Top-Performing Walking Footwear for Active Women: A Must-Have for On-the-Go Ladies
"Gotta get yourself a darn good pair of shoes, lady, if you're gonna be walkin' all day long! Whether you're scootin' around the city, tackling a trail, or just strollin' 'round town, the right kicks can make your journey a whole lot more comfy and enjoyable. Here's our top picks for the best women's walking shoes:
The Crème de la Crème of Women's Walking Shoes
- Saucony Women's Integrity Walker 3 - Best Overall
- Brooks Addiction Walker Suede - Highly Rated
- Hoka Women's Bondi SR - Podiatrist Favorite
- New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11 - ideal for walks and workouts
- Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid - Perfect for hiking
- Birkenstock Arizona - Best Sandal
- Revere Osaka Mary Jane - For professional attire
- Asics Metaride - Highest-End
- Skechers GOwalk Joy - Best Budget Option
- Sanuk Donna Aerokush - Best Casual Pick
How We Chose the Best Women's Walking Shoes
To ensure we selected top-notch walking shoes, we consulted with a pack of podiatrists to help us identify key qualities. Here's the lowdown:
Breathable Material
"Remember to choose shoes with a breathable material, such as leather or mesh, so your tootsies stay fresh and don't develop a funky odor," advises William Spielfogel, a podiatrist at Good Feet Store. Depending on your climate, opt for a shoe with either mesh or leather upper for ultimate comfort.
Traction
Your needs for traction will vary based on the terrain. For instance, hiking shoes offer better grip than everyday walking shoes. As Bruce Pinker, podiatrist and foot surgeon at Progressive Foot Care highlights, the outer sole should have grip or traction that's appropriate for the intended activity.
Toe Box
Avoid narrow shoes, especially in the toe area (i.e., the toe box). Patrick McEneaney, podiatrist and owner of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists insists, "Give your little piggies room to breathe!"
Support & Stability
You need a supportive shoe with a firm heel counter that provides adequate support. Pinker also stresses the importance of arch support and highlights that the midsole should offer cushioning to up the comfort factor. The shoe should be flexible, but not too flimsy - if it can be folded in half, it's probably not suitable for walking. Another thing to keep in mind is ankle stability: Higher ankles on shoes provide more stabilization, especially for hiking.
We've carefully selected shoes keeping these recommendations in mind, catering to a range of activities, including hiking, walking exercise, and casual strolls.
Pricing Summary
- $ = Under $75
- $$ = $75-$150
- $$$ = Over $150
Top Women's Walking Shoes
Saucony Women's Integrity Walker 3 - Best Overall
- Price: $$
- Size range: 5-12 in narrow, regular, wide, or extra wide
- Color options: White, Black, or Gray
- Weight: 10.3 oz
- Notable features: Leather upper, responsive cushioning
Brooks Addiction Walker Suede - Highly Rated
- Price: $$
- Size range: 5-12 in medium, wide, or extra wide
- Color options: Alloy/Oyster/Peach or Shark/Alloy/Oyster
- Weight: 12 oz
- Notable features: Slip-resistant, responsive cushioning
Hoka Women's Bondi SR - Podiatrist Favorite
- Price: $$$
- Size range: 6.5-15
- Color options: Black
- Weight: 10 oz
- Notable features: Leather upper, rocker sole
New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11 - Best for Walks and Workouts
- Price: $$
- Size range: 5-13 in standard, wide, or x-wide
- Color options: 10 different options
- Weight: 8.7 oz
- Notable features: Mesh upper, lightweight
Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid - Best for Hiking
- Price: $$$
- Size range: 5-11
- Color options: Weiss/Boysenberry (brown/pink) or Magnet/Atlantic Blue (gray/blue)
- Weight: Not disclosed on website
- Notable features: Waterproof, ankle support, leather mud shield, rubber outsole, removable footbed
Need more reccos? Check out our full guide!"
Marilyn should consider the Saucony Women's Integrity Walker 3 for her day-long walks in Tribeca, as it is the best overall women's walking shoe. If she's strolling around the city, she might also like the Revere Osaka Mary Jane, which is suitable for professional attire. For hiking, the Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid would be a good choice, recommended by podiatrists due to its waterproof and ankle-supporting features.
