Whether you’re power-walking through the neighborhood, on your feet from 9 to 5, or constantly chasing after small, fast-moving humans, a comfortable, slip-resistant shoe with real support isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Experts say that, if you can swing it, your best bet is to get properly fitted at a specialty running store — especially if you deal with foot pain or conditions like plantar fasciitis. But here’s the good news: many of the most recommended walking-shoe brands from those stores — think Brooks, ASICS, Saucony, Skechers, and New Balance — are also just a few clicks away on Amazon.
Below, we gathered a list of highly rated walking sneakers with expert advice in mind. Your feet (and your schedule) will thank you.
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How we picked the best walking shoes for women from Amazon
In a previous guide on best women’s walking shoes, podiatrists Olga Shvets and Miguel Cunha said the first step to buying the right walking shoe is knowing what type of arch support you need — neutral, low or high. This depends on knowing whether your foot type is pronator (when your ankle or arch rolls or tips inward slightly), supinator (when your weight rolls onto the outer edges of your feet) or neutral (when your foot lands on your heel and rolls forward so that your impact is distributed evenly). If buying online, Shvets recommends looking at a well-worn pair of sneakers you already own to see where they are worn out.
Here are some of the other important factors our experts provided when we were coming up with our list of the best walking shoes on Amazon:
- Arch support: Shoes with good arch support will be comfortable for longer. Look for a footbed made of memory foam or an ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) anti-compression insole for maximum comfort.
- Comfortable uppers: Look for flexible uppers that are made from durable materials, so they last. A breathable fabric is also a smart choice to allow for maximum ventilation to avoid moisture that can cause Athlete’s foot or other complications from fungus.
- Weight: A heavy shoe is going to fatigue you faster. Opt for a lightweight sneaker to keep you comfortable and fast on your feet.
Best women’s walking shoes on Amazon
To help you shop for a great-quality walking shoe on Amazon, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best options in line with our expert guidance, as well as some highly rated brands that are breathable, lightweight, provide excellent arch support and more. We’ve also included options in every price range, from the most budget-friendly to the most splurge-worthy.
These sneakers were tested for the NBC Select Wellness Awards and were a big hit amongst many staffers. “These are so well-cushioned that I can wear them all day,” says NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris, who says she has flat feet. The sneakers have a wider toe box and soft cushioning for all-day wear.
These mesh slip-on shoes are breathable and lightweight and include a sock liner that adapts to your foot while you walk, according to the brand. The insole is made of Skechers’ Gogo Max technology, which provides added cushioning and support, according to Skechers. The Go Joy comes in medium, narrow and wide sizes and 37 color options, including hot pink, red, charcoal, black and taupe.
A favorite of Cunha, the Guide 15 has been redesigned with thicker cushioning and higher sidewalls for better stability. They also have a thick sole from heel to toe to absorb impact. “I always recommend this shoe because it delivers a softer heel strike and takes some stress off the foot,” he says.
The Clifton 8 from NBC Select editor-favorite brand Hoka has recently been re-engineered with a midsole that offers one of the brand’s lightest, most energetic foams to date, said the company. It’s made of mesh fabric for extra breathability and has an extended heel crash pad to help protect against injury, according to Hoka. It comes in 16 fun colorways, including aquarelle/eggshell blue, grape wine/beautyberry and blue graphite/ibis rose.
The v13 was designed for walkers and average runners who aren’t focused on speed, according to the brand. Shvets likes this shoe for the additional cushioning that helps absorb impact and protect the joints. These shoes can also accommodate orthotics comfortably and are great for the elderly population, says Shvets.
These sneakers have a leather upper and rubber soles to provide grip as you walk. They’re made with a memory foam sole for cushioning and the way they are constructed moves air from your heel to your forefoot and back to keep feet cool, according to the brand.
These popular shoes are lightweight and breathable and have extra padding in the sole and heel collar for added comfort. They’re also machine washable for easy cleaning.
These sneakers are a NBC Select Wellness Award winner and one of the best walking shoes. They slip on, though they look as though they have laces. The shoes have thick foam cushioning that is bouncy and supportive to provide comfort all day.
Another highly rated slip-on, the Doussprt is made of mesh fabric and has an elastic cuff for easy on and off. Its perforated arch is designed for extra ventilation and its air cushion technology provides a buffer between you and the ground to help protect you from injury, according to Doussprt. The footbed is made of mesh and EVA for added arch support. They also have a slip-resistant heel and a wide, round toe, which make these ideal for those who need to stand for long periods, according to the brand.
Like the Doussprt, this STQ walking shoe is made of breathable mesh fabric with a wide, round toe, so they are comfortable enough for all-day standing, according to the brand. Best for those requiring low arch support, these shoes have a thick sole with air cushioning to help absorb the impact as you walk. At just under 1 pound, the STQ is extremely lightweight. These mesh slip-ons are machine washable and come in 13 colors, including taupe, dark grey, navy and purple.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Miguel Cunha is a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York.
- Olga Shvets is a podiatrist at Bay Ridge Family Podiatry in Brooklyn and Central Park Podiatry in Yonkers.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am a weekend editor at NBC Select who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, I researched and gathered sneaker options that align with expert guidance. Barbara Booth conducted interviews with our experts and also gathered options for your consideration.
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