The best walking shoes for pounding the pavement
I am a woman who leads a relatively fit, active life… but I am categorically not a runner. I have tried, but its just not me. I work out, I play sports, I chase my son around and most of all, I walk. I walk to the shops, I walk my son to preschool, I take long, fast walks with the dog: walking is my favourite way of keeping fit. And one thing that Ive learnt – through my many years of walking for exercise – is that its super important to have the right shoes. Whether youre walking for exercise, off on a weekend hike, on your feet for work, or youre just on-the-go, bossing it in daily life, you need a good pair of shoes to keep you comfy and supported.
Here are our favourite walking shoes that tick all the comfort boxes but also manage to be stylish, too.
Best Overall
ASICS GEL-Quantum 180, $200 at THE ICONIC
Skechers Flex Appeal 4.0, $159.95 at THE ICONIC
Brooks Addiction Walker Neutral, $249 at Rebel Sport
Best fashion
Nike React Escape Run, $150 at Nike
Womens Tree Pipers, $150 at Allbirds
Ascent Cirrus Womens Black, $159.99 at The Athletes Foot
Best for all-day
Womens Tree Runners, $140 at Allbirds
Skechers Go Walk 5, $119.95 at THE ICONIC
Saucony Echelon Walker 3, $229.99 at The Athletes Foot
Best with arch support
Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit, $159.95 at THE ICONIC
Best for hiking
New Balance 624 V4 D Womens Cross Training Shoes, $129.99 at Rebel Sport
Womens Wool Runner Mizzles, $170 at Allbirds
Were breaking down the best of the best below.
Best Overall
ASICS GEL-Quantum 180, $200 at THE ICONIC
Image: The Iconic
Source:BodyAndSoul
If youre a regular walker and an infrequent runner, (like moi!) these shoes will do double duty: theyre supportive enough for your more hard-core workouts but comfy enough for daily exercise. Theyre super supportive and cushioning and come in a dozen different colours and styles – from classic black to fluro pinks and neutral white. I personally own these shoes and wear them pretty much every day. Highly recommend.
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Skechers Flex Appeal 4.0, $159.95 at THE ICONIC
Image: The Iconic
Source:BodyAndSoul
Im a fan of Skechers, as they hit a nice balance between style and form. Supportive, stretchy, and waterproof, these will carry you through muddy walks in the park AND laps of the oval, but are also stylish enough to wear with regular, non-workout clothes if youre going to be on your feet all day.
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Brooks Addiction Walker Neutral, $249 at Rebel Sport
Image: Rebel Sport
Source:BodyAndSoul
A sturdy, sensible shoe built for walking, this model from Brooks has heaps of fans online. “Simply amazing shoes,” writes one woman, adding, “Im on my feet all day on concrete floors and my feet love them and my back feels so much better.” These are crafted from sturdy leather and include an in-built support system to position your arch correctly, along with cushioned inner soles that adapt to your stride, weight and speed to make sure you are always fully supported. Theyre also slip-proof, for walking in wet weather or on uneven terrain.
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Best fashion
Nike React Escape Run, $150 at Nike
Image: Nike
Source:BodyAndSoul
Practical and supportive doesnt mean you have to skimp on style, and these leopard-print trainers from Nike definitely tick that box. They have a lightweight cushioned foam midsole and a mesh upper to keep your feet cool and ventilated and have a tough rubber outsole just perfect for hitting the pavement. “These are my new fave shoes right now!” says one reviewer, adding, “I run 3 miles just about every day… the shoes provide comfort and are cushiony.”
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Womens Tree Pipers, $150 at Allbirds
Image: Allbirds
Source:BodyAndSoul
Allbirds make comfortable, fashionable shoes that are also supportive and cushioned. Their Tree Pipers are more of an everyday shoe than a sports model, and would look just as great to dress-down a skirt as they would with leggings for a workout. Made from breezy eucalyptus tree fiber, theyre breathable and soft and flexible, so great for travel.
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Ascent Cirrus Womens Black, $159.99 at The Athletes Foot
Image: The Athlete’s Foot
Source:BodyAndSoul
Not all walking shoes have to be trainers, right? Mary Janes are definitely making a comeback and if youre someone who wants to inject a bit of comfort and cushioning into your day, these are a good option. Great with jeans, or a dress, if you need something a little more formal. “So comfortable!” says one reviewer, “These shoes are great for work when you are on your feet all day.”
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Best for all-day
Womens Tree Runners, $140 at Allbirds
Image: Allbirds
Source:BodyAndSoul
Another great option from Allbirds, these are soft and breathable thanks to their knitted upper with a sole made from a combination of foam and merino wool, making them soft, cushiony and moisture-wicking, so you can wear them all day and you wont sweat. “Blissful,” says one reviewer, “Comfy from the get-go,” says another.
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Skechers Go Walk 5, $119.95 at THE ICONIC
Image: THE ICONIC
Source:BodyAndSoul
If youre after a pair of slip-on trainers you can go about your day in, Skechers have heaps of options. This go-walk version is my pick, for something sleek and comfy that looks sporty yet could realistically work with jeans or a skirt. They have a mesh upper, an air-cooled GOGA Mat for breathability and Ortholite foam soles to keep them soft and cushy and supportive the whole day long.
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Superga 2843 Club S Chromapeek, $139.95 at THE ICONIC
Image: THE ICONIC
Source:BodyAndSoul
Im a fan of Superga – I own several pairs – and these are next on my list for a pair of everyday sneakers I can wear with a dress, jeans or my activewear. With a smooth leather upper, perforated sides for breathability and a firm rubber sole, theyre comfy, cute and supportive.
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Best with arch support
Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit, $159.95 at THE ICONIC
Image: THE ICONIC
Source:BodyAndSoul
Designed specifically to support your arch while you exercise, these sneakers have knitted mesh cooling panels for breathability and a removable insole to relieve pressure on your arch along with cushioning to keep your foot feeling comfortable no matter what your day involves.
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Saucony Echelon Walker 3, $229.99 at The Athletes Foot
Image: The Athlete’s Foot
Source:BodyAndSoul
These shoes have a super cushioned footbed for extra support, along with a leather upper for durability and weatherproofing. Perfect for walking, light jogging or just running errands. “Great shoe and comfy for all-day wear,” writes one, adding, “I purchased for work as Im on my feet all day.”
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Best for hiking
New Balance 624 V4 D Womens Cross Training Shoes, $129.99 at Rebel Sport
Image: Rebel Sport
Source:BodyAndSoul
A really great all-around trainer, this is great for sports, jogging, hiking over rough terrain/bushwalking, and just generally going about your day. It has an EVA foam midsole that gives you firm but flexible cushioning and the rubber outsole gives good tractioning if youre racing around a netball court or trail running. “Amazing,” says one of the MANY reviewers. “Perfect for wide feet – comfortable straight out the box, no blisters. Really fast postage too!”
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Womens Wool Runner Mizzles, $170 at Allbirds
Image: Allbirds
Source:BodyAndSoul
Perfect for walks in rainy weather or over rough terrain, these shoes are made from merino wool and a water-repellant shield, so theyre perfect for trekking or hiking.
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What should I be looking or in a pair of walking shoes?
No matter what kind of running youre doing – walking, every day exercise, rough terrain or long-distance – you want a pair of shoes that cushion and support the foot and fit you well. Walking shoes generally shouldnt need any “wearing in” – they should feel comfortable the minute you put them on. Fit-wise, you want 1 to 1.5cm space at the end of the shoe, and remember that youll likely always be wearing them with socks, so going slightly bigger is usually better than smaller if youre between sizes.
Is there a difference between mens and women’s feet?
The biggest difference between mens and women’s feet is to do with the ball of the foot. Women usually have a narrower heel in relation to the circumference of the ball of their foot than men, so while unisex shoes can be fine in most circumstances, if you’re going to be exercising and putting extra pressure on your feet as you pound the pavement, it helps to get shoes that will support your particular kind of foot.
Do women walk differently than men?
Generally speaking, women have wider hips than men which means their feet tend to hit the ground toward the outside of their soles. Again, generally, women are lighter than men and have less muscle mass, so women’s shoes are often lighter and softer as they have to manage less impact than men’s do. Generally speaking, you should try and avoid unisex shoes when it comes to exercise, as when youre going to be putting a lot of pressure and impact on your feet, its better to buy a pair of shoes specifically designed for a male or female foot.
While youre here, why not check out our guide to everything you need to build your home gym and the 10 best shops to buy matching tracksuits. Need some new workout gear to really take your fitness to the next level? Weve found a great deal at JD Sports, who are offering up to 50% off trainers and clothes.