It will make a big difference in your outdoor adventures this year if you find the right women’s walking shoe for you. We’ve tested many of the top brands, including Salomon, Merrell and The North Face.
The right shoes can make a huge difference, whether you are going on a hike or simply walking down the street in rain. You’ll be able to keep your feet warm and dry even in winter and your ankles and feet will feel more supported when you move.
Every person’s feet is unique, so you might find your needs in a walking shoes are different from someone else. These are the top women’s walking shoes you can buy, from lightweight trainers to more weather-resistant shoes.
We spend hours comparing and testing products and services to help you choose the best. Learn more about our testing process. We sought out the advice of experts to help us make our decision on what makes a great walking shoes. After gathering a selection of popular brands such as The North Face, Hoka and other specialist choices, our expert team headed out to test each pair over several months.
We considered the following factors when evaluating the top women’s walking boots:
- Comfort is the most important aspect of walking shoes. We inspected the shoes to see if they had adequate cushioning and a large toe box that allows our feet to move and swell easily. Also, how comfortable they are to wear for long periods of time.
- Experts said that walking shoes should be secure around the ankle with great traction. We tested the shoes on a variety of terrains, from rocky trails to muddy fields to determine if they could withstand the elements. To ensure that you are getting the correct size, it is best to test out walking shoes before you buy. To make sure that they fit properly around the socks, we always tried these shoes on. We also noted whether it was better to order larger in certain brands.
- Material: We tried a variety of shoes, from classic leather walking shoes to modern GORE-TEX-lined boots that can withstand heavy rain. We have you covered, no matter what terrain you are tackling this year.
- Versatility: A cheaper option may be enough if you are just looking for walking shoes to take your dog to the park. For stability and durability, you should choose waterproof shoes with grippy soles if your plan is to walk in them. We have tested many different boots at different price points and for different purposes to give you an assortment of options.
THE BEST WALKING SHOES FOR WOMEN
1. MERRELL MOAB SPED GTXX X SB TRAINERS
The best women’s walking shoes
Sweaty Betty and Merrell collaborated to create these fashionable walking shoes. I tried them out on my feet, and they have not been able for me to take off since. They are waterproof and reliable thanks to the GORETEX lining. I was reminded of this while on a rainy trail walk recently.
The overall stiffness of these shoes makes them comfortable for walking on rough terrain. These boots are great for hiking in more rugged terrain. I don’t get any ankle pain from long walks and I have never had to wear them. The Moab Speed GTX trainers by Merrell are extremely comfortable and feature soft foam insoles that provide arch support.
It’s important to know that the Merrell Moab Speed GTX X SB trainers are made from a lot of recycled materials, as fashion has a negative impact on the environment. As they are made from recycled plastic bottles, the laces and mesh lining can be 100% recycled. The rubber step and footplate are made with at least 50% recycled material.
These shoes are stylish and fashionable, unlike many other walking shoes. These shoes will work well for walking in the city or on trails.
2. NIKE ZOOMX ZEGAMA WOMEN’S TRAIL RUNNING SOLES
The best lightweight walking shoes for women
Although the Nike ZoomX Zegama Women’s Trail Running Shoes are technically the best, they were just as comfortable as any of my other walking shoes when I tried them out on a long, hot, dusty, summer walk.
They are extremely comfortable to walk in and have an inner heel and a super cushioned midsole made from ZoomX foam. They provide a great feel of support under your heel and a surprising bounce to walk in. This helped me to walk faster on my trail walks. The supportive lacing system and ankle support kept my foot in place. These trainers are also great for trail running. I used them once in my running.
They are not suitable for winter rainy walks, but they have a waterproof upper and perforations in their material.
3. ARIAT SKYLINE H20 WALKING SHOE
The most durable walking shoes for women
The Ariat Skyline Low Walking Shoe, which is both the lightest and most durable walking shoe on this list, is a great choice for anyone who wants to brave the rain in the best walking shoes for women.
Your feet have an EVA midsole that supports your feet every time you touch the ground. Although the leather might look a little old-fashioned, it will keep your feet warm and dry in all weather conditions. Duratread’s outer sole, which is dual-density Duratread, also provides multi-directional traction that will keep you steady as you move. Our tester states that these shoes are light and comfortable.
I loved the extra protection provided by the shoe’s heel and toe on a particularly rough and rocky trail. She says that they saved my toes from being trampled on rocks several times. They are still very lightweight and easy to move in. They can be worn around the house for several weeks before you go outside, as the leather takes time to get used to.
4. SALOMON SLAB XT-6 WALKING SHOE
The best women’s walking shoes to start with
Although the Salomon XT-6 has been a recent addition to the Gorpcore wardrobe, it is still a great walking shoe. It’s available in many colors, from black and monotone to bright purples, blues, and greens. This shoe is the ideal beginner walking shoe.
They aren’t waterproof so they will not be suitable for wetter weather like the Nike trail shoes. However, the upper is made of a dust-proof textile that keeps your feet dry and out of dirt and debris on the trail. Rubber toe caps are great for climbing on rockier terrains and protect the toes. The sole of these shoes isn’t quite as thick as those from Merrell X Sweaty Betty, but the EVA cushioning at the midsole feels like it protects your foot. They also feel very soft to the touch.
Our tester has been using the Salomon XT-6 walking shoes for the past few months and says, «I wouldn’t wear any other walking boots apart from these now.» Although she suggests avoiding lighter colors for walking in muddy or filthy conditions, we chose white. The comfortable fit and pull-on-pull-off design make them an excellent choice for beginners.
The lacing system makes them my favorite choice. The simple cord system is located on the upper of your shoe. To tighten it, you just need to pull the toggle. She also says that it adds an aesthetic feature to walking shoes that not many other footwear has, which is likely why they are so popular now.
5. HANWAG BELORADO 2 TUBETEC GTX
The best waterproof walking shoes for women
Our Nike trail running shoes, and Salomon’s stylish XT-6 shoe are great for summer. But sometimes you just need a shoe to withstand a real rainstorm. Enter the Hanwag Belorado II Tubetec GTX. The shoes are waterproof thanks to their GORE-TEX membrane.
I tried them out on a rainy stroll down the coast. They really got to experience all the elements, including sand. They were fantastic! They kept my feet dry and warm throughout the day. I was still able to walk for five hours without feeling sore.
Hanwag values a good fit in its boots and walking shoes. The Hanwag Belorado II Tubetec GTX shoe has laces that run further down the toebox. This is a simple but important detail, especially for those with injuries or who need to take extra care of their feet.
Our tester said that the shoes were versatile. They would be great for walking in the countryside, or just strolling through the city. These shoes are a bit big for me so I suggest you size down.
