On Cloud 5
Weight: 6.9 ounces | Lacing system: Speed laces with knotted cord; traditional laces included as well | Heel drop: 2.5mm | Size range: 5 to 11 | Colors: 13 total, including Blueberry/Feather and Nimbus/Alloy
Best for:
- Those who want a lightweight, responsive shoe that can handle all surfaces
- Walkers with a slightly narrow to medium-width foot
- Those who need a stylish option to wear for workouts and everyday
Skip if:
- You have wide feet
- You prefer extra cushioning or need a high-drop shoe for heel issues
If you’re looking for a lightweight, all-day walking shoe with a barely-there feel, the On Cloud 5 is about as perfect of a shoe you can find. It weighs just 6.9 ounces, the airiest of the ones we tested. It’s ideal for covering long and short distances, handling different terrains with stability and supporting your arches without adding bulk.
On, a relatively new Swiss brand founded in 2010, has a dedicated following for its unique midsole: It’s designed with holes that allow air to pass through and help the shoe compress vertically and laterally as you land. The design aims to cushions your feet to reduce muscle strain and also enables a smoother toe-off, or launch for your foot, allowing you to move easily through your stride. I filmed slow-motion videos of my foot as I walked in this shoe versus others and noticed a subtle lift at the end of my gait cycle. Additionally, Annabelle Lemes, the Connecticut-based trainer I spoke to, cited this pair as her top pick. “I’m always on my feet, and On’s are my very first choice.”
With a minimal heel drop of 2.5mm and a very firm insole, the On Cloud 5 shoes are a great choice for people who want to move swiftly and confidently over rugged trails, cobblestone streets or changing terrain.
The Cloud has a minimal heel drop of 2.5mm and a very firm insole, making this shoe a good, stable choice for those with balance issues or anyone who wants to move fast but securely over rugged trails, cobblestone streets or changeable terrain. The heel counter scored a moderate firm rating as well. These shoes held my foot snugly in place, almost as firmly as the Brooks, with an ankle collar that didn’t extend over my bone or cause chafing. The mesh upper is breathable and outfitted with thin reflective bands, which is a nice (and stylish) safety feature if you walk at night.
The Cloud 5 also comes in a waterproof version, which I don’t recommend. It’s wrapped in an anhydrous membrane that seals out liquid but makes the shoe fit more tightly than the regular version (the company advises going up a half-size). Still, I found that even the regular Cloud 5 has a slim fit. On my insole test, my foot extended over the sides by about 0.5 inch, which wasn’t enough to cause discomfort (since I have medium to narrow feet) but could be an issue for those with wider feet. Another potential downside to these shoes is the speed-lacing system. These On shoes come pre-laced with a thin cord that’s knotted at both ends—the idea is that you slide your feet into the shoe and pull the cord to secure your foot. I found the cord loosened up over time. The design feature is not for everyone, and On includes a set of traditional laces with every pair for this reason.
The On Cloud 5 shoes transition from athletic wear to stylish, everyday outfits.
From a fashion angle, the Cloud 5 checked the box for me. The Swiss shoe is sleek and minimal, and when paired with a skirt, the shoes looked like an intentional choice, not something I resorted to for comfort’s sake.
Best Cushioned Walking Shoes For Women
Excellent Padding And Support, Minus Any Extra Weight
Hoka Clifton 9
Weight: 7.3 ounces | Lacing system: Traditional | Heel drop: 5 mm | Size range: 5 to 12; regular, wide | Colors: 28 total, including Vanilla/Astral and Sandstone/Cream
Best for:
- A plush, cushioned walking experience with a rocker-sole
- Those who have wide feet and like a roomy shoe
- Standing all day on your feet
Skip if:
- You want a shoe with a leaner build and less heel height
- You have narrow feet
I’ll be honest: I wasn’t wasn’t fully sold on Hoka’s wildly popular rocker-style heel at first, which gently glides your foot forward with a rolling motion that can help reduce foot strain. But, after wearing the Cliftons for a while, I found them extremely comfortable and surprisingly lightweight, despite the extra cushioning and padding in the heel. I have a relatively narrow foot, and I’d say that this pair definitely felt roomy, even in the regular-width size. Given that your feet swell and expand when walking, the spacious design can be a good thing, especially if you have wide feet.
Hoka has built an entire franchise around the Clifton, releasing new versions of this best-selling sneaker. This latest iteration features a lighter design—it weighs 4 grams less than the previous model—which Hoka accomplished by removing the overlays and hotmelts (or adhesives that bond together certain parts of a shoe). It also increased the cushioning, with a higher, 3mm heel stack that nicely supports your foot.
The Cliftons are not a subtle sneaker that blends in with the rest of your look. But overtly “loud” sneakers are the norm now, which is a trend that Hoka helped ignite, so these shoes don’t feel as out-of-the-box as they might have few years ago. Also, if you have a prefer a leaner-built shoe, you might find the ultra-padded style a bit cumbersome. Yet, I found that the rocking motion does help alleviate foot pain, so you might put up with a little extra bulk for the additional comfort.
Best Supportive Walking Shoes For Women
Excellent Traction, Cushioning And Stability
Sorel Kinetic Impact II
Weight: 10 ounces | Lacing system: Traditional |Heel drop: 10 mm | Size range: 5 to 12 | Colors: 21 total, including Black/White and Teal Chloride/Sea Salt
Best for:
- Excellent traction and grip, with its scalloped sole
- Good underfoot cushioning
- Stylish, modern design
Skip if:
- You want a flat outsole
- You like a traditional-looking sneaker with a subtler design
The Sorel Kinetic Impact II is a great sneaker for both everyday wear and more rigorous activities. It has a comfortable fit, and its design is excellent for stability and traction. The outsole features the brand’s signature “scalloped” edge, which I found especially helpful for providing extra grip on slippery or uneven surfaces while also alleviating pressure from the tender under-points of my foot. If you stand on your feet a lot during the day, the Kinetic Impact II is worth considering.
In terms of its performance, the shoe has a cushioned midsole and a flexible, mesh upper that’s breathable for all-day wear. I tested the Kinetic shoes during hot weather and my feet never got sweaty, thanks to the ventilation built into the airy upper. Style-wise, the Kinetic is a bold-looking shoe. If you plan to wear your sneakers to the office and work in a very traditional setting, this pair might turn some heads (which might actually be a good thing, depending on your take).
On the downside, the Kinetic is not as light as the others I tested but that extra weight gives you added stability. The lacing system might not be everyone’s taste since they run down the side of the shoe, as well as the top. But I found that extra coverage helped the shoe fit snugly to my foot, which provided additional stability.
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Cushioned, Supportive And Flexible
PAID PLACEMENT
lululemon beyondfeel
Weight: 9.5 ounces | Lacing system: Traditional | Heel drop: 9mm | Size range: 5-12 | Colors: 9 colors
This running shoe from lululemon is designed to help you achieve your smoothest, most comfortable stride—whether you’re a walker, jogger, sprinter or a mix of all three. The foam midsole provides enhanced heel-to-toe cushioning while a supportive, breathable mesh upper allows both stretch and ventilation. A high-traction outsole below is crafted with abrasion-resistant rubber, lending plenty of grip to keep you grounded on a variety of terrain. Get the shoe in nine different colorways, including neutrals like black or white and eye-catching brights like green or lilac.
Best Affordable Walking Shoe For Women
Breathable, Padded And Well Priced
Under Armour UA Essential Sportstyle
Weight: 7.26 ounces | Lacing system: Traditional | Heel drop: 7.3 mm | Size range: 5 to 12 | Colors: 24 total, including Black and Baja Blue
Best for:
- Those who stand or walk more casually than for serious exercise
- If you have wide feet, bunions or prefer a roomy fit
- Those who want an affordable walking shoe that doesn’t skimp on comfort
Skip if:
- You need a very stable shoe for more active days
- You prefer a grippy shoe for slippery surfaces
These ultra-comfy shoes are a great value for casual, everyday walking because they are roomy, supportive and breathable. While they retail on the brand’s site for $65, Under Armour often puts this highly popular sneaker on sale; I saw it go as low as $45 during testing. That’s far less than $110, the average MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) of athletic sneakers in 2021, according to the most recent data from RunRepeat. Compared to the other shoes I tested, the the Sportstyle cost about $100 less.
For the great price, you get plenty of features, too. Comfort is continually called out in the reviews, and the Sportstyle lived up to the hype in my tests. The padded heel makes for a well-cushioned ride, with a 7.3mm heel drop and 4.75cm heel stack (or height), which is ideal for walkers who land heel first or have Achilles tendon issues. That extra support tips the scales a tiny bit; this shoe has a weight of 7.26 ounces, placing it in the mid-range for our testing data. Still, this shoe wasn’t noticeably clunky—mostly because the mesh upper and soft sock liner make the shoe feel airy and weightless.
The Sportstyle was also the best walking shoe for wide feet in my tests. The width of the insole was the widest among all those I wore, preventing any lateral rubbing on the sides of my foot. If you have bunions or stand for long periods—such as when traveling and sightseeing, or in my case, watching a soccer game that goes into overtime—the Sportstyle shoes are my pick. The spacious girth and wide toe box of these sneakers lets your feet comfortably expand and your toes splay out, with breathing room.
The UA Essential Sportstyle shoes had the widest insoles of any shoes I tested, making them a great pick if you have wide feet or prefer a roomier fit.
This pick is less structured than a traditional walking shoe; on my pinch test, the heel counter scored a flexible (not firm) rating. I wouldn’t recommend it for serious walking on uneven, gravely terrain since your foot might move around in it slightly. The outsole is smooth without a ton of extra grip—again, you wouldn’t wear these on an intense walking expedition—but in my tests, the shoes handled well on paved streets and all indoor surfaces. Overall, the Sportstyle is a solid choice for a lifestyle walking shoe that cradles your feet, pain-free, all day. For less than $70, you can’t beat the value of this pair.
Best Walking Shoes For Women With Arch Support
Breathable Foam Midsole That Relieves Pressure
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13
Weight: 6.9 ounces | Lacing system: Speed laces with knotted cord; traditional laces included as well | Heel drop: 10mm | Size range: 5 to 13; standard, wide | Colors: 20 total, including Black/White and Sea Salt/Grey Violet
Best for:
- Those who want arch support or have fallen arches or flat feet
- A responsive ride that delivers a bounce in your step
- Stability on uneven surfaces
Skip if:
- You want a shoe that sits lower to the ground
I felt a noticeable spring in my step the first time I wore the New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers, which, as the name implies, are engineered with a contoured foam midsole that truly propels your foot forward as you move through your gait. Similar to other sneakers, the Fresh Foam are part of a best-selling collection that’s continually updated and revamped each year. The 880v13 model is made with a 3% bio-based foam, derived from renewal resources, which is helpful for reducing the impact on the environment, especially since sneakers are an item that you have to frequently replace once they have worn out.
If you have arch issues, or flat feet, the 880v13 is padded to deliver support in that area, with a 10mm heel drop that alleviates pressure so your foot is on an include, and not resting in a flat position all day. The uppers are made from a breathable mesh, which ensures your feet don’t overheat in these sneakers. I found them airy, lightweight and very responsive during my longest walks. The only negative is that collar, or opening of the shoe where your foot slides in, comes up quite high on the foot, which can cause some rubbing on me. However, wearing 880v13 with regular low ankle socks (as opposed to no-show socks) helped solve that problem.
What I Plan To Test Next
I tested dozens of sneakers to find the winners above, but there are still others on my list that I also plan to review. Here’s a selection of top-rated sneakers worth checking out if you’re looking for more options.
Brooks Ghost 16
Since trying out the Ghost 14 and 15 a few years ago, I’ve become a huge fan of this shoe since it’s so lightweight yet highly stable and responsive. The Ghost 16 is the latest version, just released this year. So far, it’s been very spring-y and light to wear when walking and on my runs but I have noticed that the shoe is considerably wider than the previous iterations of the Ghost. While it feels a bit bulky on my feet, it’s extremely comfortable and cushioned. It’s too soon to tell if I like this pair more than the Ghost 15, but so far I’m enjoying the plush ride.
Kizik: Unique Spring-Back Heel Design
Kizik Athens
I’ve been curious about Kizik’s “cage heel” design that allows you to slip your foot into the shoe without needing to bend down to tie the laces or wiggle your foot into place. The rest of the shoe is built out with a spring-y foam outsole to give you a lift and a breathable mesh upper that optimizes air flow and prevents sweat. We tested out the men’s version of this sneaker for our Best Walking Shoes For Men guide and it scored high on comfort and durability.
Nike: Highest Level Of Cushioning
Nike Invincible 3
I wore Nike running shoes for years before switching to Brooks. But this latest version of the popular Invincible has me itching to get back into Nike’s. It’s outfitted with the highest level of cushioning in the brand’s lineup and a lot of padded comfort, which makes this pick versatile for power walking and higher impact activities.
Allbirds: Durable, Water-Resistant Finish
Allbirds Trail Runners SWT
Many times I’ve been caught out in the rain while walking. Allbirds’ Trail Runners SWT are a water-resistant version of a classic hiking and trail running shoe, with a grippy outsole and stabilizing support to keep your foot secure on slippery surfaces. Like other Allbirds sneakers, this one is made with sustainable materials, including eucalyptus tree fibers and a sugarcane-based EVA midsole.
How I Tested The Best Walking Shoes For Women
The best walking shoes need to handle different surfaces and withstand miles of use. They should also easily transition from workouts to everyday life, so I considered the overall design and aesthetics as well. With all these details in mind, I established specific testing criteria to determine which pairs will serve you best.
Comfort: I tested how the shoes felt on my feet and whether or not they created soreness on pressure points or rubbed against any areas of my feet and ankles that would cause pain or blisters. I also considered if the shoes needed an extensive break-in period or were comfortable right out of the box. Lastly, I considered the lacing system and whether shoes were easy to put on and take off.
Cushioning: Cushioning (the amount of padding in a shoe) contributes to comfort. I measured the thickness of the material under the midsole of the shoe in centimeters and squeeze-tested the firmness of the midsole on a scale from minimal, moderate to maximum by pressing down with my fingers.
Arch support: Depending on your foot shape, you may need different levels of arch support to prevent pain while walking. I removed the insole in each shoe and looked for cushioned padding or contoured arcs around the midfoot, which provide extra support. (If you need to customize your fit, consult your doctor to see if orthotics or additional inserts may work for you).
Traction: I also wore each shoe on a variety of roads, trails and rolling fields, during wet and dry weather, to test whether or not the shoe provided good traction in all scenarios. I compared the soles of each shoe as well to evaluate texture and grip.
To test for traction, I walked on smooth surfaces like roads as well as uneven trails in both dry and wet weather.
Stability: Your feet should fit securely in your walking shoes—they shouldn’t have too much give, and you shouldn’t feel like you’re going to lose your balance in them. I pinched the heel counter (the back of the shoe that wraps around the heel) to test for firmness, and rated it on a scale from low, moderate to high. Additionally, I placed the shoe on a flat surface and pushed down at the toe to see if the shoe rocked forward smoothly with an easy toe-off—the point at which your foot rises from the floor during your gait (an effortless toe-off prevents tripping).
Width and weight: Some people might prefer a lighter shoe to feel more nimble, or a wider shoe for more wiggle room. I weighed each shoe in ounces on a digital food scale and cross-referenced this measurement against how heavy or light the shoe physically felt on my foot while taking steps. I removed the insoles and placed my bare foot over it to check if my foot extended over at the sides, to access the overall width of the shoe.
Heel drop: I measured the heel-to-toe drop for each shoe: This is the difference in millimeters of the amount of cushioning beneath the heels versus the balls of the feet. A larger heel drop indicates a higher heel in relation to the toe, while a low or zero drop shoe is flat and most closely mimics walking barefoot. According to New York podiatrist Nelya Lobkova, DPM, the best walking sneakers fall in the sweet spot of 4 to 8mm, which places less stress on the Achilles tendon.
I measured the heel-to-toe drop for each shoe. A higher heel will be best for preventing heel soreness.
I started testing walking shoes in the late spring and summer of 2022, where I live in Connecticut, about 40 miles outside of New York City. I wore the sneakers for at least two hours a day on various surfaces to see how they performed. I walked on flat and steeply inclined paved and unpaved streets, hardwood floors and flights of stairs in my house and through wet, grassy parks and fields. I also ran typical errands in supermarkets and shops, and kept up with my two children for sports, activities and outdoor trips. Throughout the testing period, temperatures ranged from 55 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, so I was able to see how breathable these shoes were in different weather conditions.
When selecting the winners, I also considered style. I wore the shoes with both workout and everyday street clothing and searched to see if the shoes came in different colors to suit diverse fashion tastes. While aesthetics should never trump fit and comfort, you should take them into consideration if you plan to wear your pair all day.
How To Pick A Walking Shoe
Finding the right walking shoes is personal. To help you chose among the best options on the market, here’s what the experts recommend you keep in mind:
The amount of cushioning you choose is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Most walkers will prefer a shoe that’s evenly cushioned, rather than one with an exaggerated heel, for all-day wear. An evenly cushioned sole also lessens the risk of tripping or catching your heel on the edge of a carpet.
The outsole (commonly just referred to as the sole) is the part of the shoe that touches the ground and dictates the shoe’s stability, says Lobkova. “You shouldn’t be able to bend the sneaker in half easily or twist it easily when holding both ends,” she says. Instead, “there needs to be adequate rigidity in the sole and cushioning in the midfoot to prevent impact on the heel and walking injuries like plantar fasciitis.”
Anne Holland Johnson, M.D., who is a foot and ankle surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, prefers a rocker-style sole. Hoka first embraced this type of sole and now other brands are following suit. However, rocker soles tend to be less stable, so look for a traditional flat sole if you need greater stability.
Every brand’s sizes are a little different. Use your normal shoes as a starting point, but be prepared to size up or down to find your ideal fit. Your feet expand when walking so it’s best to try on your shoes in the late afternoon (when your feet have swelled from the day’s use). Stretch and wiggle your toes in the shoes; they should extend out comfortably in the toe box, or the uppermost part of the shoe, but not have too much room in front. Try the classic shoe-fitter test: Aim for one-half to a full thumb’s width of space between your toes and the front end of the toe box.
Lastly, look for a snug fit around the heel counter—the part that wraps around the back of the shoe. “This minimizes abnormal stretching of the plantar fascia and diminishes pain and inflammation in the heel and arch of the foot,” says Dr. Lobkova. It also prevents your foot from sliding up and down as you strike the ground, which can cause blisters.
You can gauge the arch support of a shoe by analyzing the insole. “Most sneakers have removable insoles that you can take out and examine,” says Lobkova. “Arch support appears as a supportive bump or curve on the insole around the midfoot. It acts as a buttress for the arch of the foot.” While the Brooks Ghost 15 has this feature, not all sneakers do, says Lobkova. In that case, “you can add your own custom or prefabricated insole or orthotics for extra support.”
My Expertise
I’ve been a runner for more than 30 years, and a focused walker since 2020. Over the years, I’ve covered countless miles across multiple types of terrain, and I’ve had my share of injuries along the way. I’ve had three different foot surgeries in the last five years and, as a result, I’m extremely picky about the fit and performance of my sneakers. I typically walk or run every day as a form of exercise—in weather that can be bitterly cold, precariously icy or swelteringly hot—and also hike when I travel. In the last year, I logged about 520 active miles. As a lifestyle writer, I’ve covered beauty and wellness for the New York Times, Vogue and the Wall Street Journal. For Forbes Vetted, I’ve also extensively tested and written about the most comfortable flats and the most comfortable sandals for women.
For this piece, I consulted Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, who runs the private practice Step Up Footcare in New York City. Additionally, I interviewed Anne Holland Johnson, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan who specializes in sports-related injuries and is a team physician for the New York Liberty (WNBA) professional basketball team. Lastly, I spoke with Annabelle Lemes, a certified trainer in Connecticut who emphasizes strength training, flexibility and movement through a variety of sports, including aerobic walking.
What Shoes Do Orthopedic Surgeons Recommend?
Johnson, the orthopedic surgeon I interviewed for this story, recommends walking shoes with a rocker sole, like the Hoka Clifton 9. “Depending on your foot type, a rocker bottom-type sole requires less flexing and bending through the ankle and foot as you walk and lets the shoe take a bit more of the force,” she says. Meanwhile, Johnson notes that “someone with a flat foot or fallen arches will likely feel most comfortable in stability type sneakers, ones that incorporate an arch support directly within the insole.” My top pick overall, the Brooks Ghost, fits this description.
What Type Of Shoes Are Good For Walking And Standing All Day?
Whether you’re at work, on a walking tour or visiting an amusement park, there are plenty of scenarios in which you’ll need to walk and stand for long periods of time. For these kinds of days, look for a shoe with ample underfoot cushioning and grip, like the Sorel Kinetic Impact II. I also recommend the lightweight, airy On Cloud 5, which earned the top spot on our list of the best shoes for standing all day.
Which Walking Shoes Are Best For Foot Conditions?
While most sneakers are versatile enough to work for different walking needs, there are certain pairs that are best for specific foot conditions. Here’s a guide for what to consider when shopping; and when in doubt, consult your podiatrist.
Plantar fasciitis: Look for walking shoes with excellent arch support, cushioned insoles and shock-absorbing midsoles. Models that offer heel cups or extra cushioning in the heel area can also help relieve pain and discomfort. Brands like New Balance and Hoka often have good options for plantar fasciitis.
Flat feet: Opt for motion control or stability walking shoes with firm midsoles and good arch support. Brooks has good shoes for dealing with this condition.
High arches: Go for walking shoes with plenty of cushioning and flexibility. Shoes with a neutral or cushioned design work well for high arches. Consider Hoka or Brooks for cushioned options.
Bunions: Prioritize walking shoes with a wide and roomy toe box and soft, breathable materials that won’t put pressure on bunions. When browsing shoes for bunions, look for sneakers that come in a wide fit, such as those from New Balance and Under Armour.
