10 Best Walking Shoes For Women 2025 in the United States

The Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 is a lightweight and comfortable walking shoe designed mainly for women who enjoy running or walking on roads and around the gym. It offers a smooth and secure fit thanks to its refined 3D Fit Print, which helps keep your foot cozy without feeling tight. The shoe provides neutral arch support, making it a good choice if you don’t need extra correction for your feet but want steady, reliable cushioning. Its standout feature is the soft, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning, which feels gentle underfoot and helps absorb impact, making long walks or runs easier on your joints.

Breathability is well handled by the engineered air mesh upper, which allows airflow to keep your feet cool and dry. Weighing just 1.5 pounds, the shoe is light enough to prevent fatigue during extended use. The RoadTack rubber outsole adds durable traction, offering solid grip for city streets and gym floors without being too bulky. This also contributes to the shoe’s overall durability, ensuring it holds up well over time.

The shoe’s neutral support design means it may not be ideal for those with high arches or specific foot issues who require targeted arch support. While the cushioning is soft and comfortable, users who prefer a firmer or more responsive feel might want to try it on first. The ankle-height shaft offers moderate coverage but isn’t built for rugged outdoor terrain. The Brooks Ghost 16 is a strong option for women seeking a reliable, breathable, and cushioned shoe for walking, running, or cross-training, especially on hard surfaces. Its blend of comfort, lightweight design, and solid traction makes it well suited for everyday fitness and casual use.

The On Women's Cloud 5 Sneakers are designed with a focus on comfort and everyday usability. They feature a performance mesh fabric and rubber sole, which contribute to a lightweight and breathable feel, ideal for those who prioritize comfort during long walks. The patented CloudTec sole promises a cushioned experience, which is beneficial for those needing good arch support and shock absorption. Their reflective accents add a practical touch for safety during low-light conditions.

In terms of fit, these sneakers offer a snug feel, supported by the cushioned collar, which helps prevent irritation around the ankle. The shoe's removable insole allows for customization, accommodating personal orthotics if further arch support is required.

While the lightweight design is a bonus for reducing fatigue, it may compromise durability. The absence of detailed durability features suggests that these shoes might wear out faster than heavier-duty options. Additionally, while traction is expected with a rubber sole, the CloudTec design focuses more on cushioning, which might not provide the best grip on slippery surfaces. Despite this, the shoes cater well to those looking for a reliable everyday walking shoe with good cushioning and breathability. They are particularly suitable for individuals who walk on even, urban terrain rather than rugged trails. Potential buyers should weigh the excellent comfort and breathability against the less robust durability and traction when considering these as their go-to walking shoes.

The Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Sneaker in Navy/White, size 7, could be a great option if you're looking for a comfortable walking shoe. The fit seems accommodating thanks to the lightweight and responsive 5Gen midsole cushioning, which helps provide a snug yet comfortable fit. Additionally, the Skechers Air Cooled Goga Mat insole offers high-rebound cushioning, adding to the comfort, especially if you have to walk for long periods. However, if you need significant arch support, these shoes might fall a bit short as they primarily focus on cushioning rather than structured support for arches.

The breathable athletic engineered mesh upper ensures your feet stay cool, making them suitable for warm weather or long walks. They are also lightweight, which means less fatigue over time. The traction is another strong point, thanks to the flexible traction outsole, providing good grip on various surfaces. Durability might be a concern given the synthetic material, which may not last as long as leather options.

On the plus side, these shoes are machine washable, which makes maintenance easy. The sleek design and soft fabric lining add to the comfort and aesthetic appeal. Crafted with 100% vegan materials, they are also a good choice for those looking for animal-friendly products. In summary, the Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Sneaker provides excellent cushioning, breathability, and lightweight comfort but may lack in arch support and long-term durability.