Best Walking Shoes for Women 2019 – Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes

Most women underrate walking as a form of exercise. The truth is that walking is as much of an exercise as jogging or running. Walking also has its own benefits over jogging or running since it can reduce body fat, improve circulation and make you have strong joints. You will also be at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease if you walk regularly.

Instead of wearing walking shoes, many avid walkers often put on running shoes. They don’t know the difference between shoes for running and shoes for walking. It is important for you to invest in a high-quality pair of shoes if you want to have a comfortable walking experience. You want a good pair of shoes that will offer your feet with ideal cushioning.

As a woman who lives in an urban setting, your busy lifestyle requires a lot of walking around. If you have the right product, then your walking shoes will become your best friend. Not wearing the right pair of shoes while walking and running may take a toll on your health.

It may even lead to you developing lifestyle diseases such as neck pains and back pains. To help you get the right shoes, we have compiled for you a list of the best walking shoes for women 2019 that you can choose from.

8 Best Walking Shoes for Women 2019

1. Asics GEL-Contend 4

If you are looking for running shoes that give comfort a priority over other features, then Asics Gel Contend is what you need. The shoes are manufactured by Asics, which is a trusted brand known for creating high quality running products and walking shoes. Women who have used these shoes have reported that they are one of the most comfortable shoes they have ever walked in.

The Gel-Contend 4 comes in various widths to fit all unique women sizes. Expect to get superior cushioning through the midsole when you buy the Asics Gel Contend 4. It is designed with a solid platform to absorb the shock of every footfall on your outsole when you walk. You can also get in a variety of color combinations that range from bright colors to classic and subdued colors.

When it comes to the outsole, Asics prefers to keep it simple without skimping on durability or quality. They make their outsoles from their patented Asics High Abrasion Rubber. The rubber material will ensure that your feet are kept safe from the elements on the road. The rubber material also makes the shoes durable.

The Gel-Contend 4 also features traditional EVA midsole foam that offers added comfort and cushioning. That’s not all, this shoe brand has also been designed with an Ortho Lite sock liner to give you added cushioning to help you walk for longer and feel protected all the way. The RearFoot Gel Cushioning on the heel of the shoes will also offer you with superior shock absorption.

On the upper part of the Asics Gel Contend 4, there are no structured overlays. The absence of the overlays increases the overall breathability of the shoes and gives your foot more room for the natural move.

Pros

Cons

• It is very comfortable
• It is affordable
• Comes in a variety of sizes
• Has a removable insole
• Very breathable
• Features a breathable mesh upper
• It is lightweight.
• Has a high abrasion rubber outsole

• minus-circle Some people have complained that it is less supportive as compared to the previous versions
• minus-circle Has a loose fitting

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2. TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes

A woman needs walking shoes that are not only comfortable and natural but are also fashionable. TIOSEBON walking shoes were made with that in mind. It is a sporty brand of walking shoes that has a slip-on design. It has a thick rubber sole to keep you grounded and absorb shock wherever you roam.

The TIOSEBON women’s shoes feature a mesh upper, insole made of pigskin, elastic topline and an MD outsole. The shoes are great for outdoor exercises such as walking or jogging since they are lightweight and comfortable. The lightweight nature of this shoe brand makes it perfect for walking long distances without feeling tired.

You can also wear them for your everyday activities since you can style them with just about anything from skinny jeans, cropped jeans to sundress. Since women have busy daily schedules, the best walking shoes for women should be easy to wear. TIOSEBON shoes feature elastic toplines so that you can slide them on and off with a lot of ease.

Its soft and elastic topline prevents it from irritating your ankles even after you wear it for longer periods. Its removable insole also comes with latex arch inserts to give you added support. What’s more, its upper is made of flyknit material that makes it breathable.

The pigskin insole adds ultimate comfort to the shoe. Its ComforDry sockliner helps to keep the shoe dry and will also offer you an optimum cushioning experience. Its rubber sole is wear resistant and gives the shoe some durability. It comes in a variety of sizes so you are assured of getting one that will perfectly fit you.

Pros

Cons

• Has a sleek profile
• It has elastic topline to make it easy for you to wear it or take it off
• Features a solyte midsole that offers excellent bounce-back and is lightweight
• Very breathable due to its upper mesh
• Since its upper is made of flyknit material, it does not put pressure on any part of the top of your foot
• Has decent cushioning

• minus-circle Not suitable for use in rough or rocky terrains

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3. Ryka Sky

Ryka women’s walking shoes are a product from a manufacturer that is known to be a women-centric brand. The Ryka Sky Walk is suitable for all women since it comes in various sizes. Its outsole is made of rubber that is wear resistant, waterproof and flexible. The rubber outsole also makes the shoe durable. The rubber outsole also facilitates maximum traction to allow you to walk with the shoes on a wide variety of surfaces.

The Ryka Sky Walk features a memory foam footbed to offer your underfoot with plush cushioning. The midsole is designed to perfectly mold to the shape of your foot in order to distribute your weight evenly on the shoes. The shoe also has a molded EVA midsole that has been installed underneath to further increase the cushioning.

On the upper of the shoe, it employs a mesh to facilitate breathability by allowing air to circulate efficiently in the foot-chamber. Unlike other shoes, the Ryka Sky Walk has its upper wrapped in leather overlays to prevent the upper from wobbling and twisting your ankles.

The Ryka’s traditional lace-up is designed to give you a secure foothold and allow you to adjust its fit according to your preferences. The padded tongue will give you a comfortable snug feel and will protect your instep from irritation by the shoelaces. The padding in the heel collar will not only give you comfort but will also prevent heel slippage.

The sock liner is made of foam to offer you with individualized support. Its sole is curved to fit the shape of your foot. You will feel comfortable while walking in Ryka Sky Walk shoes since the shoes will properly engage your muscles and foot to encourage you to walk better. Since the shoes come in a variety of colors, you can easily choose one that will match your personal preferences.

Pros

Cons

• The best shoe for casual walkers and even runners
• Are designed to specifically fit a woman’s foot
• Has a roomy toe box
• Fits as expected
• You will adore its stylish design and colorways
• Provides the best comfort
• Has a super-light EVA midsole
• The rubber outsole facilitates maximum traction and durability

• minus-circle Some users have complained about its inadequate arch support

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4. Saucony ProGrid Integrity ST2

The Saucony ProGrid Integrity ST2 is one of the best classic looking shoes for women on the market today. Majority of women who have used the Integrity ST2 have nothing but good things to say about it. It features a sleeker design as compared to its predecessors. Should you decide to buy it, you will have a wide range of width options to choose from.

It uses blown rubber as the main material in its outsole. As a result, the Integrity ST2 is a lightweight women’s walking shoes that are also hard-wearing at the same time. The rubber also contributes to the midsole cushioning due to its bouncy characteristics. Apart from the blown rubber, the outsole is also made of a patented XT-900 compound to enhance maximum traction and protection.

The compound is made of carbon rubber and is strategically placed throughout its outsole. The midfoot section of the Integrity ST 2 is also made with the Walk Trac technology to guide your foot when you walk. The forefoot section has flex grooves that complement the Walk Trac technology. The flex grooves facilitate the natural bending of the foot as it goes through the natural walking gait cycle.

The midsole is made of a lightweight CMEVA layer. The layer is designed to provide you with a long-lasting cushioning platform. The heel section of this shoe features a ProGrid cassette that functions in a similar way as a tennis racket. The cassette centers the impact during the heel strike and bounces back. At the forefoot, the Integrity ST 2 has an HRC compound to complete the work of the CMEVA and ProGrid.

The forefoot gives you a final rebound and added comfort. It also has a removable insole for maximum arch support. The upper section of this shoe brand is designed with support in mind. It features a full-grain leather material that is sturdy. The rearfoot, midfoot and toe cap section is also reinforced with extra overlays to withstand abrasion. The spacious Forefoot Stretch Zone gives the toe cap added flexibility and more room for your toes to comfortably play.

Pros

Cons

• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Flexible
• The rubber sole offers good grip
• Good for women suffering from Plantar Fasciitis
• Feels light on the foot
• You can add orthotic inserts for added comfort

• minus-circle Lack’s appropriate padding in the footbed according to some users

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5. Reebok Walk Ultra 6 DMX

Are you looking to amplify your comfort while going for a long walk? Well, you might want to look at the Ultra 6 DMX Max. It is a women’s walking shoe that is built to breathe. It is also designed to provide support and comfort for casual use and long walks.

The Ultra 6 DMX Max features a high abrasion rubber outsole that covers the entire bottom of the shoe. This enhances durability by protecting the shoe from abrasions that are caused by rough terrains. The outsole is also designed to offer maximum traction on a wide variety of terrains or surfaces.

The midsoles are made of a DMX Foam EVA technology. The sole also utilizes the Moving Air Technology that transfers compressed air from your heel and back. This helps to reduce shock on your foot. It looks like the Ultra 6 DMX was designed with comfort in mind. It comes with a Memory-Tech sock liner that offers additional impact absorption and cushioning. The sock liner conforms to your underfoot to give you a customized sensation.

The upper section of the Ultra DMX Max is made of a breathable textile material that makes this shoe more breathable by letting more air circulate throughout the foot chamber. The upper is reinforced leather overlays all over its sides, heels and toes. The overlays prevent wobbling and keep your heels from slipping. The overlays also protect the upper section from rips and tears.

The shoe employs a traditional lacing system to give you an adjustable fit. The lacing system is useful in locking your foot down to avoid accidental removals from happening. The tongue is padded to make the shoe fit you more snugly and protect your instep from irritations that are caused by the shoelaces.

Pros

Cons

• The shoe is designed to give you a personalized feel since it will perfectly mold to the contours of your feet
• It has a supportive platform that will keep your foot steady
• It is made from quality materials
• Its plush cushioning makes it one of the best walking shoes
• Decently priced
• The shoe runs true to size
• Good for people suffering from various foot conditions
• The high abrasion rubber gives it an extra grip

• minus-circle The insole can bunch up and go out of place after continuous use

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6. Skechers Go Walk 4

The Go Walk 4 is a women’s walking shoe that is comfortable for all-day wear. You will be satisfied with its durability, arch support, price, and aesthetics. The shoe follows a standard measurement for lengths hence it is available for all foot sizes.

It features an exposed midsole that doubles as the outsole. It, therefore, helps to keep the shoe light. The sole unit is made of durable material to withstand the wear and tear caused by walking on rough terrains every day. The GOwalk 4 also uses four Goga Pillars to enhance the cushioning of the footwear.

These four pillars are button-like structures that are capable of adapting to any surface to minimize the impact of your steps to reduce discomfort to your feet and legs. The footwear’s sole features a figure-8 design that evenly distributes your weight during your walking gait cycle. The footwear employs a 5GEN midsole that is engineered to have a high energy return.

The midsole is thus bouncy and will keep your foot from moving forward and attenuates shock to reduce discomfort and pain. The midfoot is also designed to provide you with better arch support through its tapered design. The footwear also has a Goga Max insole that reinforces the footbed. The insole also keeps your foot comfortable and supported. It is also lined with a bamboo fabric to control odor due to its antimicrobial properties.

The upper of the GOwalk 4 is made of athletic mesh. This type of material naturally expands to give you a naturally comfortable fit. The fabric is also lightweight. The shoe also comes with a small hole known as the Quick-Fit Portal. You can use this hole to pull your trainer up whenever you are putting it on. The traditional lace-up closure will also help you to keep your foot inside the footwear.

Pros

Cons

• It’s a highly cushioned walking shoe
• Very comfortable for extended periods of use
• Very lightweight
• It’s extremely durable
• Suitable for walking and even working out
• Good arch support
• Suitable for use by people with foot complications
• The mesh upper makes the shoe to properly fit on your foot
• The midsoles offer response and support in every step that you take

• minus-circle Some users have lamented that the sole unit gets worn out quickly

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7. New Balance WX608v4

The New Balance footwear will delight you with how supportive, comfortable and stable it is to wear. In terms of width, the shoe is available in narrow, medium and wide for women. This footwear employs a non-marking outsole that will not leave any streaks on indoor court floors and gym or studio floors.

The outsole is made of durable rubber to make it flexible and durable so that the shoe can perfectly accommodate your foot’s natural bending. The outsole also extends to the front of your shoe to offer toe area protection against abrasions. The forefoot area also has flex grooves to add flexibility to your shoes. The tread patterns also help to enhance the rubber’s traction by increasing the surface area.

The New Balance is made of an EVA foam footbed to offer maximum cushioning and keep your foot comfortable. The EVA foam is lightweight, durable and lightweight. The midsole is made with two technologies: the ABZORB and IMEVA. The IMEVA offers flexibility to accommodate the bending of your metatarsals while the ABZORB offers your foot a comfortable and supportive base.

Between the footbed and midsole of the footwear, there is an internal shank that works to reinforce the arch area. The internal shank will thus ensure that the bending on the shoe only occurs in the forefoot area in order to prevent injuries and pain to the middle of your foot.

The upper of the New Balance 608v4 is made of leather. Although the upper is not breathable or stretchy, it consists of perforations that facilitate heat dissipation. The collar of this footwear is made of two foam structures. These foam structures have different functions. The foam that makes contact with the wearer’s ankle is made of soft foam and serves to prevent irritation. The other foam is firmer to offer support to your ankle.

Pros

Cons

• It is very comfortable for everyday use
• Most users have adored its style and design
• Has a perfect fit
• Good for use by women who are suffering from foot pains
• Its lightweight nature makes it comfortable to wear
• Has superb cushioning to make it suitable for walking long distances without any irritation

• minus-circle Has some durability issues with prolonged usage

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8. Brooks Addiction 13

If you are looking for footwear that is suitable for everyday use, then the Brooks Addiction 13 is the right shoe brand for you. The Brooks has been designed to keep your feet in line without sacrificing your comfort. It features an HPR Plus outsole that is made of thick rubber material. The outsole is highly resistant to abrasion and gives the shoe a high level of durability and long-lasting traction. The outsole also provides maximum grip and facilitates a steady pace.

The outsole has a lot of rubber pods to facilitate better shock absorption and to offer you a smoother walk. The midsole of the Addiction 13 features a DNA technology that uses a type of fluid gel that has a viscosity capable of adapting to whatever stress is applied to it. When the stress is high, the gel becomes very stiff. The DNA material facilitates a long-lasting cushioning.

Along the length of the midsole is a tri-density foam from the heel to the forefoot. The foam will give you a seamless transition throughout your gait cycle and also helps to control pronation. The heel section has a segmented crash pad that is shaped like a caterpillar. The crash pad offers additional flexibility and steadiness by flexing with the foot to ensure smoother landings.

The upper is made of a breathable and a moisture-managing mesh. The mesh does not only facilitate ventilation but also offers comfort and protection from the friction and heat. The interior of the upper is made of a moisture-wicking lining to keep your foot dry and to give you a second-skin sensation.

The upper also consists of synthetic overlays that are firmly constructed. The overlays are strategically located in the midfoot section to offer you optimal support and structural integrity. The collar of the shoe and the tongue are made of a fabric material that is light. They ensure comfort to prevent any irritation around your foot that may affect your skin.

Pros

Cons

• Very comfortable to wear
• Delivers maximum cushioning
• Has accurate sizing and impressive fit
• Good for women with foot problems
• Has a wide toe box
• Offers great arch support

• minus-circle It’s expensive

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What makes the Walking Shoes for Women

Weight and Flexibility

When shopping for walking shoe, you need to ensure that you go for one that is both flexible and lightweight. Good walking shoes should always weigh between 10 to 35 ounces. You need shoes that will make it easy for you to move around on any surface. 

You can confirm if your shoe is flexible by twisting it at the sole. You should choose a pair of shoes that you can only twist to a certain degree without getting completely twisted.

Breathability

If you wear shoes that are not breathable, then you will likely develop sores on your feet. You should go for walking shoes that have their upper made of mesh. The mesh helps to facilitate excellent ventilation. Breathable shoes will keep your feet cool and dry throughout your exercise sessions. Breathable walking shoes will protect your feet from developing blisters and hot spots by evaporating the sweat away.

Style

Although the style is not the first thing you should consider when buying walking shoes, you don’t have to sacrifice style to have the best shoes. Most walking shoe manufacturers have considered their clients’ requests for fashionable and comfortable walking shoes. As a result, there are now walking shoes that have some of the best fashionable designs and styles.

Cushioning

A walking shoe should always have a cushioning system to make them comfortable when you wear them. Shoes with no cushioning are likely to cause irritation and sores on your foot. Every walking shoe should always have some sort of padding. The padding is what will protect your feet from bruises and blisters.

When buying your pair of walking shoes, go for those with soft padding. You need walking shoes that you can wear for longer periods so that you can comfortably walk in them without any irritations.

Price

Last but not least, the cost of your walking shoes should not put a lot of strain on your wallet. Ensure that the shoes you go for are reasonably priced and have features that make them worth every dollar that they cost.

How Different Are Walking Shoes from Running Shoes?

Well, the difference between walking shoes and other types of shoes such as running shoes is all in how one feels when they put the shoes on. Walking is done heel first while running is done in-sole first.

You should also be aware that shoe manufacturers always put more thought into the design of running shoes than they do with walking shoes. This can make a big difference in how you feel when you are walking.

Walking shoes should always be lightweight as compared to running shoes that are usually heavier. Walking shoes are also more flexible as compared to running shoes.

Conclusion

As a woman, shopping for walking shoes should not be a chore. However, with the lots of walking shoes available in the market with each manufacturer claiming their products are the best, choosing the right walking shoes can be overwhelming. To make it easier for you, we have reviewed the best walking shoes for women 2019 and verified their credentials. As a result, we have come up with a list of walking shoes that are the best.

You can choose the best walking shoes for yourself from the eight walking shoes that we have reviewed. You can choose a shoe brand that will suit your needs, your style and your budget. When it comes to our pick, we would recommend the Saucony ProGrid Integrity ST2.

It is one of the few classic walking shoes with sleek designs. What sets it apart from the rest of the walking shoes is its ProGrid cassette. It centers the impact during the heel strike and bounces back for efficient cushioning.