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10 Best Walking Shoes 2025 in the United States

#3
Ryka Women
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Skechers Women's Summits Hands-Free Slip-Ins – Memory Foam Insole, Heel Pillow, Vegan Materials Sneaker, Grey Mint, 10 Wide

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,302
Fit
Cushioning
Breathability

Most important from
17075 reviews

Fit
The fit is true to size, with a stretchy material that accommodates foot swelling or pain.
Cushioning
Comfort is a standout feature, with the cushioned memory foam insole providing personalized support that lasts all day.
Breathability
The shoes are lightweight and breathable, keeping feet cool and comfortable even during warmer months.
Durability
Durability is impressive, with the shoes standing up well to daily wear and tear.

The Skechers Women's Hands Free Slip Ins Summits Dazzling Haze Sneaker in Grey Mint, size 10 Wide, is designed for ease and comfort. The hands-free slip-in feature is a standout, making the shoe convenient for quick wear. The exclusive Heel Pillow is a thoughtful addition, ensuring your foot stays securely in place, which enhances the fit. The Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole provides excellent cushioning, promising a comfortable walking experience even over long distances.

Its soft heathered jersey knit upper combined with fixed stretch laces offers a flexible and snug fit, accommodating various foot shapes and ensuring breathability to keep your feet cool and dry. The lightweight and flexible shock-absorbing midsole contributes to the comfort, making it easier on your feet during extended walks.

While the rubber sole and fabric construction suggest a durable design, the shoe might not offer the highest level of arch support compared to some specialized walking shoes. Additionally, the 10 Wide size indicates it's suitable for wider feet, but it may not be the best for those with narrow feet. Being machine washable is a practical feature, adding to the ease of maintenance. This sneaker is ideal for casual walkers who prioritize comfort and convenience over technical performance features.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,302
Fit
Cushioning
Breathability

Most important from
17075 reviews

Fit
The fit is true to size, with a stretchy material that accommodates foot swelling or pain.
Cushioning
Comfort is a standout feature, with the cushioned memory foam insole providing personalized support that lasts all day.
Breathability
The shoes are lightweight and breathable, keeping feet cool and comfortable even during warmer months.
Durability
Durability is impressive, with the shoes standing up well to daily wear and tear.
#2

Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Sneaker-5Gen Cushioning, Air-Cooled GOGA Mat, Breathable Mesh Upper Sneaker, Black, 8

Rating
9.1
Cushioning
Arch Support
Flexibility

Most important from
100968 reviews

Cushioning
These shoes are incredibly comfortable, almost like walking on clouds.
Arch Support
They might not offer enough arch support for those who need it.
Flexibility
They are lightweight and flexible, making them perfect for daily wear.
Breathability
The mesh design, while breathable, can let in sand and dirt on dirt tracks.

The Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Sneaker is a solid choice for those seeking comfortable walking shoes. One of its standout features is the lightweight 5Gen midsole cushioning, which offers good responsiveness and comfort for extended periods of walking. The Air Cooled Goga Mat insole adds a layer of breathability and high-rebound cushioning, making each step feel easy and soft underfoot. This shoe is designed with a breathable mesh upper, which helps keep your feet cool, particularly on warmer days.

In terms of flexibility, the traction outsole permits natural foot movement, enhancing the walking experience. Users will appreciate the shoe's machine-washable quality, allowing for easy maintenance and hygiene. The fact that these sneakers are crafted with 100% vegan materials is also a positive aspect for environmentally conscious consumers.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the cushioning is excellent, those with specific arch support needs may find it lacking as it doesn't provide the level of arch support some individuals require for prolonged wear. Its lightweight design might not offer the best durability for those who plan to use the shoes in rugged conditions or for very high-mileage walking. Additionally, the synthetic materials might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer natural fibers for breathability.

Rating
9.1
Cushioning
Arch Support
Flexibility

Most important from
100968 reviews

Cushioning
These shoes are incredibly comfortable, almost like walking on clouds.
Arch Support
They might not offer enough arch support for those who need it.
Flexibility
They are lightweight and flexible, making them perfect for daily wear.
Breathability
The mesh design, while breathable, can let in sand and dirt on dirt tracks.
#3

Ryka Women's, Devotion X Walking Shoe Black

Rating
8.8
Fit and Comfort
Support
Cushioning

Most important from
2651 reviews

Fit and Comfort
It fits true to size, providing a stable and secure feel that accommodates longer second toes without discomfort.
Support
The shoe offers excellent cushioning and arch support that is comfortable without causing foot pain or fatigue during walks.
Cushioning
The shoe offers excellent cushioning and arch support that is comfortable without causing foot pain or fatigue during walks.
Weight
The shoe’s lightweight design and breathable mesh keep feet cool and comfortable on daily walks.
Breathability
The shoe’s lightweight design and breathable mesh keep feet cool and comfortable on daily walks.
Outsole Grip
Reliable grip on wet surfaces makes it suitable for varied walking conditions, enhancing safety and confidence.

The Ryka Women's Devotion X Walking Shoe is designed specifically for fitness walking, aiming to offer excellent comfort and support tailored to a woman's foot shape. It features full-length RE-ZORB cushioning, which provides good shock absorption and impact protection, making it comfortable for longer walks. The extra cushioning in the forefoot and heel enhances comfort where it’s needed most. The shoe’s mesh material promotes breathability, helping to keep feet cool during activity, while the padded heel adds to overall comfort and fit. With a secure lace-up closure, it ensures a stable and adjustable fit. Weighing about 1.5 pounds, it is reasonably lightweight but might feel slightly heavier compared to minimalist walking shoes.

The rubber outsole provides decent grip on various surfaces. A notable strength is its design tailored to women’s feet, with a narrower heel and roomier toe box, which can improve fit and reduce discomfort. While the shoe offers solid cushioning and support for fitness walking, it may not suit those looking for very lightweight or ultra-flexible footwear. As it uses partially recycled materials, it touches on sustainability, which is a plus for eco-conscious buyers.

This shoe represents a strong option for women seeking a well-cushioned, supportive, and breathable shoe for regular fitness walking.

Rating
8.8
Fit and Comfort
Support
Cushioning

Most important from
2651 reviews

Fit and Comfort
It fits true to size, providing a stable and secure feel that accommodates longer second toes without discomfort.
Support
The shoe offers excellent cushioning and arch support that is comfortable without causing foot pain or fatigue during walks.
Cushioning
The shoe offers excellent cushioning and arch support that is comfortable without causing foot pain or fatigue during walks.
Weight
The shoe’s lightweight design and breathable mesh keep feet cool and comfortable on daily walks.
Breathability
The shoe’s lightweight design and breathable mesh keep feet cool and comfortable on daily walks.
Outsole Grip
Reliable grip on wet surfaces makes it suitable for varied walking conditions, enhancing safety and confidence.

Buying Guide for the Best Walking Shoes

Choosing the right walking shoes is essential not only for comfort but also for the long-term health of your feet and joints. The best walking shoes should support your walking style, feel good during your daily activities, and last through regular use. The right pair depends a lot on your walking environment, your foot shape, and how much support or cushioning you need. Paying attention to a few key features can help you sort through the options and pick the best fit for your needs.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort refer to how well the shoe conforms to your foot and how comfortable it feels when you walk. This is crucial because a shoe that doesn't fit can cause blisters, sore feet, or long-term problems with your posture. Walking shoes should have enough room in the toe box so your toes can move freely, but also be snug around the heel to prevent slipping. To pick the best fit, try shoes on in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen from the day. Walk around the store or at home to ensure there are no tight spots or uncomfortable seams. If you have wide or narrow feet, look for brands or models that offer multiple width options.
SupportSupport describes how much the shoe helps stabilize your foot, particularly around the arch and heel. Good support can prevent pain and injuries, especially if you walk long distances or have flat feet or high arches. Walking shoes usually come with varying degrees of support: minimal (for natural foot movement), moderate (for most people), and maximum (for people who need extra stability). If you have a history of foot issues, or if you walk on uneven surfaces, consider shoes with more structure and built-in arch support. Otherwise, a moderate support shoe should suffice for everyday walking.
CushioningCushioning is the padding inside the shoe that absorbs the impact when your foot hits the ground. The level of cushioning needed depends on your preference and walking habits. Lightweight cushioning is often best for those who prefer a more connected feeling with the ground or walk short distances. Medium cushioning suits most walkers, balancing comfort and responsiveness. Maximum cushioning is ideal if you cover long distances, walk on hard surfaces, or need extra comfort underfoot. Try different levels and choose what feels most comfortable over the distances you usually walk.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the shoe feels when worn. Lighter shoes generally make walking less tiring and are preferred for brisk or long walks, while heavier shoes might offer more support and durability, especially for rugged environments. If you plan to walk quickly or for exercise, look for lightweight models that don’t weigh you down. For more casual or daily use, weight is less important, so prioritize support and comfort over the lightest weight.
BreathabilityBreathability means how well the shoe lets air flow to your foot, keeping your feet cool and dry. Shoes with mesh uppers or ventilation holes are more breathable. This is especially important if you walk in warm climates, or if your feet tend to sweat. If you often walk in wet or cooler conditions, you might prefer less vented shoes or those made from water-resistant materials, balancing breathability with weather protection.
Outsole GripOutsole grip is about how well the bottom of the shoe holds onto different walking surfaces, preventing slips or falls. Shoes with deeper treads or patterned soles provide better traction, which is useful for outdoor, trail, or variable conditions. If you stick mainly to paved or indoor surfaces, a basic flat grip will likely be fine. People who walk on grassy, gravelly, or uneven paths should look for shoes with rugged, grippy outsoles.

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