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Women's walking shoes: the quick guide
A good walking shoe is about what's under your foot: cushioning that doesn't go flat, support through the arch, and a sole that grips. Whether you walk to work, travel a lot or head out on weekend walks, our range includes cushioned sneakers, lightweight Cloudsteppers and supportive lace-ups.
What to look for in a walking shoe
- A cushioned footbed with some arch support.
- A firm heel that doesn't fold when you squeeze it.
- A sole that bends at the ball of your foot, not in the middle.
- A grippy rubber sole for wet footpaths.
- Laces, so you can adjust the fit as your feet swell during the day.
The lightest option
If weight matters, start with the Cloudsteppers range. The foam soles make them much lighter than a traditional shoe, which you notice by the end of a long day or a day of sightseeing.
Walking with sore feet or orthotics
Look for a style with a removable footbed, so you can swap in your own orthotic. If your orthotic is thick, go up half a size. For ongoing heel or arch pain, a podiatrist can tell you what kind of support your feet need.
Getting the fit right
Leave about a thumb's width of space past your longest toe, try shoes on with the socks you'll walk in, and if you can, shop in the afternoon when your feet are at their biggest. For an everyday sneaker that also walks well, see our women's sneakers, and for something dressier, our flats and loafers.
Frequently asked questions
How much room should walking shoes have at the toe?
About a thumb's width, roughly 1cm, past your longest toe. Your feet swell a little as you walk, and that space stops your toes hitting the end.
When should I replace my walking shoes?
When the cushioning feels flat, the tread has worn smooth, or the shoes start to lean to one side. If you walk most days, that's often within a year.
Are walking shoes good for plantar fasciitis?
Many people with heel pain find cushioned, supportive shoes help, especially styles with a removable footbed for an orthotic. If the pain keeps coming back, see a podiatrist.
Can I wear the same walking shoes every day?
You can, but swapping between two pairs gives each pair time to dry out and the cushioning time to recover, so both last longer.