15 Best Walking Shoes for Women, Approved by Podiatrists & Tested by Glamour Editors

A shoe trend that we’re loving this summer is chunky platform sneakers, especially silver ones that you can pair with white maxi skirts or flowy white dresses. Apart from looking great, according to Suzanne C. Fuchs, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and sports-medicine specialist in Florida, the cushioning in the heel is essential in a good walking shoe because it helps reduce the impact on the feet and joints when you lace up for serious mileage. That’s particularly true if you suffer from a condition like plantar fasciitis.

“When I know I’ll be out and about all day but I want a sneaker that will look cute with my favorite wide-leg jeans, I wear my Nike V2K Runs. (I can’t get enough of the translucent and metallic overlay details!) I’ve racked up almost 15 miles in one day in these, and my feet always feel fresh because the heel has plenty of cushion. They stand up to heavy wear and are versatile enough that I use them for light workouts too,” says Glamour contributor Hannah Singleton. Bonus: Singleton says they’re both durable and versatile. “They stand up to heavy wear,” she says, adding, “I use them for light workouts too.”

Material: Mesh upper and dual-density foam | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Feels very stable thanks to the extra-wide base at the heel; on-trend design; versatile for multiple activities
• What we didn’t love: Off-white sole isn’t for everyone—and can look a bit dingy when dirty

For her own walks, Dr. Fuchs personally reaches for the Asics Gel-Kayano, which boasts thick, soft cushioning, plus stability features. Brooke Taylor, owner of Taylored Fitness NY LTD and the creator of the Brooke Taylor Fit App, is also a fan, describing it as “one of my all-time favorite sneakers for anyone who overpronates or needs extra stability—whether you’re strength training, walking, or hiking,” she tells Glamour. The Kayano, she explains, delivers a winning combo of support and responsive cushioning “that absorbs impact and reduces strain on your joints.” Taylor also loves how the structured midsole helps keep feet in a neutral positioning, which can prevent excessive inward rolling of the ankle (a motion known as overpronation, something people with flat feet are more inclined to do) and reduce chances of discomfort in the knees, hips, and lower back. “This shoe supports proper alignment and keeps you moving pain-free, which is why I highly recommend it to all of my clients,” she says.

Material: Knit | Width: Narrow, standard, and wide| Cushioning: Moderate/high

• Why they stand out: Combo of cushioning and stability helps absorb ground-impact forces and reduces strain on joints; midsole design helps prevent overpronation, which may be ideal for flat feet
• What we didn’t love: Some wearers find the toe box area to be small

Gorpcore is here to stay, and there’s nothing that says you love hiking more than the crunchy aesthetic of the Merrell Moab 3. “It’s technically a hiking shoe (and a very good one at that), but I use mine primarily as walking shoes on the streets of New York. Every pair I’ve owned—three at this point—has required zero break-in time and provides just the right level of support while still giving me room to breathe. They’re durable enough for the trail and near-constant city walking, and I love that they look cool in both of those environments. They’re more than worth the investment, no matter where you live,” says Glamour commerce editor Jake Henry Smith. But they’re not just for style; they’re a true city-to-trail hybrid. “A walking shoe for dirt trails should have durable uppers, a stable rearfoot with a firm heel counter, supportive insoles, cushioned midsole, and adequate grip on the outsole to prevent slippage,” says Bruce Pinker, DPM, foot and ankle surgeon at Progressive Footcare in New York City. These kicks check off all those boxes, and they also help you stay dry in wet conditions thanks to the waterproof membrane.

Material: Mesh and pigskin-leather upper | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Grippy rubber outsole for on and off the trail; durable cushioning doesn’t pack down as fast as running shoes; waterproof and non-waterproof varieties, depending on your needs
• What we didn’t love: Feels heavy on the foot

These trail shoes are a no-brainer in questionable conditions. “I recently wore them during a snow day in NYC, and I stayed upright despite navigating a maze of black ice, so now I grab them anytime I think I’ll be walking in dirty or slippery environments—the tread really sticks to any surface,” says Singleton. “And while the high arch support took some getting used to, it is a life-saver after a full day of walking. Plus, the chunky design keeps me high off the ground (so my pants don’t get dirty) and the sand-beige colorway adds just the right level of flair to my outfits.” Although they’re listed as hiking shoes, we recommend them for city streets and mellow beginner trails. Don’t worry—there’s no harm in straying from the terrain they’re designed for. “Hiking shoes can be worn on concrete for added ankle support and stability,” Dr. Pinker says.

Material: Leather and recycled polyester lining | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Affordable; narrow heel cup designed to fit a woman’s foot; loads of arch support
• What we didn’t love: Laces are a bit stiff

For anyone who’s on their feet all day, Dr. Pinker recommends looking for sneakers with some ankle support. “In some cases, running shoes can be very supportive for those who stand a lot,” he says. The lightweight Brooks Ghost 16, with soft, cloudlike midfoot cushioning, is a great option for this purpose, with a wide toe box that still feels comfy even when your feet start to swell. Glamour reviewer Pamela Stahl, who walks 35 to 40 miles a week, has been wearing the Ghost for 10 years “Every time I visit my podiatrist, he mentions what a great shoe I’m wearing—he loves the support and the right amount of cushion,” she says, adding that the fit is super comfortable right out of the box. “This shoe hits my feet in all the right places. I never feel I have to break them in.”

Material: Recycled | Width: Narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Comfortable and stable; stream-lined, basic design; breathable
• What we didn’t love: A bit firmer than other road running shoes

Dr. Pinker says that people with wide feet need to be careful to seek out a pair of shoes with enough room in the forefoot “to prevent cramping of the toes.” These editor-approved New Balance shoes come in both wide and extra wide options to offer plenty of breathing room for all foot shapes and sizes, even if you’ve got bunions.

Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle wears these comfortable shoes when walking around Jersey City. “I can easily do 10,000 steps on a Saturday, and these are my go-to pairs for just that,” she says. “My feet are wide, and these give my toes plenty of wiggle room. I like to add removable insoles to my shoes for extra support. Trust me, your feet will thank you.” The cushioning is balanced, supportive, and very durable. We also like that they quite literally go with everything: Pair them with your favorite white jeans or flared leggings—either way you’ll look great.

For a more cushioned New Balance option, consider the Fresh Foam 1080s, which Glamour contributor and marathoner Jenny McCoy swears by for both long-distance running and casual neighborhood strolling.

Material: Suede and mesh | Width: Standard, wide, and extra wide | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Casual, timeless design; materials are very durable; runs true to size
• What we didn’t love: Only one color option

“When I work in the hospital, I love my Danskos,” says Sara Shobin, a nurse practitioner at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City, who spends all day on her feet. Her pair (a light tan-honey color) is so old that she can’t even remember when she got them, so you can rest assured these podiatrist-approved and nurse-approved slip-ons will hold up for years to come. The toe box is nice and roomy (no cramming or hot spots), and the inner frame provides the kind of stability Dr. Fuchs says all walking shoes should have so that you won’t roll your ankle.

Material: Nubuck leather | Width: Standard and wide | Cushioning: Minimal

• Why they stand out: Roomy toe box offers plenty of space for your toes; incredibly long-lasting; approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
• What we didn’t love: May feel stiff if you’re not used to the design

A pair of charming loafers with the APMA’s seal of approval? Count us in. With an elevated heel and EVA-foam footbed, the comfy Kensley loafer is ready for walking. “I highly recommend this shoe because of the timeless style and all the embedded foot-loving technology,” says podiatrist Jacqueline M. Sutera, DPM, who works with Vionic as a medical consultant and rocks these loafers herself. “I wore it for the first time to an event where I was on my feet and walking around for over four hours. Since then I have worn them to work several times and they have become even more comfortable!” Plus, with a variety of materials and colors to choose from, they can go with many different styles.

Material: Leather, patent leather, or suede | Width: Standard and wide | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Plenty of color and material options; sleek silhouette; deep heel cup to keep your foot in place (and prevent slipping)
• What we didn’t love: Reviewers note that they have a narrow toe box

The Motiva is meticulously designed to make your walk as pleasant as possible. The half-moon-shaped outsole curves to propel you forward with each stride, the 12-mm heel drop is easy on your Achilles, and the cushioning is soft and bouncy to absorb any stress that would normally go to your joints. They’ve also got the arch support, firm heel counter, and deep heel cup that Dr. Pinker says that people with high arches should look for. Glamour special products editor Ru Wolle says these have been an absolute game changer for her high arches. “The level of cushioning in these shoes is simply unmatched—it feels like walking on clouds, even during the longest days,” she says. “What’s more, I’m amazed by how seamlessly they transition from walking to running. Whether I’m taking a leisurely stroll or picking up the pace, these shoes have me covered. I’m already considering getting a second pair because I never want to be without them.”

Material: Mesh | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Maximum

• Why they stand out: Designed specifically for walking; good for high arches; squishy, cloudlike cushioning
• What we didn’t love: May make noise when walking

Swiss-based On shoes have been trendy for a few years now. Part of their staying power is thanks to their high-quality construction and attention-grabbing honeycomb outsole. M.J. McCoy, an On fan in Colorado, is partial to the Cloud 6 style, which she brought on a three-week trip to Europe last year. “Looking back, they could have been my only shoe,” she tells Glamour, explaining she used these waterproof kicks for really “any activity” on the trip, including strolling on cobblestone streets and hours-long bike rides. “They’re very comfortable,” she adds, “and they don’t have any laces you have to tie–you just slip them on,” making them that much easier to sport when you’re on the go. Beyond that, they offer “pretty good support and they have good traction, too,” she says. That means they’re ideal whether you’re touring museums all day or taking an impromptu day hike. They’re good for bunions–McCoy has a slight bunion on her right foot, and the shoes don’t pinch or feel constricting.

Material: Recycled polyester | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Supportive, versatile design appropriate for a variety of activities; waterproof design helpful if you’re out all day and the weather changes
• What we didn’t love: Sporty aesthetic wouldn’t be ideal for dressing up

Alo Yoga, the celeb-favorite athleisure-wear brand, released its first performance sneaker, the Alo Runner, last year, and it’s already garnered a strong fan base. Pilates instructor Britt Turpack loves these kicks for their lightweight, supportive design, describing them as “perfect for all-day wear.” The shoes, which are crafted with extra-firm cushioning in the heel and a breathable mesh upper, move with you “whether you’re on a long walk or running errands,” Turpack tells Glamour. Plus, “the sleek design makes it easy to style beyond just workouts.”

Material: Mesh | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Versatile style meshes with variety of looks; comfortable and lightweight enough for all day wear
• What we didn’t love: Some reviewers found that the sizing runs small

New Zealand-born Allbirds is known for their ultra-comfy, sustainably sourced shoes, and the Tree Runners are a popular pick for leisurely walks, thanks to their minimalist, goes-with-everything design. Glamour contributor Jenny McCoy sported these for countless hours during a two-week Europe trip and found the lightweight, breathable design perfect for long, hot days of casual city strolling. “My feet didn’t get overly sweaty,” she says, “and I loved how the simple, not-overly-athletic design made them appropriate to don for a bunch of different settings—from museum tours to dinners out.” The Tree Runners’ biggest flex though? They are insanely comfortable walking shoes. “I look forward to slipping these on every morning because they feel like pillows on my feet,” McCoy says.

Material: Eucalyptus-tree fiber | Width: Normal | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Lightweight design makes them easy to wear for hours; high breathability ideal for warm-weather walking; easy to clean in washing machine
• What we didn’t love: Soles wear down more quickly than more structured shoes

Sure, these shoes are pricey–nearly triple the cost of others on this list. But people swear by their supportive, featherweight design and springy midsole. One such fan is publicist Emily Bernstein, who wears them for workouts like Barry’s Bootcamp and says they are also “wonderful” for walking and leisure activities. They are “so light and comfy,” Bernstein tells Glamour. She has wide feet and finds the Ziplines to be “supportive as well as soft and comfortable.” Another perk: The knit material makes them easy to clean, which is key since Bernstein finds they get dirty more quickly than other shoes. “I can easily pop them into the laundry and they dry fast,” she says.

Material: Knit | Width: Standard | Cushioning: Maximum

• Why they stand out: Ultra-lightweight and comfortable design; easy to clean in washing machine
• What we didn’t love: Bernstein notes there’s not a lot of ankle support for cross-training workouts