The 12 most comfortable walking shoes for women in 2024, tested and approved

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 20 | Type of shoe: Sneakers

If you've seen a pair of Hokas in the wild, there's a good chance they were Cliftons. These are among the brand's most popular picks, and it's easy to see why. "They're absolutely cloud-like," raved Yahoo Deputy Editor Izabella Zaydenberg. "They were the only shoes that didn't exacerbate my plantar fasciitis (especially when I walked for hours at Disneyland)." 

I also own a pair of Cliftons, and I wear them every time I go for a long walk, whether I'm on a treadmill, a trail or around town. The cushioned sneakers are undoubtedly the most comfortable walking shoe I've ever tried, and I loved that there was no break-in time.

The knit upper is breathable, and the rubber sole provides great traction. "While they're definitely a little bulky, they're still really lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear," Zaydenberg said. The sneakers come in regular and GTX (waterproof) styles and both regular and wide sizes, helpful since Zaydenberg found them a bit narrow. And they come in a wide range of colors, so it's easy to find a favorite style (or two). They are so comfortable and good for your feet, they’ve even earned an APMA seal of approval.

Make sure to also check out our other recommendations for Hoka walking shoes.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 8 | Type of shoe: Hiking shoes

Topping the lists of editors, experts and shoppers alike, Merrell's Moab 3 Hiking Shoes are among the most popular hiking shoes around. Famous for their out-of-the-box comfort, the Amazon bestsellers are also super supportive and extra cushioned to keep your feet happy all day long. The webbing along the tongue keeps debris from entering your shoe, while the protective toe cap keeps your feet safe from harm. They also boast a Vibram TC5+ rubber sole that provides excellent traction and a molded arch shank and shock-absorbing heel for added support.

Yahoo Style’s Executive Editor Nicole Sforza has been wearing Merrell’s since college and listed these as her fave pair. She even wears them off the trails when she needs a little extra support too. She recalled: “I once had a bad foot issue and had to wear supportive hiking boots (even when not hiking!!!!) and the doc recommended these.” The sporty kicks also made Cris Hazzard, hiking expert of HikingGuy.com's list of favorites because “they're tough, grippy, and very comfortable.” While this exact pair isn't waterproof, you can shop this version if you need that.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 25 | Type of shoe: Sneaker

The brand Brooks is synonymous with running and walking shoes so it makes sense that women’s fitness expert, Julie Lohre is a fan. “They are fantastic because of their reliable support and cushioning. While they are super stable shoes, it is the cushion and comfort that make Adrenaline’s a shoe I really like for treadmill and outdoors. They offer great stability, the fit is comfortable, and the shoes provide nice arch support,” she tells us. Along with an airy mesh upper, the sneakers also come with a removable foam footbed for extra comfort. 

Our Home and Garden Lead Editor, Jessica Dodell-Feder is also a big fan of the sneakers. She says they are great for "running and walking on the treadmill and outside on paved roads." She loves them so much she’s “owned some iteration of this sneaker for around 15 years.” There are 24 styles to choose from and sizes not only range from 5 to 13 but they also come in narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide options so you can easily find your ideal fit.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 17 | Type of shoe: Sneakers

Bondi sneakers are another popular pick that have amassed over 5,800 five-star ratings from shoppers. Yahoo Commerce Editor Saundra Latham packed them for a cruise where she walked over 15,000 steps a day. "They're ultra-cushioned, with a flexible upper that's almost sock-like, so it molds to my foot," she said. These sporty kicks have the thickest insole of the bunch and weigh less than 9 ounces, making them a great option for anyone whose feet need ultra-plush cushioning. Other key features are the engineered mesh construction, Ortholite hybrid sock liner, lightweight foam and rubber outsole.

Latham noted that the upper is flexible, so "you do have to loosen the laces a fair amount before putting them on." But the comfort makes them worth the extra seconds, she said. Latham also added, "I've dealt with some plantar fasciitis in the past and would definitely turn to these if I ever have a repeat bout because they're so cushioned." Dr. Hillary Brenner, New York based podiatrist and foot surgeon tells us "These are my personal favorites because of the EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) foam midsole which is excellent for shock absorption. It's an excellent shoe in regards to support."

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 11 | Type of shoe: Sneaker

Need some extra ankle support while you work out? Commerce Editor Amanda Garrity says these On Clouds are just the ticket. “I've worn plenty of sneakers (that shall not be named) that caused me to roll my ankles far too many times. This pair, however, is a bit lower to the ground and offers just the right amount of support. I've worn them a bunch and haven't experienced that once,” she reports. 

The molded heel cap adds extra support and the upper is made from three layers of mesh for ample airflow. Plus they have excellent traction, Garrity has walked in them on gym equipment, slick sidewalks and uneven trails with no issues. And did we mention how comfortable they are? Garrity will: “These sneakers make you feel like you're walking on clouds!” 

Sizes: 5.5 to 13.5 | Colors: 3 | Type of shoe: Sneaker

If you prefer outdoor workouts, you need kicks that deliver excellent traction on all types of terrains. Says our Commerce Director, Jeanine Edwards, “I am an avid walker, and these are my go-to sneakers for walking in the woods, on the streets and occasionally on the treadmill.” It’s easy to see why she’s such a fan. 

The 2002Rs have heel cushioning, a soft lining and a shock-absorbing outsole that makes trekking umpteen miles feel like, um, a walk in the park. In perhaps her most telling comment, Edwards says she’s never gotten a blister in them (even when she forgets socks!). She sums up thusly: “Honestly, these are the most comfy shoes I own, and I always reach for them when I know I'll be walking long distances.” 

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 3 | Type of shoe: Sneaker

If you suffer from high arches, our Commerce Editor Janelle Randazza recommends these Keens. “The arch is spectacular — especially for folks with higher arched feet, like me,” she says. She also lauded the excellent ankle stability provided by the supportive platform that makes her feel more grounded (and, by extension, less prone to injuries). 

The mesh uppers are designed to keep your feet cool, and Randazza confirms they are very breathable. “I've worn them on hot summer hikes, through amusement parks, on multiple-mile walks on scorching LA asphalt — my feet never feel overly hot.” She notes, though, that if you're the type whose feet swell during a workout, you may want to go up a half-size.

Sizes: 4 to 15 | Colors: 55 | Type of shoe: Sandal

Dr. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot & Ankle Associates, gives Birkenstocks the thumbs-up for their support, as do thousands of shoppers. Birkenstock Arizonas have been known as one of the most comfortable sandals around for decades. The classic slides boast a deep heel cup that keeps the natural padding of your foot in place and helps distribute your body weight more evenly. The suede-lined, supportive footbed molds to your feet over the break-in period for added comfort, while the raised toe bed gives you grip so your feet aren’t sliding around.

Our Executive Editor, Nicole Sforza, wears them so often, she says, that these iconic shoes have "almost become a part of me! They mold to your foot, so when you slip in your dogs, it's like they're coming 'home.'" Even better, there are two adjustable straps, so you can find a custom supportive fit. Commerce Director Jeanine Edwards says they are so comfy, stylish and supportive that she wears them in everyday life and on European vacations that are full of walking. "I LIVE in these sandals because they're so comfortable," she raves. "Another bonus? They are super durable. I’ve had my current pair for over five years now and they still look and feel amazing."

The only downside is they don't have a back strap. While I've never had any issues with my feet sliding around in these sandals while walking for miles, if you feel you would be more comfortable with a strap around the heel you should check out the brand's Milano sandal.

Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 13 | Type of shoe: Slip-on sneaker

After seeing that these Kizik sneakers had nearly 30,000 reviews, I knew I needed to give them a try. They may look like your average lace-up sneaker, but they're actually designed to slip on and off hands-free thanks to a structured heel cup that keeps the sneaker's shape and prevents it from curling in. These are probably the most structured and supportive sneakers I've ever worn, and they were comfortable straight out of the box, no break-in period needed. 

They also offer great traction, and while they're technically not waterproof, I've worn them several times to walk my dog in the rain and my feet stayed pretty dry. I also love that they are super easy to clean, the insole can be thrown in the washing machine while the rest of the sneaker can be wiped down with a cloth and some dish soap. 

Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 4 | Type of shoe: Slip-on sneaker

If you require shoes with some extra reinforcement in the arch, Podiatric Surgeon Dr. Dana Canuso loves this pair of Skechers because "they are cute and offer great arch support — perfect for everyday wear!" Made with the brand’s patented comfort pillar technology, they are designed "to react to your every step for ultimate comfort." 

They feature a dual-density outsole for extra support and stability and a reinforced toe to protect your feet from the elements. They have a breathable fabric lining and a mesh upper to keep your feet from overheating. Plus, they're also machine-washable.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 12 | Type of shoe: Sneaker

Our Senior Commerce Editor, Rory Halperin, is a big fan of an older (sold out) version of these Rykas, but this updated style features all the same support and comfort she loves, plus a new and improved toe cap, quarter overlay, iridescent overlay and tongue patch. It’s rare to find such a great gym shoe for less than $100, but Halperin loved them so much she bought a second pair almost immediately. 

Designed for a woman’s unique foot shape and muscle movement, Devotions have a narrower heel, roomy toe box and a cushioned insole to keep your foot stable and comfortable all day long. "I wore these around Disney World recently for five days where I averaged 20,000 steps a day and felt pretty good at the end of the day. I had brought other sneakers with me to trade off but ended up only wearing the Rykas," says Halperin.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 25 | Type of shoe: Sneaker

“When I think about longer cardio sessions, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 is tough to beat. The cushioning is top-notch, providing a lot of shock absorption, and they are really comfortable on those long runs,” Lohre said. Dr. Daughtry tells us they are her favorite walking shoes for long distances because they are durable yet comfortable and have ample cushioning from the plush foam sole. 

The ultra-cushioned insole adds comfort and helps you achieve softer landings to prevent injuries. Lohre also notes, “The support system in these shoes helps maintain good alignment, making them ideal for my higher-impact workouts.”