quite as much motion control, she says, but they will offer serious amounts of cushioning and support.

Material: Recycled polyester | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Maximum

• Why they stand out: Hefty amount of cushioning in the heel; curved sole rolls forward as you step; bold, eye-catching design
• What we didn’t love: High price point

A shoe trend that we're loving this summer is chunky, platform sneakers, especially silver ones which you can pair with white maxi skirts or flowy white dresses. “When I know I’ll be out and about all day but I want a sneaker that will look cute with my favorite wide-leg jeans, I wear my Nike V2K Runs. (I can’t get enough of the translucent and metallic overlay details!) I’ve racked up almost 15 miles in one day in these, and my feet always feel fresh because the heel has plenty of cushion. They stand up to heavy wear and are versatile enough that I use them for light workouts too,” says Glamour contributor Hannah Singleton. This kind of cushioning in the heel is essential in a good walking shoe to reduce the impact on the feet and joints when you lace up for serious mileage, according to Dr. Fuchs. That’s particularly true if you suffer from a condition like plantar fasciitis. Bonus: Singleton says they’re both durable and versatile. “They stand up to heavy wear,” she says, adding, “I use them for light workouts, too.”

Material: Mesh upper and dual-density foam | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Feels very stable thanks to the extra-wide base at the heel; on-trend design; versatile for multiple activities
• What we didn’t love: Off-white sole isn’t for everyone—and can look a bit dingy when dirty

Gorpcore is here to stay, and there’s nothing that says you love hiking more than the crunchy aesthetic of the Merrell Moab 3. “It’s technically a hiking shoe (and a very good one at that), but I use mine primarily as walking shoes on the streets of New York. Every pair I’ve owned—three at this point—has required zero break-in time and provides just the right level of support while still giving me room to breathe. They’re durable enough for the trail and near-constant city walking, and I love that they look cool in both of those environments. They’re more than worth the investment, no matter where you live,” says Glamour commerce editor Jake Henry Smith. But they’re not just for style; they’re a true city-to-trail hybrid. “A walking shoe for dirt trails should have durable uppers, a stable rearfoot with a firm heel counter, supportive insoles, cushioned midsole, and adequate grip on the outsole to prevent slippage,” says Bruce Pinker, DPM, foot and ankle surgeon at Progressive Footcare in New York City. These kicks check off all those boxes, and they also help you stay dry in wet conditions thanks to the waterproof membrane.

Material: Mesh and pigskin leather upper | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Grippy rubber outsole for on and off the trail; durable cushioning doesn’t pack down as fast as running shoes; waterproof and nonwaterproof varieties depending on your needs
• What we didn’t love: Feels heavy on the foot

These trail shoes are a no-brainer in questionable conditions. “I recently wore them during a snow day in NYC, and I stayed upright despite navigating a maze of black ice, so now I grab them anytime I think I’ll be walking in dirty or slippery environments—the tread really sticks to any surface. And while the high arch support took some getting used to, it is a life-saver after a full day of walking. Plus, the chunky design keeps me high off the ground (so my pants don’t get dirty) and the sand beige colorway adds just the right level of flair to my outfits.” Although they’re listed as hiking shoes, we recommend them for city streets and mellow trails. Don’t worry—there’s no harm in straying from the terrain they’re designed for. “Hiking shoes can be worn on concrete for added ankle support and stability,” Dr. Pinker says.

Material: Leather and recycled polyester lining | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Affordable; narrow heel cup designed to fit a woman’s foot; loads of arch support
• What we didn’t love: Laces are a bit stiff

When you want to soften every step you take, the Gel-Cumulus has you covered, with multiple kinds of cushioning that seem to absorb shock from every angle. “These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve found for putting in major mileage,” says Glamour contributor, ultrarunner, and regular gear tester Jennifer Heimlich. “My feet feel supported and downright cradled in cushion—without leaving me so far off the ground that I feel unstable.” The mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, and the elasticized tongue makes these easy to slip on and off. Plus, if you want to pick up the pace, this pair makes for a fantastic running shoe, too. For her own walks, Dr. Fuchs personally reaches for the Cumulus’s sister shoe, the Gel-Kayano, which boasts the same cushioning but with extra stability features.

Material: Mesh and FF Blast Cushioning | Width: Standard and wide | Cushioning: Moderate/high

• Why they stand out: Thick, soft cushioning; elastic tongue; ample padding around heel; flexible upper doesn’t constrain feet
• What we didn’t love: Athletic design that may not pair well with outfits

For anyone who’s on their feet all day, Dr. Pinker recommends looking for sneakers with some ankle support. “In some cases, running shoes can be very supportive for those who stand a lot,” he says. The lightweight Brooks Ghost 16, with soft, cloudlike midfoot cushioning is a great option for this purpose, with a wide toe box that still feels comfy even when your feet start to swell. Glamour reviewer Pamela Stahl, who walks 35 to 40 miles a week, has been wearing the Ghost for 10 years “Everytime I visit my podiatrist, he mentions what a great shoe I’m wearing—he loves the support and the right amount of cushion,” she says, adding that the fit is super comfortable right out of the box. “This shoe hits my feet in all the right places. I never feel I have to break them in.”

Material: Recycled | Width: Narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Comfortable and stable; stream-lined, basic design; breathable
• What we didn’t love: A bit firmer than other road running shoes

If you’re looking for the right shoe for summertime, check out this retro pair from New Balance. They blend style and support for comfortable walking on long travel days, and have smartly-placed mesh details in the upper to keep them breathable when temps heat up. Plus, they’re among the podiatrists’ top picks. “I commonly recommend New Balance shoes for walking,” Dr. Fuchs says. “These shoes are designed to provide comfort, reduce impact on the feet and joints, and promote proper foot alignment, making them a great choice for walkers.” The fun throwback style of this pair doesn’t hurt, either. “I wear these anytime I want to elevate my outfit, while staying relatively comfortable,” Hilton says. “I wore them recently while traveling through Europe. By the end of the day my feet were fatigued, but honestly, they were worth it for a day of feeling super cute!”

Material: Suede, mesh, and nylon upper | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Supportive; great traction; breathable
• What we didn’t love: Not enough cushion for extra-long days

Dr. Pinker says that people with wide feet need to be careful to seek out a pair of shoes with enough room in the forefoot “to prevent cramping of the toes.” These New Balances come in both wide and extra wide options to offer plenty of breathing room for all foot shapes and sizes, even if you’ve got bunions. Glamour’s Calle wears these comfortable shoes when walking around Jersey City. “I can easily do 10,000 steps on a Saturday, and these are my go-to pairs for just that,” she says. “My feet are wide, and these give my toes plenty of wiggle room. I like to add removable insoles to my shoes for extra support. Trust me, your feet will thank you.” The cushioning is balanced, supportive, and very durable. We also like that they quite literally go with everything: Pair them with your favorite white jeans or flared leggings—either way you’ll look great.

Material: Suede and mesh | Width: Standard, wide, and extra wide | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Casual, timeless design; materials are very durable; runs true to size
• What we didn’t love: Only one color option

Nike is known for its narrow fits, which Dr. Pinker recommends if you’ve got slim feet. Glamour senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff (who has narrow feet) swears by this sneaker. “No shoe is as comfortable, durable, and sporty-chic as the Nike Pegasus,” she says. “I’ve been a fan for years and still get as excited about a new pair as if I’ve just discovered it.”

Material: Mesh upper | Width: Normal and extra wide | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Feels springy when you step; capable enough for running; waffle pattern on the outsole is grippy in all conditions
• What we didn’t love: Some reviewers noted rubber laces came untied for select styles; normal width runs narrow

“When I work in the hospital, I love my Danskos,” says Sara Shobin, a nurse practitioner at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City who spends all day on her feet. Her pair (a light tan honey color) is so old that she can’t even remember when she got them, so you can rest assured these podiatrist-approved and nurse-approved slip-ons will hold up for years to come. The toe box is nice and roomy (no cramming or hot spots), and the inner frame provides the kind of stability Dr. Fuchs says all walking shoes should have so that you won’t roll your ankle.

Material: Nubuck leather | Width: Standard and wide | Cushioning: Minimal

• Why they stand out: Roomy toe box offers plenty of space for your toes; incredibly long-lasting; approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
• What we didn’t love: May feel stiff if you’re not used to the design

If you’re looking for boots you can take on long walks, Dr. Pinker recommends looking for a pair with plenty of cushion and shock-absorption, plus ample traction on the outsole. Frequent traveler Robyn Ragins wore these boots around Paris every day for a week—sometimes hitting up to 14 miles a day—and had zero pain or blisters. “Most other shoes give me low-back pain or shin splints if I walk in them for too long, but my body felt perfect,” she says. She also loves that you can style them with jeans, leggings, or dresses, and unlike mesh sneakers, you can wear them in any weather without worrying about getting them dirty.

Material: Leather | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Minimal

• Why they stand out: Functional and stylish; back tabs make them easy to pull on; structured interior provides stability to minimize risk of rolled ankle
• What we didn’t love: Leather upper takes awhile to break in

A pair of charming loafers with the APMA’s seal of approval? Count us in. With an elevated heel and EVA-foam footbed, the comfy Kensley loafer is ready for walking. “I highly recommend this shoe because of the timeless style and all the embedded foot-loving technology,” says podiatrist Jacqueline M. Sutera, DPM, who works with Vionic as a medical consultant and rocks these loafers herself. “I wore it for the first time to an event where I was on my feet and walking around for over four hours. Since then I have worn them to work several times and they have become even more comfortable!” Plus, with a variety of materials and colors to choose from, they can go with many different styles.

Material: Leather, patent leather, or suede | Width: Standard and wide | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Plenty of color and material options; sleek silhouette; deep heel cup to keep your foot in place (and prevent slipping)
• What we didn’t love: Reviewers note that they have a narrow toe box

The Motiva is meticulously designed to make your walk as pleasant as possible. The half-moon-shaped outsole curves to propel you forward with each stride, the 12mm heel drop is easy on your Achilles, and the cushioning is soft and bouncy to absorb any stress that would normally go to your joints. They’ve also got the arch support, firm heel counter, and deep heel cup that Dr. Pinker says that people with high arches should look for. Glamour special products editor Ru Wolle says these have been an absolute game changer for her high arches. “The level of cushioning in these shoes is simply unmatched—it feels like walking on clouds, even during the longest days,” she says. “What’s more, I’m amazed by how seamlessly they transition from walking to running. Whether I’m taking a leisurely stroll or picking up the pace, these shoes have me covered. I’m already considering getting a second pair because I never want to be without them.”

Material: Mesh | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Maximum

• Why they stand out: Designed specifically for walking; good for high arches; squishy, cloudlike cushioning
• What we didn’t love: May make noise when walking

Allbirds, popular among sustainably minded shoppers for their eco-friendly materials and minimalist design, are also great for walking. “I liked that the wool upper naturally wicks moisture, regulates temperature, and minimizes odor, while the cushioned insole provides plenty of arch support. But as someone with both high-volume and wide feet, I had trouble fitting into these because the wool is thick and sturdy—which is great for narrow feet but mine are wide. If you’re like me, you may want to consider sizing up,” says Singleton.

Material: Merino wool | Width: Narrow | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Moisture and odor-wicking; sustainably designed; warm enough for cool days
• What we didn’t love: Very low volume, so not great for wide feet