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The history of women's walking shoes is one steeped in tradition and changing trends. While some aspects of the shoe have remained relatively constant over the years, such as their general purpose of providing support and comfort while walking, their design and materials used have seen marked improvements over time.
In the late 19th century, walking was popularized as an exercise form known as 'pedestrianism'.
At this time, sturdy leather shoes were preferred by many walkers – often with heavy sole construction to provide increased durability, as well as a raised heel to add shock absorption.
However, these shoes were generally quite heavy and inflexible compared to modern shoes.
Moving into the early 20th century saw the emergence of basketball inspired sneakers that offered lighter weight and more flexible soles than those worn by pedestrianists.
This type of shoe became increasingly popular for general purposes, including walking outdoors.
By the 1950s there was a trend towards more stylish designs with greater attention being focused on comfort features such as padded footbeds and arch supports.
It wasn't until recent years that women's specific designs began appearing on the market. In response to growing demand from female athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike, manufacturers started producing specially designed shoes for women's feet.
These featured narrower heels, lower insteps and increased cushioning levels to better accommodate a woman's body shape and size when engaging in physical activity or adventure pursuits.
To further improve upon this concept even further technological breakthroughs such as air-filled midsoles allowed for greater shock absorption without compromising on weight or stability; perfect for long distance walks over uneven terrain!
Today’s market offers countless options for women’s specific walking shoes that range from minimalist styles which emphasize lightweight construction through to heavily cushioned models which offer high levels of protection from impact forces created when hitting rough ground at pace.
With advanced fabrics such as Gore-Tex now also proving popular additions; allowing water resistance while still ensuring breathability so feet stay cool throughout use - it is clear to see how walking shoe technology has come a very long way since its humble beginnings!
So are you a women who works on their feet for an extended period of time? Are you looking for the perfect walking shoes to make your shift more bearable and keep your feet from getting sore?
If so, then you are in luck! In this blog post, we will be discussing the best women’s shoes for proper walking and efficient standing that every nurse, mom, teacher, server or any other hardworking woman should have.
We want to help maximize your comfort and help prevent strain that can lead to discomfort or foot damage. Read on for tips about fit, features and which shoes work best
The best walking shoes for women are designed to protect your feet while taking you from A to B. Whether you're on a quick stroll in the park, or trekking through the city streets on your commute, investing in a pair of comfortable and reliable walking shoes is crucial.
Think about it: most people spend around twenty percent of their day on their feet, so that's quite the pressure being applied to your soles.
And with more than half of Americans now living an urban lifestyle, it's important to have footwear that not only looks stylish but also offers protection and support as well as durability.
Whether you're looking for a lightweight shoe, a shoe for wide feet or prefer a more robust design with impressive impact absorption technology, we've rounded up our favorite models below - all available at affordable prices too.
How We Choose
We looked at a variety of factors when choosing the best walking shoe for women, including support, comfort and durability. New Balance is always a great option BUT it's not the only option.
We wanted to make sure that any shoe we recommended offered sufficient support for your feet while also being comfortable enough to wear all day long.
Additionally, we considered the durability of the shoe since you don't want something that's going to fall apart after just a few months of use.
No matter what type of walking you do—from casual strolls around town to long distance hikes—we want you to be able to find a shoe that fits your needs and lasts longer than just a few months.
Orthofeet Coral Women’s Sneakers
Orthofeet is the best-selling brand of footbed orthotics, and for good reason. They're comfortable right out of the box, the are a stable shoe with a roomy toe box and they conform perfectly to your feet so that you can walk with zero discomfort.
Ideal for plantar fasciitis, foot and heel pain relief. Available in extended widths. A great option for orthopedic walking shoes and those with diabetic neuropathy and bunions.
The Orthofeet walking shoes have a cushioned midsole that's removable for customized orthotics. The Orthofeet 981M050 also has an excellent arch support system, which adds cushioning to the forefoot area.
There are cushioned insoles in the heel too, and these have been designed by podiatrists to specifically address common foot issues such as bunions, hammertoes or neuromas (the latter of which is a nerve problem).
A very supportive walking shoe with a firm heel counter make these a fan favorite.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or any other type of foot pain, this will be perfect for you. It offers supreme comfort without compromising on stability - something that can be hard to find in a shoe like this.
That's why we think this is one of the best running shoes out there right now.
STQ Slip On Breathe Mesh
The STQ women's slip on walking shoes are excellent casual shoes for women who need a wide toe box, which is ideal for standing and walking.
The shoes have a slip-on design so can be easily slipped on and off, making them an ideal choice if you need to wear them all day. They have a more breathable mesh upper than a traditional walking shoe and prevent a harsh heel strike.
Each pair of the STQ Casual Shoes comes with an elastic cuff that makes slipping them on quick and easy, while the cushioned air sole absorbs shock when you step down. T
he upper is made from a lightweight knit, providing great flexibility and allowing your toes to move naturally.
As well as having durable knit uppers, they also feature traction outsole soles that provide good grip on surfaces so you can balance yourself more easily when stepping down off ladders or uneven ground.
They're available in six different colors too, which is handy if there's not enough variety in your shoe collection!
STQ Walking Shoes Women Slip on Tennis Fashion Sneakers with Arch Support Memory Foam
With the name STQ, you know that these shoes are designed to offer maximum comfort and support. And they do it well. You will get great walking shoes and maintain your foot health with these shoes.
They're not super light or minimalist, but they're more than suitable for walking and running on paved surfaces. The midsole of this shoe is especially soft, so your feet will enjoy a comfortable stride no matter how long you walk or run in them.
The upper is made from breathable mesh, which does a good job of keeping your feet cool during workouts.
They also have removable foam insoles for cushioning under your heels if you need extra support there too.
ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes
We all want shoes that will help us run faster, and the Asics Gel-Resolution 2s are designed to do exactly that.
They're super lightweight thanks to their GEL cushioning system, which is made up of millions of tiny rubber pellets and this makes a good walking shoe.
They also have a Re-Engineered outsole for better off road traction. This means you can really push yourself when training or competing in races, even over rough terrain like trails or grass fields.
The only downside is they don't offer much arch support so may not be ideal if you need extra support while running on uneven ground.
Brooks Ghost 14 Women's Neutral
The Brooks Ghost 14 is a top choice for those looking for an all-round training shoe that's easy to get on with. The DNA midsole offers responsive cushioning and support, while the seamless construction provides a smooth ride.
The Ghost 14 also has good ventilation which helps keep you comfortable when running long distances or during hot weather.
There's plenty of room in these shoes too, so they're ideal if you need to add some padding due to having flat feet or bunions.
They're also available in men's models if you want them for your other half.
Gravity Defyer GDEFY Mighty Walk Limited Edition - VersoShock
Gravity Defyer Women's GDEFY Mighty Walk Limited Edition Athletic Shoes - VersoShock Proven Performance Walking Shoes are my favorite pair of shoes.
We can honestly say that they are the most comfortable and stylish shoes I have ever owned.
With a unique combination of comfort, support, and style, it's no wonder why these shoes have been so popular among people who enjoy walking or running for exercise.
The VersoShock technology in these shoes provides a great amount of shock absorption and cushioning to help reduce the impact on your feet as you walk or run.
This cushioning helps to reduce foot fatigue, joint pain, and muscle aches from long walks or runs.
The arch support technology is also quite impressive helping to provide an overall more stable base of support for your feet throughout any activity.
As far as overall performance goes, the GDEFY Mighty Walk has proven to be quite impressive when compared to other styles of athletic shoes available on the market today.
Not only do they provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption but they also offer great traction while walking or running on both dry and wet surfaces alike; this is due in part to their unique sole design which allows for better grip on varying terrains without sacrificing comfort or stability.
These features combined make these shoes perfect for anyone looking for an all-around comfortable shoe that offers great performance during physical activities such as walking and running.
Skechers Women's Go Joy Walking Shoe Sneaker
The Skechers Go Joy Max trainers are the best performance-focused running shoes we reviewed, with a supple and supportive upper and an impressive array of ground-hugging cushioning.
There's also good support from a removable insole that can be replaced by Skechers if it starts to wear out. It is worth mentioning, though, that these shoes aren't for everyone – they're not for those who need extra cushioning or want lightweight footwear.
However, as runners who prefer a more cushioned shoe, you'll love the Go Joy Max 5Gs' responsive cushioning system which comes with five levels of bounce.
A midfoot strap further supports your stride while an arch shank helps stabilize your foot during impact.
Ryka Women's, Devotion Plus 2 Walking Sneakers
I recently purchased a pair of Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 2 Walking Sneakers and I am absolutely in love with them. They are lightweight, stylish, and provide the perfect combination of support and cushioning.
The mesh upper is breathable and flexible enough to mold to your feet, while the midsole foam provides ample cushioning for any walking activity.
We found that the outsole was durable enough to withstand all kinds of terrain, whether it be concrete sidewalks or grassy trails.
The fit of these shoes was perfect for me as well; they felt snug but not too tight on my feet. They also had plenty of arch support which we find especially important when doing a lot of walking or running.
Additionally, the non-slip rubber sole provided extra traction on wet surfaces which is ideal if you're planning on taking a walk through the rain or puddles.
In terms of style, we think Ryka did an amazing job with this sneaker. The angular shapes and bold colors give it a modern look that stands out from other sneakers on the market.
We particularly like how there are different color options available so you can pick one that suits your personal style best and vote these high on the list for best women's sneakers for walking.
Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Sneakers; they provide all-day comfort while also being stylish at the same time.
We especially appreciate how they are designed specifically with female athletes in mind - they contour to our shape better than generic sneakers and keep us safe while we move around in whichever environment we choose!
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Women's Shoes
The Hoka One One Bondi 7 is an ultra-cushioned shoe that's designed especially for the needs of trail runners.
It has a stiff, supportive midsole and a cushy synthetic outsole to offer excellent impact protection while also providing good ground feel and comfort and are the best shoes for walking as rated by many testers.
The upper is made from breathable, open engineered textile mesh with seamless overlays over a durable synthetic outer.
The shoes sit slightly higher on the foot than other hiking/trail running shoes to better protect against rock strikes, but they do lack some of the more specialized features found on more dedicated trail runners' shoes like the La Sportiva Miuras or Salomon Speedcross 4s.
As such they are best suited to light hikers who want something that offers decent support and protection without being too heavy or restrictive in terms of movement.
If you're looking for something that can handle longer treks into remote areas then we'd recommend checking out our full guide to hiking boots instead - those are specifically designed for this type of activity and will be heavier but more protective as well as offering greater ground feel and flexibility.
ON Women's Cloud Sneakers
The On-Womens Women's CloudTec is a great all-rounder for the money. It ticks all the right boxes when it comes to performance, comfort and style in a simple yet stylish sneaker.
As such, they're worth considering if you're looking at an entry-level shoe that also happens to be comfortable and supportive.
The CloudTec has a cushioned collar and insole which make them very comfortable from the first wear - even if your feet aren't used to running shoes yet.
They're not quite as supportive as some higher end models but are still ideal for long distance runners or those starting out who want to gradually build up their mileage.
The lightweight design makes them ideal as best walk shoes for spring and summer training runs too - these things matter with sneakers!
They don't have lots of fancy features but do include reflectors on the upper (which vary by color) along with reflective accents on the laces, tongue and heel counter.
There's also a speed lace system that helps you get those laces tied quickly while maintaining support where needed - perfect if you're out jogging or just need a pair of trainers fast!
Staying safe and healthy when starting or continuing a walking regimen
Staying safe while walking for health is of the utmost importance. There are a few simple tips you can follow in order to maximize your safety, as well as your enjoyment of a healthy walk.
First, it is important to focus on wearing the proper attire when walking for health. This includes making sure that you have the right footwear; running shoes or cross trainers are often recommended because they offer extra cushioning and support that regular sneakers may lack.
Additionally, it is important to dress for the weather with layers; if you will be in hot weather, wear light-colored clothing that reflects sunlight and heat, or if you will be in cooler temperatures, make sure to wear items made from moisture-wicking materials like polyester or nylon so that sweat does not accumulate on your skin.
It’s also essential to pack a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from any potential sunburns or eye fatigue caused by bright sunlight over an extended period of time.
When planning where and when to walk, many people choose routes close to home because they know them better and feel safer. However, if an unfamiliar area is more interesting or has some added benefit like more scenic views then exercising caution should still be taken into account.
Making sure any paths have good lighting at night time is paramount, as well as staying aware of one’s surroundings and using common sense if something seems suspicious. Always let someone know when going out for a healthy walk; tell them where you are going and what route you plan on taking so that someone else knows in case anything happens.
Additionally, ensuring any electronic devices such as phones or music players have plenty of battery before leaving home can potentially help with communication if necessary during an emergency situation.
Another big component of walking safely for health involves being mindful of one’s own physical abilities and limitations. If feeling any pain after beginning a walk, stop immediately and rest until any pain subsides; continuing through pain can make injuries worse over time if not addressed properly early on.
Before each walk take some time to do some light stretching specific to the muscles used while walking so as not to strain any muscle groups unused during daily life activities; this can help with avoiding fatigue or cramping during long walks which could lead to injury if left unchecked for too long.
Finally, pacing oneself correctly is key– try not to exhaust oneself too quickly but rather slowly build up stamina over multiple walks by increasing length or intensity gradually over time in order for both safety and maximum health benefits from each session!
Best Women's Shoes For Walking FAQs
It's not easy finding the right pair of women's walking shoes, especially with all the different brands and styles out there.
It can be tough to figure out which ones are best for your needs and budget. Plus, it's hard to know where to look for this information!
We've put together a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about women's walking shoes, as well as curated some of the top answers from our own team of product experts and customer service agents.
After scouring the internet, we have found the best women’s walking shoes of all prices. Whether you are looking for a high-end pair or something more affordable, there is definitely an option on this list for you.
We hope that our choices help you find the perfect pair of shoes to keep you comfortable on your next walk!
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