10 Best Walking Shoes For Women 2025 in the United States

The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 is a supportive walking shoe designed especially for women who need reliable comfort and stability. Its standout feature is the Guiderails Holistic Support System, which helps keep your foot aligned and reduces excess movement, making it a good choice if you want extra arch support during long walks. The cushioning uses a nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam, offering a soft yet lightweight feel that adapts well to each step, helping reduce foot fatigue. The shoe is fairly breathable thanks to its engineered air mesh upper, which also provides a bit of stretch for a comfortable and accommodating fit, especially in a wide size like 11.5. Weighing about 1.5 pounds, it’s on the moderate side—not too heavy to tire you quickly but not ultra-light either.

The rubber outsole is designed to offer smooth transitions and good traction, suitable for everyday walking on city streets or light trails. Its durability should be solid thanks to quality materials, and it even holds the APMA Seal of Acceptance, indicating it's foot-health friendly and certified for diabetic wear. The shoe might feel a bit structured for those who prefer a more minimal or flexible walking shoe, and it may not be ideal for very rugged terrain since it’s primarily made for urban or casual use. This makes it a strong option for women seeking a stable, supportive shoe with good cushioning and breathability for daily walking.

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 Brooks Women’s Ghost 17 is a solid choice for women seeking a comfortable and reliable walking shoe. It offers a neutral fit with good arch support, making it suitable for everyday walking and running. The cushioning stands out thanks to the upgraded DNA Loft v3 foam, which adds softness and helps absorb shock, keeping your feet comfortable mile after mile. This shoe is lightweight, which reduces fatigue during long walks. Its breathability is enhanced by a mesh upper that allows air to flow, helping keep feet cool and dry.

Durability is addressed with a rubber outsole made partly from recycled materials, providing good wear resistance and responsiveness. The outsole’s design also supports decent traction on various surfaces, making it safe for different terrains. Some users might find the lace-up design standard, offering a customizable fit but requiring time to adjust. The Ghost 17 is praised for smooth transitions thanks to flex grooves in the sole, though those looking for specialized arch support for high arches or severe pronation might need to explore other options.

This shoe also carries certifications for diabetic foot care and has an APMA seal, indicating its support for foot health. The Brooks Ghost 17 works well as a versatile, comfortable walking shoe with emphasis on cushioning and breathability, ideal for daily use and light exercise. However, those needing highly specialized arch support or very rugged traction might want to consider alternatives.