12 Best Walking Shoes for Women 2019

Walking is an often underestimated sport, but just like any sport, it’s important that the athlete has the proper equipment. One of the first steps is choosing the perfect pair of walking shoes that can go with you for many miles.

As a woman, it’s also important that the walking shoes you choose are stylish and can go with many different outfits. Women’s walking shoes have been specifically designed to be aesthetically pleasing with plenty of attractive color schemes.

Check out this list of the 12 best walking shoes for women in 2019 to get some ideas for walking shoes that could work well for you!

Top 12 Best Walking Shoes for Women 2019

Product	Material
1. New Balance WW1865v1 - (Best Reviews)	Synthetic, Mesh
2. ASICS GEL-Tech Neo 4 - (Most Durable)	Fabric, Synthetic
3. Vionic Women's Walker - (Most Impact Absorption)	Leather
4. New Balance WW928	Leather
5. Saucony ProGrid Integrity ST2 - (Most Affordable)	Full-grain leather
6. Skechers Flex Appeal 2.0 - (Color Variety)	Knit Fabric
7. TIOSEBON Athletic - (Best for Travel)	Textile
8. ASICS Gel-Quickwalk 3 - (Best for High Arches)	Synthetic
9. Propet Washable Walker Evolution - (Best for Flat Feet)	Textile
10. Skechers Go Walk Joy 15601 - (Best for Wide Feet)	Textile
11. Rockport Cobb Hill Paulette Flat - (Best for Work)	Leather
12. Walking Cradles Orleans - (Best for Narrow Feet)	Leather

1. New Balance Women’s WW1865 – Best Rated Walking Shoes

These walking shoes have some of the best reviews of any walking shoe on this list. Customers have been extremely pleased with the comfort and versatility of this shoe and have lauded everything from the shoes’ cushioning to its stylish design.

New Balance designed their WW1865 walking shoe to have plenty of padding for maximum comfort. The rapid rebound midsole in these shoes provides plenty of arch support, while a layer of additional cushioning gives walkers a vital source of relief during a long walk.

Besides being a super comfy walking shoe, the New Balance WW1865 shoe is one of the most lightweight walking shoes on the market for 2019. Even despite the abundance of cushioning, the shoe has been constructed to be very light and responsive.

2. ASICS Women’s GEL-Tech Neo 4 – Most Durable Walking Shoes

ASICS is a leading brand in the athletic shoe industry with plenty of amazing running shoes, trainers, and walking shoes built for all different types of athletes. Their GEL-Tech Neo 4 walking shoe is the latest iteration of their Neo shoe, and it comes with fantastic updated features.

One of the unique things about the Neo 4 walking shoe is that it’s Medicare approved and specifically designed to help its wearers avoid injury. A thick rubber heel of 1.25” ensures that rocky surfaces cause no pain, while the materials used help minimize rubbing and blisters.

The GEL-Tech Neo 4 shoe comes equipped with SoLyte midsole foam and GEL cushioning that effectively accommodates all different arch types. The removable insole makes it so people with individual foot conditions can use specially designed insoles that suit their situation.

3. Vionic Women’s Walker – Most Impact Absorption

This walking shoe is from Orthaheel, a walking shoe brand that boasts high quality for affordable prices. The Vionic Women’s Walker is stylish and budget friendly, the perfect choice for walkers who enjoy shoes with high value for a minimal cost.

These shoes are designed specifically for shock resistant therapy, meaning that they’re highly effective in absorbing impact. The Vionic Women’s Walker is also structured to accommodate all arch types, meaning that all women with all foot types can benefit from this shoe.

Unlike some of the shoes on this list, the Vionic walking shoe has a waterproof exterior. This is perfect for those rainy days or cold snowy mornings or afternoons when moisture is inevitable. These shoes will keep your feet dry and comfortable in any weather condition.

4. New Balance Women’s WW928 Health Walking Laced Shoes

Yet another New Balance walker, these women’s walkers are beautifully designed with multifunctionality. The shoe can work on a variety of different surfaces and conditions, making it a perfect cross-breed between a walking shoe and a hiking boot.

The WW928 walking shoes are lightweight, just like the other New Balance shoes on this list. The outer material is leather and mesh, which create a durable yet breathable external build perfect for dedicated walkers.

One rare feature of these shoes is the sizing system. Unlike some other walking shoes, when you purchase a shoe in your size you can be sure that the shoe will fit. The New Balance sizing system is highly refined and easy to follow, meaning you can focus on other important features.

5. Saucony ProGrid Integrity ST2 – Most Affordable Walking Shoes

Saucony is an athletic shoe brand known specifically for its running shoes and trainers. But, Saucony’s walking shoes, such as their ProGrid Integrity ST2 shoes, are exceptional and stand up admirably against the rest.

The ProGrid Integrity ST2 walking shoes provide support specifically for individuals with neutral or low arches. The additional padding provided in these shoes contributes a significant amount of shock control, which is perfect for serious walkers or walkers with certain foot conditions.

The offset of this Saucony Integrity shoe is within the appropriate limits at a 12mm offset. This valuable feature is supported by the availability of multiple widths, including narrow, wide, and extra wide widths for all different foot types.

6. Skechers Women’s Flex Appeal 2.0 Sneaker – Color Variety

In terms of walking shoes, Skechers is a particularly viable brand. Although many people wouldn’t think of Skechers as being an athletic brand, this women’s sneaker made this list because of multiple factors, including its affordability, comfort, and unique construction.

One fantastic thing about these shoes is that, besides being super comfortable and affordable, they come in a wide array of appealing colors that will catch the eye of any walker. There are over 20 different color options, and the shoes are built to be sleek and attractive.

The cushioning in the Flex Appeal 2.0 Sneakers is made of moisture wicking memory foam perfect for long walks in any type of weather. Because they’re made from knit fabric, these shoes are also very breathable and flexible.

7. TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic – Best Walking Shoes for Travel

These shoes are more unique and specialized than some of the other shoes on this list. The TIOSEBON walking shoe is particularly well-suited to travel due to some very specific features. However, this shoe is excellent for everyday walking exercise as well.

TIOSEBON has designed an economically friendly shoe made from comfortable and versatile materials. The textile is extraordinarily lightweight and breathable, while an elastic outsole combined with slip resistant fabric allows you to concentrate on your walk.

In terms of travel, these shoes are perfect for getting through airport security efficiently. They slip on and off quickly making it simple to take off your shoes at a moment’s notice. During the rest of the trip, the shoes’ exceptional comfort makes it easy to get from Point A to Point B.

8. ASICS Women’s Gel-Quickwalk 3 – Best Walking Shoes for High Arches

These ASICS walking shoes were designed with the high-arched walker in mind. Despite being an overall excellent athletic shoe brand, ASICS upped its game by catering to a specific subgroup of individuals with very unique needs.

With carefully placed cushioning in the forefoot and heel areas of the shoe, the Gel-Quickwalk 3 minimizes the high impact that high-arched walkers can experience. The GEL cushioning system in these shoes ensures a smooth heel-toe transition with every step.

The molded foam insole at the forefoot ensures that the toes and the ball of the foot is adequately supported and protected. Meanwhile, a high abrasion rubber outsole (AHAR Outsole) ensures exceptional durability and support.

9. Propet Washable Walker Evolution – Best Walking Shoe for Flat Feet

Propet is a lesser known name in the athletic shoe world, but don’t let that fool you. These Propet walking shoes are legitimate competition, and they even come with unique features to boot. Specifically, these shoes are machine washable and 100% textile.

The footbed of these walking shoes is removable, meaning that individuals with high arches or flat feet can easily make use of customized orthotics that suit their personal situation. These Propet shoes come equipped with an EVA insole and midsole to provide support and comfort.

A rubber sole made from grippy materials with excellent traction ensures maximum support during walks. The shoe’s unique tread helps the walker focus on technique rather than balance, while the overall durability of the rubber makes it so you can enjoy the shoe for years to come.

10. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy 15601 – Best Walking Shoe for Wide Feet

At #10 Skechers made it on the list a second time with a different walking shoe that many customers note as being one of the best walking shoes of 2019. The Go Walk Joy 15601 is affordable and versatile, making it a good choice for serious and casual walkers alike.

This walking shoe was designed with the wide-footed walker in mind. Skechers considered the importance of creating a shoe that doesn’t cause blistering on the sides of wide feet while still maintaining a sleek, compact design that favors style.

The 5GEN midsole cushioning will provide comfort and extra spring your step with every stride. The Go Walk Joy’s responsive materials and construction means that wide-footed walkers can have plenty of room to spread out their toes and make postural adjustments as necessary.

11. Rockport Cobb Hill Women’s Paulette Flat – Best Walking Shoe for Work

These walking shoes aren’t exclusively for walking as exercise, but rather they provide a stylish work shoe option that is ideal for working women on their feet for most of the day. The Rockport Cobb Hill walking shoe is beautiful and comfortable at the same time.

This Rockport shoe was specifically designed for comfort. Every aspect of the shoe is made to flex and mold to your foot, no matter the conditions. The slip-on shoe design is fantastic for ease of use and simplicity, an excellent choice for the high-powered woman.

With multiple color offerings and a generally attractive design, the Rockport Cobb Hill shoe can go with almost any work outfit. The leather material combined with subtle but dramatic decorative elements provides the wearer with a functional yet beautiful statement piece.

12. Walking Cradles Orleans – Best Walking Shoes for Narrow Feet

These shoes are stylish and comfy, and perfect for narrow footed walkers. Walking Cradles is a walking shoe brand that’s making its way into the mainstream with spectacular designs and spectacular support.

The Orleans walking shoe from Walking Cradles is lightweight and flexible. The fabric that the shoe is made from is soft and pliable, thus minimizing the chance of chafing that’s so often a likely possibility for individuals with narrow feet who want an attractive walking shoe.

In terms of cushioning, the Tiny Pillows footbed adds increased padding for the perfect levels of comfort. Plus, a cushioned collar makes for an even more comfortable walking experience. The slip-on, slip-off design of the Walking Cradles Orleans shoes is perfect for fast and easy use.

How to Pick the Right Walking Shoes

1. Check the Fit

Ensuring a good fit is one of the single most important aspects of choosing the perfect walking shoe. A good fit doesn’t just have to do with the way the shoe feels on your foot, it also has to do with breathability, flexibility, responsiveness, and weight.

A good walking shoe will be breathable with plenty of airflow. Having hot, sweaty feet is no fun, so ensuring that your next pair of walking shoes allows air circulation will ensure a comfortable experience. Breathability is influenced principally by shoe design and the materials used.

Walking shoes should be flexible and responsive to the movements of the wearer. Some individuals may prefer a shoe that’s less flexible, but, no matter what, flexibility is an important factor to consider.

Although some walkers may enjoy the feeling of a heavier shoe, it’s a generally accepted principle to choose walking shoes that are more lightweight. This is because a lightweight shoe will put less stress on your body, thus minimizing fatigue and potential cause for problems.

2. Look at the Cushioning

Some shoes have more cushioning than other shoes. Walking shoes have varying degrees of cushioning, so customers need to carefully analyze the type and amount of padding in each potential shoe prospect.

A walking shoe with more cushioning means more comfort, a vital component of a good shoe for many walkers. Different shoes come equipped with different styles of padding and cushioning, so make sure to try on the shoes before buying so that you can test the comfort for yourself.

3. Consider the Arch Type

Walking shoes are organized into three different categories based off arch type:

• Low arches/flat feet

Individuals with low arches or flat feet will require more stability and support than people with normal arches. They will need a lower heel drop and less flexibility in their shoes to give them the necessary support for their arches and ankles.

• High arches

Walkers with this arch type will require shoes with increased padding and some arch support. Because people with high arches don’t have as much control over the impact of their foot falls, having shoes with plenty of padding is vital.

• Normal arches/neutral arches

These individuals will need to make choices based off of personal preference and experience. Some people may have neutral arches that lean toward being higher arches, while other people may have neutral arches that are slightly lower than normal. Consider this before buying.

4. Previous Experience with Walking Shoes

Everyone’s body is different, so take your personal experience into account. If you loved your old New Balance walking shoes, but a previous pair of ASICS shoes weren’t comfortable for you, consider the New Balance shoes first before the ASICS shoes when making a purchase.

If you’re buying your first pair of walking shoes, take the time to investigate online reviews from other customers. Try the shoes on at a nearby store. Gather plenty of information before buying so that you can make an educated decision that you can feel confident about.

5. Physical Limitations and Considerations

Individuals with high arches or flat feet may need to buy special insoles or types of walking shoes to support their feet. People with plantar fasciitis may benefit from specific shoes more than other people would.

When you’re buying a pair of walking shoes, consider your own body and the limitations and conditions you have so that you can make a tailored choice for your unique situation. Like always, try the shoes on before buying so that you can see if they’re a good fit.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a running shoe and a walking shoe?

Running and walking are two similar but very different sports with different implications for your body. For example, when you run, your feet absorb the shock of 2-3 times your body weight at high impact. When walking, your feet will only absorb the impact of 1-2 times your body weight.

Besides being a lower impact sport, the way that your foot moves across the ground is different when you walk than it is when you run. Thus, the shape and overall design of a walking shoe is constructed to support and accommodate this movement.

It’s possible to walk in running shoes, of course, but it will be safer and more comfortable to purchase a pair of shoes specifically designed for walking. This will ensure that your body is taken care of and that your feet are as comfortable as possible during your walks.

Q: Can walking shoes be used as hiking shoes?

– Yes and No.

Most walking shoes aren’t specifically designed to function on rough terrain like hiking trails, so your shoes might wear out quickly if used in this capacity. Additionally, hiking is an activity that may require extra ankle support or thicker soles.

Although walking shoes can work fine for the occasional hike over rougher terrain, intense hikers might want to consider a different type of shoe, such as a hiking boot. So, although they can be used, it may be better to purchase a special shoe for hiking alone.

Q: How long do walking shoes last?

If the walking shoes are used to walk approximately 4-5 miles per day, they’ll last between 6-9 months. This equates to approximately 1,000 – 1,500 miles of walking total. Some shoes may last longer than others, so check to make sure that the shoes are made of quality materials.

Always check your shoes for signs of wear and tear. Shoes that have been overused start to deteriorate in various ways, some of which can be dangerous to your physiological well-being. Replacing your walking shoes at the first signs of severe wear can maintain your health.

Conclusion

Choosing a good pair of walking shoes can seem like an uphill struggle, but not to worry. Once you’ve found the perfect pair, they’ll stay with you for many years to come and be your best friend on the road.

Make sure to always try the shoes on before buying to ensure a good fit. After you make your final decision, get to walking so you can finally enjoy your new pair of walking shoes once and for all!