According to world-class journal research by “Saje Journals“, Shoes have been implicated as being responsible for the majority of foot deformities and problems that physicians encounter in women, Which is very painful.
In such situations, choosing good shoes becomes very important. But due to the crowd of shoes in the market, Choosing the best shoe has become a difficult task.
But don’t worry, In this article keeping in mind the latest market trend, we will guide you through the top 11 best rated walking shoes for women so that you can choose the best shoe for your walking, Let’s get started!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Brooks Ghost 15,
Best Lightweight: On Cloud 5,
Best for everyday walking: Saucony Triumph 22,
Best New Balance: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13,
Best Slip-On: Vessi Cityscape Shoes,
Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Vionic Tokyo Sneaker,
Best for Flat Feet: Altra Lone Peak 7 Trail Running Shoe,
Best Wide Feet: Kizik Athens,
Best for Travel: Allbirds Tree Runners,
Best for Budget-Friendly: Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0,
Best for Cushioning: Hoka Clifton 9,
Table of Contents
Here’s a detailed exploration of the top 11 best rated walking shoes for women, delving into their unique strengths and catering to various walking styles:
brooks ghost 15 women’s(Best Overall)
Key Specs:
- Cushion level: More Cushioning
- Drop: 12 mm
- Materials: Leather/mesh upper, ABZORB midsole
- Weight: 9.1oz / 258.0g
- Support Level: Neutral
- Best For: Road Running, Everyday Runs, Walking
Brooks Ghost 15 is the first and favorite shoe in our list of walking shoes that is like a standout in the world of shoes. Designed with soft landings and smooth transitions in mind, the shoe features Glide Roll Rocker technology for smooth heel-to-toe movement. This makes the Ghost 15 the perfect shoe for everyday walks and runs.
Furthermore, its strong durability sets the Ghost 15 apart in the lineup. In which 57% recycled content and over 58 million plastic bottles have been diverted from landfills, a step forward for the environmentally conscious.
What’s more, their DNA Loot V3 Mid-Sole is the secret weapon. Which contains a nitrogen-infused compound, It reduces stress on the joints by absorbing the impact smoothly then whether you’re conquering a high-speed mile loop or going for a weekend walk.
So the Brooks Ghost 15 is like a mind-body green, making it a great choice for everyday running and walking.
Pros
- Excellent traction,
- The options from narrow to extra-wide,
- Soft landing and easy heel-to-toe transitions,
Cons
- unnecessary bulky,
- Not the most stylish,
On Cloud 5 (Best for Lightweight)
Key Specs:
- Cushion level: Responsive,
- Drop: 7mm,
- Materials: Breathable mesh, CloudTec cushioning pods,
- Weight: 7.7oz,
- Support Level: Moderate,
- Best For: Minimalist enthusiasts, Standing all day on your feet,
On Cloud 5 is a rare masterpiece of the On company which is famous for its lightweight. As On is a Swiss brand that prefers minimal design in its shoes, unlike other brands Barely Felt on your feet. The Cloud 5 offers a cloud-like feel as its name suggests, the secret is its Cloud Cushioning System. Also, the outsole’s pods are uniquely positioned to absorb shock while offering an incredibly responsive ride.
Additionally, its engineered mesh upper provides breathability while ensuring a secure and comfortable stride. Furthermore, its most important feature is the speed lacing system which feels like a pad up. Finally, Cloud 5 offers a lightweight and comfortable walking experience.
Pros
- Lightweight,
- Responsive ride,
- Breathable upper,
Cons
- Less cushioning compared to some high-cushioned options,
Saucony Triumph 22(Best Ultra-lightweight)
Key Specs:
- Cushion level: Maximum Cushioning,
- Drop: 10mm,
- Materials: Engineered mesh upper, PWRRUN PB super foam midsole,
- Weight: 8.8oz (250g),
- Support Level: Neutral,
- Best For: Walkers seeking a balance of cushioning and lightweight performance,
The Saucony Triumph 22 emerges as a compelling choice for walkers seeking a minimalist experience that prioritizes comfort and efficiency for everyday walks and is also the best option for a high arch. It provides an incredibly energetic ride thanks to its midsole foam, which gives a feeling of soft pleasure on maximum travel. Plus its sleek, streamlined design allows for a more natural range of motion, mimicking the barefoot experience.
The Saucony 22 engineered mesh upper is crafted with breathable material that helps keep feet cool and dry. So, the Saucony 22 is a versatile option for everyday walking and also the best option for high arches due to its soft and streamlined design. That is the jewel of the longing eyes.
Pros
- Lightweight and minimalist design,
- Energetic PWRRUN PB midsole,
- Breathable upper keeps feet cool,
- Supportive fit for everyday walking needs
Cons
- Less cushioning compared to some high-cushioned options,
- Might not be ideal for those who need extra shock absorption
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13,(Best New Balance)
Key Specs:
- Cushion level: Extra Soft,
- Drop: 6mm,
- Materials: Breathable engineered mesh upper features a snug, supportive feel,
- Weight: 206 grams (7.3 oz),
- Support Level: Neutral,
- Best For: Comfort seekers, plush cushioning,
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 is such a masterpiece of its brand that we highly recommend you on this list. Because this shoe offers a unique combination of reliable comfort and high performance that extends from the beginning to the last moment of the journey. Their resh Foam X midsole cushioning system ensures a smooth transition from landing to forefoot.
On the other hand, its breathable upper is lightweight enough to allow excellent ventilation to keep feet from overheating. For reliability, it has received the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) making it a reliable shoe.
Pros
- Luxurious comfort,
- Breathable mesh construction,
- Supportive upper keeps your foot secure,
Cons
- Slightly heavier,
Vessi Cityscape Shoes (Best Slip-On)
Key Specs:
- Cushion level: Excellent,
- Drop: N/A,
- Materials: Lightweight and vegan materials,
- Weight: N/A,
- Support Level: Neutral,
- Best For: High-performance fitness walking,
Vessi Cityscape is a comfortable and lightweight slip-on shoe. This is a consideration for walkers thanks to its lightweight design. The breathable upper allows sweat and air to escape to keep your feet odor-free. Along with this, Cityscape is also known as Dyma Max due to its waterproof feature which makes it the best choice for wet and snowy weather.
Finally, this shoe is rich in its breathable waterproofing capabilities, making it a versatile option for hikers who do most of their walking in wet areas.
Pros
- Waterproof,
- Vegan Materials,
- Excellent Breathability,
Cons
- might not be suitable for everyone with narrow feet,
Vionic Tokyo Sneaker (Best for Plantar Fasciitis)
Key Specs:
- Cushion level: Moderate,
- Drop: N/A,
- Materials: Breathable mesh, Vio-Motion footbed,
- Weight: 9 ounces,
- Support Level: Built-in arch support,
- Best For: Flat feet, Plantar Fasciitis,
The Vionic Tokyo is the most functional shoe with flexibility and stability discussed for runners with plantar fasciitis. This is due to its lightweight design that keeps the foot in a balanced motion. Vionic features an Advanced Motion System in its footwear that combines Vionic podiatrist-designed Arthrotic with a flexible traction outsole and a lightweight breathable upper. This makes this shoe step into different activities like work play and daily collaboration.
Additionally, its first-rate technology promotes better forefoot mobility and gait. In short, we’d recommend giving the Biconic Tokyo a try, and remember that the shoe may feel tight in its first week, so wear it for two weeks. Give it time and you will get a supportive and comfortable shoemaker.
Pros
- Built-in arch support,
- comfortable midsole,
- pain relief for Plantar fasciitis,
Cons
- Less breathable upper,
- Not the most stylish
Altra Lone Peak 7 Trail Running Shoe(Best for slip resistance)
Key Specs:
- Cushion level: Moderate,
- Drop: 0mm,
- Materials: Trail-specific mesh, wide toe box,
- Weight: 11 oz / 314 g,
- Support Level: Wide fit, natural stride,
- Best For: Different types of terrains for walking,
Altra Lone Peak 7 is a comfortable running shoe with a roomy toe box that is comfortable and stable on uneven surfaces. The zero-drop platform of this athletic shoe mimics the barefoot experience and promotes the foot’s natural strike.
Its grippy MaxTrac™ outsole provides the perfect combination of grip traction and durability in all rough places. that’s the grippy outsole that makes this shoe a slip-resistant shoe for pedestrians.
The Altra Lone Peak 7 with its GaiterTrap technology allows for easy-to-use gaiter attachment with unique kick-and-loop tape and bonding, Which keeps trailing debris away from your feet!
Pros
- Zero-drop platform,
- Wide toe box,
- Excellent traction,
Cons
- Not for everyday pavement walks,
- Adjustment period for zero-drop
Kizik Athens (Best Wide Feet)
Key Specs:
- Cushion level: Comfortable,
- Drop: N/A,
- Materials: Breathable knit, spring-back heel,
- Weight: N/A,
- Support Level: Hands-free convenience,
- Best For: Wide feet, Easy on/off,
The Kizik Athens is a great choice for women with wide feet looking for a comfortable walking shoe. Kizik Athens boasts their roomy-toe box with wide-width. Plus, the breathable knit upper keeps feet cool. While each meat foam outsole cushions and absorbs shock for all-day comfort. Also, its excellent art support makes it the perfect ending for those who struggle with bending over.
Furthermore, rubber traction pods offer a plow-like feel, which keeps the foot in soft flesh, So soft that you are walking on clouds.
Pros
- Hands-free design,
- Comfortable cushioning,
- Wide width option,
Cons
- slightly higher price point,
Allbirds Tree Runners (Best for Travel)
Key Specs:
- Cushion level: Minimal,
- Drop: N/A,
- Materials: Breathable Eucalyptus upper, SweetFoam EVA midsole,
- Weight: N/A,
- Support Level: Moderate,
- Best For: Walking, warmer weather, everyday wear,
The most unique and final shoe on our list is the Allbirds Tree, whose first priority is comfort and durability. Its breathable mesh tree fiber offers a super soft touch that keeps your feet cool and comfortable on long rides. A midsole made with sugarcane-based bouncy sweat foam cushions every step up and the same midsole reduces fatigue during long-haul airport tours.
In addition, the shoe uses machine-washable material that makes cleaning a breeze, enough to handle the inevitable travel conditions. Overall, Allbirds Tree allows the world to explore while boasting a low carbon footprint that drives trees.
Pros
- Sustainable wool,
- minimalist feel,
Cons
- Less supportive,
Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 (budget-friendly)
Key Specs:
- Cushion level: Mid-level Cushioning,
- Drop: 10 mm,
- Materials: Breathable mesh, Cloudfoam midsole,
- Weight: Not sure,
- Support Level: Moderate,
- Best For: Budget-conscious walkers, everyday wear,
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing comfort, Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 is a champion for you. This proves that affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality. In this shoe, Adidas makes every step easier by combining a lightweight and breathable fit.
What’s more, the midsole of this shoe is very self-sustaining, it is like walking on clouds. Also, this shoe is made eco-friendly like the Ghost 15. Which avoids plastic by using 50% recycled materials, that’s forces pedestrians to think of Adidas Pure 2.0.
Pros
- Budget-friendly,
- Rocker sole promotes a natural stride,
- Comfortable like walking on a cloud,
Cons
- Hard construction may feel dark,
- Less cushioning compared to high-end options,
Hoka Clifton 9 (Best for Cushioning)
Key Specs:
- Cushion level: Moderate,
- Drop: 5mm,
- Materials: Engineered mesh upper, CMEVA midsole,
- Weight: 7.7oz,
- Support Level: Neutral,
- Best For: Everyday miles, balance of comfort and responsiveness,
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a fantastic choice for women seeking a cushioned walking shoe. It boasts a thick, energetic midsole made from CMEVA foam, which provides a plush and comfortable ride for your feet. The Clifton Nine weighs less than previous shoes, making it a surprisingly lightweight shoe. Because this shoe still offers its lightweight stability features to support your feet while walking.
Furthermore, this shoe is a versatile shoe with its durable upper and good traction that makes it suitable for both roads and light trails. Yes, Its loud noise can definitely annoy you, but now loud noises from walking shoes have become commonplace, which is also a big supporter of these shoes.
Pros
- Lightweight,
- Available in wide,
- Plush cushioning for comfortable walks,
Cons
- Lacks responsiveness on faster runs,
- Average breathability,
Finally
So this was our list of the top 11 best rated walking shoes for women. We hope that our exploration will help you find the best walking shoes. Enjoy and thank you for your valuable time. Don’t forget to give your feedback.