Author: The Adventure Lab Staff
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Quick Answer: The Best Walking Shoes for Women
Today’s best walking shoes for women combine outstanding design, quality materials, unrivalled comfort, and a price that won’t break the bank.
Invariably a hybrid between the best casual and the best athletic footwear, they let you walk as far as you want without suffering undue wear and tear on your body or on the shoes.
The five models featured here have proven their calibre to both consumers at large and us. Read on for a guide on what you need to know when buying walking shoes, along with our top picks currently on the market.
If you're looking for walking shoes more suited to off-road trails, check out our write-up on the best hiking shoes.
iMAGE
PRODUCT
OUR #1 RATED
OUR #1 RATED
NEW BALANCE CRUZ V2
- Fresh Foam midsole
- Solid rubber outsole
- Breathable knit upper
- Slip-on design
Propet Travelfit
- Breathable knitted mesh
- Suitable for all surfaces
- Lightweight (160gs/pair)
BROOKS ADDICTION WALKER
- Reliable support system
- True to size and width
- Durable full-grain leather upper
NIKE AIR ZOOM PEGASUS
- Snug fit
- Excellent shock absorption
- Comfortable heel collar
How To Choose the best walking Shoes
If you’re looking for a new pair of walking shoes, check-up the model you like against the list of essential features below.
Arch Type
The intricate anatomy of the foot forms flexible side-to-side and lengthwise arches that distribute your bodyweight evenly and help maintain your balance. They play an important role in how you adapt to walking on various surfaces, that’s why wearing adequate shoes that accommodate your arch type is essential.
- Straight to semi-curved lasts and firm midsoles are ideal for those with an average arch.
- Cushioned soles compensate for the lack of natural shock absorption of high arches.
- Straight lasts exert a motion control and stabilising action on low-arched feet.
Shoe Type
Walking shoes are divided into two basic types, with or without laces. Besides the subjective criteria driven by preference, you must also consider the intended use.
Shoes without laces are easy to slip on like sandals, but they may come off if you during light running or climbing.
Shoes with laces stay fit and snug in all circumstances, but loose laces can be hazardous especially when walking on a treadmill.
Fit
Even the best walking shoes won’t do their job if they don’t fit perfectly. Here are a few tips to make sure your new pair fit snugly:
- Try the new pair with socks on, preferably the same socks you use for walking.
- Pay attention to the shoes’ width. They must be snug, not tight.
- Try both shoes before calling the pair a fit. They must feel comfortable from the first moment.
RELATED: The Best Walking Shoes for Men
WOMENS walking shoe reviews
#1 New Balance Cruz v2
BUY AT the
athlete's foot
New Balance is renowned for their athletic footwear, but the Cruz v2 Women’s is a fine example of their walking shoes range.
Sure, you can see the running shoe design shining through, but this pair is more than that.
The Cruz v2 is comfortable and perfect for walking on asphalt. Slightly heavier than expected, they come with a stylish mesh and nubuck upper. Moreover, the feminine vintage pink transforms this pair in a true statement of fashion.
Pros
- Fresh Foam midsole
- Solid rubber outsole
- Breathable knit upper
- Slip-on design
cons
- Mesh may not withstand wear and tear as well as other materials
#2 Propet Travelfit WOMENS REVIEW
best value
BUY AT the
athlete's foot
The Propet Travelfit Women’s is an incredibly well-built shoe designed to provide structure and support in all key places.
It’s suitable for walking on all surfaces and provides plenty of support to an average to high arch. The medium fit makes it perfect for most women, while the Rejuve Motion Technology adds comfort during long walks.
Perfect for casual and fitness walking alike, the Propet Travelfit brings a balanced value for money.
Pros
- Breathable knitted mesh
- Suitable for all surfaces
- Lightweight (160gs/pair)
cons
- Tight across the toes
- Fabric upper reportedly wears quickly
#3 Brooks Addiction Walker review
BUY AT the
athlete's foot
Constructed for the gym but perfect for walking in all environments, the Brooks Addiction Walker is perfect for those who want to move at a slightly slower pace.
The best walking shoes for low-arched feet, they have a straight last, a tri-density medial post, and Hydroflow cushioning system for added motion control.
Slip-resistant and durable, the Addiction is perfect for treadmill walking but also withstand whatever the trail is throwing at them.
Pros
- Reliable support system
- True to size and width
- Durable full-grain leather upper
cons
- Interior liner reportedly wears out quickly
#4 Nike Air Zoom Pegasus review
The biggest standout of this shoe is the full-length Air Zoom midsole developed to give a smooth transitioning and supportive cushioning to a high arch.
Technically a running shoe, the Pegasus 35 is perfect for walking on asphalt and comes with a breathable upper that keeps your foot fresh on the warmer days. Furthermore, the bevelled heel provides optimal responsiveness and improves comfort during walking or running.
In addition, it also offers a true-to-size fit which walking shoes can sometimes fail to provide adequately.
Pros
- Snug fit
- Excellent shock absorption
- Comfortable heel collar
cons
- Awkward tongue
- Laces may not be as durable as other options
#5 Asics Gel-Cardio Zip 3 review
BUY AT the
athlete's foot
The Gel-Cardio Zip 3 walking shoes by Asics provide the perfect balance, comfort, and efficiency to women with average or low arches. Their lightweight design incorporates a ‘Rocker’ type midsole developed to create a smoother transition from heel to toe.
Lateral zips and front laces add the style factor, but the true stars are the DuoMax and Trusstic systems designed to stabilise your steps on all surfaces.
Safe even on the most challenging tracks, these walking shoes will take you wherever you want to explore.
Pros
- Convenient zip closure
- Wide fit
- Gel cushioning system
cons
- Zip may reduce side support
verdict
Today’s walking shoes are pinnacles of the technological advances of the last decades. Lightweight materials, comfort, and adequate support are just some of their features.
While any of the shoes on our list are well worth the investment, our clear favourite is the New Balance Cruz v2.
Perfect for most walkers and even suitable for light running, these shoes prioritise style and comfort. No doubt, they have all you could wish from a best-in-class pick.
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