Best Walking Shoes for Women We Tested in 2024: Nike, Brooks, New Balance, Hoka (2024)

FAQs

What are the best walking shoes recommended by podiatrists? ›

The Transport (listed above) is a great option for seniors who don't need many balance features but want a cushy, comfortable walking shoe. If you need more stability, the Hoka Arahi 7 has medial support in the shape of a J to keep your foot in line as you walk.

Schaeffer calls out Vionic shoes as a supportive option for seniors. This pair offers moisture-wicking materials, a mesh design, sturdy outsoles, removable orthotics and a firm heel counter. The brand has also received the APMA Seal of Acceptance for several of their shoes, including this pair.

While designed for running, some Brooks shoes perform equally well as walking shoes. Brooks running shoes with soft, protective foams, like the Ghost, Adrenaline GTS, and Glycerin, are also ideal for walking and long days on your feet.

Do podiatrists recommend Brooks? Given its popularity, it's no surprise that the brand came highly recommended by both of the podiatrists that we spoke to. "Brooks are one of my top recommended gym shoes," Dr. Ashley Lee, a podiatrist in Hinsdale, Illinois (who also wears Brooks herself), tells Shop TODAY.

HOKA walking shoes are a top choice for anyone—and lucky for you, they come in a wide range of styles that are ideal for just that. To show you what I mean, scroll on to shop our top picks and read more about what makes them the best for walking.

The takeaway. Though both brands are liked and recommended by podiatrists, only Hoka has the APMA Seal of Approval—and it's a better choice if you're looking for a rocker bottom shoe with maximum cushioning.

Injury Prevention: Wearing the same shoes for different activities (e.g., running, walking, work) may not provide the appropriate support for each activity. Changing shoes based on your activity can help reduce the risk of injuries.

New Balance 574 Sneaker

If you're in the market for a more sporty-looking, casual sneaker, these may be the best walking shoes for you. They're so comfortable and light, you'll forget you're wearing these sneakers.

What kind of shoes should I wear if I'm on my feet all day? ›

What Shoes Do Foot Doctors Recommend? “Look for high quality shoes made with substantial foam and cushioning,” says Rogers. The Orthofeet Coral fits the bill—it's a podiatrist-designed style with plenty of arch support.

“I recommend the Hoka Bondi for patients that need max cushioning, such as older patients that have fat pad atrophy (where the fat on the bottom of your foot thins) or arthritis,” says Parthasarathy.

What walking shoes do podiatrists recommend? The podiatrists we consulted for this article recommended the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V13, Brooks Addiction Walker 2, MBT Sport 4, Naot Krypton, Hoka Bondi 8, and the Nike Motiva.

Choose well-fitting shoes with arch and heel support, cushioned insoles, and a sole with some grip. Look forward and keep your head up. Keeping your gaze 10-20 feet ahead of you can help you spot potential obstacles and avoid them. Avoid slouching.

NYC podiatrist and founder of Dr. Brenner's RX Foot Care Hillary Brenner agrees. "Hokas are good for long-distance running because it's a maximalist shoe (meaning it has a high-heel stack) and is made of EVA, which is a foam that helps with shock absorption," Brenner says.

Skechers. Paul says there are three reasons why he doesn't recommend this brand of sneaker, despite its popularity. "The slip-on ones, that are made tighter to hold on to your feet so you can squeeze your toes [in], can cause problems like neuromas," he explains. "They're so soft that your foot has to do more work.

“It provides cushioning, shock absorption, a stable heel counter, and a mesh design in the toe box. These features help prevent excessive moisture buildup and reduce the onset of Athlete's foot fungus (tinea pedis), toenail fungus (onychomycosis), and plantar warts.”