The 11 Best Walking Shoes To Wear For Miles (and Miles)

11 Walking Shoes to Wear for Miles (and Miles)Getty Images

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Whether you're walking several miles per day or taking short laps around the block, the best walking shoes for women deliver on style and comfort at once. In my experience, walking shoes that can last for miles are flexible, breathable, and supportive. Plus, some are just as stylish as a pair of comfortable flats.

Experts recommend prioritizing comfort and fit above all other factors when searching for the best walking shoes. "Since walking tends to involve more time on my feet than going out for a quick run, underfoot comfort and cushioning is mission critical," Nike Running coach Jes Woods tells BAZAAR. And if you're the type to wear your best sneakers on a daily basis, you'll want to consider aesthetics as well. "When picking my favorites, I want a shoe that is supportive and feels easy to throw on—without sacrificing style," Carbon38 co-founder and CEO Katie Warner Johnson adds. That's where street-style approved walking shoes like the New Balance 574s or Golden Goose Superstars come in.

Ahead, I've gathered the 11 best walking shoes from tried-and-tested brands including Nike, Veja, Allbirds, and more that deliver on style and wear-all-day comfort. I tested as many pairs as I could myself; and when I couldn't, I consulted the experts above along with other shoppers' reviews. Read on for the best walking shoes designed to go the distance.

React Infinity 2 Road Running Shoes

For a fuss-free, reliable, and athletic walking shoe, the Nike React Infinity is one of the top-rated pairs on our list. Nike trainer Jess Woods gives them her expert stamp of approval. "I can wear them all day from coaching to commuting to power walking because the React foam is not only plush, aka comfortable, but durable," she said.

Sizes: 5–12

Material: Flyknit material, rubber

Weight: 8.6 oz

Heel drop: 8.4mm

Story continues

What reviewers say: "I am not a runner. I just need shoes [with] support because I walk a lot. These are cute and supportive top to bottom, front to back, inside and out."

"I've worn many different brands of training shoe in the last few years & this one has really impressed me! The shoe provided great support, breathes well & feels so comfortable on. Excited I found this shoe!"

Shop Now

React Infinity 2 Road Running Shoes

$115.97

nike.Com

NikeMotiva Walking Shoes

Nike's designers understand that your foot strikes the ground differently when you walk (or power walk) versus when you run. The Motiva, released earlier this year, has a chunky rocker sole that eases the impact of your foot's heel-to-toe forward motion at a walking pace. Then when you're ready to jog or run, the outsoles and insoles are designed to cushion and support your foot through higher intensities.

"In designing Motiva, we really went after removing distractions, addressing the discomfort that can go along with how you feel both during and after an activity," Dr. Emily Farina, Principal Researcher in the Nike Sport Research Lab, said at the Motiva's release. "The result is a shoe that can help reduce disruptions in your stride to make moving feel smoother[.]" So far, reviewers seem to agree.

Sizes: 5–12

Material: Foam, lightweight fabric

What reviewers say: "I recently tried out the Nike Motiva Walking Shoes with a sleek design, and they definitely exceeded my expectations in comfort and style. When wearing them for my daily walk I noticed a cloud-like cushioning that provided excellent support for my feet. They were comfortable for my workout and then straight to running errands!"

"These are a great pair of shoes that make you feel like you are walking on air. As someone who deals with back pain, I am always looking for a pair of athletic shoes that are easy on my lower back. These shoes are fantastic and unlike anything I've worn before. The first time you put them on, you almost feel like you are rocking in them. After you get used to them, you immediately notice how the shoes are designed to take the pressure off of your pain points. And as a bonus, they look great! I've received multiple compliments from others on my new shoes. I do believe I've found a pair of shoes I intend to wear for a long time."

Shop Now

Motiva Walking Shoes

$110.00

nike.Com

NikeTrail Runners SWT

When you're logging miles on a cross-country trip or a trail deep in the woods, pull on these sneakers recommended by Hana Kajimura, head of sustainability at Allbirds. "I find that when I'm traveling, I want one pair of shoes that can work for exploring a city or working out," she says. They're water-repellent for rainy days and versatile for all weather: Kajimura wears them with hiking gear and everyday cropped denim alike. The treaded soles offer extra traction for uneven and slippery terrain as well.

Sizes: 5–11

Material: Wool, bio-based foam

Weight: 9.99 oz

Heel drop: 7mm

What reviewers say: "This is a great option for a good sturdy foot bed and traction. It's breathable but has a good toe reinforcement that the other shoes don't have."

"For the first time in years, I have no pain in my feet. And I love the style."

Shop Now

Trail Runners SWT

$140.00

allbirds.Com

AllbirdsClifton 9 Sneaker

Hoka's Clifton sneakers are a cult-favorite among walkers and runners. Recently, the brand updated its signature style to be even more comfortable and supportive on long walks. The upper gently hugs your foot with the same lightweight feel of past editions–but this time, it weighs even less and the heel is more plush. Wearing the Clifton 9 sneakers feels you're walking on cotton candy, down to the dreamy pastel colorways.

Sizes: 5–12, in regular and wide versions

Material: Recycled polyester

Weight: 7.30 oz

Heel drop: 5mm

What reviewers say: "Out of the box hit! I am a heavy footed walker and these were like walking on a cloud. I had no pain at the end of the day. Love!!!"

"I use these shoes for workouts at the gym, long walks in the park. They are very comfortable and cute. I receive compliments. Comfort is very important to me and these shoes have great cushion."

Shop Now

Clifton 9 Sneaker

$145.00

hoka.Com

HokaUnisex Arizona Essentials EVA Black Sandals

Fashion insiders are not-so-secretly fans of the Birkenstock walking shoe. Even Manolo Blahnik wears its sandals. While Birkenstock's flashier designer collaborations sell out quickly, a solid pair of its original Arizona sandals makes a reliable, and easily available, summer walking shoe. (You wouldn't want to log dozens of miles in a delicate velvet slide, anyway.)The essentials Arizona slide is waterproof, shockproof, and won't irritate your skin—with a molded footbed your feet will appreciate. It's a beach shoe and an everywhere shoe, if you want it to be.

Sizes: 4–12.5

Material: Molded EVA

What reviewers say: "So comfortable, better support than I expected, and easy to wash. These are great for walking the dog, running errands, and doing yard work."

"I've never worn Birkenstocks before. These are pretty comfortable... A little stiff but that was expected because of the synthetic material. Love that they are waterproof! I wear a 9 1/2 in just about any shoe. I ordered these in the size 9 and they fit perfectly! Love that they are as easy as a flip flop but offer more support."

Shop Now

Unisex Arizona Essentials EVA Black Sandals

$50.00

amazon.Com

AmazonSuperstar Mixed Leather Sneakers

Golden Goose sneakers have an artist's edge that's unmatched, thanks to their ever-so-slightly distressed look. More importantly for women on the move, these kicks are comfortable enough to stomp around the city in for an entire day. (The legions of Golden Goose fans on TikTok would agree.)

Sizes: 5–12

Material: Leather

What reviewers say: "They are so well made–pretty sure I will be keeping these for a while."

"I was hesitant to purchase a pair of Golden Goose sneakers initially, but now I'm so glad I did. They required virtually no breaking in period right from my first wear, and they're already conforming to the shape of my feet. I can tell the quality of the leather is stellar, and the silver styling is classic and versatile; dressed up or casual. If you're on the fence, don't be! Buy these, you won't regret it. 👍🏼 "

Shop Now

Superstar Mixed Leather Sneakers

$545.00

neimanmarcus.Com

Neiman MarcusCondor 2 Sneaker

Warner Johnson of Carbon38 says she's a big fan of Veja's Condor sneaker. (Her original recommendation has sold out, but I tracked down another colorway at Revolve.) For her, it's a matter of their lightweight construction and "sophisticated" color palette. "Plus, the upper is made of 100 percent recycled plastic and the sole is composed of bio-based materials like banana oil and sugar cane," she adds. "Sounds, and looks, like dessert for your feet!"

Reviewers on other sites add that Veja sneakers only get more comfortable with each wear.

Sizes: 36–41

Materials: Recycled polyester, plant-based sole

Weight: 10.6oz

Heel drop: 10mm

What reviewers say: "I love the Veja brand, their ethics, their mission, their style so I bought these on a whim to see if I liked their feel and fit. I was so delightfully surprised! They are so light weight, supportive, cute, and comfortable!"

Shop Now

Condor 2 Sneaker

$205.00

revolve.Com

RevolveUnisex 574 V2 Lace-Up Sneaker

Street style icons like Laura Harrier and Hailey Bieber can't stop wearing the New Balance 550s. But Bieber has another pair of New Balances that make even better walking shoes: the 574 V2. This pair comes backed with several five-star ratings praising their comfort, range of colors, and cool vintage look. The treaded sole makes them even more suited for walking long distances.

Sizes: 5.5–12

Materials: Suede, rubber

What reviewers say: "Super clean and actually look better in person than the pictures. Highly recommended!"

"I have crazy wide feet. Some companies make shoes in "wide" widths but they're not wide enough for my crazy wide feet. Found these, loved the retro look, and thought I'd try them. These shoes are so wide and so perfectly cushioned that my feet give a nearly audible sigh of relief when I put them on. Each of my toes can throw their own party in these shoes. Since I got them, I have worn them every day and basked in the comfort. I just bought them in another color because my feet deserve it."

Shop Now

Unisex 574 V2 Lace-Up Sneaker

$84.95

amazon.Com

AmazonDevotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe

This walking shoe, available in 17 different color combinations, is one of those rare Amazon finds I almost want to gatekeep. (But I won't.) Reviewers say the entire sole cushion is comfortable, with the added bonus of extra padding along the tongue.

Sizes: 5–12

Materials: Mesh, rubber

Weight: 7.9oz

Heel drop: 11mm

What reviewers say: "Have tried so many brand name (and even high end name) and these are the only shoes that have given me great comfort."

"More room in the toe box than the average sneaker and way more cushion in the heel. If you have knee, hip or foot pain then get this shoe. Good support for ankle too. Move over Hoka. Ryka is just as good if not better and way way more affordable. My mother has plantar fasciitis and it has alleviated her pain so she can walk again. I highly recommend."

Shop Now

Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe

$59.99

amazon.Com

AmazonChargefeel Low Women's Workout Shoe

I thought Lululemon's first sneaker was worth the hype, and I've been even more impressed with the rollout of the label's additional shoe styles. The Chargefeel sneaker is ideal for active days that include a workout: It has a midfoot frame that cradles your foot through walks, runs, and bodyweight training. It's springy, but not overly bouncy—and the wavy design looks so sleek.

Sizes: 5–12

Weight: 9.7oz

Heel drop: 9mm

What reviewers say: "I find the shoes are great for my daily 4K walk good support and a great amount of cushion for walking trails!"

"These shoes are very comfortable and I would recommend them to everyone. The choice of colors was also a selling factor for me."

Shop Now

Chargefeel Low Women's Workout Shoe

$138.00

lululemon.Com

LululemonCapri Sneaker

Here's a walking shoe for those who prefer streamlined, minimalistic shoes to chunkier athletic styles. Koio's leather sneakers are beloved for their clean, responsibly sourced leather and subtly cushioned insoles for all-day wear. Across more than 1,400 online reviews, shoppers are impressed by this sneaker's versatility and comfort above all. This sleek design looks just as good with leggings and a sports bra for Pilates class as it does for exploring a European city in a sundress.

Sizes: 5–11

Material: Leather, 100% rubber sole, removable OrthoLite Hybrid insole

Weight: 1 lb.

What reviewers say: "This pair from Koio is 100% worth the price—they're impeccably made, and the leather is beautiful."

"Only had these two weeks and they are by far the most comfortable shoe I've purchased in years. Received tons of compliments."

Are women's running shoes good for walking?

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Running shoes can double as walking shoes if you're low on closet space. The top versions of both sneaker styles have minimal break-in periods and feel light on your feet. Dedicated walking shoes might have extra lateral support to stabilize your foot and ankle, plus a pillowy sole. Meanwhile, the best running shoes for women have subtle features that enhance your speed and endurance.

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What should I wear when walking all day?

If you're spending an entire day on your feet, the best walking shoes are only the start of what you'll need. Other gear you should consider for a day of comfort include:

Breathable and moisture-wicking base layers, like a matching workout set from Nike, Alo Yoga, or Girlfriend Collective

Comfortable socks

An extra layer (or two!) like a windbreaker or crewneck sweater

Sunscreen with a high SPF

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Are cushioned shoes better for walking?

Generally, yes. Cushioned shoes offer support throughout your foot no matter how far you plan to walk. However, walking puts less force on your foot than running, so you don't need a shoe with a noticeable heel stack to feel comfortable.

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Meet the Experts

Jes Woods leads guided runs and walks as a Nike running coach in New York City. She also coaches trail and ultra athletes in the Brooklyn Track Club.

Dr. Emily Farina is a principal researcher in the Nike Sport Research Lab.

Katie Warner Johnson is the co-founder and CEO of the leading luxury athleticwear store Carbon38.

Hana Kajimura is the lead of sustainability at the direct-to-consumer footwear brand Allbirds.

Halie LeSavage is the fashion commerce editor at Harper's BAZAAR and a recreational walker and runner. She tested shoes to recommend for this story.

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Why trust Harper's BAZAAR

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For more than 150 years, Harper's BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what's new and what's next in fashion by working with the world's leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

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Outagamie County Comes To A Conclusion On Supervisor Tim Hermes

Updated: June 6, 2023 / 09:34 PM CDT

APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Outagamie County supervisors have made a decision on whether to verbally censure Tim Hermes for comments he made that many viewed as transphobic.

During a special meeting, supervisors voted to censure Hermes for the comments he made during a meeting on May 9.

The censure resolution carried 21-8.

Hermes compared biological men dressing as women to 'blackface in the 1920s' and said that people changing in restrooms that align with their gender identity is 'disgusting.'

Groups in support of and against censuring Hermes both attended the meeting. They got to have their say during public comment.

"The comments made by this supervisor are not protected speech, they incite violence against transgender people," said Jonnie Urban.

"Hate speech and hate actions have no place here," said another supporter of the resolution during public comment. "Hate has no place in this city, on this county board, in our words or our actions. Let love above all else abide." 

"It's against the created order of God and it's against science," said a pastor who had said that he had traveled to Outagamie County from downstate to be at the meeting.

Supervisor Hermes had an opportunity to speak before the censure vote and double downed on the comments that he had made.

This is a developing story. Local 5 News will update this when we learn more.

Hermes censure vote tonight in Outagamie County Posted: June 6, 2023 / 03:11 PM CDT

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Outagamie County supervisors will vote whether to verbally censure supervisor Tim Hermes for comments he made that many view as transphobic.

Hermes compared men dressing as women to blackface in the 1920s and said that people changing in restrooms that line up with their gender identity is disgusting.

The vote will come during a special meeting at 7 p.M. Local 5 News has learned that multiple supervisors were involved in writing up the resolution and that the board needed a majority of supervisors to approve a special meeting to have the verbal censure vote.

Per a public information request, Local 5 News has learned that 26 of 36 county supervisors had requested a special meeting for the verbal censure vote.

Below is the full text of the verbal censure resolution:

"Approve of requesting the Chairperson of the Board verbally censure Supervisor Timothy Hermes for his conduct at the May 9, 2023 Board meeting in Appleton and finds the conduct of Supervisor Hermes to be damaging to the good reputation of Outagamie County, to be disrespectful and insensitive to members of our community, and to be inconsistent with the mission of Outagamie County, its employees, officers and the majority of the County Board of Supervisors."

-Outagamie County Board resolution

The comments in question came during a May 9 meeting after a presentation from the county's chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer Major Cooper. Local 5 News obtained a full audio recording between Cooper and Hermes:

HERMES: "I know women had to fight for their own sports and their own bathrooms and the way that I look at things is you have any man that can decide he wants to be a women. It's kind of reverting a woman like a feeling like any grandmother, a mother, sister, daughter, any man can just be that. To me a man putting on a dress and putting on a woman's face is the same as blackface in the 1920s. How do you justify that? Reverting women to a feeling that any man can be a woman. I just totally disagree with that."

COOPER: "I think it's really about showing everybody dignity and respect. So how a person identifies we have to respect that and acknowledge it and make sure that they're operating in a safe space. So I can definitely understand for some people it may seem, I'm not going to even acknowledge it as odd, but it may be a new idea. And a new way of thinking and approaching people. I think if you operate with an identity lens first and foremost see that person as an actual person, no matter what they identify as their gender there's certain rights they deserve."

HERMES: "But don't you think a woman has the right to their own bathrooms and not a man pretending to be a woman going into the bathroom. That presents a lot of concerns for fathers, you have a man in a dress with a woman's face on going into the bathroom by a little girl or trying to change in their dressing rooms I find that disgusting."

COOPER: "I think this is all about changing the culture, I think what we're looking at now as we provide a safe space for all that we have these places and spaces where we a family restroom. Where if there's a situation where a father, like you said, has a young daughter and feels uncomfortable in the space of sending their young daughter into a woman only restroom or female-identifying restroom they can take them into that single stall family restroom and then lock the door and it's just them two without any type of disruption. So I think that's where we're moving to make sure we are showing respect to all. I understand where you may have a fear of that or you have feelings of disgust. I acknowledge that but I also want to push back at you and say what happens when it's your daughter who grows older and says you know what father I may feel like I need to transition because of how I feel and  I want to identify as a male. You will want that same safe space for them as they travel and really try to just exist. I think that's where we really got to start to recognize that there are people who are different from us but then also put ourselves in their shoes and what if it was our family member? We would want the same rights for them as well."

HERMES: "I would have to go get counseling, is what I would do."

COOPER: "I understand that, I recognize that and we will have more conversations around this because I think you have value but I also want you to garner that respect. Not to say you're losing that respect but these are the people who are in our county and we want to make sure we're respecting all."

The 9 Best Walking Shoes For Women In 2023, According To An Expert

Amazon

With warm weather around the horizon, it's always good to have a pair of durable sandals that can be worn on long walks.

"If you have flat feet you overpronate (which means your arch collapses more than it should) I recommend wearing the Chaco Z/2 Classic Sandal," Cunha said. "This sandal has arch support to minimize arch fatigue and discomfort, as well as a slight heel lift to reduce the stress and pain affecting the posterior tibial and achilles tendons, which is commonly associated with arch pain."

An FAQ on shopping for the best walking shoes for women

Ahead, Dr. Cunha provides insight into the foot and sneakers world.

What do I look for when shopping for walking shoes online?

Flex Point: The point where the shoe bends and creases is the flex point. For optimal comfort, the flex point of the shoe should match the bending point of your foot; when it doesn't align with your foot it can cause problems like arch pain or plantar fasciitis. You can check the flex point of the shoe by holding it by the heel and pressing the toe of the shoe onto the ground.

Comfortable Footbed & Insole: You'll want to support the arch with memory foam or EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) anti-compression insole.

Shock Absorbant Outsole: Outsoles made of rubber will help alleviate the impact of each step far greater than a shoe with a hard sole.

Supportive & Durable Uppers: It's important to pick a shoe that offers as much durability and protection as possible without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.  Look for a shoe designed with smooth, solid leather uppers that are not only highly durable but also flexible and comfortable.

How to identify what foot type I have:

To determine your foot type look at the soles of a pair of worn-in pair of shoes. The wear patterns illustrate where you are accumulating pressure when you walk. Certain foot types are more prone to specific types of foot discomfort and foot related injuries.  For instance, people with plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, shin splints, or inner knee pain, tend to have flat feet and be pronators, which means your feet roll inward.  People who commonly sprain their ankles or have outer knee pain in contrast, and tend to be supinators because they have higher arches and roll outward. 

There are three wear patterns to look for in your shoes. 

If your shoe is worn out in this area you're a supinator or an underpronator.  With this foot type you will need cushioning sneakers for shock absorption. 

If your shoes are evenly worn you are neutral and have an average gait with equal weight distribution across the foot. With this foot type you need stability or moderate-stability sneakers, which offer a balance of cushioning and support. 

If you notice that your shoes have the top inner edge worn, you're a pronator.  With this foot type you need motion-control or high-stability sneakers to keep your feet better aligned with your legs.

Supinator

If you are a supinator, look for shoes with soft, flexible midsoles and look as if they don't have an arch but are rather filled in with more sole and cushioning as this foot type doesn't provide enough shock absorption on its own.   When picking a running shoe pick one with extra rubber incorporated into the sole which translates to a smoother and bouncier gait.  When picking a shoe for cross-training, pick a shoe with flexible grooves in the sole to facilitate ballistic pivoting and cutting.

Neutral

If you're neutral, fortunately, with this type you distribute weight evenly across your feet so motion control is not as critical as stability.  A lightweight shoe that bends just to the ball of the foot will be sufficient enough to offer a good balance of cushioning and support.   When picking shoes for cross-training, pick shoes that have soles that look slinky which help put an extra spring in your step.  When picking shoes for running look for a shoe that provides traction and reduces instep strain.

Pronator

If you're a pronator, look for shoes that have the presence of a dense supportive arch which helps provide reinforcement and keep the arches of the foot from collapsing. These shoes tend to be fairly stiff and will flex only near the toe area.  When picking shoes for cross training choose a side a wide toe box allows for comfortable lateral movement as pronating feet will collapse and spread within the shoe.  When picking shoes for running, pick a shoe with stabilizing roll bars to help protect the arches.

How do I break in my new walking shoes?

Wear the shoes around the house or running errands for short periods of time and gradually increase usage

Wear thicker socks or double up on socks initially

Try stretching shoe spray and shoe stretchers

Use a hair dryer to heat up the shoes for 2-3 minutes while wearing them to help them expand

Expert tips

Routinely replace your shoes: Good sneakers are designed to last for 300 to 500 miles.  As a result, your shoes will need to be replaced approximately every six-10 months. It doesn't matter if they still look new, if the support has been worn out you're at a much higher risk of injury.  I also recommend taking note of the date each time you buy a new pair of walking shoes, this will help you to keep track of when you're due for a new pair.

Make sure you're buying the right size: I recommend always buying shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen.  If they feel comfortable at the end of the day most likely they will feel comfortable throughout the day.  Have your foot measured with a brannock device for both length and width. It's important to remember that sizing can be different across different brands, due to their design and the materials used. 

Try at least three different shoe models: try two different models at the same time, wearing one model on each foot. The tip of your thumb should fit between the end of the shoe and the end of your longest toe.  Make sure the toe box is wide enough to accommodate your toes; make sure there is enough room to slightly wiggle your toes. If you can't move your toes at all then the shoes are too tight and will eventually become painful.  

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