Alright ladies, let me spill the tea on the best walking shoes that will keep you strutting pain-free all day long. Whether you’re hitting the gym, jetting off on a travel adventure, or simply running errands, I’ve got you covered. After putting these shoes through the wringer, analyzing everything from cushioning to arch support, traction to heel drop, I’ve come to the verdict. The Brooks Ghost takes the crown for the best overall walking shoe, thanks to its supportive and versatile design. If you’re looking for bang for your buck, the Under Armour UA Essential Sportstyle Shoe is the way to go. It offers top-notch cushioning and breathability at a wallet-friendly price. And for all you lightweight lovers out there, the On Cloud 5 takes the cake with its airy yet supportive construction.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the full reviews of these fabulous walking shoes for women below:
Best Value Walking Sneaker For Women: Under Armour UA Essential Sportstyle Shoe
Best Everyday Lightweight Walking Sneaker For Women: On Cloud 5
Best Walking Sneaker For Women with a lot of style options: Brooks Ghost 15
Top Picks for Women’s Walking Shoes
grees, my feet remained cool and dry, with no sweaty socks in sight. Whether you’re a dedicated walker or someone who likes to mix things up with a little running or other activities, the Brooks Ghost is the ultimate sneaker for you. I personally put this pair to the test and logged a whopping 84 miles in them, and let me tell you, they never let me down.
Best Bang for Your Buck: Affordable and Breathable Women’s Walking Sneakers
Keep your feet comfortable without emptying your wallet with the Under Armour Women’s UA Essential Sportstyle Shoes. These sneakers are not only affordable but also provide excellent breathability for your walking needs.
Weight: 7.26 ounces | Lacing system: Traditional | Heel drop: 7.3 mm | Size range: 5-12 | Colors: Varies, 11 colors at the time of publishing.
Perfect for:
Those who prefer a more laid-back approach to walking or standing rather than intense exercise
Individuals with wide feet, bunions, or a preference for a roomier fit
Those in search of an affordable walking shoe that doesn’t compromise on comfort
Not recommended if:
You require an extremely stable shoe for more active days
You prefer a shoe with extra grip for slippery surfaces
These shoes are absolutely fantastic for everyday casual walking. They offer plenty of room, support, and breathability. While their retail price is $65, you can often find this highly popular sneaker on sale for as low as $45 during testing. That’s a significant saving compared to the average MSRP of athletic sneakers in 2021, which is $110 according to the latest data from RunRepeat. When compared to the other shoes I tested, the Sportstyle shoes cost approximately $100 less.
Despite the amazing price, these shoes don’t compromise on features. Comfort is consistently praised in customer reviews, and the Sportstyle shoes lived up to the hype in my own tests. The padded heel provides a well-cushioned ride, with a 7.3mm heel drop and 4.75 cm heel stack, making them ideal for walkers who land on their heels or have Achilles tendon issues. While these shoes weigh 7.26 ounces, placing them in the mid-range among our testing data, they didn’t feel clunky thanks to the mesh upper and soft sockliner, which give them an airy and weightless feel.
In my tests, the Sportstyle shoes proved to be the best walking shoe for individuals with wide feet. The insole width was the widest among all the shoes I wore, preventing any lateral rubbing on the sides of my foot. If you have bunions or find yourself standing for long periods, such as during travel or sightseeing or even during a marathon soccer game, the Sportstyle shoes are my top recommendation. The spacious girth and wide toe box allow your feet to comfortably expand and your toes to splay out, providing ample breathing room.
But hey, these shoes are not as rigid as your typical walking shoe; when I tried the pinch test, the heel counter was more on the flexible side. So, I wouldn’t exactly recommend them for a hardcore hike on rough, rocky terrain because your foot might slide around a bit. The outsole doesn’t have an excessive amount of grip either, so they’re not ideal for an intense walking expedition. That being said, in my tests, these shoes performed admirably on smooth pavements and indoor surfaces. All in all, the Sportstyle is a reliable choice for a laid-back walking shoe that cradles your feet, keeping them pain-free all day long. And with a price tag of under $70, you can’t beat the value you’re getting with this pair.
The Ultimate Featherweight Walking Shoe
The Coolest, Comfiest, and Most Stylish Kicks Around
TOP PICK
On Cloud 5
$140
$140 At Nordstrom$140 At REI$140 At On
Weight: 6.9 ounces | Lacing system: Speed laces with knotted cord; traditional laces included as well | Heel drop:2.5mm | Size range: 5-11 | Colors: 14 colors
Perfect for:
Those who crave a shoe that feels as light as air and looks effortlessly cool
Walkers with a slightly narrower to medium-width foot who want to strut their stuff
Those who want a trendy option that’s versatile enough for workouts and everyday wear
Not recommended if:
You’ve got wide feet that need a little extra wiggle room
You prefer a cushy ride or require a higher heel drop for any heel issues
If you’re on the prowl for a walking shoe that’s practically featherlight and gives you that barely-there sensation, then look no further than the On Cloud 5. Weighing in at a mere 6.9 ounces, it’s the lightest shoe we’ve put to the test. Whether you’re embarking on a long-distance trek or just taking a leisurely stroll, this shoe offers stability, arch support, and flexibility without any unnecessary bulk.
On, the hip Swiss brand that burst onto the scene in 2010, has amassed a dedicated following with their innovative midsole design. Featuring strategically placed air holes, it allows air to flow through and helps the shoe compress vertically and laterally upon impact. This nifty feature provides a cushioning effect that reduces muscle strain and ensures a smoother toe-off, making each stride a walk in the park. I even did a slow-motion comparison of my walking motion while wearing these shoes versus others, and the lift at the end of my gait cycle was noticeably smoother. And don’t just take my word for it, top trainer Annabelle Lemes swears by this pair, declaring, “I’m always on my feet, and On’s are my top pick.”
With a minimal heel drop of 2.5mm and a firm insole, the On Cloud 5 shoes offer an excellent option…
If you’re in the market for a lightweight walking shoe that feels like a second skin, the On Cloud 5 is the epitome of perfection. Weighing a mere 6.9 ounces, it’s the lightest shoe we tested. It’s perfect for covering both long and short distances, providing stability and arch support without any unnecessary bulk.
On, the Swiss brand that’s been making waves since its establishment in 2010, has garnered a loyal following for its innovative midsole design. Featuring strategically placed air holes, it allows for optimal airflow and helps the shoe compress vertically and laterally upon impact. This unique feature cushions your feet, reducing muscle strain and ensuring a smooth toe-off, making each stride effortless. I even compared my walking motion in slow-motion videos while wearing these shoes versus others, and the lift at the end of my gait cycle was noticeably smoother. Plus, renowned trainer Annabelle Lemes swears by this pair, stating, “I’m constantly on my feet, and On’s are my go-to choice.”
With a minimal heel drop of 2.5mm and a firm insole, the On Cloud 5 shoes are an exceptional choice…
The Cloud 5 is an absolute game-changer for those who struggle with balance or anyone looking to conquer rugged trails, cobblestone streets, or unpredictable terrain. Its heel counter offers a solid level of firmness, securely holding my foot in place, almost as well as the Brooks. Not to mention, the ankle collar is perfectly sized, providing a snug fit without any annoying chafing. The mesh upper is not only breathable but also features sleek reflective bands, adding a stylish touch of safety for nighttime walks.
Now, there is a waterproof version of the Cloud 5 available, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. It’s wrapped in an anhydrous membrane that creates a tighter fit than the regular version (the company suggests going up half a size). Even the regular Cloud 5 has a trim fit, as my foot slightly extended over the sides by about 0.5 inch during my insole test. Now, for me, this wasn’t uncomfortable since I have medium to narrow feet, but it might be a concern for those with wider feet. Another thing to note is the speed-lacing system. The On shoes come pre-laced with a thin cord that’s knotted at both ends, allowing you to easily slide your feet in and secure them by pulling the cord. However, I did find that the cord loosened up over time. Now, this design feature may not be everyone’s cup of tea, which is why On includes a set of traditional laces with every pair.
Looking at it from a fashion perspective, the Cloud 5 definitely hit the mark for me. These Swiss shoes have a sleek and minimal design that, when paired with a skirt, makes it seem like a deliberate fashion choice rather than just a comfort necessity. The only downside is that they’re so popular that the color I wanted, Glacier White, was completely sold out. However, I did find Surf Cobble, a greenish-silver shade that I tested, to be a great alternative.
The Perfect Combination of Cushioning, Stability, and Comfort
Brooks Ghost 15
Weight: 7.9 ounces | Lacing system: Traditional |Heel drop: 12 mm | Size range: 5-13; medium, wide, narrow | Colors: 32 colors, including 14 limited-edition colors
Good for:
Those avid walkers and active folks who practically live on their feet
People who dabble in various activities and sports, like walkers who enjoy a little running or cross-training
Heel strikers and those who crave extra cushioning without sacrificing stability
Avoid if:
You’re all about that featherlight shoe; this one’s a bit on the medium-weight side and the added shock absorption in the heel might be a tad too much bulk for you
This pair reigns supreme on our list of top-notch walking shoes because it’s the ultimate multitasker for different walking styles and those seeking a supportive, all-purpose sneaker. It’s incredibly stable, with an outsole that grips like a champ, whether you’re zooming along or taking it easy on all sorts of surfaces. The cushioned EVA foam midsole absorbs that shock when your heel makes contact with the ground, so it’s perfect if you also dabble in high-impact activities like running. Trust me, there’s practically nothing you can’t do comfortably in the Brooks Ghost, which is why it’s become my go-to shoe out of all the ones I’ve put to the test.
The Ghost comes with a curved insole that’s a godsend for reducing arch stress, making it a dream for folks with achy tendons, flat feet, or those who spend long hours on their feet. You’ll also appreciate the firm heel counter that keeps your foot in check, preventing any unwanted ankle rolling or over-pronation. Just a heads up, I tested version 14 of this shoe, but version 15 is the latest and greatest. With a 12 mm heel drop, the Ghost’s heel is just a smidge higher than your average running sneaker. These kicks boast a 4.25 cm heel stack (height) and a weight of 9.1 ounces, which falls right in the middle of the pack compared to the other shoes I tried out. This means they offer a moderate level of cushioning, which is a good thing because too much padding can throw off your stability.
