These 8 Best Walking Shoes for Women Let You Stroll Safely and Stylishly

Available sizes: 5-12 (in select half sizes)

Hokas are beloved by nurses and other healthcare professionals, so they’re a tried and true option for those of us who have to stand for long periods of time. And the Hoka Gaviota 5 is also a favorite among podiatrists, particularly for its comfort level. For Jason Spector, DPM, MS, AACFAS, a board-certified podiatrist in Florida, this shoe is perfect for extra support and control.

“I like the Gaviota as it provides the highest degree of stability and cushioning,” Spector says. He likes that it also has increased shock absorption, provides comfort, and reduces the impact on the foot, which, “may help during long periods of standing and walking.”

Weight: 9.10 oz.

Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm

Colors: 9

Available sizes: 5-12 (in select half sizes and two widths)

For the best of both worlds, you can’t go wrong with the Brooks Glycerin 21. Crafted for road running but just as great for walking, you’ll say goodbye to aching feet and hello to cloud-like cushioning. The Glycerin 21 is engineered with DNA LOFT technology, cradling your feet in luxurious softness without compromising responsiveness. The cushion feels great whether you’re miles into your run or walk, as does the mesh upper, which keeps your feet cool no matter what you’re doing.

Weight: 8 oz.

Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm

Colors: 7

Available sizes: 5-13 (in select half sizes)

For a unique spin on a contemporary style, the Billie shoe from FRANKIE4 is the perfect hybrid of support, comfort, and style. Aesthetically, the Billie shoes specifically have a sleek silhouette made with a side zipper and butter-soft leather that can be worn with just about anything.

But inside is what counts; the shoe has a patented footbed that lifts, cradles, and cushions your heel, and has arch support to help with better lower-level limb alignment. There are two cushioning zones to help prevent any foot pain, and the shoes come with a Sole Saver Pack of different footbeds that allows you to mix and match components for the perfect fit. Plus, all of the materials are chosen with impact in mind, including responsibly sourced leather, foam made from recycled water bottles, shoelaces made of recycled cotton, and recycled packaging. Talk about a win-win for your feet and the planet.

Weight: Not specified

Heel-to-toe drop: Not specified

Colors: 3

Available sizes: 5-13 (in select half sizes)

Perfect for arch support, the New Balance Fresh Foam Sneakers are a comfortable, breathable walking shoe that still provides support to help prevent your ankles from rolling while you walk. These shoes are particularly good for those with flat feet or in need of extra oomph in the arch as they’re padded with a 10-millimeter heel drop to alleviate pressure and keep your foot on an incline, rather than staying flat all day. If you need to wear your shoes all day, having a breathable option is essential, and this pair features a mesh upper to keep things airy. These sneakers also received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) so you can trust that they’re a safe, stable option.

Weight: 8.4 oz.

Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm

Colors: 5

Available sizes: 5-11 (in select half sizes)

For a lightweight shoe option, the Cloud 5 shoes from Swiss brand On are a perfect option, in part because of the patented cushioning to soften the impact of each step. These shoes are great for a long day of walking thanks to the lightweight odor-fighting mesh that keeps things breathable while preventing the growth of odor-causing germs. The shoes also have an embedded Speedboard® that transforms each foot strike into springy energy to propel you forward. Best of all, they’re made with recycled materials (about 44 percent of each pair is recycled) to reduce your environmental footprint.

Weight: 7.1 oz.

Heel-to-toe drop: 7 mm

Colors: 10+

Available sizes: 6-11 (in select half sizes)

Urbanites: If you’re pounding the pavement in between subway rides and work commutes, Klaw’s retro-looking sneakers are for you. They’re another podiatrist-designed shoe crafted with walkers in mind, made to cradle your feet from toe-off through touch-down. “The deep heel cup prevents abnormal outward and inward tilting of the heel, which throws off alignment,” the brand’s podiatrist and founder, Nelya Lobkova, DPM, previously shared with us. “The medial and lateral arch support allows the arch of the foot to touch the insole and trigger the proprioceptive response to pronate through midstance.” Bonus: They look really cute with skirts, trousers, dresses, and more, so style won’t be compromised.

Weight: 11 oz.

Heel-to-toe drop: 7 mm

Colors: 5

Available sizes: 5-12 (select half sizes available)

If you’ve been struggling with foot pain, consider a shoe like the Hoka Clifton 9. For Allison Willkom, DPM, AACFAS, foot and ankle surgeon in Minnesota, this shoe is a perfect option because it has, “more cushion as well as a forefoot rocker,” which helps take the strain off forward ambulation. The shoe combines its Meta-Rocker sole with a foam midsole and breathable mesh upper—or, in layman’s terms, ultimate comfort and mobility while standing and walking. Like some of the others on our list, these shoes received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Weight: 7.30 oz.

Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm

Colors: 10+

Available sizes: 5-11 (in select half sizes)

So far, we’ve rounded up more traditional “sneaker”-style picks, but what about high-top shoes? Yes, high-top shoes can be a safe option for walking, especially for those who are prone to ankle sprains and other injuries. Though not all high-tops are made equal, according to Dallas-based foot and ankle surgeon Nam Tran, DPM, “Reeboks are good and supportive.”

The Reebok Freestyle Hi shoes have a stylish, iconic silhouette perfect for the fashion icon who still wants some support. This pair has an EVA midsole to absorb shock and provide extra cushioning while you walk.

Weight: Not specified

Heel-to-toe drop: Not specified

Colors: 2