The 9 Best Walking Shoes for Women of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

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You can walk for miles in these T+L editor-approved sneakers, boots, and sandals.

Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure

Walking has always been one of my favorite ways to explore a destination. I’ve racked up thousands upon thousands of steps traversing the hilly streets of Edinburgh, made my way through dozens of London neighborhoods, and strolled for hours around Savannah’s squares and parks. When I’m home in Charlottesville, Virginia, my walking hobby remains; there’s hardly a day that goes by where I don’t get in at least a few miles. That said, having a solid pair of walking shoes is one of my top priorities.

If you’re also someone who enjoys the mental and physical health benefits of a long walk — and you’re in the market for a new pair of walking shoes — you’ve come to the right place. To find the best walking shoes for women, Travel + Leisure editors completed six different shoe tests, monitoring each pair for comfort, fit, and quality. During that time, each shoe was tested for six months, allowing us to gauge performance thoroughly and accurately. Read on to discover the winning styles.

They’re comfortable right out of the box and incredibly lightweight.

The mesh fabric upper isn’t designed to withstand colder temperatures.

An athletic sneaker is the best possible walking shoe style you could wear — it’s made for movement, after all — and we’ve officially found the most comfortable one. Throughout our testing process, the Adidas Ultraboost 1.0s outperformed in a number of categories, including comfort, size, and quality. From the first wear, the shoes felt broken-in, and we could immediately walk for miles without having any issues. The upper of the sneaker is made of a breathable mesh knit that you slide your foot into (there’s no tongue), and Editor Erin Cavoto described it as if “you're wearing a sock,” albeit one that is supportive and durable. The rubber sole also received high praise for its cushioned design, arch support, and traction. After spending an entire day at Disney World, Cavoto confirmed she never experienced any foot, leg, or back pain.

I’ve also worn this style of sneaker for well over a year. Not only are they my go-to walking shoes when I’m home, but I bring them on nearly every trip I go on. They’re not as heavy as my bulkier running shoes, and the flexible upper makes them super packable (I just squish them down in my carry-on suitcase). My favorite thing about the shoes, however, is how easy they are to clean. I have the core white colorway, and whenever they get dirty, I spray the fabric part of the shoe with a stain remover, throw them in the washer, and let them air dry. They come out like new every time.

The Details: Sneaker | Sizes 4.5-12 | Knitted fabric and rubber

The style is super versatile; you could wear it with multiple outfits and for various occasions.

You may have to order a couple of different sizes to find the perfect fit.

Slip-on shoes are famously great travel footwear. If you don’t have TSA Precheck, they ensure you don’t have to deal with the hassle of untying and retying your laces after going through security. After testing a variety of slip-on styles, we determined that the Kizik Women’s Vegas Sneakers take the top spot. Thanks to the brand’s “step-in technology,” the supportive, bouncy sole, and the quality of the leather upper, the shoe is one we could (and do) wear on repeat.

From the get-go, the Vegas Sneakers were comfortable; we didn’t experience the dreaded breaking-in period at all. Initially, we were concerned that the heel would be hard and unforgiving — to maintain its form after the wearer steps into the shoe — but it was quickly clear this wasn’t the case. It offers just the right amount of support while simultaneously having some give. In the same vein, the sole has heft to it, but it still conformed well to our feet and arches.

The Details: Sneaker | Sizes 6-13 | Leather and rubber

You can wipe the upper and sole clean if you walk through any type of dirt or mud.

There’s no arch or ankle support.

There’s almost nothing that will ruin a dream trip as quickly as being caught in the rain without the proper footwear. It might just be a light shower, but if it gets your shoes wet, you’ll have to call it a day (or change your footwear). To avoid that scenario, you’ll want to invest in a waterproof pair of walking shoes, and we highly recommend the Sorel Ona Ave Women’s Low Waterproof Sneakers.

Designed with a thick sole (the heel is 1 ¼ inches and the platform is ¾ inches), the court sneaker-style shoes have a bit of lift; this, paired with the unique colorways, gives them a decidedly more fashionable look than a regular sneaker or rain boot. Still, the design doesn’t forgo function. We found there was enough traction for walking around the city, and the waterproof label is accurate. After wearing these in slush and mud, we were able to wipe the suede upper clean.

The Details: Sneaker | Sizes 5-12 | Leather, suede, and rubber | Waterproof

The velcro straps allow you to adjust the fit as needed.

It’s more of an outdoor shoe than a lifestyle sandal. We also found they’re relatively hard to clean as dirt gets embedded in the sole.

If you want a warm-weather shoe you can walk all day in, go for the Teva Aliciela Sandals. They’re designed with several smart features, including adjustable straps, a cushioned sole, arch support, and a molded footbed — and we were immediately impressed with the fit. We experienced minimal slippage in the shoe, and the grip on the sole allowed us to walk safely and comfortably across a variety of surfaces, from rocks and gravel to hilly terrain.

Teva is known for its recreational and outdoor shoes, and the Aliciela Sandal certainly falls into that category. We tested them while riding a bike, camping, and walking through water. Though they’re not technically waterproof, the sandals dry quickly, and they have enough support to ensure your foot stays in place when wet. They’re also light and packable; you could easily slide them into a hiking backpack or personal item bag.

The Details: Sandal | Sizes 5-11 | Recycled plastic

The waterproof materials and added traction will keep you safe and dry when walking in the rain or across slippery terrain.

Give yourself time to break these in; they’re a bit stiff when they’re brand new.

A waterproof boot that doesn’t look like a rain boot is one of the best types of shoes a traveler can have in their arsenal — and we particularly loved the Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot. It’s rare to find a style as versatile and functional as this one. At first glance, it looks like your typical Chelsea boot; one you can wear for a majority of the fall and winter. It’s even available in both leather and suede styles. But after we took our pair out for a spin, we confirmed it checks more boxes than just appearance alone.

They’re sturdy and supportive, especially around the ankles, and hold up beautifully when walking through puddles. Our feet were still completely dry after dunking the shoes in water. And if you’re concerned about any slippage during heavy rainstorms, don’t be: the traction on the lug sole leaves nothing to be desired.

The Details: Chelsea boot | Sizes 5-12 | Leather, synthetic, and fabric | Waterproof

They’re sleek and stylish without sacrificing comfort.

They’re not designed for intensive activities (like hiking, running, or working out).

A white sneaker is a wear-anywhere kind of shoe that’s conducive to traveling lightly. The neutral color and style can work with most things in your suitcase, so you might not even need to pack another shoe. This is especially true if you have the Veja Women's Campo Low Top Sneakers. While the quality and construction of the shoe (the upper is made of a nice suede and leather combo) initially caught our attention, our testing process confirmed this is a style you can wear on repeat and for miles on end.

We experienced no issues with comfort — no rubbing, chafing, or pinching — and there’s a decent amount of arch and ankle support; it felt as if the shoes molded to our feet. Though there’s no extra padding and the style itself is pretty slim, we found we could comfortably walk around New York City for an entire day, even without an extended break-in period. Given the fact that these are white sneakers, we made sure to note if there were any stains or dirt marks. At the end of the testing period (which included a walk in the rain), we noticed one spot, but it was easily cleaned off with a wipe.

The Details: Sneaker | Sizes 4-11 | Leather, suede, canvas, and rubber

The thick midsole helps ease any fatigue in the arch.

Lighter colorways tend to stain, but you can wash the shoe on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.

If you’re someone who plans on wearing your sneakers all day — whether it’s for work or a walking-heavy trip — you need the Allbirds Women’s Couriers. During our testing process, we found their thick, cushy soles offered the necessary support for trekking around city blocks, and the upper didn’t result in any uncomfortable rubbing. No break-in period required.

The overall look of the shoe is sporty without being overly athletic. They’re the type of style you could wear touring across Europe or on a quick city break, whether you’re traveling in the middle of summer or dead of winter. Just note that if you plan on walking places where you’d encounter dirt, like a hiking trail, opt for the darker colorways. The white styles (including the one we tested) tend to show dirt easily, so they won’t look as new and put-together as you might like.

The Details: Sneaker | Sizes 5-11 | Cotton, Lyocell, and nylon

This one gets serious style points; the Samba has athletic roots, but the shoe complements a variety of different outfits (not just athleticwear).

The insoles are flat and don’t offer arch support, which could be an issue for those with high arches.

They say classics are classic for a reason — and that certainly rings true for the Adidas Samba MN Shoes. This is a pair you can wear for a long time; not only because the style itself is timeless but also because the quality is top-tier. Throughout our testing process, the leather upper sole and stitching remained intact, and the textured rubber outsole provided a solid amount of grip and traction. Senior Editor Jasmine Grant shared that the unisex style runs slightly wide, but you can adjust the fit with the laces or by wearing a slightly thicker sock. Tightening the laces helps provide additional ankle support as well.

The mix of leather and suede and black and white coloring are also unique in the fact that they add a pop of personality to your outfit while remaining versatile. The sneakers come with both black and white laces, so you can change up the look, too.

The Details: Sneaker | Sizes 5-14.5 | Leather, rubber, and synthetic materials

The price point is extremely fair; hiking boots of the same quality are often more expensive.

These aren’t fashion-forward shoes, and their versatility is relatively low.

Hiking boots aren’t the easiest thing to pack; they’re typically heavy and bulky. The Merrell Women's Speed Eco Hiking Shoe, however, is a different story. They’re more similar to tennis shoes than boots, but they’re designed with the outdoors in mind — so they’re perfect for the casual hiker or someone who may only hike a couple times a year. The bellows tongue keeps out debris (leaves, dirt, small sticks), and the heel loop is compatible with a carabiner.

The shoes’ materials also cater to an active lifestyle. We found the mesh lining is extremely breathable, and it kept our feet comfortable even when hiking in the Arizona heat. The traction on the soles is a plus, too. When walking across rocky terrain, we had enough support to prevent any slips or falls.

The Details: Hiking shoe | Sizes 5-11 | 9.52 ounces | Rubber and recycled materials

Travel + Leisure

During our tests, we identified two other styles that we wanted to highlight. While they didn’t make our top 10, they still have qualities and design features that make them solid choices for walking shoes.

Naturalizer Women's Marianne Loafer: The heel on the loafer is sturdy, and the style didn’t cause any rubbing or chafing during our testing. There just isn’t much arch support.

Kizik Lima: The knit fabric is breathable and airy, which is great if you’re walking a lot in warmer temperatures. If you’re walking in colder weather, you’d want to wear a shoe with more insulation or coverage.

Travel + Leisure

To find the best walking shoes for women, the T+L team extensively evaluated dozens of styles in six different tests. After an initial inspection, we took them out into the real world — traveling, commuting, and wearing them in all types of settings. Throughout the process, we monitored each pair for comfort, fit, quality, support, and overall value. We wanted to see how long they took to break-in, if they left any blisters or hot spots, and if there was enough arch and ankle support for all-day wear. Other things we took note of were traction, signs of wear and tear, and the accuracy of the sizing. Each pair was worn for a period of six months following the first test to ensure they held up to the original findings.

Unless you want to deal with heel pain, plantar fasciitis symptoms, or any other less-than-ideal effects from bad walking shoes, you need to put comfort and support first. You may like how the shoe looks, but if it doesn’t provide enough stability and cushioning, it’s not a decent walking shoe.

A walking shoe doesn’t have to be an ugly shoe, as evidenced above. And if you plan on wearing them quite often, or as your primary shoes on a trip, you’ll want to find a pair that goes with a variety of different outfits and looks. I always gravitate toward a nice white sneaker like the Veja Women's Campo Low Tops; it works for daytime activities and meals, and you can wear it with everything from athleisure to jeans, dresses, and casual trousers.

Yes, walking is the main function of these types of shoes, but you might require a different style based on your trip and associated activities. A nice walking sandal, for instance, will work better if you’re going somewhere tropical or to a beach. If you’re going somewhere notoriously rainy, you’ll want a boot with traction or a waterproof style. And if you’re headed to a stylish city — like New York or Paris — you’ll probably want a walking shoe that looks as good as it feels.

If your walking shoes aren’t comfortable, remove them from your rotation. You want your feet to feel supported, especially if you plan on walking long distances, but the shoes shouldn’t be too tight. Before you decide to keep a new purchase, double check the toe box to make sure your toes have room to wiggle a bit and that there’s no excess heel slippage. Walking shoes also shouldn’t cause any rubbing that will inevitably lead to sore spots or blisters.

A good rule of thumb is to break-in any new walking shoes at least a week or two before you decide to wear them on a long walk or bring them when traveling. Start by wearing them around your house, preferably with the proper socks, and then you can begin to test them on short walks or errands. If the shoes still aren’t comfortable after a handful of times wearing them, you may want to rethink packing them for your next trip.

Shoes with good arch support don’t bend in the middle — and you can easily test that yourself. The sole should also be firm and of good quality. If you’re shopping for walking shoes online (and can’t determine the aforementioned qualities), look for a seal of approval from the APMA or search through the reviews from fellow shoppers.

It depends on the shoe. Running and hiking shoes are designed for specific activities and terrain, so their features aren’t always suited for walking. Hiking shoes, for instance, are normally heavier than your classic walking sneaker. Running shoes that are designed for speed may not have the proper padding for walking. For the most part, however, your average running shoe will provide enough support and cushioning for walking long distances.

Lydia Mansel is a travel journalist and the founder of a packing list newsletter. Whether she’s traveling or spending time at home, her days always consist of a solid walk, usually between 2 and 4 miles. Typically, she’s wearing either the Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 or a pair of Brooks running shoes, but she also makes sure the other shoes she travels with are suitable for walking long distances. If the weather calls for boots, she’ll opt for a waterproof bootie from Blondo. If a lifestyle sneaker (versus an athletic style) is more appropriate for the occasion, she’ll bring along the New Balance 550s.

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