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We Found the Best Walking Shoes for Women to Shop Online, From the Affordable to the Athletic

A tight edit of our favorite women's walking shoes, with an emphasis on comfort and support.

By Stacia Datskovska Plus Icon

Stacia Datskovska

Senior Commerce Writer for WWD

Recent Articles by Stacia Datskovska

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August 5, 2026, 12:46pm

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Where to buy, shopping, walking shoes, athletic, lifestyle, sneakers, the best women's walking shoes

Courtesy Hoka, Brooks

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There are plenty of fish (shoes) in the sea (online), but they’re not all equally capable of securing comfort during an activity most of us do every day: walking.

When shopping for lifestyle footwear, this component is often pushed to the wayside in favor of fashion and flair. And when seeking out a highly technical sneaker for athletic purposes, it’s all too common to go with a shoe that treats style like an afterthought. We’re here to tell you that having the best of both worlds is not impossible; you just need to know where to look.

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Best Walking Shoes for Women 2026

editor’s pick

Brooks Ghost 18 GTX Shoe

Buy Now at brooks running $180 Jump to Details

best for hiking

On Cloudsoma Hike Shoe

Buy Now at on running $160 Jump to Details

best value

Nike Motiva Walking Shoe

Buy Now at nike $89.97 Jump to Details

best for wide feet

Hoka Bondi 9 Shoe

Buy Now at dick’s sporting goods $174.99 Jump to Details

best cushioning

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 Shoe

Buy Now at REI $170 Jump to Details

View more +

As you’re embarking on the hunt for a walking shoe that goes the extra mile, literally, you’ll want to consider a few factors. Pricing is a key concern, but so is all-day wearability — which we’d argue is the most important aspect in the universe of the best walking shoes for women.

Hiking (or even strolling) long distances and standing on your feet for extended periods of time can put unwanted pressure on the joints. A properly cushioned sole, therefore, is the calling card of shoes for walking that are truly worth your money. Luckily, the top footwear brands have patented a plethora of ways to achieve that covetable, step-in comfort, and we’ll be running — erm, walking — through many of these innovations shortly.

Our editors’ helpful rule of thumb is to also prioritize the springy, breathable, and flexible: a sneaker that moves with the foot rather than against it. Can’t stay away from the outdoors? You might also want a style that can withstand the elements, handling muddy terrain with ease and featuring a waterproof membrane.

Here are our favorite women’s walking shoes from leading labels like Brooks Running, On, and Nike that you can shop online today. After they arrive to your door, we recommend promptly lacing up and crushing your step goals — no blisters in sight.

editor’s pick

Brooks Ghost 18 GTX Shoe

$180

Buy Now at brooks running

Want to round out your shoe rack with a traditional walking shoe that becomes anything but traditional once you dissect its features? You’re looking right at it, in the form of Brooks’ Ghost 18 GTX. Not only is this baby a winner in the waterproof department, given its Gore-Tex protective layer, but it also guarantees effective grip on wet, slippery ground and has been updated with a new-and-improved sockliner for added comfiness. The sneaker’s pièce de résistance, though, is its midsole, injected with nitrogen to boost energy return and keep the Ghost 18 lightweight at just 10 ounces.

This women’s walking shoe, which furthermore benefits from Brooks’ generous, 90-day return policy (not that you’ll need it), will finally treat your feet the way they’ve always deserved to be treated. Call it a self-care purchase.

What reviewers say: “I was really impressed with the Ghost 18 GTX. The weather protection did exactly what I wanted it to do. My feet stayed dry through rain and wet grass without being trapped in a hot, heavy shoe. Whether I was out for a quick walk or spending a couple of hours on my feet, my legs still felt fresh at the end. The traction gave me a lot of confidence on wet sidewalks, trails, and slick pavement. I never felt like I had to shorten my stride or worry about slipping, which is a huge plus during Florida’s frequent rain showers. Overall, I’d absolutely wear these year-round. If you spend any amount of time outdoors and don’t want the weather dictating your plans, these are an easy recommendation.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $180

best for hiking

On Cloudsoma Hike Shoe

$160

Buy Now at on running

On’s Cloudsoma Hike hit the shelves only this summer, but it’s already managed to attract a loyal following due to the fact that the shoe lacks a very central yet controversial element in the world of On: carved-out Cloud pods. Suave, streamlined, and gap-free, this hiking-slash-walking shoe seeks to encourage a “mindful connection with nature,” per the brand, and will let you stay aware of the ground you’re dealing with while maintaining control and precision with every step.

Soft landings? Stability? Abrasion resistance? Adaptation to the unique conditions you find yourself hiking in? The Cloudsoma Hike checks all of these boxes. Quick-drying and splash-ready courtesy of that mudguard, it should inspire you to seize the day — wearable heart rate monitor in tow.

What reviewers say: “[The shoes] are made incredibly well and hold their shape. I’ve worn them with trousers for work and leggings, too.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $160

best value

Nike Motiva Walking Shoe

$89.97 $115 22% off

Buy Now at nike

The circa-2023 Motiva has athleticism in its DNA, boasting Nike’s “highest level of cushioning” while focusing on propulsion and impact absorption (just wait ’til you see its exaggerated, grooved rocker in action). Also equipped with more room in the toe box, the sneaker is plush and accommodating without feeling like it will decompose right before your eyes. Additionally, it works to keep fatigue at bay for longer and ensures the foot can flex during your walks in an unimpeded fashion. You’ll notice a rolling sensation from heel to toe when wearing the budget-friendly Motiva, making every jaunt smoother and more enjoyable.

Word to the wise: Size up by half a size, as it’s known to run small and narrow.

What reviewers say: “These may be the most confortable shoes I have ever owned. They are light and breathable and each step is like walking on a cloud.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $89.97

best for wide feet

Hoka Bondi 9 Shoe

$174.99

Buy Now at dick’s sporting goods

What’s a hardworking walking shoe that has the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Approval, is composed of premium foam, and stays fresh after years of use, even (especially) in high-wear areas? This isn’t a trick question. It’s the Bondi 9, one of the best Hoka walking shoes — flaunting seriously stunning colorway options, zonal venting on the upper, a 3D-molded collar that aligns with your ankle’s anatomy, and the kind of outsole that will happily take a beating.

Mighty in functionality, this forgiving Bondi model will take you from treadmill or neighborhood speed walk to school pickup without even a whisper of foot pain. In fact, you just might mistake said walking for flying.

Bonus points: The shoe is sold in a Wide and Extra Wide, making it a no-brainer buy for the wide-footed among us.

What reviewers say: “I overpronate and have had issues with metatarsalgia. This Bondi keeps my feet, knees, and hips supported and soothed as an avid walker, walking at least an hour at a time.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $174.99

best cushioning

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 Shoe

$170

Buy Now at REI

Upon first glance, this top-rated Asics running and walking shoe’s midsole stands out as the main event: indicating a superior, gel-based cushioning system that’s of special benefit to walkers with knee problems or heavier footfalls.

The culprit responsible for all this is Asics’ PureGel engineering, which is said to be 65 percent softer than the brand’s proprietary materials of yore — keeping responsiveness and all-around comfort front of mind, too. Also on the menu: reflective overlays for early morning or late-night visibility, a moisture-wicking sockliner, and a partially recycled makeup for feeling good about your purchase in every sense of the word.

What reviewers say: “Good cushioning, good heel-toe height difference for me as a habitual toe walker, just the right amount of stiffness around the sides of the ankle.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $170

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For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.

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Meet the Author

Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on footwear that sits at the intersection of “trendy” and “technical.”

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We Found the Best Walking Shoes for Women to Shop Online, From the Affordable to the Athletic

Recent Articles by Stacia Datskovska

Related Articles

Best Walking Shoes for Women 2026

Brooks Ghost 18 GTX Shoe

On Cloudsoma Hike Shoe

Nike Motiva Walking Shoe

Hoka Bondi 9 Shoe

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 Shoe

Brooks Ghost 18 GTX Shoe

On Cloudsoma Hike Shoe

Nike Motiva Walking Shoe

Hoka Bondi 9 Shoe

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 Shoe

Why Trust Footwear News

Why Trust WWD

Meet the Author

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