The 14 best women's walking shoes, according to an expert

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Whether you’re always on your feet at work, traveling, running errands or walking is your main form of exercise, having a comfortable and supportive pair of sneakers is the key to happy feet. No we’re not talking about the adorable, animated penguin movie.

While many experts will say that shopping for walking shoes online isn’t as ideal as going into your local shoe shop to try them on in person, sometimes going into the store isn’t always possible. Be that time, convenience or even laziness — we’ve got you covered.

In an effort to make sure your shopping experience for a new pair of walking shoes is a positive one, the New York Post spoke with Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City to get the lowdown on the best options on the Internet. Cunha has extensive training and experience treating a wide array of foot and ankle conditions from minor problems to complex reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.

Taking the time to find the best pair of walking and running shoes for your foot type can mean all the difference. According to the Asics website, “around four in five runners risky injury in shoes that don’t suit their running style.”

“Wearing the wrong shoes may lead to problems such as lowered performance, discomfort such as in plantar fasciitis and runner’s knee, injuries, and even early-onset arthritis,” Cunha said. “On the other hand (or other foot, pun intended), shoes designed to compensate for the impact of your feet can help prevent injuries and improve structural alignment and performance.”

For extensive information from Cunha about what to look for when shopping for walking shoes online, check out our FAQ section towards the bottom of the article. First, let’s get to shopping!

“These shoes are the most cushioned shoe in the HOKA road-shoe line and are one of the most comfortable shoes around. The Bondi SR line has a thick well padded EVA foam midsole that makes long walks comfortable with every step,” Cunha told The Post.

Available in both black and white and ideal for daily life. These sneakers are recently updated with water-resistant leather and a slip-resistant outsole.

Best walking shoes for supination: Brooks Ghost 15

“These shoes have a soft flexible midsole with superior cushioning for shock absorption for supinators with high arches,” Cunha said.

As a personal owner of the Brooks Ghost 15 sneakers and someone with higher arches, I can attest just how comfortable and durable these shoes are! Not only do they feel great on your feet but they’re so cloud-like that you forget you’re even wearing shoes. Great for long runs, running errands and everything in-between.

Snag these in a variety of colors and sizes on Amazon or directly on the Brooks website.

If breathability is the most important factor when it comes to your perfect walking shoes, look no further than UYN.

“This shoe is made of a highly breathable and waterproof Membrain115 that provides elasticity and comfort,” Cunha said. “A Merino wool inner layer helps warm the foot in cold temperatures as it wicks away moisture and reduces odors. The ultralight and shock absorbing vibram chrono sole is made of EVA for increased arch comfort and support when you walk.”

“The forefoot of this sneaker is designed with a well-cushioned FF Blast Plus footbed and anatomical arch that is firmer and denser on the medial side of the shoe to support and hold the plantar fascia and prevent it from collapsing to minimize fatigue and pain associated with over-pronation,” Cunha said.

Featuring a low-profile external heel counter, this piece comfortably cradles your foot with advanced rear-foot support. Available in more than 20 different colors.

When it comes to a smaller budget, Cunha recommends the Saucony Cohesion 13 sneakers for a less expensive but durable pick.

“These walking shoes are spacious, comfortable, they provide excellent ankle and arch support, and best of all they only cost $40,” he said.

If you’re willing to spend a little bit more money, Cunha loves the New Balance MADE in the USA 993 Core sneakers.

“These shoes are expensive but they are an investment as they are designed to last. The NB 993’s provide increased durability, cushioning, shock absorption, and a rigid heel counter for ankle stability,” he said.

Best walking shoes for bunions / wide feet: Hoka Clifton 9

“The Hoka Clifton 9 comes in standard and wide-width shoes that are comfortable and supportive to accommodate feet that are wider or [those who] have bunions,” Cunha told the New York Post.

Get the Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers in many different colors and enjoy the ninth iteration of the popular shoe that are lighter and more cushioned than ever before.

For a sustainable and trendy option, you can’t go wrong with the Allbirds Women’s Plant Pacers.

“The Plant Pacers are well constructed and eco-friendly plastic free shoes made of plant leather uppers and recycled polyester lining,” Cunha said.

“These shoes are stylish, comfortable, and designed to be the most lightweight fully cushioned running shoes available,” Cunha said.

If you can’t stand being weighed down, On Running’s Cloud 5 sneakers are the way to go in Cunha’s book. Available in 18 different colors and made of 44% recycled materials.

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.”

New York Post Picks

ECCO Soft 7 Sneaker

Known as their “Everyday Sneaker,” Ecco’s Soft 7 Sneaker is built for comfort. So, what makes this shoe stand apart? The monochrome cap toe subtly refines a low-profile, and the smooth leather suede adds a flair of elegance that makes these shoes a great choice for work. Choose from eight different shades, like petal trim pink and marine blue.

Alo X 01 Classic Sneakers

Alo’s unisex sneakers are called “a game-changer” for a great reason. Between the abrasion-tested rubber, structured, supportive outer sole, and rebound recovery insole, it is safe to say these shoes are engineered for peak performance. They also happen to have that sleek, clean-cut look that makes them the perfect simple addition to any on-the-go outfit.

Reebok Women’s Classic Leather Sneaker

Another classic sneaker — the Reebok is a reliable and comfortable option for daily wear. The British-made sneaker is designed with a die-cut EVA midsole that provides lightweight cushioning.

“I got these shoes post-back surgery and have worn them every day after returning to work. Amazingly comfortable for walking and standing most of the day,” one Amazon shopper wrote.

lululemon Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe

We’re big fans of the lululemon Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe (read our full review for more). They’re the brand’s first road-to-trail sneakers, specially designed to offer more support for any type of activity — giving your walk a cushioned, comfortable feel. The best part? They’re offered in plenty of colorways to suit your personal style.

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. 

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?

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.  

For more content, check out the New York Post Shopping section.

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